Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

A day on the water beats the resort shuffle. This Puerto Vallarta Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling cruise mixes a smooth catamaran ride with Yelapa waterfall time, plus plenty of food and drinks while you hop between beachy stops.

Two things I like right away: the built-in menu of activities (snorkeling, kayak, paddle board, and a waterfall walk) and the way the crew keeps the day moving—people even call out guides like Alex and Jonathan (Johnny Cash) for staying upbeat. One consideration: snorkeling quality at Majahuitas can swing from fun to frustrating when the water is murky.

Key things to know before you go

• Full day structure, not a quick in-and-out: breakfast on board, then snorkeling and water toys, then lunch at a la carte-style stop, and finally time in Yelapa.
• Crew energy is a big part of the value: names like Diego and Jorge pop up in feedback for being helpful and entertaining.
• Yelapa is the payoff: the waterfall walk is the part many people remember most.
• Majahuitas snorkeling is weather and conditions dependent: visibility can be poor on some days.
• Expect a few “real life” frictions: timing can run loose, music can be loud, and some folks report disorganization at the start.
• Bring a picture ID for the gear handoff: at least one group reported they needed it to pick up snorkeling equipment.

Entering The Day: Catamaran Time, Group Size, and the 9:15 Start

This is an all-day, on-the-water setup that runs on a schedule you should treat as a guideline. The meeting point is Puerto Magico Blvd., Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., and the start time is 9:15 am. It’s also capped at up to 40 travelers, which matters on a boat—less chaos than the mega-sets.

The catamaran part is more than a ride. You get that in-between moment where the day shifts gears: breakfast hits early, drinks start flowing, and you’re not stuck waiting around on land. If you’re coming from a hotel, the one detail you need to plan for is that ground transportation isn’t included. So either factor in a taxi/transfer or make sure you can get to the pier without stress.

Bring a practical mindset. This isn’t a quiet nature cruise. It’s a group day with music, games, and crew-led momentum. If you’re sensitive to noise or motion, you’ll want to plan for that early.

Price and Value: What $87.04 Really Buys You

At $87.04 per person, the best value here comes from bundling. You’re not just paying for boat transportation—you’re buying a day that includes:

• continental breakfast
• national open bar on the boat (including tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water)
• snorkeling equipment plus lifevest
• kayak and paddle board time
• lunch on the agenda at Vela Roja (a la carte style)
• waterfall walk component

Now, here’s the fair catch: a few costs can appear outside the price. The tax for piers and reefs at Yelapa and Majahuitas is listed as MX$32.00 per person, and that’s not included. Also, if you’re thinking the price covers every possible upgrade, it won’t. Some people mention choosing an ATV option in Yelapa for a faster path to the waterfall and more town time, but that’s an add-on decision, not a guaranteed package included in the basics.

So the value math becomes: you’re paying for a full “activities + food + drinks” day. If what you want most is top-tier snorkeling at Majahuitas, you may feel underwhelmed on the wrong water day. If you’re happy with beach time and a great Yelapa day, it can feel like a solid deal.

Breakfast, Open Bar, and Lunch: How the Food and Drinks Play Out

The meal rhythm is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Breakfast is served on board with bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. That’s a nice touch because it keeps you fueled before you gear up for the water.

Lunch is part of the day’s “sit-down” energy: it’s at Vela Roja a la carte style and covers a spread of options like fish steak, beef fajitas or chicken, shrimp quesadilla, beef burger or shrimp, plus fish ceviche and shrimp cocktail. In other words, you’re not stuck on one plain meal.

The open bar is a national lineup, including tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. In feedback, many people say the drinks are plentiful and served attentively. Still, plan for real timing. One downside that shows up: the bar setup may not feel immediate to everyone early on, so don’t assume you’ll be handed your first drink the second you step aboard.

My practical advice: pace yourself. Between sun, motion, and a long day, it’s easy to burn through your energy fast.

Majahuitas Snorkeling: Fun When the Water’s Clear

Majahuitas is the snorkeling anchor, and this is the part where expectations need to be flexible. The snorkeling equipment and lifevest are included, and the plan gives you a chance to try the water toys too.

But snorkeling conditions are real. Some people report seeing lots of fish and having a good time. Others report extremely poor visibility—so poor they could barely see anything through goggles. That kind of day turns snorkeling into more of a “try it anyway” activity than a guaranteed sea-life show.

