A catamaran day to Yelapa can be a blast.

This trip bundles snorkeling in Majahuitas, beach time in Yelapa, and a lively return with an open bar—so you’re not just sitting on a boat staring at water. I like that it’s built around real time on the coast: breakfast right away, a water stop with marine views, then a full chunk on land. One thing to keep in mind: the schedule can be affected by port flow, and the waterfall outing depends on conditions, so plan with flexibility.

For what you’re paying, two parts really stand out for me: the included meal plan (breakfast plus a beach lunch) and the fact that the price includes alcoholic drinks plus multiple water activities options at the stops. On the caution side, the experience can feel less “hands-off relaxation” and more “active day with loud music and tight water time,” and that can be a mismatch if you want calm, slow pacing or if mobility is an issue.

Key highlights you’ll feel all day

• Breakfast + beach lunch are actually included (not just snacks), with set menu choices.
• Majahuitas snorkeling is the anchor stop for clear-water marine life.
• Yelapa gives you options: hike to the Horsetail waterfall area, or stay on the beach and swim.
• Open bar on the return includes beer, margaritas, tequila, rum, vodka, and whiskey.
• You’ll likely do transfers by smaller boats—expect splashy boarding and uneven footing.
• Bring proper shoes for the steep, rocky path if you walk up to the waterfall.

From Puerto Mágico to open-sea cruising: what the start feels like

Your day starts at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta. Check-in is at 9:10 am and the catamaran heads out at 10:00 am, with the meeting point on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the hotel zone. You get a mobile ticket, and the tour is listed in English.

This is also where the first practical “value math” shows up. The posted price covers the big parts of the day, but you’ll still want to budget for the port tax (MX$33.00 per person), which is not included. Once you’re registered and through security, you board for the catamaran portion and the rhythm of the tour begins.

Group size is capped at 99 travelers, so you should expect a lively vibe, line-ups at transfers, and a bit of time spent herding people into the next step. The upside is you’re not stuck with a tiny crew; the energy tends to run higher on these larger boats, especially once the music and bar kick in later.

Majahuitas snorkeling: clear water, limited time, good for active swimmers

The first meaningful stop after boarding is Majahuitas, in Banderas Bay. You’ll get a breakfast on board while cruising toward the area—juice included—then you’re set up for your first real water time.

The snorkeling window is about 45 minutes, during a longer 2-hour stop. That matters because snorkeling quality depends on time in the water, not just the destination name. Majahuitas is known for clear water and marine life, and the snorkeling plan is designed for you to swim over reefs and look for colorful tropical fish. There’s also a real chance you’ll spot something bigger moving through the area—sea turtles are a commonly hoped-for sight here.

A key heads-up from real-world notes: you may find that you’re not getting unlimited water time or multiple full sessions in the sea. The package lists several options (snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatables), but time on the water can be tight. If you’re set on kayaking and snorkeling, you may need to make choices once you’re there.

Also, snorkeling equipment is included, but fins/flippers aren’t specifically listed as included. If you care a lot about comfort and propulsion, bring your own fins or at least have realistic expectations about what the provided kit includes. And if you’re sensitive to glare, foggy goggles can ruin a good session—consider bringing your own swim goggles if you have a favorite pair.

Yelapa beach day and the Horsetail waterfall: choose your adventure

Then you shift from open water to Yelapa, and this is where the tour has its biggest “choose your own pace” moment. You have about three and a half hours at Yelapa. Getting there includes a boat transfer from the catamaran to the beach area, and once you’re ashore you’ll head to the restaurant to drop belongings and organize before the next activity.

From there, you can tailor your plan:

• Walk to the Horsetail waterfall area (recommended only if you’re comfortable with a steep, rocky path—good shoes help a lot).
• Rent a horse or a quad bike for an added cost, with a local guide accompanying you.
• Or skip the waterfall and spend more time on the beach, swimming, relaxing, and using the lunch window.

The payoff for the hike can be photos and that cool-down dip once you reach the waterfall zone. The downside is that “waterfall day” isn’t always guaranteed. Conditions can affect how much water you’ll see, and sometimes the visit is more about the experience than a dramatic stream.

There are also practical limits that can matter for your day: the beach landing and transfer step can be tricky because you may have to board a smaller boat and handle jumping in and out depending on surf and the dock setup. If you have mobility concerns, plan for it to be harder than you’d hope.

If you want the fun, not just the waterfall: Yelapa’s beach time can be exactly the break you need after snorkeling. And lunch is served right there on the beach, so you’re not stuck hunting for food at the wrong moment.

A note on optional activities and local interactions

The waterfall isn’t the only thing happening around the restaurant and beach area. You may see locals offering hands-on photo experiences (one example that comes up is an iguana brought around for pictures for a fee). That can be fun, but keep your boundaries firm—if you want quiet beach time, you can absolutely choose that.

The return to Puerto Vallarta: open bar, games, and a louder boat

After Yelapa, you head back aboard the catamaran for about two hours on the water. This is the “party end of the day” portion: your guide coordinates when it’s time to line up and return to the boat, then the atmosphere picks up again.

This is also when the open bar really matters. The alcohol options listed include beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey. You’ll also find games and contests during this stretch, which can be a great way to pass time when you’re already tired in a good way.

One consideration: music on these rides can be loud. If you’re the type who needs quiet to enjoy a sunset, bring earplugs or be ready for a high-energy sound level. Some people love it; some don’t. Either way, it’s not a silent-cruise vibe.

Timing can be another reality check. Even when the itinerary says a return to the starting point, delays from port congestion can push the day later than expected. In plain terms: start your day with a “loose schedule” mindset, especially if you’re connecting to another plan later that night.

