Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food and Open Bar

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta excursion is the mix of Majahuitas water time and Yelapa beach life in one long day. You sail by catamaran, stop for snorkeling and paddling, land at Yelapa by a smaller boat, then return with music, games, and an open bar.

I like the included breakfast and lunch, and I like that you can choose how to spend Yelapa: walk toward the Horsetail waterfall, pay for a horse or ATV, or simply stay on the beach. The main drawback is the rough logistics. Delays, loud music, limited water-activity time, and the beach transfer can matter a lot if you have mobility concerns or want a quiet nature trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas gives you about 45 minutes in the water, with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatables available near the boat.
• Yelapa gets roughly three and a half hours, including time for the beach, lunch, village, and possible waterfall visit.
• The waterfall conditions can vary, and the route may be steep, rocky, or disappointing during dry periods.
• Getting ashore requires a small boat transfer, followed by a beach landing that can be difficult in waves.
• Breakfast, lunch, and an open bar are included, but the MX$33 port tax and optional beach activities cost extra.
• The return sailing is a major part of the experience, with music, contests, drinks, and onboard entertainment.

A full day on Banderas Bay

At $94.45 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to Yelapa. It is a packaged day with breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, several water activities, and entertainment. That can be good value if you want variety and do not mind a group outing.

The tour leaves from Puerto Magico, the maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. Check-in is listed for 9:10 a.m., with departure at 10:00 a.m. You should allow time for registration, the security filter, and the port charge of MX$33 per person.

The advertised duration is seven to eight hours, but you should keep your evening flexible. Delays have pushed departures and returns later than planned, with some days ending after 7:30 p.m. The boat may also spend a long time under way, particularly on the return to Puerto Vallarta.

The group can reach up to 99 people. That tells you something about the mood: this is a social catamaran excursion, not a small private sailing trip. Guides such as Alberto and Brown Sugar have been singled out for keeping the atmosphere friendly and lively, but the music can be loud enough to bother anyone hoping for a peaceful sail.

Puerto Magico check-in and the first sail

The opening section is mostly practical. You register at Puerto Magico, pass security, and board the catamaran. The first sailing section lasts about 35 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and look across Banderas Bay.

Breakfast is served during the early part of the trip. You choose between yogurt, fruit and pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg, along with juice. The food is convenient and included, though the quality can be uneven. One breakfast was described as cold scrambled eggs, so I would keep expectations at simple excursion food rather than a restaurant meal.

This is also when the crew sets the tone for the day. If you enjoy music, social games, and a party atmosphere, you may feel at home quickly. If you prefer quiet views, bring patience and choose a place where the sound is less intense when possible.

Majahuitas: beautiful water, short activity window

Majahuitas is the first major stop and one of the strongest parts of the day. The water is clear, and the area is known for tropical marine life. The scheduled water stop lasts about 45 minutes, although the full Majahuitas portion is listed at two hours when time for food and organizing is included.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but fins are not included. That detail matters. You can still snorkel without fins, but anyone accustomed to using them should know to adjust expectations.

The water activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, an inflatable float, and an extreme inflatable. You may not have time to do everything. The practical experience is closer to choosing one main activity, then enjoying a little time near the boat, rather than moving freely among every option.

The catamaran usually remains offshore, so this is not a sandy beach stop. You enter the water from the boat and stay in the area around it. That makes Majahuitas appealing for a quick swim and a look below the surface, but less satisfying if you want a long, relaxed snorkel from shore.

Some equipment concerns have been reported, including foggy goggles and life jackets needing replacement. If something does not fit or work properly, tell the crew immediately and ask for another item. The staff cannot fix a problem they do not know about.

Reaching Yelapa by tender boat

After Majahuitas, the catamaran continues toward Yelapa. The large boat cannot simply pull up to a normal dock at the beach, so you transfer to a smaller boat. This is one of the most important practical details of the entire excursion.

You may need to step or jump from the tender onto the beach while waves move the boat. Crew members assist, but the process can feel awkward and intimidating. The return transfer has the same issue in reverse, when you climb back into the small boat before boarding the catamaran.

I would not recommend this part for anyone with serious mobility limitations, poor balance, or trouble stepping between moving boats. The general information says most people can participate, but that does not make the landing easy. Wear secure footwear and listen carefully to the crew.

Once ashore, you go to the restaurant to leave belongings and organize the next part of the visit. Yelapa is a small coastal village with a slower feel than Puerto Vallarta, and the combination of beach, mountain paths, and local businesses gives the stop its character.

The Horsetail waterfall, horses, and ATVs

You have about three and a half hours in Yelapa. The planned outing to the Horsetail waterfall can be done on foot, by horse, or by ATV, though horses and ATVs cost extra. A local guide accompanies the paid rides and shares information about the village.

