This is the kind of day that feels like it was planned by locals. You’ll head out on a shaded private boat, snorkel crystal-clear waters, and end with a walk to the Yelapa waterfall. I especially liked how the guides Victor and Namar shared a grounded, local feel, and how the Yelapa waterfall hike turns a beach day into something with real wow-factor. One thing to consider: you’ll spend time in the water and then on your feet in Yelapa, so comfy shoes and a sensible pace matter.

If you want a calmer pace than the big-group cruises, this format fits. The boat seats up to 7 guests, you get sanitized snorkel gear and life jackets, and your captain and bilingual guide steer the day. My only caution is timing—there’s a full schedule over about 5 hours, so you’ll want to enjoy the stops, not try to “stretch” them.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• Private, up-to-7 boat time so the day stays relaxed instead of rushed
• Majahuitas snorkeling with a full 40 minutes in the water at the beach
• Yelapa waterfall walk through the fishing village vibe, then a hidden-style payoff
• Clean, handled-for-you snorkel gear plus life jackets for all passengers
• Local guide energy (I heard from guides like Victor, Namar, Luis, and Adrian) that keeps the day personal

A Private Boat Day Between Los Arcos, Majahuitas, and Yelapa

This tour is built for people who like a strong plan but don’t want crowds. You’ll start in the morning and return to the same meeting point by the afternoon, with two snorkeling chances and a land portion that feels distinctly Yelapa—beach time, a town hike, then the waterfall area.

What makes it work is the flow. You’re not doing “snorkel, then stand around.” The water stops are timed and then you shift gears to sand, then walking. That rhythm is exactly why private tours can feel better value than you’d think: you’re buying time with fewer interruptions, not just a ride.

Your Shaded 23-Foot Boat, Snorkel Gear, and the 5-Hour Rhythm

You’ll be on a 23-foot boat with shade—important in Puerto Vallarta’s strong morning sun when you’re waiting your turn to hop in. The tour also provides a cooler with ice, plus snorkel gear that’s specifically described as sanitized, and life jackets for everyone. That’s a big deal for comfort and peace of mind, especially if you don’t travel with your own gear.

The whole experience runs about 5 hours. That’s not long in travel terms, but it’s long enough to feel like you did something real: a proper snorkeling slot at Majahuitas, plus a half-day worth of beach walking and then a waterfall hike.

One small practical reality: you’ll pack your time. The schedule includes defined windows at each stop, so you’ll get the best day if you treat it like a curated timeline rather than open-ended wandering.

Snorkel Stop One at Los Arcos de Mismaloya: A Quick Option

You’ll make a first stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, where you have the option to snorkel. The time here is about 20 minutes, and the entry is handled as part of the experience at this stop.

Why this is a smart setup: Los Arcos gives you a short “warm-up” for the day. If you’re excited and want to get in the water early, you can. If you’d rather save your energy for Majahuitas, you can treat this as a sightseeing moment and keep your focus on the longer swim later.

The main trade-off is that 20 minutes can be just enough to feel satisfied, but not enough to go deep on exploring every corner. If you’re the type who wants a long, unbroken snorkeling session, you’ll probably aim your effort at the Majahuitas time block.

Snorkel Stop Two at Majahuitas: Where the Main Water Time Happens

This is the stop most people will care about most. Majahuitas is the longer snorkeling period—about 40 minutes—and the experience notes that the admission ticket is free for this part.

This matters for two reasons. First, you’re getting more time in the water, which is usually what you want when you plan a snorkeling day. Second, Majahuitas tends to feel calmer than the most famous “photo-friendly” spots, so your water time can feel less like a timed scramble and more like a real swim.

What I like about the way the day is structured here is that it gives you one “main event” instead of forcing you to split your attention across two equal stops. If the water is the highlight for you, Majahuitas is where your time investment lands.

Yelapa Beach Time: White Sand, Town Vibes, and Lunch on Your Terms

After snorkeling, the plan shifts to Yelapa, with about 3 hours to enjoy the destination. You’re heading for white sand and crystal-clear water, and you also have the option to grab lunch at beach restaurants.

This is where the day turns from water activity to a place you can actually feel. Yelapa has a different vibe than the busier Puerto Vallarta shoreline—more laid-back, more local-feeling. The schedule builds in time for you to slow down, not just take a quick look and go.

