Two beaches and a catamaran bar in one day. I like how this trip mixes open bar comfort with real time on the water and in a laid-back fishing-town setting. You get a bilingual guide, Yelapa river views (plus colorful walkways if you feel like stretching your legs), and then a second beach day at Majahuitas Beach Club.

What sold me on the format is the built-in choice: spend your Yelapa hours on the sand or take a scenic walk through town for mountain-and-river outlooks. Then you move on to Majahuitas for about three hours to snorkel, paddle, or simply soak up beach time.

One thing to consider before you book: water-activity gear at the beach can be limited. If you’re counting on a specific option like a two-person kayak, don’t assume it’s guaranteed for everyone.

Key takeaways before you go

• Open bar on the boat makes the ride feel like part of the vacation, not just transport.
• Yelapa gives you two moods: beach relaxation or a scenic hike through town and artwork-filled stairways.
• Snorkeling gear is included (fins, vest, snorkel), so you can pack lighter.
• Majahuitas is “almost private” with a laid-back hippie chic vibe and about three hours to enjoy it.
• Group size stays capped at 35, which helps keep the day manageable.
• Kayaks may be first-come/limited, based on past complaints—plan accordingly.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $120.00 per person for a 7 to 8 hour catamaran day, this isn’t a bare-bones excursion. What makes the price feel fair is what’s bundled: breakfast and lunch, snorkeling equipment, a catamaran ride between beaches, plus an open bar on the boat. You’re also covered by travel insurance and guided by someone bilingual.

You’ll still want to budget a couple extras. Tips aren’t included, and there’s a port tax of MX$30 per person you’ll pay separately. Also, drinks that you might want on land in a restaurant are not included—what’s included is the bar on the boat.

If you’re comparing this to doing Yelapa and Majahuitas on your own, the value often comes down to time and logistics. Boats, timing, and coordinating beach access add up. Here, the schedule is laid out for you, and the day moves with the tide and travel window rather than your own guessing.

Getting oriented: meeting point and how the day runs

You start at Terminal Maritima, on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, with a 9:00 am departure. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which is helpful when you want a clean return with no extra ride hunting.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking. The day is listed in English, and the group maximum is 35 people. That matters because a smaller boat day usually feels more relaxed: fewer bottlenecks at the beach, less crowd pressure when people want to rinse off, and a better chance your guide can keep things moving.

Because this is a sea-and-beach plan, weather matters. If conditions are poor, the operator may cancel and offer a different date or a full refund. In other words: don’t plan this as your only safe option for a rough forecast day.

The catamaran ride: part transportation, part vacation

The ride between Puerto Vallarta and the two beach areas is where the day gets its easy rhythm. You’re not just being moved from A to B—you’re given a more comfortable buffer of time on the water.

The big plus is the open bar on the boat. That turns waiting, travel wind, and salt-air awkwardness into a social vibe. Pair that with breakfast and you’ve got an energy plan that doesn’t rely on finding food later.

I’d still pack smart for the boat portion: even in good weather, sea breezes can cool you down, and sunscreen will matter. You’ll want to be ready for salt, sun, and changing temperatures without having to buy anything mid-day.

Stop 1: Yelapa and the choice you actually get to make

Yelapa is the first main stop, with about four hours on the ground and a ticket included. What I like here is that Yelapa isn’t treated like a one-track checklist. You can keep it simple and head right to the beach, or you can take a scenic walk through town.

The walk option is especially interesting because you’ll pass colorful artwork pieces along paths and staircases, and the views connect the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains with the Yelapa river. In practical terms, it’s a break from sitting. You get movement, shade in spots, and a sense of place beyond a shoreline photo.

If you’re deciding between beach time and the walk, think about your priorities:

• Want rest, sun, and minimal effort? Stay near the water.
• Want views and a change of scenery? Choose the town hike for the best variety.

Either way, you’re given time to actually enjoy the stop, not just rush through.

Making the most of your 4 hours in Yelapa

Four hours can feel long until you’re on the ground and realize how fast beach time disappears. I suggest you treat your Yelapa window like a small plan with a little flexibility.

A simple pacing that works:

• Start with the vibe check: beach first if you want to settle in, or walk first if you want the views early.
• If you pick the walk, give yourself permission to pause. The artwork and stairways are part of the experience, not just the route.
• Use the end of your time for a final swim or quick snack break rather than trying to fit in everything.

One practical note: when you’re switching between water and walking areas, you’ll want a towel or quick-dry setup and a bag you can close. Saltwater plus sand can turn bags into sandboxes fast.

