Waterfalls plus beach time is a winning combo. This day trip from Puerto Vallarta pairs a hike in Yelapa with snorkeling and kayaking at Majahuitas, with the crew (including hosts like Danny) running a tight, fun day. I especially like that snorkeling and kayaking gear is included and that you get a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas with drinks.

One thing to plan around: the schedule is active, and Yelapa involves sandy, uphill, uneven paths—wear shoes that can handle wet cobblestones.

Key Points at a Glance

• Yelapa hike options: you can hike toward the waterfall or take it easy on the beach for your 2-hour window
• Majahuitas beach time with water activities: snorkeling and kayaking are part of the program, plus beach-club lunch
• Crew energy matters: the boat hosts and on-site team are a big reason this trip feels upbeat and well-run
• Water visibility and docking depend on conditions: rough seas can change what you can see and do
• Bring the right footwear and an ID: check-in and uneven terrain are the two common friction points

The Real Deal: Yelapa Waterfall and Majahuitas in One Day

If you like the idea of seeing more than just the main Puerto Vallarta strip, this excursion has that off-the-beaten-track feel without requiring you to plan anything. You start on the water in Banderas Bay, then head to a working fishing village in Yelapa. After that, you shift gears to Majahuitas Beach—a palm-lined, turquoise-water kind of place where you spend real time in the ocean.

Two parts consistently make this tour worth it. First, you’re not just watching the scenery—you’re in the water with snorkeling and kayaking equipment included. Second, the day doesn’t end at a snack. You get a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas and drinks along the way, so you can actually power through an active schedule.

Here’s the catch: the Yelapa part is not a smooth stroll. It’s sandy, uphill in spots, and includes irregular ground. If you have mobility limits, or if uneven footing makes you nervous, this may not be your easiest day.

Getting There: Puerto Vallarta Boat Ride and What the Morning Feels Like

You meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico at 8:00 am, and the total day runs about 7 hours. Your first stop is a departure area at Puerto Mágico, and you’ll roll out by boat from there.

The boat portion is more than just transportation. The trip typically travels through the wider bay areas, and people often get bonuses on the water such as dolphins and whales spotted during the ride. The ride is also where the crew’s personality shows. Expect entertainment on board and a steady flow of drinks and snacks.

Quick practical note: toilets are on the lower deck, which helps once you’re out cruising for a while. And because this tour caps at 200 people, it can feel like a bigger-group day. One downside of that size: the flow can be fast, and you’ll want to listen carefully so you don’t drift behind during transitions.

Stop 1: Yelapa Waterfalls—Hike It or Beach It

Your Yelapa window runs about 2 hours. This is the part that feels most like a local village day. Yelapa is remote compared to central Puerto Vallarta, so you get a different rhythm: more small streets, more hillside views, and a real sense that the coast is lived-in.

What you do in those two hours is up to you. You can hike toward the natural waterfall area, or you can skip the hike and relax on the beach. Either way, you’re working with a short-but-real block of time, not an endless wander.

The path is the thing

This is where you should pay attention. Several details in the experience point to uneven terrain:

• sandy sections and uphill bits
• wet cobblestones that can be slick
• irregular ground on the way back to the pier

If you’re choosing to hike, I strongly suggest sturdy hiking shoes or water-friendly traction sneakers. Flip-flops are fine at the beach, but they don’t love wet stone or sudden slopes.

What about the waterfall itself?

The waterfall can be underwhelming in dry conditions. When there’s not much water flowing, the hike still offers nice village views and a fun “walk-with-a-purpose” feeling, but the waterfall may be more of a trickle than a roar. If your dream is a huge curtain of water, go in with flexible expectations.

Stop 2: Majahuitas Beach Club—Snorkel, Kayak, Eat, Repeat

Majahuitas is a classic “day trip reward.” You get a secluded beach vibe surrounded by palms and calm turquoise water. This is where the day slows down a bit, but you’ll still be busy.

Your time here is about 1 hour, and it’s at a beach club. Lunch is part of the plan—a BBQ lunch—and drinks are served. The program includes snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and some days also add extra fun like paddle boarding or a banana-boat style ride. Beach volleyball has shown up too, depending on how the day is running.

Snorkeling: good chances, not a guarantee

Snorkeling gets mixed results depending on water conditions. Visibility can be affected by weather and sea state, and there can be seasonal changes in what’s around. The upside? When conditions are right, you can see colorful fish and plenty of marine life in the cove.

Also, the route may include additional quick stops for snorkeling when conditions or wildlife patterns call for it. So if snorkeling is your main goal, this tour is built around it—you’re not stuck with just a single quick swim.

One realistic drawback: time pressure

Even though Majahuitas is the highlight for many people, the scheduled window is short. You’ll eat, gear up, and get water time in, but it can feel rushed—especially if you want long, slow beach lounging after lunch.

