Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Two beaches, one waterfall, and smooth logistics. This day trip links Yelapa (a remote fishing village) with Majahuitas Beach Club and wraps it up with water time, BBQ, and an open bar, all run in a lively way by hosts like Danny.

I also love how the plan mixes land and sea: a short hike to the falls plus gear-in-hand time for snorkeling and kayaking.

The tricky part is that the day moves, and the waterfall can be dry some seasons, so you should be ready for plan shifts and time splits. Also, the walking involves sandy ground, uphill sections, and uneven paths—so it is not an easy route for limited mobility.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Yelapa waterfall stop (about 2 hours) with a mix of village time and a hike option
• Majahuitas Beach Club (about 1 hour) plus BBQ lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
• Snorkeling and kayaking gear included, with marine life sightings that can vary day to day
• Port/access fees to budget for on top of the listed tour price
• Crew-led energy, including boat entertainment and a closing show on some departures
• Weather-dependent routing; rough seas or docking issues can affect what you see

Why this tour feels like a real break from Puerto Vallarta

This is the kind of trip that gives you a full day without making you plan anything. You start at Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico around 8:00 am, then you’re out on the water and headed for two very different stretches of coastline.

What I like most is the structure: you get a waterfront rhythm (boat → snorkeling/kayak → beaches) instead of one long bus ride followed by one rushed stop. The second thing I like is that the crew typically keeps the day lively, with hosts who clearly know how to run the flow so you are not standing around wondering what happens next. People even mention spotting whales or dolphins on the ride, which is a nice bonus if the day cooperates.

The main consideration is that this is not a slow, lounge-all-day excursion. The pace is set around timing for multiple activities, and you will likely feel like you’re moving from one moment to the next.

Yelapa Waterfalls: the village walk, the hike, and dry-season expectations

Yelapa is about an hour from Puerto Vallarta, and it feels worlds away the moment you start moving through the village streets and down toward the water. Your time here is about 2 hours, and you can choose between heading toward the natural waterfall hike or leaning more toward beach and village exploring if the trail doesn’t match your comfort level.

Here’s the reality check you’ll want up front: the waterfall may be smaller than you hope, or even not running in drier periods. Some departures still include a hike to see what’s there, but you should expect it could be more trickle than thunder. If that happens, I’d treat the hike through town as the point—not just the waterfall itself.

Also, wear real shoes. This is a fishing village with sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, including wet cobblestones and uneven ground. One guest even described a rough walkway and mentioned safety issues on the route, so I strongly suggest sturdy footwear with grip and a plan to take it slow on slick sections. If you have any balance concerns, you should think carefully before choosing the waterfall hike option.

What can affect what you see at Yelapa

• Water flow: the waterfall may be reduced or dry depending on conditions
• Terrain: uneven, sometimes wet surfaces can make walking harder than expected
• Vendors near stops: you may run into people trying to sell items along the way, especially around beach areas

If your goal is pure scenery and you’re okay with the waterfall being less dramatic some days, Yelapa still delivers. The village setting and the chance to see how locals live is part of why this works.

Majahuitas Beach Club BBQ with open bar: the part you actually plan your day around

After Yelapa, you head to Majahuitas Beach Club for about 1 hour. This is a secluded beach area with palm trees and clear water where you can swap from hiking mode to water-play mode fast.

The meal is a BBQ lunch (plus you get beverages with it), and it includes lunch plus non-alcoholic drinks. Your tour title also includes an open bar, so you should plan on adult drinks being part of the beach-side experience rather than just juice and soda. Either way, the BBQ is one of the most praised parts of the day—people tend to rate the food as fresh and flavorful.

What you can do here usually includes snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding, and some departures add extra fun like banana boat rides or beach volleyball. That sounds like a lot for an hour, and in practice it can feel a little time-compressed because lunch also takes time. A common theme is that you might wish you had a bit more quiet water time at Majahuitas after eating, since you’re balancing BBQ, transfers, and activity sign-ups.

One more practical note: vendors can show up around Yelapa more than at Majahuitas, but Majahuitas is still a beach scene where people will try to sell. Keep your expectations grounded: you’re there for the beach club setting, water activities, and food—not for a sales-free zone.

Snorkeling and kayaking: marine life is real, but conditions steer the day

Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included, and the water portions are where this tour can feel magical. The best-case scenario is clear visibility and lots of fish, with plenty going on under the surface. A few guests also described extra wildlife sightings from the boat, including whales and dolphins.

