If you want a day that feels easy, this one fits. The Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure is built around snorkeling time, a Yelapa waterfall option, and an onboard day that keeps food and drinks moving.

I especially like the all-in style: breakfast on the way out, snacks and fajita lunch at the beach stop, and an open bar that includes margaritas, piña coladas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne. I also like that the boat is set up for different moods, with shaded seating plus a quieter top-deck music option when you want a breather.

One thing to consider: snorkeling can be weather- and crowd-dependent, and a couple of reviews mention limited time in the water or equipment running short.

Quick hit key points

• Truly all-inclusive: breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a brand-name open bar
• Playa Chica Locca water fun: waterslides, jump-in time, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards
• Two Yelapa options: chill on the beach or take the 15-minute trail to the waterfall
• Onboard service that stays active: drinks and food keep coming all day
• A serious safety-first vibe: crew attention and clear guidance for water activities

Why this Mega Yacht day feels different from a typical PV excursion

This cruise is designed like a rolling resort day. You’re not just being transported from point A to point B. You’re on the water for hours, and the experience is built around keeping you fed, hydrated, and entertained while the scenery does most of the talking.

The core idea is smart: do your “water time” in two chunks. First, at Playa Chica Locca, you get the splash zone—snorkeling plus playtime with kayaks and paddleboards. Then later, you shift to Yelapa for a mix of beach time and the waterfall walk. That structure helps because you’re not stuck doing everything in one single window where you either rush or miss out.

And yes, the vibe can be party-level if that’s your thing. One review even called out DJ David bringing energy onboard. But there’s also a practical counterbalance: you can hang in shaded areas or choose seating that’s quieter when the music ramps up.

Getting there without stress: Puerto Mágico check-in and meeting points

Check-in happens at the Chica Locca Tours office at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. If you’re booking through a platform, note that the tour offers two starting locations and you must choose your meeting point before you submit the reservation.

Expect a real port-security situation. Puerto Mágico is a federal maritime port, so you’ll go through security screening and could be searched. There’s also a strict no-drug policy, and that includes items like electronic cigarettes and vapers.

If you want this day to feel smooth, show up on time for check-in. When you miss the boat, you miss the entire flow: breakfast, boat orientation, the first water stop, and the open-bar timing.

Sailing Banderas Bay: breakfast views and whale-time odds

Once you board, the day starts with a cruise along Banderas Bay. You’ll eat breakfast—fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices—while you get coastline views south of Puerto Vallarta.

This part matters more than it sounds. It’s your “warm up” phase. You’re not moving straight into cold water and snorkeling gear. You’re settled, fed, and oriented, and the crew can help you with whatever you plan to do later.

There’s also the animal-watching bonus built into the route. Banderas Bay is known for abundant marine life, and humpback whales can appear seasonally (it’s described as a breeding ground). On the way back, you may also catch whale sightings. Even if you don’t, the water views and the ride itself are part of why this tour is worth doing.

Playa Chica Locca (Quimixto): where the water toys happen

After about an hour of sailing, you reach Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto. This is your first true activity stop, and it’s the one that feels most like a waterpark, but in ocean form.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Snorkeling with provided equipment
• Kayaks and standup paddleboards
• Jump-in and play time from the yacht (including waterslide fun)
• Time anchored where the scenery and marine life are close

This is also where onboard energy tends to peak. Drinks are offered continuously, and you’ll get snacks like freshly made guacamole. Some days also include an onboard massage option if you want to switch from splash mode to slow-and-relax mode.

The main practical tradeoff here

Snorkeling time is not an open-ended free-for-all. One review noted snorkeling was only around 40 minutes, and another described not enough time to swim or explore. Translation for your planning: if snorkeling is your #1 reason for booking, you’ll want to prioritize it early during the stop rather than treating it like an afterthought.

Also, a couple of reviews flagged a shortage of snorkeling equipment on their departure. So while the tour is advertised as having gear included, be mentally prepared that busy days can reduce availability.

Yelapa Beach and the waterfall trail: pick your comfort level

Next comes the Yelapa stop. The bay is sheltered, which makes it a good place to anchor and spend time without feeling like you’re constantly battling waves.

You dock at a pier, then you choose how you want to spend your time:

• Explore Yelapa with a guide
• Relax and swim in the bay
• Hang out on the beach and take it slow

Then there’s the waterfall option. The trail is described as about a 15-minute walk to the waterfall, and it’s accessible for most people. You’ll get a refreshing cascade and the chance to take a dip near the waterfall.

That said, one review specifically mentioned a hill/walk that might not be ideal for older visitors. So if you or someone in your group has mobility limits, I’d plan for a “stay put” strategy: enjoy the beach and bay swim at Yelapa, and skip the trail unless you’re confident with the walk.

Why Yelapa is more than a stop for photos

Yelapa works because it gives you two different experiences in one place. Even if you skip the waterfall, you still get a real town feel plus beach time. And if you do go for the waterfall, it’s a payoff moment—cool water, scenery, and good photo chances—without turning the day into an all-day hike.

Food, drinks, and the onboard massage detail

This tour sells itself on being all-inclusive, and in practice, the food and drink component is a big part of the value.

