Yelapa looks like it belongs to another pace of life. This private boat day mixes snorkeling in Los Arcos National Marine Park, time on Yelapa’s beaches, and a short hike to a waterfall for a true change of scenery in about 5.5 hours. You get a guide on the water to steer you toward good swimming spots, plus the comfort of a private setup instead of fighting for space on a larger boat.

Two things I really like: the snorkeling gear is handled (you don’t have to pack it), and the schedule gives you both reef time and land time so it doesn’t feel like a rushed photo stop. One possible consideration: the waterfall portion is simple, but it still involves walking on uneven ground, so wear grippy shoes and don’t plan to treat it like a stroll in the mall.

Key points before you go

• Los Arcos National Marine Park snorkeling with caves, deep tunnels, arches, and reef scenery
• Private boat tour means your group sets the pace and you’re not sharing the day with strangers
• Two beach stops plus Yelapa time so you get water views and beach downtime, not just swimming
• Waterfall hike to cool off near Yelapa’s small village area
• Snorkeling equipment included (borrow the captain’s gear rather than buying or packing your own)
• Bring pesos for food, drinks, and souvenirs since lunch isn’t included

Private boat freedom from Los Muertos Pier

The day starts in Puerto Vallarta at the Los Muertos Pier, with a morning departure around 9:30 am. If you’ve done group tours around the bay, you already know the usual pattern: everybody moves as one big unit, and your schedule gets set by whoever shows up first. A private boat flips that dynamic. You’re traveling with just your group, and your guide can make quick calls on where the water feels best for swimming and snorkeling.

There’s also a small but practical bonus: you can bring your own beverages and snacks for the boat ride. That’s helpful because lunch isn’t part of the price, and having something on hand keeps your energy steady until you reach Yelapa’s restaurant area.

The Los Muertos stop: a quick, scenic start

Early on, you travel south and take in a view of Playa de los Muertos, one of the famous beaches in Puerto Vallarta. You won’t be spending a long time here; think of it as a visual warm-up. It gives you that “okay, I’m in the right place” feeling before the day shifts to open-water snorkeling.

Admission for this viewing portion is listed as free, so you’re not watching the clock for ticketing. The only real “prep” is simple: have sunscreen on early. Morning sun on the water can hit faster than you expect.

Los Arcos National Marine Park: where the snorkeling does the work

Next is Los Arcos National Marine Park, a protected marine area out at sea between beaches like Mismaloya and Las Gemelas. This is the tour’s big underwater focus, and it’s scheduled for about 40 minutes with admission included.

What makes this stop special is the variety of reef structure. You’re not just snorkeling over a flat spot. The park features caves, deep tunnels, and arches, so even if conditions aren’t perfect for a long swim, you still have interesting underwater geography to look for.

Here’s how to get the most out of your time:

• Keep your expectations realistic for 40 minutes; it’s enough to see a lot, but not enough to “explore forever.”
• If you’re a stronger swimmer, you can drift farther with your guide’s cues. If you’re not, you’ll still find plenty to look at without pushing it.
• Use your snorkeling time to focus on what’s near you: reef edges, darker cave openings, and the contrast where rock meets open water.

Also, you don’t need to pack snorkeling gear. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the setup is described as borrowing the captain’s gear. That’s a huge value win—less hassle, less weight, and no last-minute rental searching.

Yelapa beach time: lunch options and a slower shoreline

After Los Arcos, you head to Yelapa, scheduled for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is where the day broadens beyond snorkeling. Yelapa’s main attraction is its southern-zone vibe: a beach area you reach only on foot or by boat, with restaurants right along the water.

This is the time to do two practical things:

• Eat like you mean it. Lunch is not included, but Yelapa has plenty of restaurant options, and the tour asks you to bring Mexican pesos for food and drinks. If you’re on a budget, you’ll still have choices—just plan to spend what you’d normally spend on a beach meal.
• Take a reset break. On a boat day, your body can feel “switched on” even when you’re relaxing. Beach time helps you come down from the sun and motion.

One caution: the schedule is tight enough that you’ll want to know what you’re doing when you arrive. If you drift into beach mode immediately, you might lose time you’d rather spend eating or walking a bit.