Included food: breakfast choices, beach lunch options, and what to expect

Food is one of the strongest reasons this tour can feel like good value—because you’re not just getting one meal. Your breakfast gives you a choice of two options:

• yogurt with fruit and pancakes
• chilaquiles with egg

Juice is included with breakfast.

Then, at the beach restaurant in Yelapa, you get lunch with five options to choose from:

• shrimp cocktail
• chicken fajitas
• beef fajitas
• fish fillet
• hamburger
• cheese quesadillas

That’s a solid range, and it means you can usually find something that fits your taste (especially if you’re not craving seafood every single day).

Portion and taste can vary—some people report the breakfast was a miss (cold scrambled eggs come up in feedback), while others call the lunch and overall food great. Here’s the practical way to handle it: if breakfast is make-or-break for you, keep a small snack in your day bag so you’re never stuck waiting for the meal to hit.

Also, plan around the “meal timing squeeze.” Because you’re moving between water, transfers, and activities, it helps to eat when it’s served rather than trying to time it perfectly.

Price and value: is $94.45 fair for what you’re really getting?

At $94.45 per person for a 7–8 hour day, this tour can be a good deal—especially because it includes several expensive-feeling items in one package. You’re not paying separately for:

• catamaran boat time
• snorkeling-related equipment
• breakfast and lunch
• open bar
• multiple on-the-water options (even if you may only get time for one main activity)
• restroom access on board

So the value isn’t just the destination. It’s the fact that your food and drinks are handled for you. That matters on tours in Puerto Vallarta because drink prices and lunch stops can add up quickly.

What can cost extra:

• Port tax (MX$33.00)
• optional activities at Yelapa (including ATV/horse if you want a ride to the waterfall area)
• drinks and extra food if you buy more than lunch
• extra beach add-ons if you decide to do something beyond the core plan

If you’re budgeting tightly, this is the part that can sneak up. In one account, an ATV/horse cost of 550 pesos was mentioned, so it’s smart to treat those as real add-ons, not tiny extras.

If you’re arriving on a cruise ship

If you’re doing this on a cruise day, be cautious. One issue that pops up is that cruise ship tender timing and the ship’s schedule can shift your arrival relative to tour departure. If you have even a little risk of being late, you could miss the breakfast and the first water activities. Plan buffer like you’re traveling for a flight: don’t assume everything lines up to the minute.

Who should book this tour (and who should rethink it)

This is a fun fit for people who want an active day and don’t mind a lively atmosphere. I’d especially recommend it if you:

• like snorkeling and want a clear-water stop at Majahuitas
• enjoy Yelapa and want both beach time and a chance at the Horsetail waterfall
• don’t mind loud music and group energy on the boat
• want food and drinks built into the price

It’s also friendly for families in the sense that kids don’t necessarily feel like an afterthought—children 0–2 are free of charge, and the tour is designed to be manageable for a wide range of travelers.

But I’d rethink it if:

• you have mobility concerns or need easy dock access—tender boat transfers and beach landings can be difficult
• you hate loud music (the vibe on board can be intense)
• you need lots of independent time in Yelapa—most of your time is structured around the tour’s rhythm
• you’re expecting a big, guaranteed waterfall show every time; conditions can change

One more practical filter: if you’re traveling with older adults, it can help to pick an excursion where boarding and shore transfers are straightforward. This one can require more effort at the water’s edge.

How to set yourself up for a smoother day

A few simple moves make this tour feel less stressful and more enjoyable:

• Wear traction footwear for the waterfall path. The route can be rocky and steep, and you’ll feel it.
• If you’re sensitive to noise, pack earplugs for the return.
• If you have your own snorkel setup or favorite goggles, bring them. Your comfort in the water will matter more than you think.
• Keep your plans flexible the day of the tour. Port congestion can push the day later.
• If you care about the waterfall experience, ask onboard staff about the current water conditions before you commit to the hike or expensive add-ons.

Also, the human factor matters here. Good service pops up in the notes—people have called out friendly, helpful staff and even specific guides such as Brown Sugar and Alberto, which is a nice sign that the crew can help when logistics get a little chaotic.

Should you book the Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food and Open Bar?

I’d book this if you want a full, on-the-water day that combines Majahuitas snorkeling, a real chunk of Yelapa beach time, and a return with food + open bar bundled in. It’s the kind of tour that works best when you’re flexible, comfortable with a group pace, and happy to trade a bit of quiet for fun.

Skip it—or choose something else—if you’re strongly attached to a specific waterfall outcome, need quiet on the boat, or have mobility limitations that would make tender transfers and steep walking a problem. In that case, you’ll likely feel the friction more than the payoff.

If you do book it, go in with the right mindset: wear good shoes, plan for transfers by smaller boats, and treat the waterfall as a bonus to your Yelapa beach day—not the only reason to go.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Mágico (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico) and ends back at the same starting point.

What time should I check in?

You should check in at 9:10 am, and the tour departs at 10:00 am.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes breakfast, lunch on the beach, alcoholic beverages (beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey), water activities, and snorkeling equipment, plus a restroom on board.

What food options are included?

Breakfast options are yogurt with fruit and pancakes or chilaquiles with egg. Lunch options on the beach include shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, and cheese quesadillas.

Are port taxes included?

No. There is a port tax of MX$33.00 per person that is not included.

What water activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, inflatable float, and extreme inflatable. The time you get for each can be limited by the scheduled stop windows.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. Fins are not specifically listed as included.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, including beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey.

What about the waterfall and how do I get there?

The plan includes a visit to the Horsetail waterfall area. You can go on foot or rent a horse or quad bike for an additional cost. Proper shoes are recommended because the path can be rocky and steep.

What is the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.