A key note: you’ll also hike through the town as part of reaching the waterfall later. So treat the Yelapa beach time like your buffer. Eat, rinse off when you can, and get ready for walking without rushing.

The only drawback here is simple: 3 hours goes fast once you start beach-to-town-to-hike. If you get hungry, don’t wait until the very end of the beach time.

The Waterfall Walk in Yelapa: Hidden-Style Payoff and Real Walking Time

The waterfall portion is about 1 hour. You’ll walk with the guide through the fishing village area to reach a waterfall described as hidden within Yelapa.

This is one of the best parts of the tour because it turns the day into more than just “snorkel and leave.” The waterfall adds variety: you’re not only dealing with water temperatures and currents, you’re also dealing with steps and paths. That makes the day feel more complete.

How to think about this section:

• Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in for a solid hour.
• Bring sun protection. Waterfalls are still outside, and Yelapa sun can be strong.
• Keep your pace steady. The value is the experience, not sprinting to the top.

If you want a day that includes both sea and land, this is the moment that sells the whole trip.

Price and Value: What $550 Gets You for Up to 7

The price is $550 per group for up to 7 guests, and the tour runs about 5 hours. On a per-person basis, it’s often the best value when you’re traveling as a group (family, a small circle of friends, or couples who don’t mind sharing a boat).

Here’s what you’re actually paying for, beyond the word private:

• A shaded boat with room for a small group
• Sanitized snorkel gear and life jackets for everyone
• A captain plus a bilingual guide
• Cooler with ice
• The hike to the Yelapa waterfall

And you get a multi-stop day that’s hard to replicate on your own without juggling boats, timing, and entry logistics. You’ll still handle your own food and drinks, but the tour takes care of the core experience parts.

If you’re solo or a couple, the price can still make sense when you compare it to the cost of paying for separate arrangements and losing the flexibility of a private flow. But the strongest value is when you fill the group cap.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want snorkeling plus a meaningful land activity in one go
• Prefer a calmer, smaller-group experience
• Like having guides who know where to keep the day smooth
• Want local-feeling time in Yelapa without doing it all solo

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want a totally open-ended schedule
• Don’t feel comfortable with walking during the waterfall portion
• Need lots of spare time for long beach lounging with no structure

One extra note from guide-led experiences I heard about: you can sometimes get close to marine life on the ride, including whales and dolphins. Nothing here is guaranteed from the information you’re given, but the route and conditions can make sightings possible.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So You Enjoy Every Stop)

A few things will make the day feel easier:

• Bring sun protection. You’re on a shaded boat, but you’re also snorkeling and walking in open areas.
• Pack water-resistant items if you can. You’ll be spending time around the water.
• Consider quick-dry beach clothing. You’ll likely end snorkeling and move into town quickly.
• Plan for lunch on your own at Yelapa. Food and drinks aren’t included, so budget a meal.
• Bring cash or cards for snacks, drinks, and any personal extras you want during beach time. Tips for the guide aren’t included either.

Also, the start time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. You’ll want to start your day rested, not rushed.

If you’re worried about timing changes, you have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund, which gives you some breathing room.

Should You Book This Private Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkel Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if your idea of a great day is simple: two snorkeling stops with the main swim at Majahuitas, then Yelapa beach time, then a real waterfall payoff. The private up-to-7 setup is the big quality-of-life upgrade here. You’re not sharing the day with strangers bouncing you around from moment to moment.

Book with extra confidence if you care about:

• Clean, provided snorkeling gear and life jackets
• A guide who can make the day feel local—names like Victor, Namar, Luis, and Adrian came up for a reason
• A schedule that actually balances sea and land

Skip it only if walking the waterfall portion sounds like a bad fit for you or if you want hours of free time with no hiking-plan in the middle.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 5 hours (approximately).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a private tour for your group only, up to 7 guests.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

What snorkeling is included?

You can snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya for about 20 minutes (optional), and you’ll snorkel at Majahuitas for about 40 minutes.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes. Sanitized snorkel gear is included, along with life jackets for all passengers.

Is food included?

No. Food, drinks, and snacks are not included, though you can have lunch at beach restaurants in Yelapa.

Is the waterfall hike included?

Yes. You’ll hike to the waterfall in Yelapa as part of the experience.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is there a cancellation option if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.