This day feels like a party with a plan. A Mega catamaran cruise from Puerto Vallarta links Yelapa waterfalls with real time on the water, and it runs on an all-inclusive open-bar vibe that keeps the day flowing.

I love the mix of choices onboard. You can get shade when you want it, then switch to snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards when you feel like moving. I also like the food setup, breakfast in the morning and a Mexican fajita lunch at the beach, plus snacks like guacamole and chips.

One possible drawback: if snorkeling is your main goal, plan for it as a highlight segment, not a long, uninterrupted snorkel party all day. On some days, gear and water time can feel tight.

Key things I’d plan around

• Two meeting points for an easier start: You pick the most convenient check-in spot before you book.
• All-day open bar with a real menu: Margaritas, piña coladas, beer, wine, tequila, and more are part of the deal.
• Two water stops plus a waterfall option: Playa Chica Locca for ocean time, then Yelapa for beach and a short hike.
• Onboard comfort matters: Shaded seating is available, and the layout gives you a party side and a calmer side.
• Photo upsell happens at the right time: There’s a photographer onboard, with photos available to reserve or buy later.
• Snorkeling time can vary: Some guests get around 40 minutes, and conditions can change, including equipment availability.

Setting Up the Day: Check-In and Getting to the Right Meeting Point

This tour is designed for cruise-ship days, so it is pretty straightforward once you know where to go. Check-in is at the Chica Locca Tours office at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. When you book, you choose one of the two starting locations, listed as Chica Locca Puerto Mágico or Paradise Village, based on what is easiest for you that morning.

Right away, you’ll notice this is built around a “get on the boat and go” rhythm. That matters in Puerto Vallarta, where one late step can steal time from the water. Also, you’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

One practical note that travelers sometimes forget: the cruise terminal is a federal maritime port. You should expect security screening, and there’s a strict no-drug policy. That includes electronic cigarettes and vapers, so leave those at home.

Boarding the Mega Catamaran: What the Boat Experience Feels Like

The boat is a mega catamaran setup, which is great for staying comfortable in choppy water and for having room to spread out. Deck space feels like it was made for groups, with comfortable seating and shaded areas so you can switch between sun and cool-down time.

You also get a cruise director and crew who run the day like a well-timed show. Some guests specifically call out the energy of the host, and names like Ricky Ricardo and DJ David show up in onboard experiences. Even if your host is different, the pattern is the same: people are active, serving drinks, checking in, and keeping the vibe going.

I’d think of it this way: this tour is not only about reaching Yelapa. It’s also about the in-between time on the water. With a lively crew, you are less likely to feel bored during transit, and that makes the whole 6-hour experience feel shorter in a good way.

All-Inclusive Food and Drinks: The Real Value Is the Stress-Free Plan

At $117.60 per person, the best part is not that alcohol is included. The real value is that meals and drinks are built into the flow, so you don’t have to spend your day guessing where to eat or how much everything will cost.

Breakfast is served after boarding. Expect seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. Once you’re out on Banderas Bay, the beverage service is available all day. The open bar includes water and soft drinks, plus the fun stuff like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and champagne.

Lunch is one of the stronger reasons to pick this format. You’ll get Mexican fajitas prepared fresh in a beach kitchen and delivered by boat. The lunch menu includes chicken and beef options, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. Snacks also make it in, including guacamole and blue corn chips, plus potato chips.

Two details that matter for comfort:

• You can usually pace yourself. There is food and drink without you needing to line up at odd times.
• There are meal options for dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them when booking.

Finally, there is an onboard massage option. Some guests highlight that it can be wonderful, and the massage may involve signing up onboard rather than being automatically scheduled. If you care about it, ask early once you’re on the boat.

Playa Chica Locca (Quimixto): Where Your Water Toys Come In

After about an hour of sailing, you reach Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto for the first big water stop. This is the place to let loose. The water setup is activity-first, with gear ready to go.

Here’s what you can use during this stop:

• Snorkel equipment (for ocean exploring)
• Kayaks
• Standup paddleboards
• Water mattress for lounging
• Water slides, plus jump-in fun for people who want it

If you’ve never snorkeled in this part of Mexico, this stop is a good introduction because the vibe is structured. Crew members help you get set up and back into the routine, so you spend less time figuring things out.

A pattern from recent guest experiences: snorkeling sessions can be around 40 minutes, but it depends on water conditions and how the group moves. In other words, you’re likely to get a decent window, but it will not feel like you’re there for half the day underwater.

One more thing to know: the snorkeling gear supply can matter when the group is larger. If snorkeling is your top priority, I would treat the first stop as the time to make it count, and ask the crew early if you see limited gear available when you arrive.

Yelapa Beach and the Waterfall Hike: Two Ways to Spend the Afternoon

Next comes the Yelapa stop. The bay here is sheltered, which is a nice match for a relaxed afternoon. You dock at a pier, and from there you can choose your plan.

