Snorkeling and Yelapa in one long, fun day. I like the catamaran cruising with an onboard party vibe, plus the mix of Yelapa beach time and a guided waterfall walk. One possible drawback is that snorkeling around the Majahuitas stop can be hit or miss depending on water clarity and conditions.

If you want a trip that feels social but not stressful, this one fits. I also like that you get a national open bar on the boat and a full lunch, so the day stays comfortable. Just keep in mind the timeline can feel loose, and on rougher days the sea can make everything longer.

Key things to know before you go

• Yelapa plus a separate Majahuitas snorkeling stop gives you both beach time and time in the water toys zone
• National open bar onboard includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water
• Water toys are truly included with snorkeling equipment, lifevests, kayaks, and paddle boards
• A guided waterfall walk in Yelapa turns the day from only beach lounging into something a bit more active
• Lunch happens twice in spirit with deli-style lunch on the boat and a sit-down meal at Vela Roja
• Group size stays reasonable with a maximum of 40 people, so crew can still work the room

Yelapa and Majahuitas by catamaran, what the day feels like

This is a classic Puerto Vallarta combo day. You cruise by boat, you play in the water along the way, and you end up with real beach time in Yelapa plus a waterfall walk. It is a full-day outing, so even though the schedule says about 8 hours, I’d treat it as a long day and plan your energy accordingly.

The vibe is more “day party on the water” than quiet sightseeing. There is music for dancing onboard, and the crew tends to keep the mood up, especially during the return trip when people are usually tired but still in vacation mode.

Price and value: what you actually get for $87

At about $87 per person, you are not just buying a snorkel spot. You are getting maritime transportation on a catamaran, a continental breakfast, deli-style lunch onboard, and an a la carte lunch stop at Vela Roja. Add included water time tools like kayaks and paddle boards, and the value starts to make sense for a lot of people.

One important catch is that the pier and reef tax (MX$32 per person) is not included. That is the kind of extra that matters for your final budget, so I recommend setting that amount aside. Also, ground transportation is not included, so you’ll need to handle getting to the meeting point yourself.

Boat comfort, crew energy, and the open bar timing

The boat part is half the experience here. You’ll start with breakfast onboard, then transition into water activities with gear and lifevests provided. The crew is also part of the product, and many guests highlight specific names like Alex, Diego, Jorge, and Jonathan (Johnny Cash) for keeping things organized and upbeat.

The open bar is a real selling point: tequila, rum, vodka, beer, plus soft drinks, juice, and water. That said, timing can vary. A few guests reported that the bar did not feel fully open right away and only started later into the cruise, so if you want your first drink early, keep expectations flexible and don’t plan your day around a specific minute.

Breakfast onboard: light start, then water play

Breakfast is not a tiny snack. You get a continental-style spread with bread, coffee, seasonal fruits, yogurt, and granola. It is a good setup because you’ll likely go from dry land to wearing a lifevest and getting into the water.

If you’re prone to seasickness, eat lightly and hydrate early. Several guests warned that the boat can be enough to make you nauseous, and it helps to take any motion-sickness medicine before you’re already feeling it.

Majahuitas snorkeling: fun potential, but clarity varies

Majahuitas is where you go to snorkel, but this is also the part with the most variability. Some days the water is clear and you can see ocean life, and other days visibility can be poor, even described as extremely limited. It is worth knowing that snorkeling here is not always a guided, point-you-to-the-best-coral situation. You may be sent out to explore on your own once the group is equipped.

That matters because snorkeling success depends on conditions you cannot control. If you are a serious snorkeler looking for consistent underwater visibility, manage expectations. If you are happy with a mix of play plus whatever you see, you’re more likely to leave satisfied.

Snorkeling success tips you can use right away

• Test your goggles right away. One guest described salt water getting into their eyes because goggles were not working well, which made snorkeling miserable.
• Ask the crew what the water is like today. If visibility is low, you can shift your focus to kayaking or paddle boarding while others snorkel.
• Be alert for jellyfish. A few guests mentioned jellyfish stings, and the crew helped when it happened. If you see warnings or lots of floating creatures, head back sooner.

Kayaks and paddle boards: the best “Plan B” on iffy water

Even when snorkeling is underwhelming, the included gear gives you options. You can kayak, paddle board, and snorkel, all with lifevests and equipment provided. Reviews leaned positive on the value of having multiple choices rather than only one shot at snorkeling.

If Majahuitas water visibility is not great, kayaking and paddle boarding can still feel like the fun part of the day. You get movement, scenery, and a chance to enjoy the ocean without needing crystal-clear water to see fish.

