Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise

Six hours on a yacht, and your day has a pulse. This Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa cruise pairs a 100’ mega yacht with an all-day premium open bar, then adds a guided walk up to Yelapa Falls. The one thing to plan for: snorkeling can be more fun than flawless, since visibility can vary and swim time may feel limited if you want to snorkel the whole day.

I like how the crew keeps the energy going without turning it into chaos. You’ll often be hosted by Ricky Ricardo and the onboard team, with music, water toys, and even a masseuse onboard. Just know this is a full-on day at sea, so bring your best sun game.

Quick hits before you go

• Two check-in ports: Puerto Mágico Vallarta or Paradise Village Pier (so choose the closest one)
• Real waterfall time: a guided hike to the falls, then a refresh in moving water
• All-day premium open bar: margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, plus non-alcoholic options
• Water toys included: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses
• Yelapa beach + car-free town vibes: time for photos, beach hanging, and wandering

Setting the scene on a 100’ mega yacht

This cruise runs across Bahía de Banderas, one of the more scenic stretches of coast near Puerto Vallarta. The big draw is the ship itself. You’re on a stable, modern 100’ yacht with comfortable seating, places to lounge in sun and shade, a solid sound system, and onboard bathrooms.

That matters because the day moves fast. You’ll be switching between open-water cruising, swim stops, and Yelapa activities, and you’ll want a comfortable base when you’re not in the ocean. The vibe is relaxed-party: music is part of the experience, but the boat setup gives you room to cool off when you need a break.

If you’re thinking this is just about drinking and jumping around, it’s actually more balanced than that. You get coastline views from the water, wildlife watching when conditions allow, and a structured highlight on land with the waterfall hike.

Check-in at Puerto Mágico Vallarta or Paradise Village

You get two start options, and this can save real stress. Your check-in is at either the Puerto Mágico Vallarta Cruise Terminal (Chica Locca Tours) or the Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta Pier (also Chica Locca Tours).

Pick the port that’s closest to your hotel. Transportation to the port isn’t included, so getting there smoothly is on you. I also suggest not treating the listed start time as your exact boarding moment. Some people found the day ran a bit later than printed, and sitting around in heat is not a fun pre-boat warmup.

Once you’re on board, the crew runs a tight flow. You’ll get the basics down quickly, then settle in for the cruise portion and the meals and drinks that keep coming.

Bahía de Banderas cruising, whales, and that first moment offshore

Out on the water, the cruise portion is built around views plus wildlife possibilities. The boat heads along Bahía de Banderas with scenic stops where you may spot marine life, and whale watching is part of the plan when conditions allow.

This is the time to set your expectations. You’re not in control of ocean conditions or animal movement. But the route gives you a reasonable shot at seeing dolphins or whales, and the sea air makes even a short cruise feel like a proper reset.

Breakfast kicks in early. People have described it as more than just coffee and a cookie, including fresh fruit and small muffins. After that, the boat energy starts to rise: music, sun, and the sense that the day is about to open up.

The onboard swim stop, plus snorkeling and water toys

One of the best parts of this day is the chance to get in the water multiple times. At sea you’ll have a swim window where you can also use the included gear like snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses.

Here’s the practical take: don’t wait until you feel totally ready. If you want the most out of the water toys, hop in during the earlier swim portion. A few people noted the snorkeling can be a bit of a letdown when visibility is poor, but it’s still fun to be in the water, especially with the support of the crew and the variety of activities.

Also, pay attention to how long each water activity feels in real time. Some people wished they had more time with certain toys like kayaking or snorkeling. This tour packs a lot into a single 6-hour window, so you’ll get the most satisfaction if you rotate equipment rather than betting your whole day on one activity.

And yes, there’s a party factor. One big theme from experiences on this cruise is that the staff keeps drinks moving so you’re not trekking back to a bar while everyone else is in the water.

Yelapa time: falls hike, moving water, and a car-free town break

Yelapa is the main land highlight, and it’s not a complicated destination. Once you arrive, there’s a photo stop and then a guided walk to Yelapa Falls.

The hike is usually described as a short uphill walk, not some all-day suffering project. When you reach the falls, you get the reward you came for: the water keeps flowing, and the coolness feels like a reset after time on the boat deck and sun.

After the waterfall moment, you’re given time to enjoy Yelapa itself. That includes beach relaxation and time to explore the town. One special detail here is the car-free feel of Yelapa, which makes wandering more pleasant. Even if you only have time for a quick look around, it’s a nice contrast to the coastal road energy around Puerto Vallarta.

Potential drawback: if you’re expecting a full-on hiking circuit, this isn’t that. You’re doing a guided walk to the falls, then transitioning back into beach and free time.

Food and drinks: the part you actually remember

This cruise is priced like a premium day on the water, and the included food and drink plan is a big reason why. You’ll have an all-day open bar with water, coffee, juices, sodas, plus margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, and wine.

