A day like this is hard to beat. You’re sailing between sea-only coves with a fun crew, then mixing time on Majahuitas snorkeling waters with a walk to Yelapa’s famous waterfall area. It’s the kind of trip where the boat ride is part of the show, and the shoreline stops feel like you slipped away from the main town for a while.

What I love most is the mix of activities that actually fit together: you get guided time in Yelapa and real water time in Majahuitas, not just a quick look. I also like how the crew brings the energy, with music, dancing, and that end-of-ride performance that makes the trip feel like one continuous experience. The one thing to consider is that the schedule is fairly tight, so if you want long, slow hanging out in one spot, you may feel a bit rushed.

Key Points at a Glance

• Sea-only access means Majahuitas feels like a different world compared to Puerto Vallarta.
• Majahuitas snorkeling plus water activities are built into the cove time, with equipment provided.
• Yelapa is roadless and guided time focuses on the waterfall area and village walking.
• Crew show energy is a huge part of the appeal, including dancing and a performance on the way back.
• Nature can change plans: visibility and even waterfall flow depend on conditions.
• Extra fees in cash can surprise people, so plan for the port fee and access fee.

A Catamaran Day Between Roadless Yelapa and Protected Majahuitas

This is a full 7-hour catamaran outing that starts with a straightforward goal, get you out to two coves that most people can only reach by boat. From Puerto Vallarta, you cruise along the coast for about 1.5 hours, with the real possibility of dolphin sightings, and humpback whale sightings in winter. Even when wildlife does not show up, the ride itself gives you that “we’re going somewhere special” feeling because the coastline keeps opening up behind you.

Then you’re not stuck in a single place. You switch from boat to land in Yelapa, and then back to boat to Majahuitas. I especially like that the stops are different in character: Yelapa is about small-village walking and waterfall scenery, while Majahuitas is about water fun in a cove setting where marine life feels protected from the hustle.

Majahuitas Cove: Snorkeling Gear, Kayaks, and That Clear Water Promise

Majahuitas is the star stop for anyone who wants to spend real time in the ocean. You’ll head there by catamaran, then get a snorkeling session (about 25 minutes) and access to snorkeling and kayaking equipment during the long cove block of free time and lunch (about 2.67 hours). The key detail here is that it’s a true cove setup. You’re not just “at the beach,” you’re in a place where the water and the sea life are the main attraction.

What the water time is like

Snorkeling at Majahuitas is often described as an adventure, and the cove setup helps because the water can be wonderfully clear. But water visibility is not guaranteed. One booking reported jellyfish stings and poor visibility during snorkeling, so I’d treat this as a real possibility, not a freak event.

If you’re prone to stings or you hate surprises, bring practical protection:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
• Water shoes with grip for getting in and out
• Ask the crew how conditions look before you jump in

Kayaking and the extra cove options

The tour includes kayaking equipment, and the longer stop gives you time to enjoy the cove at your own pace. You can also expect other water activities to be available during the free-time window, depending on how the crew runs things that day.

The lunch here is described as deli-style, which matters because it means you’re not waiting until the end of the day to eat. You can get fueled up and still have time left to enjoy the water again after lunch.

Yelapa Village and Cola de Caballo Waterfall: Walkable Culture With Real Weather Dependence

After the boat ride, the itinerary shifts to Yelapa, a tiny community surrounded by steep green hills and described as free of roads. That matters because it changes how the place feels. You’re not bouncing around in a car or doing big-city tourism loops. You’re walking a village that’s built around the coast and the paths between small spots.

Your guided time is about 80 minutes, and it includes getting to the waterfall area near the coast. The waterfall is referenced as Cola de Caballo, and the experience is often described as refreshing once you get there. There are also artisan handicrafts you can browse, so it’s not only hiking. It’s also a bit of local browsing and atmosphere.

The waterfall walk can be tough

Here’s the part you should take seriously. Multiple accounts describe the walk to the falls as rough or treacherous. Another review noted that it can be worth it even if your legs feel it the next day. So I’d bring footwear with traction and plan on a more active pace than you might expect.

Waterfall flow is not guaranteed

One booking specifically pointed out that the waterfall may not be running if there’s not enough rain. That doesn’t make it a failure, but it does mean your payoff depends on conditions. If the falls are less dramatic, you still get the Yelapa village vibe and the coastal scenery, and you’ll have done the walk.

Beach time in Yelapa

Yelapa also offers a beach experience tied to the natural setting, including the idea of a river flowing into the ocean. Even if you don’t prioritize the falls, the village and beach setting can still be the point of the stop.

