Two beaches, one waterfall, and serious water time. This day trip from Puerto Vallarta strings together Yelapa (with a guided hike) and Majahuitas (with snorkeling and kayaking), plus BBQ lunch and plenty to drink aboard. I like the energy of the crew and host Dani in particular, because they keep the day moving and fun, and I also like that your core water activities are covered with included gear. The main catch is terrain and timing, the Yelapa walk can be uneven and the waterfall may be small or even dry depending on conditions.

This tour also works best if you accept a “go-go-go” rhythm. You’ll hop between viewpoints, a village stretch, a beach club, and water time, usually with limited slack to wander off on your own. If you want a slow, self-guided day with lots of unstructured beach lounging, this probably won’t match your style.

Key things that make this tour work

• A real beach club setup at Majahuitas with BBQ lunch and included water gear
• Crew-led fun on the boat, including host-led moments that many people remember most
• A guided village walk in Yelapa, so you are not just dropped into a confusing layout
• Snorkeling and kayaking built into the plan, not left as optional add-ons
• Marine wildlife sightings can happen, including dolphins and whales on some departures
• Seasonal water flow is a variable, so plan for the waterfall to be small during dry periods

Yelapa Waterfalls and Majahuitas: a smart Puerto Vallarta day plan

If you only do the usual Puerto Vallarta beachfront day, you miss what makes the area special. This tour gives you two different kinds of coastal time: the laid-back village side of Yelapa, and the more structured, swim-friendly Majahuitas beach club.

The value here is in the combination. You get a guided hike, then you switch gears to snorkeling and kayaking gear, then you land at a beach with lunch and drinks. It is not one long hike day and it is not only a beach day either, so it feels like you cover more of the region in one outing.

Meeting at Vallarta Adventures: what to know before you go

You start at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico at 8:00 am. The boat trip is the backbone of the day, and that means your experience depends on sea conditions, including whether docking and visibility cooperate.

A couple of practical notes matter for comfort. Toilets are on the lower deck, so you will want to plan quick stops. Also, this is not recommended if you have limited mobility since Yelapa involves sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, and pickup and walking connections can be rough underfoot.

And yes, the port has rules. Federal maritime ports enforce a strict No-Drug Policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapers. If security denies access, the tour company says they cannot refund or change the day.

The boat ride: drinks, marine life chances, and entertainment

Once you are onboard, the day starts building excitement fast. People report getting drinks and snacks on the way, and the boat ride itself is part of the scenery, including chances to see marine wildlife like dolphins and whales.

One recurring theme is that the crew does not just run logistics, they run morale. Multiple reviews call out an entertaining atmosphere and a host-led vibe, with music and a surprise performance toward the end. If you like a lively group day, you’ll probably enjoy how the crew keeps everyone engaged.

For a comfort check: if you are sensitive to motion, the sea can get choppy. On at least one departure, rough ocean conditions affected docking and water visibility, which can shrink or change parts of the plan.

Stop in Yelapa: the guided hike to the waterfall (and what to expect)

Yelapa is a remote fishing village about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. That distance is the point, you trade city noise for a more local feel, then you head into the village on a guided walk.

The waterfall hike is described as short but real. Expect uneven spots, and during wet conditions or with wet cobblestones, shoes help a lot. Some people specifically recommend hiking shoes because the footing can get slick.

Here is the seasonal reality check. The waterfall might be a steady cascade, or it might be a trickle, or it may not look like what you pictured online. There are also situations where drought or conditions mean the waterfall is not flowing, and the guide may redirect you toward a village stroll or beach time instead.

A smart takeaway: treat the waterfall as a bonus, not the sole goal. You still get the village walk experience, and if the water is limited, you can still come away with the sense of place.

Optional add-ons you might run into

Horse rentals can come up as an additional fee. If you want horses, ask what is available when you are there, but keep in mind it is not included in the base tour price.

And remember that additional purchases at Yelapa can happen. Drinks at Yelapa are not included, and vendors may be active around the village and beach areas.

Majahuitas Beach Club: snorkeling, kayaking, BBQ, and time in the water

After Yelapa, you land at Majahuitas, where the vibe shifts to swim and play mode. This beach is described as secluded with palm trees and bright water, and it is set up like a day club rather than a random shoreline.

This is where the included activities really pay off. You get snorkeling and kayaking equipment, so you do not have to figure out rentals or extra costs once you arrive. Many people also mention enjoying paddle boarding options, along with classic beach fun like volleyball.

Snorkeling: what you can reasonably hope for

Snorkeling is a core highlight for many departures, but visibility and marine life can vary. Some people report lots of colorful fish and fun sea life sightings. Others report that snorkeling was more limited, sometimes due to conditions like jellyfish season or water clarity.

