Waterfalls and beaches in one boat day. This Puerto Vallarta outing trades city time for two different kinds of coast: Yelapa’s laid-back fishing village vibe and Majahuitas Cove for time in the water. I like that you get real beach time plus active options (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard), and I especially like that the day includes a national open bar on board after snorkeling.

One consideration: Majahuitas snorkeling can be hit-or-miss depending on conditions, so don’t plan this day only around seeing the brightest fish from start to finish.

Key points at a glance

• Yelapa waterfall stop: the Cola de Caballo area gives you a genuine swim or a relaxed view from shore.
• Majahuitas Cove snorkeling: snorkel gear is included, with fish activity near the cove.
• Kayaks and paddleboards included: you can paddle sandy-bottomed waters instead of only floating.
• Beach time on Yelapa Island: free time for sun, swim, and lunch on the beach area.
• Onboard lunch + open bar: deli-style lunch choices and a drink service after snorkeling keep the day fun.
• $30 pesos marina fee: budget a small extra fee per person when you arrive at the marina.

How The 8-Hour Yelapa and Majahuitas Day Really Works

This is an all-in-one half-day on the water: you’re out for about 8 hours, with an English/Spanish live guide, plus included gear and meals. The pacing is the point. You start with food so you don’t arrive hungry, then you move from Yelapa (waterfalls + beaches) to Majahuitas (snorkel and paddle time), and you end with onboard time that’s basically built for relaxing.

You’ll be on boats, but it’s not a nonstop party. The plan mixes active moments—snorkel, kayaking, paddleboarding, and possible waterfall time—with long stretches where you can just take it slow. That balance matters if you’re traveling with mixed energy levels, like someone who wants to hike a bit and someone who’s happy with shade and sunglasses.

Also, there’s a small but important cost detail: there’s a $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee. It’s not in the base headline price, so I’d factor it in early so the day stays budget-friendly.

Yelapa Fishing Village to Cola de Caballo Waterfalls

Yelapa is the kind of place that feels like it runs on sunshine and routine, not schedules. As you arrive, you’ll have time to stroll through the fishing village and spot local crafts along the way. That part is worth paying attention to, because it’s where Yelapa feels personal rather than just scenic.

Then you get the highlight option: the Cola de Caballo waterfalls. Depending on what you want to do, you can hike to the waterfall area and jump into the refreshing water, or you can take it easier and spend more time enjoying the view. Either way, this stop gives you a break from beach-only travel. It’s a change of scenery that feels like a mini adventure without being a full-on endurance day.

Practical tip: treat the waterfall time as your “active peak.” Even if you choose the slower option, expect some walking over uneven ground. Wear swim-ready footwear if you don’t want to worry about footing. And if you’re bringing a camera, this is the moment where you’ll actually want it.

Yelapa Beach Time: Where the River Meets the Ocean

After the village and waterfall area, the day settles into one of Yelapa’s best tricks: beach time that feels scenic and unhurried. You’ll get time at a Yelapa beach setting where a river streams into the ocean, backed by dramatic green mountain views. It’s the kind of place that makes it easy to stop thinking about your phone and start thinking about shade.

This is where you decide the flavor of your day:

• If you’re a swim person, you’ll have time to get in the water and enjoy the coastal rhythm.
• If you’re more of a relax person, the wide beach setup makes it easy to spread out and just float, read, or snack.

The best value of this stop is psychological. You’re not bouncing between must-sees every 30 minutes. You’re getting a chunk of time to reset, and that makes the later activities (snorkel and paddling) feel less like chores.

Majahuitas Cove Snorkeling, Plus Kayaks and Paddleboards

Majahuitas is the part of the itinerary that turns the day into a water-sports mix, not just a beach day. You’ll have snorkel equipment included, and the cove is known for an array of fish activity around the area. After snorkeling, the plan expands into movement: you can paddle in double or single-person ocean kayaks around sandy-bottomed waters.

There’s also an option for paddleboards. This matters because snorkeling can feel limiting if you don’t enjoy the “float and hope” pace. Kayaking and paddleboarding let you control your direction and tempo. And since the marine life around what you see is part of the experience, you’re not just exercising—you’re exploring.

