Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

One day, nonstop water fun. This Puerto Vallarta cruise pairs all-inclusive food and drinks with active stops at Playa Chica Locca and Yelapa, plus a real waterfall option on shore.

I love the combo of a shaded, comfortable yacht setup with hands-on water toys like snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. I also really like how the day is structured around multiple swim-and-play moments, not just one long ride and one beach stop. One possible drawback to plan for: snorkeling time can feel limited depending on conditions, and on busier days you may find equipment shortages reported.

Check in is simple for a cruise excursion, and the vibe tends to be social without becoming chaotic. The open bar stays moving, and hosts like DJ David and Ricky Ricardo are part of what keeps the energy up.

That said, this is not a passive sit-and-watch cruise. If you want the maximum minutes in the water with minimal walking, you may prefer a simpler beach day.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Open bar all day with branded drinks, so you can skip the on-board drink budget
• Two real water stops at Playa Chica Locca and Yelapa, with gear included
• Yelapa waterfall walk option that’s short, but expect some uphill trekking
• Onboard comfort choices like shaded seating and different music volume zones
• Food that keeps up with fresh breakfast, fajita lunch, and snacks delivered to the boat
• Big-bay wildlife context on Banderas Bay with humpback breeding-season notes

Where This Yelapa Cruise Fits In Your Puerto Vallarta Plans

If you’re doing Puerto Vallarta in a hurry, this tour is a practical solve. It’s built as a true half-to-full-day outing, about 6 hours, that mixes scenic cruising with two chances to play in the water and a chance to see Yelapa up close.

The biggest value here is that your day is “pre-funded.” You’re not trying to add up boat fuel, lunch, and drink costs while you’re already hungry and sunburned. When everything is bundled, you can focus on one thing: getting your feet wet and your photos done.

Hitting the Right Meeting Point at Puerto Mágico (and Getting Through Port Security)

Your check-in happens at the Chica Locca Tours office at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. The tour also offers two starting locations when booking, including Chica Locca Puerto Mágico and Paradise Village, so you’ll want to pick what’s most convenient before you reserve.

Because this is a federal maritime port, you will go through security. That means screening, and you should avoid bringing anything that falls into the strict no-drug policy (including vapes and e-cigarettes, plus anything that security could flag as a liquid issue). Arrive with a calm pace and time to handle that line.

Also note: no hotel pickup is included. If you’re not already near the cruise terminal area, factor in the cost and time of getting yourself to the meeting point.

Onboard Comfort, Seating Choices, and the Party-Safety Balance

This is marketed as a mega yacht experience, but functionally you should picture a spacious catamaran-style setup with comfortable seating and shaded areas. The practical win is that you can switch roles during the day: lounging, getting out for water time, and then returning to shade without feeling cramped.

You’ll also see the entertainment side of the program. Multiple hosts and DJ-style energy show up during the cruise, with people like DJ David mentioned for keeping the time lively, and Ricky Ricardo showing up as a high-energy host in some departures. That doesn’t mean it’s all noise. Reviews also point out that the yacht has different music volume zones, so you can choose a calmer area if you want.

Safety is part of the culture on board too. The crew tends to keep things tidy and actively assists with whatever you’re doing, including cleaning up quickly if someone tracks sand onto the deck.

All-Inclusive Food and Drinks That Actually Affect the Day

This tour works because the meals and drinks are timed to the rhythm of the water. You get breakfast on board with fresh fruit and pastries while you cruise along Banderas Bay. Then you get snacks like guacamole and blue corn chips plus chips, and later a fajita lunch prepared fresh and delivered by boat.

The fajitas are the kind of lunch you’ll actually look forward to on a swim day. The menu is described as including chicken and beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. And if you have dietary needs, the tour says vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them at booking.

Now the open bar. It’s not just beer and water. You’ll find margaritas, piña coladas, tequila, wine, champagne, and more, plus nonalcoholic options like juices, coffee, sodas, and mineral water. Minimum drinking age is 18, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with young adults.

Stop 1 at Playa Chica Locca (Quimixto): Water Toys and Quick-Strike Snorkeling

Playa Chica Locca is your first major water stop, after about an hour of sailing. This is where you’ll get your first taste of the “do everything” vibe: you can jump in, use snorkeling equipment, paddle a kayak, or try a standup paddleboard. There are also waterslide-style fun and a water mattress floating area mentioned in the included items.

One practical tip: don’t assume you’ll get unlimited snorkeling time. Snorkeling is included, and the cruising schedule is packed, so your best strategy is to go in early and be ready. If you get delayed by setup, you may lose your best visibility window.

The upside is that people do report seeing plenty of fish during snorkeling. Also, the deck layout helps. Even if you’re not in the water, you’re not stuck in the sun the entire time.

Wildlife context is part of the cruise as well. This route frames Banderas Bay as a major marine habitat and notes humpback breeding activity each year, so you might catch wildlife sightings on the open-water portions.