Yelapa beach time: why this stop keeps people coming back

Once you reach Yelapa, the story changes. Yelapa is where the scenery and beach atmosphere can carry the day even if snorkeling was disappointing. Guests repeatedly called out the beach vibe and the overall feel of the town.

The water conditions also vary, with some people finding it cold and dropping deeper quickly. If you run cold in the ocean, consider keeping your sessions shorter and plan to warm up later on the beach.

A big plus is that the day does not lock you into only beach lounging. You get a waterfall experience that turns Yelapa into a half nature walk, half town wander kind of day, depending on what you choose to add and how you pace yourself.

The waterfall walk in Yelapa: a nice change from only sand

The waterfall walk is included, and it is one of the best reasons to pick this tour instead of a simple beach day. Expect a jungle-style hike feel, not just a quick photo stop. You’ll get guidance along the way, and the payoff is being able to say you did something beyond swimming.

One practical note: a few guests reported being asked for extra payment related to getting to the waterfall area. The tour description calls the waterfall walk included, so if you’re budgeting tightly, ask the crew at the start of the day what you need to bring or pay at each stage. That one question can save you stress later.

Lunch at Vela Roja plus onboard meal stops

Food is handled in two phases. You get a lunch-style spread onboard with choices like fish steak, beef fajitas, chicken, quesadilla with shrimp, beef burger, shrimp, plus fish ceviche and shrimp cocktail. It’s the kind of menu that lets you find something even if you aren’t in the mood for seafood.

Later, you’ll have lunch at Vela Roja in an a la carte setup, with options that match the same “Mexican comfort food” theme. Several guests praised the food quality, while a couple pointed out it was not great or felt underwhelming.

My take: don’t come hungry, but also don’t expect a gourmet restaurant day. This is fuel for a long time outdoors on a boat and at a beach town.

Timing, seasickness risk, and how to stay on schedule

This is where a lot of travelers either have an easy day or an annoying one. The timing can run loose. If you’re on a cruise ship or you have a hard cutoff for getting back, build buffer time and do not assume the day will follow the schedule perfectly.

The boat can also mean seasickness for some people. If you’re sensitive, take precautions early, hydrate, and stay where the air is moving on deck. Once you’re nauseous, it’s hard to enjoy any of the stops, even the best ones.

Also watch for entertainment volume. Some guests said the music was too loud, especially on the top deck, making it hard to talk. If you want conversation time with your group, bring earplugs or plan where you’ll sit.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

I’d recommend this tour if you want a social day on the water with multiple included activities. It is especially good for couples and families who want snorkeling, beach time, and a waterfall walk without planning logistics or renting extra gear.

You might want to skip it or choose another option if you are a serious snorkeler chasing clear visibility every time. Also, if you have mobility issues, be careful. Some guests noted difficulty with access because reaching the beach can require transferring to a smaller boat and returning back onboard can also be involved.

Practical packing list for this specific day

You’ll be in the water, on the boat, and walking in Yelapa. Plan for all three.

Bring:

• a hat and sunscreen (you’ll be outside most of the day)
• water-friendly sandals or shoes you can walk in
• a light cover-up for sun and breeze on the boat
• seasickness medicine if you usually need it
• a small dry bag for your phone and wallet

If you already own a rash guard, it can help you feel more comfortable in the water. If not, focus on keeping your snorkeling session short if conditions feel off and use kayaking or paddle boarding instead.

Should you book this Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

If you want a full Puerto Vallarta day that mixes Yelapa beach charm with a waterfall walk and included water activities, this tour is a strong choice. The included open bar and onboard energy can turn the day into a memorable outing, and the crew names people mention again and again, like Alex, Diego, Jorge, and Jonathan, suggest the staff tends to work hard.

But if your main goal is guaranteed snorkeling with crisp visibility, go in with realistic expectations. Majahuitas can be murky, and snorkeling may be more self-directed than “guided to the best coral.” For me, the decision comes down to whether you’re excited about Yelapa as the anchor. If yes, book. If no, you may feel like the snorkeling did not earn the full day.

FAQ

What snorkeling and water activities are included on this cruise?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment and lifevests, plus kayak and paddle board use. The tour also includes a waterfall walk in Yelapa.

Is there an open bar on the boat, and what drinks are included?

Yes. The cruise includes a national open bar on the boat with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Where does the tour stop during the day?

The stops are at Yelapa and Majahuitas Playa. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

What food is provided during the trip?

You get a continental breakfast onboard and a lunch onboard with multiple meal choices. You also have lunch at Vela Roja, an a la carte restaurant.

Are taxes and transportation included in the price?

Ground transportation is not included. You may also need to pay a pier and reef tax of MX$32 per person.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.