Majahuitas Beach Club: almost-private beach time

After Yelapa, you return to the boat and head to Majahuitas Beach Club for about three hours, with a ticket included. This is described as an almost private beach and styled in a laid-back hippie chic way. Translation: expect a calmer feel than major public beach strips, plus comfortable zones to relax.

This is your do-what-you-want segment. You can spend time snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply sun tanning. The included value here is that the tour gives you the time block and access structure, so you can match the day to your energy level.

If you snorkel, remember you already have the gear included—fins, vest, and snorkel—so you don’t need to hunt for rentals. If you’re not snorkeling, you can still make it worthwhile by timing your sun time around water comfort (shade and breaks help).

Snorkeling gear, food, and the open bar: what’s included

This tour is one of those “less packing, more doing” days because several essentials are already handled.

Included items:

• Snorkeling equipment: fins, vest, snorkel
• Breakfast and lunch
• Open bar on the boat
• Bilingual guide
• Catamaran ride between Yelapa and Majahuitas
• Travel insurance

What’s not included:

• Tips
• Drinks in the restaurant (if you stop for anything on land beyond what’s included)
• Port tax MX$30 per person

I like that you’re not forced to spend money just to participate. In beach days, food and gear can quietly become major costs. Here, you get both meals, and the snorkeling setup is ready for you.

The one thing I watch for is how different parts of the day treat drinks. The open bar is on the boat. If you want beverages while off the boat at beach club time, you’ll want to check what’s offered there, since the data only guarantees the boat bar.

Kayaks at Majahuitas: plan for limited availability

Majahuitas time lists kayaking and paddle boarding among the activities. But one caution comes from a past complaint: someone who planned for a two-person kayak was disappointed when only single kayaks were available, and availability wasn’t enough to meet everyone’s expectations. There was also a short window where they felt the time ran out while waiting.

So here’s the practical advice: if kayaking is a must, don’t assume you’ll get a particular type. Consider it an extra if conditions allow and gear is available, not a guaranteed part of your plan.

If your goal is sharing water time with your partner, you might be happier going with snorkeling or paddle boarding instead, or going in with the mindset that you’ll take whatever kayak option is offered in the moment.

Who should book this catamaran day trip?

This trip makes the most sense if you want:

• A simple day structure without planning boats or stops
• A beach-and-hike mix rather than one long beach only
• Snorkeling without bringing your own gear
• A relaxed boat atmosphere with meals and open bar included

It also suits couples and small groups who want variety: Yelapa for town-and-view energy, Majahuitas for a calmer beach club feel. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers flexibility, the first stop is helpful because you can choose beach time or a walk.

On the other hand, if you’re the type who needs a very specific water activity at a specific format (like a two-person kayak), you should weigh the kayak limitation risk. Better to pick this for the overall day—catamaran, meals, two beach areas—and treat optional extras as bonuses.

Logistics that matter (and a few tips that don’t)

Even though this is a guided tour, your comfort depends on a few basic choices.

Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and something to reapply
• Water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting sandy
• A dry bag for phone and keys (boat-to-beach transitions can be messy)
• Light layers for shade and wind on the water

Time-wise, you’re looking at a day that starts at 9:00 am and runs about 7 to 8 hours. That’s enough time to get sun and salt satisfaction, but not long enough to treat it like a full vacation day with zero fatigue. A little snack-resistant mindset helps too since you’ll have breakfast and lunch included, but you may still want water on hand.

Also note the group maximum of 35. With that size, you’ll likely get guided instructions and a smoother flow, but you should still expect some waiting at water activity moments. That’s normal for beach club logistics.

Should you book this Yelapas and Majahuitas catamaran tour?

I think you should book it if you want a value-packed day that includes the practical stuff—breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and an open bar—and you like the idea of two different beach vibes in one shot. Yelapa’s built-in choice (beach or a scenic town walk with artwork and river-and-mountain views) is a big reason this tour feels more interesting than a single beach excursion.

Skip the surprise if kayaking in a specific layout is your top priority. The limited-gear risk is real, and one past experience shows that time and availability can affect how much you actually get.

My call: book this for the overall day experience—catamaran comfort, Yelapa views, Majahuitas beach time—then treat specific water activities like kayaking as a bonus when the timing works.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the catamaran?

You meet at Terminal Maritima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as 7 to 8 hours approximately.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a bilingual guide, travel insurance, snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), breakfast and lunch, the catamaran ride to Yelapa and Majahuitas, and an open bar on the boat.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. You get fins, a vest, and a snorkel.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The open bar is on the boat.

Is a port tax included?

No. Port tax is MX$30 per person and is not included.

How many people are on the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. The tour also depends on good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.