Waterfall hike near Yelapa’s village: a cool payoff

The final main activity is the Yelapa Waterfalls hike, about 30 minutes. It’s described as a short, easy walk from the town area to the lower falls, where you can cool off in clear, chilly water.

This is where the tour earns its “it feels like more than a boat ride” feeling. A lot of sea days end with snorkeling and then it’s back to the pier. Here, you finish on land with a change of temperature and a chance to move your legs.

Practical tips that actually matter:

• Wear footwear with grip. Even if it’s “easy,” you’re still walking near natural water.
• Bring or plan for dry time afterward. If your plan is to keep going around Puerto Vallarta after this, you’ll want to get out of wet clothing quickly.
• Don’t treat the waterfall as a deep-wading swimming mission. The point is the cooling dip, not a long swim session.

Also, admission for this portion is listed as free, so you’re paying for the guide and the overall day structure rather than additional ticket costs.

What’s included (and what you’ll need to handle yourself)

The inclusions are simple and valuable:

• Private boat tour experience
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Ice chest
• Guided help to find good swimming and snorkeling spots

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• Food and drinks (you’ll choose where and what to eat in Yelapa)
• Souvenirs and gratuities (the tour notes you should bring pesos for incidentals)

Think of it this way: you’re paying for the water time, the park access, the guide, and the gear. You’re responsible for your meal choices, snacks, and spending.

What to bring for comfort and value

Bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Mexican pesos for Yelapa restaurants, souvenirs, and gratuities
• If you want extra fuel: snacks or beverages for the boat ride

One small travel-smart idea: if you’re sensitive to sun, consider a lightweight shirt you can wear for shade between snorkeling sessions.

Price and value: is $220 per person a good deal?

At $220 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement outing, but it also isn’t priced like a luxury yacht day. The real question is what you get for that money—and the answer is “structure.”

You’re combining:

• Boat travel around key sights,
• Los Arcos National Marine Park snorkeling (with admission included),
• A dedicated block of time in Yelapa,
• And a guided waterfall hike at the end.

Plus, the tour is private for your group, which can change the math compared to larger shared boats. If your group can book together, the per-person cost often feels more reasonable because the “time with a guide + your own boat day” is the product.

If you’d be the type of traveler who hates packing gear, waits in lines, or spends half the day on logistics, this tour’s inclusions do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

Weather and timing: plan for a day that depends on the sea

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour provider will offer a different date or a full refund. That’s a fair policy for an ocean-based activity.

Timing runs about 5 hours 30 minutes total. It’s long enough to feel like a full day out, but not so long that you lose your evening plans in Puerto Vallarta.

A good mindset for this kind of day: treat it like a “best of” sampler—reef, beach, and waterfall—then plan your evening as flexible.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong match if you:

• Want snorkeling but don’t want to deal with gear rentals or last-minute hunting for equipment
• Like a mix of ocean and land (reef time plus a waterfall cooldown)
• Prefer a private setup for your group
• Enjoy guided help finding good water spots instead of guessing on your own

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a long, slow day with lots of walking and lots of snorkel time (this is time-boxed)
• Are determined to have lunch included in the price

Should you book this Yelapa boat + snorkeling + waterfall tour?

I think it’s worth booking if you want a clean plan with real variety: Los Arcos snorkeling, a proper chunk of Yelapa beach time, and a waterfall finish that feels like a payoff instead of an afterthought. The inclusions are practical (snorkeling gear and an ice chest), and the structure makes it easy to enjoy the day without turning it into a logistics project.

If your ideal vacation is purely laid-back lounging with no walking at all, you might choose something simpler. But if you’re okay with a short hike and you want one standout “day trip” that changes scenes every couple of hours, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:30 am.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, an ice chest, and guidance to help you find good swimming and snorkeling spots are included. Admission for Los Arcos and the waterfall portion is listed as included/free as noted.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can borrow the captain’s gear.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and food/drinks are not included. You’ll want Mexican pesos for restaurants, souvenirs, and incidentals.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Because the tour requires good weather, if it’s canceled due to poor conditions you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’re snorkeling confidently or more beginner-level, and I’ll help you judge if the 40-minute Los Arcos window will feel right for you.