And the tour isn’t just heavy on alcohol. You also get fresh snacks, including guacamole and blue corn chips. Lunch is described as Mexican fajitas with rice, beans, and tortillas made fresh.

That combination is what makes the value feel real. It’s easy to buy a boat tour and still feel like you’re rationing snacks. Here, the food flow and drink service are built in. People have specifically praised how there’s almost always something available, and how staff often stays on top of orders so you don’t have to go looking.

One service detail that comes up often is the Chica Locca Service style, where the vibe is handled for you. A few people even mentioned drinks being brought out to them while snorkeling, which is the kind of small convenience that changes your whole experience.

Why the masseuse on board works

There’s a masseuse onboard, and that’s not a gimmick if you use it at the right moment. After sun, sea movement, and the Yelapa hike, a short massage can be a smart recovery move.

Even if you skip the massage, it adds to the sense of a higher-end experience. This tour is built to keep you comfortable between active bits, not just throw you onto a boat and wish you luck.

Snorkeling and marine life: what to expect without disappointment

Let’s talk about the realistic part: snorkeling quality can vary. Some experiences mention poor visibility, and that can make snorkeling feel less magical than you hoped. On the flip side, you still get a fun water session with a clear focus on activities, not a fragile promise of perfect reefs.

The upside is variety. Instead of only snorkeling, you can paddle board, kayak, or float on the mattresses. So even if snorkeling isn’t crystal-perfect, you still have options to stay busy and happy in the water.

Also, wildlife viewing is part of the deal during the cruise segments. Dolphins and whales are possible, and you’re on the right kind of route when it’s the right time of year. Just keep it flexible. If you don’t see whales today, the scenery plus water time still makes the day worthwhile.

Cost and value of $142 per person

At $142 per person for a 6-hour tour, this isn’t the cheapest way to spend time near Puerto Vallarta. But it’s not a bare-bones excursion either.

Here’s what makes the price feel easier to justify based on what’s included:

• all food and drinks, including a premium open bar
• snorkeling gear and multiple water toys
• a guide and a guided hike to Yelapa Falls
• a masseuse onboard
• port fees included

When you add up the typical costs of boat time, guided land time, and equipment rentals, you start to see why people call it worth it. This tour leans into a full-day style experience even though the schedule is compact.

My advice: treat this as a “one big paid day” rather than a half-price add-on. If you’re excited about open bar, Yelapa Falls, and being active in the water, the value lines up.

Who should book this cruise, and who should pause

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a party-friendly boat day with steady drink service
• real Yelapa highlights, including the guided falls walk
• variety in water activities, not just one main event
• an all-in-one day where food and equipment are handled

It might not be ideal if:

• you’re a serious snorkeler who expects top visibility every time
• you prefer quiet boat trips with no music-energy vibe
• you dislike active days, since there’s a hike to the falls plus repeated water time

One more practical note from real experiences: bring a plan for timing. Some people felt boarding and overall pacing ran a bit late. If your day includes other bookings, give yourself buffer time.

Practical tips so your day goes smoother

Pack light, but pack smart:

• Swimwear and a towel. You’ll be in and out of the water and you’ll need a dry reset.
• Biodegradable sunscreen, because it’s required and it’s the safer choice around marine areas.
• Sun protection beyond sunscreen if you burn easily. The day is outdoors.

If you want the most from the water toys, watch how the crew manages rotations and jump in early during the swim segments. If you’re more interested in the waterfall, pace yourself before the hike so you don’t feel wiped out from sun and boat time.

Finally, if you see whales or dolphins, enjoy it without rushing the moment for a perfect photo. The motion of the yacht plus the sound and vibe make it easier to remember the experience than to freeze-frame everything.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a fun, high-comfort day that mixes sea views, included water activities, and a guided Yelapa Falls experience. The premium open bar, the modern mega yacht setup, and the guided falls walk are the core reasons people feel satisfied by the end of the day.

I’d hesitate only if snorkeling is your main goal and you’re very sensitive to visibility changes. If you’re flexible and you like having multiple ways to play in the water, you’ll probably leave with that done-right, spend-the-money-once feeling.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

What is included with the open bar?

The all-day premium open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, plus margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, and wine. Food is included too, along with snacks and lunch.

Are snorkeling and other water toys included?

Yes. The cruise includes water equipment such as snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses for lounging in the ocean.

Where do I check in for the cruise?

You can check in at one of two locations: Chica Locca Tours Cruise Terminal at Puerto Mágico Vallarta, or Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier at Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta.

Is there a guided hike to Yelapa Falls?

Yes. The tour includes a guided hike to Yelapa Falls once you arrive in Yelapa.

What should I bring and what’s not included?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Photo packages are available at check-in, but they are not included in the tour price. Transportation to the check-in port is also not included.