But you should also know snorkeling is partly a conditions game:

• If the ocean is rough, water movement and visibility can get worse fast
• Jellyfish can change where the group snorkels, leading to stops in different spots
• Some cove visits may have fewer fish than you hoped, even if the activity is still fun

I think this is still worth it because you’re not just snorkeling from a dock. You’re actively in the water with gear, and kayaking adds another way to enjoy the coastline. Even if fish sightings are light one day, you’ll still get the experience of gliding in Banderas Bay waters and seeing marine life up close.

If the sea gets rough

Weather matters. This tour requires good weather, and rough seas can affect docking at Yelapa or how comfortable snorkeling feels. On days like that, the operator may adjust the plan to keep things safe, but you could miss parts of the ideal itinerary. If you book, you’re basically buying flexibility along with sunshine.

Price and extras: what you really pay for this 7-hour day

The tour price is $99 per person, and that’s only part of the story. The experience is built around a boat day, lunch, and included snorkeling/kayaking gear—so you’re paying for transportation and activity access, not just scenery.

Then come the add-ons you should budget for:

• Port fee: MX$40 per person, paid in cash at the port
• Access fee: $20 per person collected at check-in
• Gratuity: optional
• Horse rentals: additional cost
• Drinks on the beach at Yelapa: additional fees
• Anything you buy from vendors: always extra

So the realistic total can land meaningfully higher than the headline price, especially if you’re also tipping or adding horse time. That said, lunch BBQ plus snorkeling and kayaking gear included can make the overall value work—particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for boat transport and beach activities.

If you like organized days and want to hit Yelapa and Majahuitas without juggling transfers, this price can make sense. If you’re on a tight budget, the extra fees are the part that can sting, so plan for them early.

Crew energy, pacing, and comfort tips that save your day

Most of the praise centers on the crew. Names like Danny and Dani pop up in feedback, and Poncho and the team also get shout-outs. The consistent thread is that the crew is active: they serve drinks, keep people moving to match timing, and generally run a fun atmosphere on the boat and at the beach.

That said, the pacing is real. You may feel like you need to stay alert because the day is structured around multiple stops. One downside that shows up in feedback is that a few people felt they didn’t get enough guidance at certain moments, including confusion around where to go next or being separated. The best antidote is simple: stay close to the group during transitions, and if you ever feel lost, ask early rather than hoping someone catches up later.

Practical comfort notes from what people report

• Bring your own towels and a small bag for wet gear
• Wear hiking shoes with grip for uneven, sometimes wet sections at Yelapa
• Expect walking uphill and on irregular surfaces
• Toilets are on the lower deck (useful to know before you board)
• Do not bring drugs or even vaping products: the Federal Maritime Ports enforce a strict No-Drug Policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapers, and denial of access can mean no refund

One last thing: some departures include a surprise closing performance with music-themed entertainment. It’s not something you should count on as a guarantee, but it is part of the fun factor people remember.

Should you book this Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a full, well-run boat day that mixes a real hike at Yelapa with a beach club BBQ at Majahuitas, plus snorkeling and kayaking gear included. It’s also a great choice if you’d rather get guided logistics than try to coordinate two separate coastal areas on your own.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You need minimal walking or smooth surfaces (the route includes sand, uphill sections, and irregular ground)
• You’re booking with the expectation that the waterfall will be dramatic every day
• Rough sea days would ruin your mood, since docking and snorkeling can be impacted by conditions
• You strongly prefer slow beach time, since Majahuitas is about 1 hour and the schedule stays active

If you go in with flexibility, good shoes, and realistic expectations about waterfalls and water conditions, this tour can be a satisfying day that feels like you left the city without giving up comfort.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa Waterfall and Majahuitas tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

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

It starts at 8:00 am, meeting at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What’s included in the price?

You get a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and beverages aboard the boat.

What extra fees should I plan for?

There’s a port fee of MX$40 per person paid in cash at the port, plus an access fee to cover costs that is $20 per person at check-in. Gratuity is optional, and horse rentals and drinks on the beach at Yelapa cost extra.

Is the tour okay for limited mobility?

It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility because the experience takes place at a fishing village with sandy, uphill, and irregular paths.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour.

Are there restrooms on the boat?

Yes. Toilets are located on the lower deck.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is vaping allowed on the tour?

No. Federal Maritime Ports enforce a strict No-Drug Policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapers, and access denial can prevent refunds or changes of day.