The Pace: Why This Tour Feels Full-Day Even Though It’s Only 7 Hours

Some tours feel long but slow. This one tends to feel short but full. You have time for:

• Catamaran sailing out and back (about 1.5 hours in each direction)
• A guided Yelapa stop (about 80 minutes)
• A quick transfer time to Majahuitas
• A snorkeling block (about 25 minutes)
• A longer Majahuitas block for lunch and free time (about 2.67 hours)

That structure is why people who want variety like it. You get boat scenery, village walking, and a cove swim without needing to commit to a multi-day trip.

But it also explains the most common “tight schedule” feeling. You’re never sitting around for hours. If you’re the type who wants to wander slowly, take your time at shops, or linger for a second snorkeling round, you’ll have to embrace the fact that the day moves.

The Crew’s Energy Makes the Whole Day

If you’re considering this tour for the “fun factor,” the crew is a big reason to book. Several names show up in reviews, including Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey. The consistent theme is that the team keeps the mood up during the sailing time, not just when you’re at stops.

You’ll also find entertainment onboard, including music and dancing on the return journey, plus a show at the end. I love this kind of format because it turns transit time into part of the experience instead of downtime. It also helps if you’re traveling with kids, or if you simply want a day that feels like a “group event” rather than a strict sightseeing checklist.

One practical note: there’s mention of photos being available for purchase. Those can get pricey, so if you think you’ll want them, bring extra cash and decide your budget ahead of time. Also, gratuities are not included, so plan for that if you feel the crew earned it.

Price and Value Check: What $99 Covers, Plus the Cash Fees

At $99 per person, this tour is priced like a midrange day trip, and the value is driven by what’s included. You’re paying for:

• Catamaran transportation
• A live guide in English and Spanish
• A deli-style lunch
• An open bar onboard
• Snorkeling and kayaking equipment

That’s a lot bundled into one day. Many people would otherwise pay separately for a boat outing, gear rental, and meals.

However, two cash fees can catch you if you plan on paying everything by card:

• A port fee (MXN $40) paid in cash before boarding
• An access fee (USD $20 per person) paid in cash at check-in

Transportation from your hotel is also not included, so you’ll need to handle getting yourself to the pickup spots. For many visitors, that’s still fine, because the tour provides two pickup options, but it’s worth factoring into your planning.

My rule of thumb: If you want both Majahuitas water time and Yelapa walking and waterfall scenery in one day, and you’re comfortable with a full schedule, the bundle pricing makes sense.

Practical Tips Before You Go: What to Bring and How to Avoid Wasted Time

If you want this day to run smoothly, don’t show up underprepared.

Bring essentials

• Passport or ID card
• A towel
• Cash for the port fee and the access fee
• Money for any village beach purchases or crafts you might want
• Comfortable footwear for the Yelapa waterfall area (traction matters)

One review tip that made sense: if you can, arrive early enough to avoid port confusion. Another note said arriving before about 8 am helps with navigating the port. So if you have flexibility, give yourself a little buffer time.

Jellyfish and visibility: plan like an adult

Because jellyfish stings were reported during one snorkeling outing, I’d treat this as a “could happen” situation. Follow the crew’s instructions on where to enter and what the water looks like. If conditions are rough, don’t force it.

Mobility and comfort limits

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Also, the waterfall walk is described as rough in some cases, so if you have knee or balance issues, be realistic about what the day asks from you.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

I think this is a great fit if you want:

• A first-time Puerto Vallarta day with real variety
• A mix of beach time, snorkeling, and guided walking
• A tour with a lively onboard vibe, including music and a show
• Equipment provided so you don’t scramble for rentals

I’d skip or rethink it if:

• You cannot handle a rough walk to the waterfall area
• You need lots of downtime, because the day is structured and moves fast
• You’re very sensitive to water conditions, since visibility and jellyfish incidents can vary

Should You Book the Vallarta Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re excited by the idea of two sea-only vibes in one day, Majahuitas for water time and Yelapa for waterfall area walking. The price is reasonable for what you get, especially with lunch, an open bar, and snorkeling and kayaking equipment bundled in.

But I’d only book with confidence if you accept two truths: the day is active and time is tight, and nature can change how the waterfall and snorkeling experience play out. If that works for your travel style, this is a fun, well-run coastal adventure day.

FAQ

How long is the Vallarta Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure?

The duration is 7 hours.

What is the price for this tour?

The price is $99 per person.

What’s included in the tour?

Included are a deli-style lunch, an open bar onboard, and snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

Are there any extra fees I should pay in cash?

Yes. There is a port fee of MXN $40 paid in cash before boarding, and an access fee of USD $20 per person paid in cash at check-in. Gratuities are not included.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available at two locations: Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Magico.

What language will the guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.