The walk is listed as about 40 minutes, while a horse or ATV ride is described as roughly 15 minutes. The path has stones and steep sections, so sturdy shoes with good grip are a smart choice. Sandals may work for the beach, but they are not the best footwear for the waterfall route.

The waterfall is the most uncertain part of the day. During dry periods, the flow can be very low, and the pool may not be suitable for swimming. You should ask about current conditions before paying for an ATV or horse. If the water is barely running, the village walk and beach may offer better value.

The route can also feel confusing. Some people walking may arrive around the same time as those using an ATV because different paths and shortcuts are involved. Do not assume that paying for a ride guarantees a better view or much more time at the waterfall.

You can skip the waterfall entirely. Staying at the beach gives you more time to swim, sit in the sand, eat lunch, or look around the village. That flexibility is useful, especially for families with young children or anyone who does not want a steep walk.

Lunch, beach time, and extra costs

Lunch is served on the beach, with a choice of shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, or cheese quesadillas. Portions are generally described as adequate, and the meal is one reason the price can make sense for a full-day outing.

Drinks and extra food at the restaurant are not included. Optional beach activities also cost more. Horses and ATVs have been priced around 550 pesos in the past, though you should confirm the current amount before committing.

Local vendors may approach you on the beach or near the restaurant. You can enjoy the area without buying anything, but it helps to be direct and polite if you are not interested. Ask about prices before accepting photographs or animal encounters, since unexpected charges can occur.

The beach is not a polished resort setting. That is part of the appeal for some people, but it also means uneven footing, active surf, local vendors, and a less controlled arrival. I would treat Yelapa as a rustic coastal stop rather than a carefully managed private beach club.

The long return with music and an open bar

After Yelapa, you return to the catamaran by tender boat and start the trip back toward Puerto Vallarta. The return leg is listed at about two hours and is often the most animated portion of the outing.

The open bar includes beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey. The crew also runs games and contests, with music continuing during the sail. Guides such as Alberto and Brown Sugar have helped make this part memorable for people who enjoy an outgoing party atmosphere.

The open bar adds value if you plan to have a few drinks and spend the afternoon socializing. It adds less value if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or would rather use the time for quiet views. You can still enjoy the bay, but this is not a silent sunset cruise.

Because the boat is not especially fast, the return can feel long. Bring sunscreen, water, and a light layer for changing conditions. The onboard restroom is included, which is useful during a full day at sea.

What the $94.45 price really buys

The fare covers far more than transportation. You receive breakfast, lunch, juice, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, the listed water activities, the catamaran ride, and the tender transfer to Yelapa. For someone planning to eat, drink, and take part in the water activities, the package is reasonably priced.

The value drops if you miss the early part of the tour, skip the water stop, do not drink, or pay extra for an ATV and find the waterfall dry. Cruise ship passengers also need to be very careful with local time. Puerto Vallarta uses GMT-6, and ship time may differ, so arriving according to the wrong clock can mean missing breakfast and Majahuitas.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this Yelapa excursion?

I would recommend it to active families, couples, and social adults who want many activities in one day. It works particularly well if you like mixing a short snorkel with a village visit, beach lunch, drinks, and onboard games.

You should also be comfortable with a busy schedule. The day includes check-in, sailing, food service, a water stop, a tender transfer, a possible hike or paid ride, beach time, and a long return. There is not much room for an unplanned, quiet exploration of Yelapa.

I would think twice if you have mobility difficulties, young children who tire easily, or strong sensitivity to loud music. The beach transfer is physically awkward, and the day may run later than expected.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an all-day party boat with a real Yelapa stop, included meals, an open bar, and several ways to spend your time. The strongest combination is the clear water at Majahuitas, a good beach lunch, and the lively return sail.

Skip it if your main goal is a calm snorkel, a guaranteed waterfall, or a quiet and accessible visit to Yelapa. Before booking, check the current waterfall conditions, confirm the local time, budget for the MX$33 port tax and optional activities, and wear shoes suitable for rocks and steep paths. With those limits in mind, the tour can deliver a lot for the price.

FAQ

How long is the Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour?

The tour lasts approximately seven to eight hours. Delays can make the return later than the planned schedule, so keep your evening open.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time should I check in?

Check-in is at 9:10 a.m., and the listed departure time is 10:00 a.m. The activity uses Puerto Vallarta local time, GMT-6.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. You choose between yogurt, fruit with pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg. Juice is also included.

What food is included for lunch?

Lunch includes one choice from shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, or cheese quesadillas.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey.

Are snorkeling equipment and water activities included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, an inflatable float, and an extreme inflatable. Fins are not listed as included.

Do horses and ATVs cost extra?

Yes. Optional activities at the beach cost extra, including horse rides and ATV rides. Extra food and drinks at the restaurant are also not included.

Is the waterfall visit guaranteed?

No. Conditions at the Horsetail waterfall can change, especially during dry periods. You can visit on foot or pay for a horse or ATV, or choose to stay at the beach instead.