Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food and Open Bar

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta excursion is the combination of Majahuitas snorkeling and a full afternoon in Yelapa, a coastal village reached by boat from Banderas Bay. You get breakfast, lunch, an open bar, water activities, and a lively ride home, all for $94.45.

I like the clear-water stop at Majahuitas and the choice of walking, riding a horse, or paying extra for an ATV trip toward Yelapa’s waterfall. I also like that the return ride becomes a party, with games, contests, music, and drinks. The main catch is rough shore transfers, plus the fact that the waterfall may be very low or dry.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas gives you about 45 minutes in the water, with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatables available.
• Yelapa takes up roughly three and a half hours, including beach time, lunch, and the optional trip toward Horsetail waterfall.
• Only one water activity may be available at a time, so do not expect unlimited use of every kayak, paddleboard, or float.
• Getting ashore requires a small boat transfer, and you may need to step or jump into shallow surf at the beach.
• The return journey is the social highlight, with an open bar, contests, music, and guides such as Alberto or Brown Sugar.
• The port charges MX$33 per person, and horses and ATVs in Yelapa cost extra.

What this Puerto Vallarta catamaran day is really like

This is not a quiet sailing trip. It is a long, active day built around scenery, swimming, food, drinks, and group entertainment. The catamaran carries up to 99 people, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a small private outing.

The schedule says about seven to eight hours, with check-in at 9:10 a.m. and departure at 10 a.m. In practice, departure and return can run late. One trip left about an hour behind schedule and still continued into the evening. Another returned after 7:30 p.m. Plan your day with room to spare, especially if you have dinner plans or a flight connection.

The $94.45 price is reasonable if you use the included meals, snorkeling equipment, beach time, and open bar. It is less appealing if you mainly want a peaceful boat ride or extensive time at the waterfall. You also need to add the MX$33 port tax, along with any horse, ATV, restaurant, or beach activity costs.

Starting at Puerto Magico and crossing Banderas Bay

You check in at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, pass through the security area, and board the catamaran. Arrive early. The port fee line can take time, and the 9:10 a.m. check-in is more useful than treating 10 a.m. as your arrival time.

The first stretch takes about 35 minutes. Breakfast is served while you look across Banderas Bay. You choose between yogurt, fruit and pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg, with juice included.

The food is simple excursion fare. Some people enjoyed the meals and found the portions generous, while one breakfast was described as cold scrambled eggs. I would set your expectations at practical rather than polished. The real value comes from having food ready during a long day on the water.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, pay close attention to the local time in Puerto Vallarta, which is GMT-6. A ship clock can differ from local time, and arriving according to the wrong clock can mean missing the catamaran or joining late.

Majahuitas: beautiful water, limited activity time

Majahuitas is the first major stop and one of the strongest parts of the trip. You get about 45 minutes to use the water equipment and look for tropical fish in clear water. Snorkeling equipment is included, but fins are not provided.

The activity menu includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, an inflatable float, and an extreme inflatable. In practice, you may need to choose one activity rather than move freely among all of them. The stop is also based near the boat, not on a broad stretch of sand, so this is a water break rather than a long beach visit.

That short time matters. Some people found the kayaking and paddleboarding fun but wished the stop lasted longer. If snorkeling is your priority, get organized quickly and tell the crew what you want to do. You may not have time to try every option.

The water can be the most memorable part of the morning, but equipment condition has not always been consistent. Check your mask and life jacket before entering the water. If something is not working, ask the crew to replace it immediately. There are no fins, so this is casual snorkeling rather than a full reef expedition.

Arriving at Yelapa by small boat

After Majahuitas, the catamaran continues to Yelapa. The large boat cannot pull directly onto the beach, so you transfer to a smaller boat. This is the part I would consider most carefully before booking.

The transfer can be awkward. There are no dock stairs at the beach, and you may need to step into the tender and then get out as waves move the boat. Crew members help, but the process may feel unsteady. A beach landing can be difficult for older people, anyone with mobility problems, or anyone who dislikes moving between boats.

Wear secure sandals or water shoes for the transfer. Avoid carrying loose bags, and keep your hands free when stepping between boats. The shore can be wet and uneven, so do not treat this like walking down a marina gangway.

Once ashore, you go to the restaurant to leave belongings and arrange your time. Yelapa itself is the reward for putting up with the transfer. You have a village, beach, mountain paths, local vendors, and a slower coastal setting that feels different from the hotel zone in Puerto Vallarta.

Choosing between the waterfall, a horse, an ATV, or the beach

The planned visit to Horsetail waterfall gives you several options. You can walk, rent a horse, or pay extra for an ATV. A local guide accompanies the horse and ATV options and shares information about the village.

The walk is described as about 40 minutes, while the horse or ATV route is listed at roughly 15 minutes. The path has stones and steep sections, so wear tennis shoes or other footwear with a firm grip. Flip-flops are a poor choice for this part of the day.