Here’s what you can do to keep it fun:

• Go in with the mindset that Yelapa may be the main highlight, even if Majahuitas is part of the route.
• Use the snorkeling window, then shift to other activities if visibility is bad. Kayak and paddle board time can keep the day feeling active even when the reef view is limited.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before you head out. Several people mention getting seasick, which makes a murky-water snorkeling session even harder.

Also keep an eye on stings. One standout warning from feedback: jellyfish happened to at least one snorkeler. It’s not something you can fully prevent, so your best move is to pay attention to the crew’s safety guidance once you’re in the water.

Yelapa Playa and the Waterfall Walk: The Part Most People Remember

If there’s one reason this cruise keeps getting strong ratings, it’s Yelapa. The beach has a real relaxed feel that doesn’t match the big resort vibe. People describe it as beautiful, with a strong local mood.

Then there’s the waterfall walk. The trek is guided as part of the plan, and it’s more than a quick look. Feedback highlights it as a hike through jungle paths that ends with a rewarding payoff. It’s the sort of activity that makes the day feel worth the hours on the water.

One thing I’d plan for: the route may involve walking, so think about footwear and your tolerance for uneven ground. Some people also mention that Yelapa itself can feel cooler in the water and that the shoreline isn’t always what they expected, especially after certain weather patterns.

Optional add-on choices come up in feedback too—some people choose an ATV trip to reach the waterfall and see more of the town quickly. If you like structure and time efficiency, that can be worth considering. If you enjoy walking and want the full vibe of the area, you can stick with the guided approach.

Onboard Vibes: Games, Dancing, and Crew Support That Matters

This cruise leans social. There’s music onboard and even games and dancing on the way back. Many people love this, especially families and couples who want an easy, cheerful day.

The crew support is also repeatedly mentioned. You’ll hear names like Diego, Alex, Jorge, and Jonathan (Johnny Cash) attached to different parts of the experience. What that points to is simple: when things run smoothly, it feels like the staff anticipates needs—food shows up, drinks come around, and there’s help with safety and gear.

Still, there are a few “heads up” items from feedback:

• Music volume can be too loud for conversation, especially on upper decks.
• Some groups felt the start process was a bit disorganized, including moments around lining up for snorkeling gear and what they needed to bring.
• Some people reported basic comfort issues on board (like napkins or general upkeep), which won’t ruin the day if you’re flexible, but it can affect how you judge value.

If you want to get the most out of the vibe, pick your spot on the boat wisely. Top decks can be fun for views but can be loud.

Time on the Water: Why This Is an All-Day Commitment

Plan on a full day, about 8 hours. Even on non-cruise days, timing can feel loose. If you’re coming from a cruise ship schedule, you should expect the possibility of leaving late.

Also, some people describe the boat ride feeling long or slow. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or miserable—it means you should treat this like a full-day program, not a short stopover.

A smart move is to bring:

• sunscreen and water-friendly clothes
• motion-sickness help if you tend to get nauseous
• a way to keep your essentials secure and dry

And if you’re the type who gets tired easily, the day may be a lot. The upside is that the pace is supported by food, drinks, and constant crew energy, so you’re not stuck in silence waiting for the next stop.

Should You Book This Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise?

Book it if you want a full-day Puerto Vallarta outing where the day is built for activities and social fun. This makes sense for families, couples, and groups who want snorkeling plus beach time plus a real waterfall walk, all while being fed and kept busy on the catamaran.

Skip or reconsider if your main goal is excellent snorkeling at Majahuitas every time. Water clarity can be hit-or-miss, and some people feel the snorkeling doesn’t deliver on what they hoped to see.

My practical bottom line: if you’re prioritizing Yelapa and you can accept that snorkeling conditions may vary, this cruise can be a great value day. If snorkeling is your only obsession, you’ll want to be pickier and plan for contingencies.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling cruise?

It runs about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start and where do you meet?

It starts at 9:15 am at Puerto Magico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What activities are included?

You get snorkeling equipment (and lifevest), plus kayak and paddle board time. The plan also includes a waterfall walk.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a continental breakfast and lunch (served at Vela Roja a la Carte). There is also a national open bar on the boat with items like tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

What isn’t included in the price?

Ground transportation isn’t included. There is also a listed pier and reef tax for Yelapa and Majahuitas of MX$32.00 per person.

Is snorkeling guaranteed to be good?

Not always. The provided feedback includes days with very poor visibility, so snorkeling results can vary with the water and conditions.

What is the cancellation policy if weather affects the trip?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.