Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa plus Majahuitas is a fun contrast day. You start on the water, hike through the little fishing village of Yelapa, then end at a beach club with time to swim and play.

I especially love the way the crew keeps the energy up all day. In more than one case, hosts like Danny and Dani are called out for being upbeat, organized, and entertaining, with music and even a surprise finale on the way back.

The other big win is the mix of water time plus shore time. You get snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and you also get a real walk with views and waterfall hunting, not just sitting on a beach.

One consideration: the Yelapa portion involves sandy and uneven paths with uphill stretches and wet cobblestones. If you have limited mobility, this is not the easiest day.

Key Highlights Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Yelapa village hike to the waterfall: you choose between relaxing by the water or walking up toward the falls.
• Snorkeling and kayaking options: equipment is included, and the boat can make extra stops depending on conditions.
• Majahuitas beach club time with BBQ: lunch at the beach is included, with refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks available.
• Boat ride wildlife spotting: you may catch dolphins and humpbacks or whales on the way out and back.
• Crew entertainment is part of the plan: expect music on board and a final show back on the boat.
• Weather can change the day: rough seas, dry waterfall conditions, and visibility can affect what you see.

Why This Tour Works: Two Stops, One Great Day

This is one of those Puerto Vallarta excursions that does not try to be everything at once. You travel as a group by boat, then you switch settings twice, so your day does not feel repetitive.

First you get Yelapa, a remote-feeling fishing village about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. It has that small-town feel where you can wander, watch the coastline, and hike toward the waterfall when conditions are right.

Then you transition to Majahuitas Beach, a private-feeling beach setup with palm shade and calm turquoise water. This is where you’ll do the easy part of the day, swim, snorkel, kayak, and eat BBQ without rushing back to the city.

The Morning Plan: Departure, Timing, and What You Can Expect

You start at 8:00 am back at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico terminal area. The tour is designed as a full day, about 7 hours total, and the day moves from stop to stop on a schedule.

You’ll find the ride portion is more than just transportation. On the boat, you’re served light breakfast snacks and drinks, and the captain may add extras like whale watching if conditions allow. A smooth day matters here, because it affects docking and how comfortable snorkeling feels later.

Also, keep in mind toilets are located on the lower deck. That detail matters for your comfort early in the day when you are trying to plan water activities.

Getting the Logistics Right: Port Fees, ID, and Practical Rules

This tour has a couple of costs and rules that can surprise you if you only look at the headline price.

Port and access fees

You should budget for MX$40 per person in port fees, paid in cash at the port. There’s also an additional access fee of $20 per person paid during check-in. Neither of these appears as part of the base $99 ticket.

ID and towels

I’d plan to bring photo ID for check-in and bring your own towel. This shows up as a practical note in guest experiences, especially when you want to dry off quickly after snorkeling or kayaking.

The strict maritime no-drug policy

Federal Maritime Ports enforce a strict No-Drug Policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapes. The important part for you is simple: if security denies access, the operator cannot refund or change your day.

Stop 1: Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa, Then The Waterfall Hunt

After you leave the Puerto Vallarta area by boat, your first real target is Yelapa Waterfalls. You get about 2 hours in Yelapa, which is enough time to both explore the village and still work your way up toward the falls.

Yelapa itself is where the day becomes more than a sightseeing checklist. You walk through the town, take in the coastline, and decide how hard you want to push toward the waterfall.

What the hike feels like

The path can be uneven and wet, with cobblestones and uphill stretches. If you have good footwear, you will enjoy this part much more. I’d choose shoes that can handle slick ground, not flip-flops.

Water conditions can change

Here’s a key reality check: depending on rainfall and season, the waterfall may not be roaring. You might find a small cascade or even a dry situation, and the guide may suggest an alternate walk or beach time instead.

That variability is not a dealbreaker, but it changes what you will take away from the hike. If you want the waterfall as the main event, go in with flexible expectations.

Vendors and shopping pressure

Yelapa is not sealed off as a museum. You may run into vendors and people trying to sell things as you wander. If you like browsing, it can be part of the atmosphere. If you prefer quiet, keep moving and stick close to your group.

Stop 2: Majahuitas Beach, BBQ Lunch, and Water Activities

Majahuitas is where the day relaxes. You get about 1 hour here, plus your BBQ lunch experience and time for activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

The beach club setup is the point. You’re in a secluded-feeling beach zone surrounded by palm trees, and you can use facilities like chairs and restrooms at the beach area.

BBQ lunch and drinks

Lunch is a BBQ style meal at Majahuitas and includes refreshing drinks. On the beach, non-alcoholic beverages are listed as unlimited, and many guests also mention beer among the drink options. If you drink alcohol, I’d still confirm what’s included when you check in, so you don’t get surprised.

Water activities and what you can actually do

This stop is built for play. You can snorkel, kayak, and paddle board, with snorkeling and kayaking equipment included.

Some people rate snorkeling as better than expected because the cove has lots of sea life. Others say visibility or fish variety can be limited. Conditions matter. For example, there can be jellyfish season, and the boat may stop at more than one snorkeling spot during that time to help you find better water.

If you want the highest chance of seeing fish, go into the water calmly and focus on patience. The best results often come from slow, steady swimming and staying near the snorkel zone instead of sprinting for the deepest water.

The Boat Ride Experience: Music, Wildlife, and the Crew’s Role

A big reason this tour earns strong marks is the crew. Names like Danny and Dani come up in enthusiastic reviews, and Poncho is mentioned too. What matters is the behavior behind the compliment: they keep things moving, explain what to do, and inject fun into what could be a long day.

Entertainment on board

Expect music, and there can be a show or surprise performance toward the end of the tour on the return trip. One review even references an AC/DC and Guns N Roses style show, which hints at the playful vibe.

Wildlife moments

You may also see dolphins or whales from the boat. When that happens, it’s a bonus that makes the day feel special even if snorkeling or waterfall conditions are not perfect.

Organization and group size

This tour has a maximum of 200 travelers, so yes, it can feel busy. Still, the best experiences typically come from following instructions closely, staying aware of your meeting point timing, and not drifting too far during transfers.

Value Check: Is $99 a Good Deal for This Day?

For $99 per person, you’re paying for a lot of “time + gear + meals” in one bundle. In practical terms, you’re getting:

• a boat day trip out of Puerto Vallarta
• guided movement between two distinct locations
• BBQ lunch at Majahuitas
• snorkeling and kayaking equipment included
• drinks and refreshments during the day

If you were to do Yelapa on your own plus arrange beach time, snorkeling gear, and a BBQ-style meal later, the cost often climbs quickly. Here, you’re buying convenience.

That said, the value depends on what you personally care about. If your priority is maximum time at Majahuitas to really stretch out and swim, some guests feel the beach time can feel rushed given how quickly lunch and activities take place. If your priority is the Yelapa waterfall hike plus an active water day, this schedule usually lands well.

In other words, it’s good value if you like an energetic day with multiple activities, and less ideal if you want a slow, laid-back beach afternoon.

Things That Can Feel Off, and How to Avoid Regret

No tour is perfect. Here are the main “watch-outs” based on how the day can go.

Crowds and attentiveness

This is a high-volume day tour. Most of the time the crew does a great job of managing it, but if you feel you need constant help, you should stay close to your group and listen for instructions.

Also, when people missed parts of guidance, the common thread was confusion about where to go next. You can prevent that by keeping your bearings, asking quick questions immediately, and not waiting until you’re already far away.

Water conditions at Yelapa

If the waterfall is dry or low, you might walk for scenic village views rather than a dramatic cascade. Bring comfortable shoes and a flexible mindset.

Sea state for snorkeling and docking

Rough ocean can reduce visibility and make docking harder. If the boat cannot dock at Yelapa, you might not see the waterfall as planned. Weather is also explicitly part of the cancellation logic, so if conditions are poor, the operator may offer a different date or a refund.

Time balance

Some guests wish they had more time at Majahuitas and less time snorkeling, especially when the main reason for booking is the beach. If you love beach lounging as your top goal, consider that Majahuitas is active and structured, not a long free-form drift.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Might Prefer Another Option)

This fits best if you want a day that includes hiking, beach time, and water activities in one go.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• like boat days and scenic coast views
• don’t mind some walking on uneven ground
• enjoy snorkeling and kayaking as part of the fun, not just a checkmark
• appreciate energetic crew energy and entertainment

You may want to skip it if:

• you need an easy, flat walk. Yelapa has sandy and uphill paths and irregular surfaces.
• you want a long, calm beach block with minimal schedule pressure
• you strongly want the waterfall to be the main show. Seasonal conditions can reduce waterfall flow.

Should You Book Yelapa Waterfall and Majahuitas BBQ?

I think this is a solid buy for most people visiting Puerto Vallarta for the first time, especially if you like an active day with a fun crew. The combination of Yelapa village walking plus Majahuitas beach club time plus snorkeling and kayaking makes it feel like you did more than one excursion.

My advice: book it if you can handle uneven terrain and you’re flexible about what the waterfall looks like depending on season. Skip it if mobility is an issue or if you want long unstructured beach time.

If you do book, show up ready for a full day. Wear real shoes, bring your own towel, and keep close to the group during transitions. That small discipline makes the whole experience smoother.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 7 hours total.

What is the price per person?

The price is $99.00 per person.

What stops are included?

You visit Yelapa Waterfalls and Majahuitas Beach, with travel by boat from Puerto Vallarta.

What does the tour include?

Lunch BBQ at Majahuitas, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and beverages served during the boat portion. You also get admission included for the Yelapa waterfalls stop and Majahuitas Beach stop.

What fees are not included?

Gratuity is optional. You also need to pay port fees MX$40.00 per person in cash at the port, plus an access fee of $20.00 per person at check-in.

Where is the meeting point and what time does it start?

Meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico at 8:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is this tour suitable for limited mobility?

No, it is not recommended for guests with limited mobility due to sandy, uphill, and irregular paths in a fishing village setting.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

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