Your options are:

• Explore Yelapa with a guide
• Stay on the boat to relax and swim in the bay
• Spend time on the beach

Then there’s the waterfall. You can take a short trail hike, about 15 minutes, to reach the falls. The walk is described as accessible for most people, and the payoff is a waterfall you can swim near or enjoy for soaking and photos.

This is the section where I think the tour earns its reputation. It’s not just a quick look at a view. It gives you a real choice: town and waterfall energy, or downtime with ocean time. That flexibility is valuable if you’re traveling with people who like different paces.

Also, guacamole and chips show up again during the transition, so you get that “snack momentum” while you settle into the Yelapa phase.

How Much Snorkeling and Swimming Time to Expect

Let’s be honest, expectations make or break your day. This is marketed as a snorkeling and water adventure, but it is still a multi-stop day that includes beach time, lunch, and the waterfall walk.

What you can plan for:

• Your main snorkeling window is during the Playa Chica Locca stop.
• You might get roughly 40 minutes of snorkeling, depending on how the group cycles through and what the water looks like that day.
• Water visibility can vary. Some days can be clearer, other days more cloudy, and that changes how fun the reef watching feels.

Swimming time is spread across the day too. You’ll have opportunities to get in during both water phases, plus lounging activities like paddleboards and the water mattress. But if you want a long, uninterrupted swim session, you may feel the pacing is tighter than you expected.

On the upside, even when water time feels short, the boat keeps the day fun. The crew keeps drinks flowing, and there is always a “next activity” to shift into.

Whale Watching, Bay Views, and the Ride Back

Banderas Bay is a huge deal for marine life, and humpback whales breed there every year. During the return trip, the day can include whale watching when conditions and season line up.

Even if you do not spot whales, the ride is still a highlight. Panoramic coastline views make the transit feel scenic instead of just travel time. And the mood stays upbeat on the way back, with dancing and shared energy on deck.

There is also a photo team onboard. If you buy photos, you may see action shots later, and you can reserve in advance at check-in or purchase directly onboard.

Practical heads-up: connectivity and processing can take time, so if you paid for photos, keep an eye on delivery timelines and follow up with the operator if you do not receive them.

Comfort, Safety, and Booking for Real-World Needs

This tour is built for people who want a relaxed, structured day without complicated logistics. Most travelers can participate, and the boat layout helps because you can rotate between shade, seats, and the water.

Safety is part of the experience. Crew members are active in supporting activities, from water slide time to snorkeling setup. And because this is a day on open water, it’s smart to listen to instructions, especially when hopping into and out of the sea.

Age note: the minimum drinking age is 18. So if you are traveling with teens, you may still enjoy the day, but alcohol service is for adults.

There’s also a stated maximum group size of 115 travelers. That number matters, because larger groups can mean longer lines at moments like equipment checks. On the other hand, when groups are smaller, the staff-to-guest feel can improve fast. That is when you often notice the extra attentiveness, faster help, and quicker clearing of the deck areas.

Price and Value: Is $117.60 Worth It?

At $117.60 per person for about 6 hours, the value depends on what you’d otherwise spend on Puerto Vallarta day plans.

Here’s what you’re basically paying for, all wrapped together:

• Boat transport out of Puerto Vallarta
• Two water-focused stops
• Snorkeling gear access
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Open bar all day
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks

If you try to build this yourself, the costs add up fast. Boat tours alone can be expensive, and then you still need food, drinks, and equipment rentals. This tour takes that stress off your plate and gives you a planned schedule.

I also think it’s strong value if you like a “do a lot without planning” day. People who want quiet time also have options, including shaded seating and a calmer side on the boat where music can be lower.

That said, if your priority is a long, detailed reef snorkel experience, you might find the time a bit brief. Treat it as a fun water day with a solid snorkeling window, not as a full-day marine biology expedition.

Should You Book This Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling Cruise?

Book it if you want:

• An all-inclusive boat day with snorkeling plus extra water activities
• Open-bar fun without thinking about receipts
• A choice between Yelapa town time and a short waterfall hike
• A schedule that keeps moving so the day does not drag

Consider another option if:

• You only care about snorkeling for hours and hours
• You dislike group pacing and want complete control over every minute
• You’re sensitive to equipment crowding, since gear availability can affect how long you get in the water

My take: this is one of those tours where the structure is the selling point. You pay for a day that runs. When the crew is on top of it, you feel like you are getting a lot for your money, and Yelapa’s waterfall is a payoff worth planning around.

FAQ

How long is the Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling Adventure?

It runs about 6 hours, roughly.

Where do I check in?

Check in is at the Chica Locca Tours office located at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. You choose your meeting place before booking.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The tour includes an onboard open bar with drinks like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, wine, tequila, and more.

What food is included?

Breakfast is included, and lunch is included as Mexican fajitas. Snacks like guacamole and chips are also included.

What water activities are available?

You can use snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards. The stops also include other water toys and water slide fun.

Are dietary restrictions possible?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them when booking.

Is there an onboard massage?

There is an onboard massage option. You may need to sign up onboard.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.