The “Whip Through Yelapa” Beach Day and How the Waterfall Walk Works

After Playa Chica Locca, you head to Yelapa, anchoring in a sheltered bay. Yelapa is small and scenic, with a name that connects to rivers meeting the sea. Practically, what matters is you get time for both beach and views.

You’ll have choices when you arrive. You can:

• Explore Yelapa with an expert guide
• Relax and swim right in the bay area
• Or take the 15-minute trail hike to the waterfall

The waterfall option is described as accessible for most people. Still, you should treat it as a hike day, not a stroll. If you’re traveling with older adults or anyone who dislikes uphill walking, you may want to skip the waterfall trek and focus on beach time instead.

There’s also a real comfort factor here. You’re not paying extra for a separate land excursion. The boat day includes on-board relaxation time, plus the option to get a massage on board if you want it.

And yes, you’ll eat again here. Lunch is prepared in the beach kitchen and delivered by boat, so the meal is part of the experience rather than something you have to coordinate off-site.

Why the Guided Flow Makes This Tour Feel Easy (Even When It’s Busy)

Some excursions feel like a conveyor belt. This one is structured to avoid that feeling by keeping you active in short bursts.

On the water, the schedule encourages variety:

• Snorkel first
• Paddle next
• Then reset on deck with shade and drinks

Then, when you’re on land at Yelapa, you get a menu of choices. That flexibility matters. Not everyone wants to walk to a waterfall, and not everyone wants to stay on the beach. This tour gives you both lanes without making you pay twice.

It also helps that the staff style tends to be attentive and quick. One of the most consistent themes in feedback is how often crew members are serving, cleaning, and checking in, so you rarely feel stuck waiting.

Budget Reality Check: $117.60 and the Value of One Price

At $117.60 per person for about 6 hours, this is priced like a premium half-day outing. The value comes from what you’re not paying for separately.

You get:

• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Snorkel equipment and water toys
• An open bar with alcohol and nonalcoholic drinks
• Access to the Yelapa and waterfall experience without extra tour tickets

If you tried to assemble this on your own, the bill would likely spread across multiple vendors and timing gaps. You’d pay for boat transport, then pay for food, then pay for activities like snorkeling gear rental, then pay again for drinks. Here, those costs are bundled so the day stays predictable.

One more value detail: the tour notes a maximum of 115 travelers, which is large enough to be lively but not so huge that you disappear into a crowd. Smaller group dynamics often feel better, but for a cruise-friendly excursion, this size can still work.

The Small Risks Worth Knowing Before You Choose

No tour is perfect, so here are the considerations that matter most for your expectations.

1) Snorkeling time and conditions can vary. Some departures can feel shorter than you hoped, and water visibility isn’t always guaranteed. If snorkeling is your top priority, go with the mindset that you’re getting a meaningful session, not an all-afternoon reef swim.

2) The waterfall walk is not for everyone. It’s short at 15 minutes, but it’s still a hike. Expect uphill effort.

3) Photos can be an add-on. There’s a photo team onboard that captures action during the day. Souvenir photos are sold as an extra, and timing can vary for delivery.

4) It’s an all-day drink culture. The open bar is part of the appeal, but this is still a daytime cruise. Plan your pace and consider hydration.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Be Happier Elsewhere)

I’d book this if you want:

• An all-inclusive day that feels active
• Multiple water experiences in one outing
• A social-yet-controlled boat atmosphere with attentive service
• A chance to see Yelapa and decide on the waterfall walk in real time

This may not be the best fit if you’re:

• Traveling with someone who needs fully flat, easy walking
• Looking for a purely calm snorkeling-only trip with long time in the water
• Sensitive to lively music and group energy (even though you can choose quieter zones)

Practical Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

• Bring sun protection. People recommend a hat, plus you’ll want sunscreen and a towel since you’re in and out of the water.
• Decide early: if you want snorkeling, go right when the boat stops. You’ll lose time if you wait.
• If you might hike to the waterfall, wear footwear you trust on outdoor paths, not flip-flops only.
• Eat before you get too sun-sick. Breakfast and snacks help you handle the heat better than many people expect.

Should You Book It?

Yes, if you want the best kind of cruise-day math: one ticket that buys you boat transport, meals, snorkeling gear, water toys, and an open bar. The day is built for variety, and the staff attention tends to be a standout, with hosts like DJ David and Ricky Ricardo helping the experience stay fun.

Book with a realistic mindset. Snorkeling is great, but it’s not an unlimited reef marathon, and the waterfall walk is a short hike with some effort. If that fits your group, this is an easy recommendation for Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long is the Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure?

It runs about 6 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

You get breakfast, lunch, and snacks, plus snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and an all-day open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Do I have to choose a meeting place before booking?

Yes. The tour requires you to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Where do I check in?

You check in at the Chica Locca Tours office located at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. The tour also offers options when booking that include Paradise Village.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

Are there food options for dietary restrictions?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise at the time of booking.

Is there an open bar, and what is the drinking age?

Yes, the tour includes an open bar. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are souvenir photos included?

No. Souvenir photos are not included. A photographer is onboard, and you can purchase photos (reserve at check-in or buy onboard).

What if the weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, refunds are not available.