My advice is to go in expecting variety, not a guarantee. Even when the fish count is lower, kayaking and swimming time at a sheltered cove can still be a memorable part of the day.

Lunch and drinks: BBQ satisfaction, sometimes with limited time

Lunch at Majahuitas is a BBQ, and it is included. People mention it as delicious, and some say there are choices for different tastes.

For drinks, you can expect included beverages as part of the tour setup, with beer mentioned as one of the lunch beverage options in at least one review. You should also plan for the day’s flow, because Majahuitas time can feel rushed depending on timing and how the crew keeps everyone on schedule.

In other words, you get a beach day, but it is a structured beach day. If your priority is long, slow lounging, you may wish the schedule gave you more quiet time. If your priority is activities, this tends to hit the mark.

How the 7-hour pace feels in real life

This trip runs about 7 hours. The schedule is built around moving through each stage, and that means you should treat it like an active day, not a sit-and-stare one.

You’ll typically have windows for each part of the itinerary, and you will be guided. That helps if you do not want to figure out timing between the boat, the village, and the beach club on your own.

The flip side is simple: there is less free time to wander whenever you want. If you love tight itineraries and hate decision fatigue, you will likely feel at ease. If you want lots of flexibility, bring a calm attitude about transitions.

Price and value: what $99 really buys, plus the small extras

The advertised price is $99 per person. For most people, the real value comes from three included pieces: the day boat, the BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, and included water gear like snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

But budget for the extra fees that are not included in that headline number. There is a port fees payment in cash at the port of MX$40 per person, plus an access fee to cover at check-in of $20 per person. So your real total is higher than $99 once you add those.

On the plus side, the tour also includes beverages aboard and a breakfast snack is mentioned by some people. You also get a crew-led experience and onboard entertainment that many guests say they enjoyed.

Where value can feel weaker is when you hit one of the day’s variables. Rough seas can disrupt docking, and seasonal drought can reduce waterfall impact. If you are unlucky with conditions on your departure, you may feel the price more than you would on a perfect weather day.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want an active day that mixes water time with a guided village experience. Couples often like it for the scenery and boat atmosphere. Families can like it because you get a clear plan, restrooms on the boat, and beach activities that work for different energy levels.

You should reconsider if:

• You have limited mobility, since walking paths in Yelapa are sandy, uneven, and uphill
• You want a relaxed day with lots of unscheduled beach lounging
• You are very motion-sensitive and the sea is rough on your date
• You are expecting the waterfall to look like a heavy, constant flow, because seasonal conditions can change it

Also, this tour is not for cruise ship passengers, based on the operator’s rules.

Quick booking tips that prevent day-of headaches

A few small moves can make this smoother:

• Wear water-friendly shoes or hiking shoes for the Yelapa walk, especially if cobblestones are wet
• Bring your own towels (people specifically note this helps)
• Bring a photo ID for check-in, since it is expected by the operator
• If you care about alcohol, double-check what is included in your specific booking setup and remember that beverage availability can vary by schedule and conditions

Should you book the Yelapa Waterfall and Majahuitas BBQ tour?

Book it if you want a full, varied day: village hike plus real beach time plus snorkeling and kayaking equipment, all wrapped in a crew-led atmosphere. The best part is how the day balances different kinds of fun, and how many people remember the crew energy as much as the views.

Skip or choose a different option if you have limited mobility, want zero walking on uneven terrain, or you are hunting for a big waterfall payoff no matter what season you go. In dry times, the waterfall may be underwhelming, and that is not the tour’s fault, it is nature.

If you are flexible, enjoy water activities, and like a guided schedule, this is one of those Puerto Vallarta excursions that can feel like you got your money’s worth in experiences, not just photos.

FAQ

What is the tour duration and start time?

It runs for about 7 hours and typically starts at 8:00 am.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and beverages aboard the boat. A light breakfast is also mentioned in guest feedback.

What fees are not included?

Gratuity is optional, and there are additional fees including port fees of MX$40 per person (paid in cash at the port) and an access fee of $20 per person at check-in. Horse rentals are also an additional fee if you want them.

Is there alcohol included?

Beverages are included aboard the boat, and beer is mentioned as part of at least one lunch beverage setup. The exact drink lineup can vary by schedule, but drinks are part of what you pay for.

How much walking is involved?

You should expect moderate physical activity. Yelapa includes sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, so it is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

What activities are offered at Majahuitas?

You get access to the beach club plus snorkeling and kayaking with included equipment. Guests also mention additional beach activities like paddle boarding.

Are there restrictions on who can book?

Cruise ship passengers cannot book this tour. The operator also enforces a strict no-drug policy at federal maritime ports, including electronic cigarettes and vapers.

What if weather affects the day?

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