What you’ll eat

• Breakfast onboard: seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, juices
• Lunch onboard delivery at Playa stop: Mexican fajitas
• The fajitas include chicken and beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa
• Snacks: guacamole with blue corn chips plus potato chips

One review called out the food as excellent and even said it was the best prepared food they’d had on tours in Puerto Vallarta. That kind of comment usually means the meals aren’t just “fine for tour food”—they’re actually satisfying.

What you’ll drink

The open bar is described as premium and available all day. The list includes:

• margaritas and piña coladas
• beer, tequila, wine, champagne
• plus non-alcoholic options like water, coffee, juices, and soft drinks

One of the best parts is pacing. Drinks are served repeatedly, not in one big “grab a cup and good luck” burst. A review also mentioned drink service even while in the water, which tells you the crew is watching for guests and keeping things moving.

Massage on the schedule

There’s an onboard massage option during the day. It may work as a complimentary sign-up experience onboard, but timing and how it’s managed can vary by departure. If massage is a must-have for you, ask the crew early so you can confirm how to join.

Group size, music choices, and how the day really flows

This tour can carry up to 115 travelers. That’s not “private charter” territory, so you should expect a lively group atmosphere. Still, it’s not a cattle-car feel in how the day is organized: there are multiple activity windows, and the crew keeps food and drinks flowing throughout.

Music is another real factor. At least one review mentioned that the top deck has quieter music, which is useful if you want a party vibe on one deck and a calmer vibe somewhere else. If you’re sensitive to sound, plan your seating intentionally once you’re onboard.

The “how long am I in the water” reality

The itinerary is balanced by design: boating time, snorkeling and water toys, then Yelapa and the waterfall option. That’s why some people feel the day is relaxing rather than exhausting.

But if you want a long snorkel session, be realistic. The snorkeling is meaningful, yet not necessarily long enough to satisfy someone who expects a full “spend hours underwater” experience. Cloudy water can also happen, and snorkeling visibility varies.

This is where you should match your expectations to your motivation:

• If you want a fun day on a yacht with snorkeling as a major bonus, you’ll probably love it.
• If you want maximum time underwater as the primary goal, you’ll want to be flexible.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $117.60

At $117.60 per person for an approximately 6-hour outing, you’re paying for a bundle: boat transportation plus food plus a premium open bar plus water gear and activities.

Here’s the value logic that matters:

• If you’d otherwise pay separately for boat passage, a tour guide, snorkeling rentals, and drinks, this package can work out better than building your own day.
• The included lunch and snacks remove a hidden cost that often surprises people on PV tours.
• The open bar is the biggest “value multiplier” for the kind of traveler who enjoys sipping while enjoying the ride.

You also get built-in entertainment and staff attention. Reviews consistently mention attentive crew service and a clean, well-run boat. One review even described the staff immediately cleaning sand from the deck, which is a small detail but signals how hard the team works to keep the space pleasant.

So the question isn’t just whether $117.60 is a lot. It’s whether you’ll actually use what’s included. If you plan to drink, snorkel, and eat without counting every peso, this is positioned to feel like a win.

What to bring so you’re comfortable from pier to waterfall

The tour info and reviews point to simple, practical prep.

Bring:

• A hat and sunscreen. Sun can get intense all day on the water.
• Your swimsuit and a towel.
• Basic water shoes if you have them (especially useful around boat transitions and the waterfall area), though the tour’s access plan is described as being manageable for most people.

Also think about your comfort strategy:

• If you plan to do the waterfall walk, pack for heat and wear something that handles uneven footing.
• If you’re skipping the walk, you’ll still want water-friendly gear for beach and bay swimming time.

Finally, keep expectations clear on snorkeling. Gear is included, but on busy days it can run short, and water clarity can vary. If you care about snorkeling a lot, plan to take your turn promptly.

Should you book this Yelapa waterfall and snorkeling adventure?

Book it if you want a single-day, all-inclusive boat experience that combines real scenery (Banderas Bay, Yelapa, and a waterfall option) with plenty of onboard comfort and active water time. It’s a strong fit for couples, mixed groups, and families who want something fun without juggling tickets, meal plans, or transport.

Consider another option if you’re chasing:

• long, uninterrupted snorkeling time
• a quieter, ultra-minimalist nature outing
• or if you need a very low-effort schedule for mobility concerns, since the waterfall involves a trail walk.

My rule of thumb: if you like yacht days where the crew keeps things moving, and you want Yelapa as both a beach stop and a possible waterfall dip, this is a good bet.

FAQ

What is included on the Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure?

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included, plus an all-day open bar with brand-name drinks. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and water toys are also included.

Where do I check in for the tour?

Check-in is at the Chica Locca Tours office located at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. The tour offers two possible starting locations when booking, so you need to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 6 hours.

Are there vegetarian or other dietary options?

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. You need to advise at the time of booking.

Can I drink alcohol on board?

Alcohol is available through the open bar, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Are souvenir photos included?

Souvenir photos are not included. A photographer is onboard, and you can reserve at check-in or purchase onboard.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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