Conditions at the waterfall can change sharply with rainfall. At times, there may be little water or no worthwhile cascade at all. Some people spent extra money on a horse or ATV only to find the waterfall nearly dry. Ask about current conditions before paying for an optional ride. If the flow is low, staying at the beach may be the better use of your time.

Even with limited water, the route can be worthwhile if you want to see more of Yelapa and enjoy the ride through the village. But do not book this excursion solely for a dramatic waterfall photograph. Its condition is seasonal and not guaranteed.

You can also skip the waterfall and spend more time swimming, walking on the sand, eating, or relaxing. That flexibility is useful, especially for families with mixed interests. The tradeoff is that Yelapa time is not unlimited, so the waterfall trip leaves less time for the beach.

Lunch, vendors, and free time in Yelapa

Lunch is served on the beach, with five choices: shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, or cheese quesadillas. Food and portions received good marks overall, though this is a casual beach meal, not a formal restaurant experience.

Extra drinks and food from the restaurant are not included. The open bar applies to the boat service, so do not assume every restaurant item on shore is part of your package.

Local vendors may approach you with merchandise or paid photo opportunities. If you want quiet beach time, a polite but firm no is useful. Extra activities prepared by local operators also cost more. The tour gives you a starting point, but it does not cover every option offered in Yelapa.

I like having several ways to spend the afternoon, but you should budget for these extras only if they genuinely interest you. An ATV or horse ride can add to the day, yet it is not essential to enjoy the beach and lunch.

The two-hour ride home is the liveliest part

After Yelapa, you return to the catamaran by small boat and begin the two-hour trip back toward Puerto Vallarta. The open bar continues, with beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey available.

This is when the tour shifts from nature outing to floating party. The crew runs games and contests, music gets louder, and the group socializes on deck. Guides including Alberto and Brown Sugar were specifically praised for keeping the mood friendly and entertaining.

The energy will suit you if you enjoy music, group games, and drinking with other people. It will not suit you if you want a calm sail or find loud music tiring. The volume has been a concern for some people, though you can ask the crew to lower it.

Because this is a catamaran, the ride can feel slow. A large part of the day is spent reaching the stops and returning to port. That is not wasted time if you enjoy the bay views and onboard entertainment, but it can feel inefficient if your main goal is swimming or exploring Yelapa.

Food, drinks, and activities: what is truly included

The package covers more than transport, but it helps to read the inclusions carefully:

• Breakfast with two listed options and juice
• Beach lunch with several main-course choices
• Beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey
• Snorkeling equipment
• Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatable activities
• Restrooms on board

The biggest point is that included activities may be shared and time-limited. You may get one water activity during the Majahuitas stop, not unlimited use of every item. The open bar also does not cover extra restaurant food or drinks at Yelapa.

At this price, the package works best for someone who values convenience. You do not need to arrange separate transport, meals, water equipment, and a boat to Yelapa. If you do not drink alcohol or plan to skip the water activities, the value is weaker.

Who should book this Yelapa excursion

I would recommend it to families with older children, couples who enjoy a full day out, and people who want several activities in one booking. It suits you if you can handle boat transfers, uneven ground, loud music, and a flexible schedule.

Children under two ride free. Most people can participate, but the beach transfer is the important exception. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transport, though the boat-to-beach move remains physically demanding.

I would be cautious about booking it for toddlers, anyone with significant mobility limitations, or anyone who gets seasick. One person noted that motion can feel stronger in a small transfer boat than on the catamaran. Bring only what you need, secure your belongings, and wear shoes suitable for both wet surfaces and rocky paths.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a social, all-day boat outing with meals, drinks, snorkeling, Yelapa, and plenty of onboard activity. The best moments are the clear water at Majahuitas, the chance to see Yelapa, and the lively ride back with the crew.

Skip it if your main goals are a quiet sail, a guaranteed waterfall, easy beach access, or a long independent visit in Yelapa. The low-water warning is important, and the port delays, slow boat, loud music, and difficult landing can change the feel of the day.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive early, confirm local time, wear secure footwear, ask about current waterfall conditions, and do not pay for an ATV or horse until you know the waterfall is worth seeing. With those expectations, the $94.45 package can deliver a busy and entertaining day on Banderas Bay.

FAQ

How long does the Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour last?

The tour is scheduled for approximately seven to eight hours. Delays can occur, and the return may extend into the evening.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, in Puerto Vallarta.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 9:10 a.m., with departure scheduled for 10 a.m. Arriving early is recommended because you must register, pay the port charge, pass security, and board.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast includes a choice of yogurt, fruit with pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg, plus juice.

What is included for lunch?

Beach lunch includes choices such as shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, and cheese quesadillas.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks on the boat are included, including beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey. Extra drinks and food at the Yelapa restaurant are not included.

Is the waterfall visit guaranteed?

No. Water conditions can vary, and the waterfall may have little or no water. Ask about current conditions before paying for a horse or ATV.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.