One thing to keep realistic expectations: Majahuitas snorkeling visibility can vary. If your number-one goal is seeing lots of detail up close, you may want to keep your focus broad. Think: snorkeling plus paddling equals success. Even if the water isn’t crystal clear, the combo still gives you plenty to do.

Onboard Breakfast, Lunch Choices, and Open Bar Timing

This day feeds you in two stages. First, you get a continental breakfast with bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. That’s not just a courtesy. A breakfast like this helps you avoid the late-morning slump, which is common once you’re moving from boat to water and back again.

For lunch, you get a choice from six options:

• fish filet
• chicken fajitas
• hamburger
• beef fajitas
• shrimp quesadillas
• fish ceviche

This is a smart inclusion because it covers different cravings without making you pay extra at a restaurant. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want to eat “mostly seafood,” the fajitas and hamburger choices keep the table happy.

After snorkeling, there’s a national open bar on board. The practical value here is simple: you don’t have to hunt for drinks during the active part of the day. When the bar service comes after snorkeling, it also works as a reward moment—time to cool off, toast the day, and keep the energy light while the rest of your time is more relaxed.

Price and Value: Is $118 a Good Deal Here?

At $118 per person for about 8 hours, this outing is priced like a full day of experiences, not like a quick boat ride. And the reason it can feel like a decent value is that the inclusions do real work for you:

• Breakfast and lunch are covered
• Snorkel equipment is provided
• Kayaks and paddleboards are included
• You’re covered with insurance on board
• There’s a national open bar after snorkeling

That’s why the price isn’t just about getting to Yelapa. You’re paying for a package that reduces decision fatigue. You don’t need to budget separately for gear rentals, basic meals, and drink stops.

Don’t forget the $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee. It’s small compared to the base price, but it matters for planning. If you’re doing this with a group, budgeting that extra amount early keeps everyone from having to scramble with cash at the dock.

Also worth noting: the experience sits at a 4.4 rating from 6 reviews, which suggests consistent satisfaction rather than a one-off good day.

What to Bring (And What to Plan For) Before You Go

Because this is a water day with hiking potential and beach time, pack like you’re going to be damp at some point. The basics are all you need, and they’ll help you enjoy the day without friction:

• swimsuit
• towel
• sunglasses
• hat
• sunscreen
• camera or video camera
• extra cash for tips, photos, and small extras

If you tend to run cold on boats, consider bringing a light layer, especially if the wind picks up. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but it doesn’t mean you’ll want to wear a heavy cover-up afterward—be ready to dry off and keep moving.

And if you’re the type who hates rummaging around for things, keep swim essentials in one easy-to-reach bag. Water days always create clutter. Organizing early saves stress.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This excursion is best for people who want more than one kind of beach day. You’ll enjoy it if you like the mix: village strolls, waterfall time, beach relaxation, and water activities like snorkeling and paddling. It’s also a good fit for visitors who want a taste of local everyday life—especially the Yelapa fishing village feel and the handmade craft browsing.

It’s less ideal if you have specific health limitations. The activity is not suitable for expecting mothers, or passengers with heart, back, or neck problems. That’s not a minor note. If any of that applies to you, you’ll want to choose a different style of outing with less movement and no waterfall-area walking.

Should You Book This Yelapa and Majahuitas Boat Day?

If you’re deciding between “just a beach” and “a full experience with options,” I’d lean toward booking. Yelapa is the heart of the day, and the waterfall stop plus beach time gives you variety without making the schedule overly complicated. I’d also call out the onboard mood: the open bar after snorkeling and the included lunch help keep the day social and relaxed.

One honest caution: if you’re chasing the best possible snorkeling clarity above all else, you should stay flexible about what Majahuitas delivers. The snorkeling is included and there’s fish activity, but conditions can change, so you’ll want to treat snorkeling as part of a bigger picture (snorkel + kayak + paddleboard + beach).

Finally, consider the practical booking flexibility offered: you can reserve now and pay later. That’s useful if your plans are still firming up.

If your priority is a classic Pacific Mexico mix—waterfalls, beach time, and time on the water—this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

What food is included?

You’ll get a continental breakfast and lunch. Lunch includes a choice from six options: fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is a national open bar on board after snorkeling.

Do they provide snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. You can use kayaks and paddleboards, and they’re included in the experience.

Is there an extra marina entrance fee?

Yes. There is a $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages is the guide in?

The live tour guide speaks English and Spanish.