BBQ Lunch and Drinks: Why This Break Actually Helps

One of the underrated things about a day like this is timing. This excursion builds in a meal and drinks so you’re not spending hours hungry or running on willpower and sunscreen. The lunch is a BBQ at Majahuitas, and there are beverages served as part of the trip.

You’ll also typically get a light breakfast snack before you fully commit to the hike and swim portions. Onboard drinks and snack service help keep energy steady through the day’s back-and-forth.

If you’re planning your own food strategy: don’t. This isn’t a “bring your own lunch” style tour. Just plan to eat when they feed you and hydrate early.

The Crew Experience: Where the Fun Comes From

This is one of those tours where the staff changes the whole mood. People often talk about hosts like Danny, plus the broader crew, for being attentive and keeping things moving.

What that looks like in practice:

• Clear explanations of each stage of the day
• Crew members helping manage big groups
• A strong effort to keep transitions smooth between boat, village, and beach

Some days run extra lively with music on board and a surprise closing show. That finale can be silly in the best way—more like a party skit than a stiff travel performance.

Still, there can be hiccups when crowds are large. If you get separated, don’t panic—just follow the instructions you’re given and stay close to the group during changeovers.

Money and Value: The $99 Price Plus Port Fees

Let’s talk value in plain terms. The price is $99 per person, and the tour runs about 7 hours with boat transport plus major activities: snorkeling and kayaking equipment and BBQ lunch with drinks.

However, your total day cost includes fees not bundled into the $99:

• Port fees: MX$40 per person, paid in cash at the port
• Access fee: $20 per person, paid at check-in

On top of that, tips (gratuity) are optional, and certain add-ons cost extra, like horse rentals.

When it feels like a good deal

It tends to feel like good value when you want multiple activities in one day without renting gear or negotiating transport. You’re paying for convenience and a managed route—especially the mix of a village hike and a beach club with water sports.

When it may feel pricey

If you only care about one part—like purely beach time—or if you hate schedules that feel tight, you might feel the price more. Majahuitas especially can feel like a fast stop for what you paid for, depending on your pace.

What to Pack (So Your Day Doesn’t Get Annoying)

This trip involves water, sun, and uneven walking. Pack like you’re doing both a beach day and a small hike.

Bring:

• hiking shoes or water-friendly sneakers with grip
• a swimsuit and quick-dry layer
• sunscreen
• a towel (people have been advised to bring their own)
• a photo ID for check-in (often requested in practice)

Also note the safety rule for federal maritime ports: no drugs are allowed, including electronic cigarettes and vapers. If you’re tempted to toss one in a pocket “just in case,” don’t. It can block access.

If you’re bringing cash: you’ll want it for the MX$40 port fee.

Weather and Sea Conditions: How the Tour Can Change

This excursion depends on good weather. Sometimes, the sea state affects docking and water clarity. If the ocean is rough:

• the boat may struggle to dock in Yelapa
• snorkeling visibility can drop and you can get bounced in the water

When docking is impacted, you might not get the same waterfall view you hoped for, even if the crew tries to make the day work.

The good news: the tour offers alternatives. If the waterfall isn’t flowing much, the village beach option still gives you time to enjoy the area.

Who This Tour Suits Best—and Who Should Skip It

This tour fits best if you want:

• an organized Puerto Vallarta day trip with a real change of scenery
• snorkeling and kayaking as core activities
• a BBQ lunch included so you’re not juggling meals

Consider skipping or choosing a different format if:

• you have limited mobility or balance issues
• uneven walking makes you uncomfortable
• you want lots of slow, unstructured beach time

Also, the tour isn’t for everyone in terms of travel planning. People arriving on cruise ships can’t book this excursion.

Should You Book It?

Yes—if your dream day looks like sea time plus a village hike plus a beach club lunch, this is one of the more complete ways to do it from Puerto Vallarta. The included snorkeling/kayaking gear and BBQ lunch with drinks are the backbone of the value.

Wait or rethink it if your top priority is a big, dramatic waterfall in peak form. In dry periods, you might get more of a trickle than a show. Also, if you’re not comfortable on uneven, uphill ground, Yelapa can be a rougher part of the day than the photos suggest.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does it depart?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

You get a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and beverages served aboard the boat.

What’s not included?

Gratuity is optional. Drinks on the beach at Yelapa may cost extra. Port fees (MX$40 per person in cash) and an access fee ($20 per person) are not included. Horse rentals also cost extra.

Are port fees and access fees required?

Yes. Port fees are MX$40 per person paid in cash at the port, and there’s an access fee of $20 per person paid at check-in.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. It isn’t recommended for limited mobility because the experience includes sandy, uphill, and irregular paths in a fishing village setting.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Can cruise passengers book this tour?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour.