Two beaches, one laid-back boat day. This trip pairs time in Yelapa with a catamaran ride, then tops it off at Majahuitas with included snorkeling gear, food, and an open bar on board. I especially like that breakfast and lunch are included, so you’re not hunting for meals while you’re trying to enjoy the day.

You also get a bilingual guide and a schedule that actually gives you beach time—about 4 hours in Yelapa and 3 hours at Majahuitas—not just a quick stop-and-go. The one drawback to keep in mind: don’t plan on a specific kayak setup, since kayaking can be limited and may not include 2-person options for everyone.

This is a 7 to 8 hour excursion that starts at 9:00am from Terminal Maritima in Puerto Vallarta, with a maximum group size of 35 travelers. If you’re the type who likes choosing between a scenic town walk and straight-up beach time, Yelapa gives you that option, and Majahuitas gives you the rest of the day to do what you want.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Catamaran Day

• Yelapa first, then Majahuitas: You get a mix of town views and beach club time.
• Included meals: Breakfast and lunch are part of the deal.
• Open bar on the boat: You’re not waiting until the beach to start relaxing.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Fins, vest, and snorkel are provided.
• A limited kayak reality: If kayaking matters, plan as if it’s not guaranteed to be 2-person.
• Small group feel (35 max): Easier to move around than you’d expect for a full-day boat outing.

Getting to the Day: Catamaran Vibes From Puerto Vallarta

This tour is built around a simple rhythm: you meet in Puerto Vallarta, get on the catamaran, then spend your day split between two coastal stops. The launch point is Terminal Maritima at Blv. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias—easy to find and near public transportation if you’re not using a taxi.

What I like about starting at 9:00am is that you’re already on the water early enough to feel like a real outing, not just a late-afternoon cruise. And with the cap of 35 travelers, you don’t have that chaotic “everyone stampedes at once” energy that can happen on bigger boat trips.

You’ll also want to remember this is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t right, the operator can switch dates or refund. That’s actually a good thing—boat days in rough weather aren’t fun, and this kind of policy keeps you from getting stuck with a bad experience.

Yelapa Beach and Town Views: Where You Can Choose Your Pace

Yelapa is the first stop, and it’s a great one because it gives you two ways to spend time. You can go straight to Playa Yelapa, or you can choose a scenic hike through the town—views include the beach, the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, and the Yelapa river. You’ll also see colorful artwork pieces along pathways and staircases, which makes the walk feel more like wandering than trekking.

With about 4 hours here, you’re not forced into one narrow plan. I like that flexibility: if you’re tired, you can keep it beach-simple. If you want photos and a little movement, take the hike and treat it like a scenic stroll with viewpoints.

A practical note: the town walk includes staircases, so if you have mobility limits, you may prefer sticking closer to the shoreline. Even if you plan to hike, keep your expectations realistic. This isn’t a climb-and-breathe-forever mountain hike. It’s more of a “get some views, enjoy the town art, and return in time for boat pickup” kind of adventure.

This stop is also where the scenery does the heavy lifting. Yelapa feels like a real place, not just a beach name on a brochure. You’re there long enough to get the vibe, not just pass through it.

Majahuitas Beach Club: Almost-Private Beach Time With Water Toys

After Yelapa, you head to Majahuitas, where the setting shifts into something more beach-club relaxed. It’s described as an almost-private beach with a laid-back hippie-chic style. Translation: it doesn’t feel like a crowded public shoreline where you’re constantly threading through strangers. You get the sense that this part of the coast is made for hanging out.

You’ll have about 3 hours there, and you can spend the time however you like—snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just sun tanning. This is the part of the day where it helps to be ready to slow down. In a good way.

If you’re into being in the water, this is where it’s most likely to click. The beach club time is your window to do the fun stuff without rushing, and the variety helps you tailor your day:

• Want more water time? Focus on snorkeling and the optional activities.
• Want a calmer day? Pick a spot, swim when you feel like it, and use the time to just rest.

One thing to keep in mind based on real-world experience: kayaking can be limited. If your plan hinges on using a specific type of kayak (like a 2-person kayak), don’t assume it will be available when you arrive. I’d treat kayaking as a possible bonus, not the main event.

Food, Lunch, and the Open Bar on the Boat

The included meals are a big part of why this tour can feel like good value. You get breakfast and lunch, and that matters because you’ll be out on the water and tied to a schedule. Eating on your own can turn into a headache: long lines, limited options, or paying more than you expected when you finally find food.

The other clear perk is the open bar on the boat. You’re on the water, you’re enjoying the day, and having drinks included helps the vibe stay relaxed from start to finish. I’d still pace yourself—catamarans move, sun happens fast, and you’ll want clear energy for the beach time.

Also budget for what’s not included: there’s a port tax of MX$30 per person that you’ll need to pay separately. That’s a small add-on, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that can surprise you if you’re expecting everything to be fully covered.

Snorkeling Gear Included: What You’ll Want to Know Before You Go

This tour includes snorkeling equipment—fins, a vest, and a snorkel—so you don’t have to rent gear at the last second. That’s a comfort factor. The gear being included also makes it easier to try snorkeling even if you’re not a regular underwater adventurer.

What I like about having the snorkeling equipment handled is that you can spend your thinking on the experience instead of logistics. You can keep it simple: get fitted, remember how to breathe in the snorkel, and focus on the water.

That said, snorkel time depends on the beach conditions and the timing at the stop. So bring a calm attitude. Use your included gear, then let the day set the pace. If the water’s good and visibility is decent, you’ll be glad you brought the right mindset.

About kayaks and paddle boards

Even though kayaking and paddle boarding are part of what you can do at Majahuitas, the equipment availability may not be what you expect. A past guest described an issue where single kayaks were what ended up being available rather than a 2-person option—and the timing didn’t allow them much flexibility once it was their turn.

So here’s my practical advice: if kayaking is important to you, go in ready to be flexible. Think “I hope to kayak” rather than “I will kayak exactly the way I pictured.”

Timing and Group Size: How This Feels in Real Life

A full day with a boat ride can be exhausting or it can be smooth, and the difference is usually timing. Here, you get a structured flow:

• Morning departure from Puerto Vallarta
• 4 hours at Yelapa
• 3 hours at Majahuitas
• Return to the meeting point at the end of the activity

With a maximum of 35 travelers, you’ll typically find the boat and stops feel organized rather than overcrowded. It also helps for moving between activities—especially at the beach, where you don’t want to wait forever just to get your bearings.

The meeting point details matter more than most people think. Since the start is 9:00am, arrive with a little buffer so you’re not stressed. The terminal can feel busy at peak times, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you’re already relaxed before boarding.

Price and Value: Is $120 Worth It?

At $120 per person, this tour sits in the “day trip that tries to include the fun stuff” category. Here’s why it can feel like solid value:

You’re not only paying for transportation. You’re also getting:

• Breakfast and lunch
• Snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel)
• Catamaran ride between the two beach areas
• Open bar on the boat
• Bilingual guide
• Travel insurance

Then there are the extras and add-ons that you’ll still want to plan for, like tips (not included) and the port tax (MX$30 per person).

If you were to price this yourself—boat transfer, a meal or two, rental gear, plus guide help—the included items start to make sense. The biggest “value test” for you is this: do you actually want to spend time in both Yelapa and Majahuitas with minimal hassle? If yes, then the package pricing is easier to justify.

If you’re mainly after one beach and you don’t care about snorkeling, open bar, or the structured day, you might find other options that match your style more closely.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

You’ll likely love this if you want:

• A full-day beach experience with two different vibes
• A boat ride out of Puerto Vallarta that feels like more than a simple transfer
• Included meals and a relaxed drink plan on the water
• The option to hike in Yelapa for viewpoints and art, then chill in Majahuitas

It can also work well for couples who want a simple itinerary without thinking too hard. And it suits people who want snorkeling gear handled for them.

You might want to skip or reconsider if:

• You’re counting on a specific type of kayak (especially a 2-person setup)
• You prefer fully self-directed time with no schedule at all
• You have mobility concerns and the idea of Yelapa’s town walk and staircases doesn’t sound comfortable

Practical Tips So Your Day Goes Smoothly

A good day trip is usually about prep, not perfection. Here are the things I’d do before you go:

• Bring sun protection and something to protect your eyes. You’ll be out in open sun for hours.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you plan to move around on the beach and walk in town.
• If you’re doing snorkeling, don’t rush. Get fitted, get comfortable, and go in calm.
• Plan your expectations around kayaking availability. Treat it as an option, not a guarantee.

And because the tour includes food and open bar, you can travel lighter—no need to pack meals. Still, bring a small stash of water or snacks if you’re the type who likes a backup, especially if you’re arriving hungry after an early start.

Should You Book This Yelapa and Majahuitas Catamaran Tour?

If you want a structured day that delivers two beach stops, included meals, snorkeling gear, and an open bar—this is a strong pick. The Yelapa-to-Majahuitas combo gives you both scenery and downtime, and the group size cap keeps it from feeling chaotic.

My main caution is simple: don’t let kayaking be the reason you book. Kayaks and paddle boards may be available, but the setup can be limited, and you don’t want your day to hinge on a specific kayak type.

If you’re flexible, love beaches, and want a hassle-free catamaran day from Puerto Vallarta, I’d say this one is worth booking.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour to Yelapa and Majahuitas?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours total.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00am.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $120.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

You get a bilingual guide, travel insurance, snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), breakfast and lunch, the catamaran ride to Yelapa and Majahuitas, and an open bar on the boat.

What is not included?

Tips are not included, and there is also a port tax of MX$30.00 per person. Drinks in the restaurant are not included either.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Terminal Maritima, on Blv. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour provides fins, a vest, and a snorkel.

Is kayaking available?

Kayaking is listed as an available activity at Majahuitas, but equipment availability may be limited.

Is this tour suitable for most people?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.

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