REVIEW · PUERTO VALLARTA
Yelapa: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar
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A waterfall hike starts on a boat. This Yelapa catamaran cruise pairs snorkeling stops with a guided day in town and a proper nature break. You also get an open bar and meals on board, so you’re not stuck figuring out logistics while you’re out on the water.
Two things I really like: the snorkeling locations around Yelapa (Mahahuitas, Colimilla, or Los Arcos), and the hike to the waterfall after you explore Yelapa’s beach and streets. One catch: the day’s flow can feel inconsistent, with late departures and mostly Spanish announcements—so if you need clear English instructions, plan to ask early and pay attention to on-boat sign-ups.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- From Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa: what the day actually feels like
- Snorkeling stops near Yelapa: the part that usually wins people over
- Yelapa town walk: more than a beach break
- The waterfall hike (and the river crossing you should plan for)
- On-board lunch and open bar: convenience, not fine dining
- Safety gear, helmet, and a map: useful when the day gets active
- Timing and communication: the part you should manage with your brain switched on
- Fun on the return to Puerto Vallarta
- What this tour is best for (and who might want a different day)
- Price and value: is $84 per person a fair deal?
- Should you book this Yelapa catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Yelapa catamaran cruise?
- Is lunch and an open bar included?
- What should I bring or do to be comfortable?
- Do I need to pay anything extra?
- What activities are included during the day?
- Does the tour offer English and Spanish?
Key points to know before you go
- Snorkel-ready stops near Yelapa like Mahahuitas, Colimilla, or Los Arcos
- Guided Yelapa + waterfall hike, including a river crossing where water can reach about 3 feet in spots
- All-day comfort gear, with life jacket/vest, equipment, and even a helmet plus a map for safety
- Food, drinks, and open bar on board (quality can be hit-or-miss, but the day stays convenient)
- Language is mixed, even though guides are listed as English and Spanish
From Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa: what the day actually feels like
This is a full 7-hour outing that’s designed to move you from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa without you having to plan the transport. You start with a scenic bay cruise, then the day pivots to water time (snorkeling and activities), and finally shifts back to shore for a guided town visit and a waterfall hike.
If you want a day that feels half adventure, half “let the guide handle it,” this fits. The schedule is built so you’re kept busy: sailing, stopping, eating, then hiking. It’s not a slow, lounge-by-the-pier kind of trip.
One practical note: check in early at the meeting point. Your guide meets you at the ground floor, left-hand side inside Vallarta by Boat, and you’ll need to give your name. Also, one experience included a later-than-expected departure, so I’d rather show up with extra patience than rush and miss details.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
Snorkeling stops near Yelapa: the part that usually wins people over
The heart of this tour is water time. You’ll make stops in areas such as Mahahuitas, Colimilla, or Los Arcos, with snorkeling and related water activities. The guides run the show, and the equipment is included, along with the safety basics like a life jacket/vest.
In my mind, this is the best value part of the day because snorkeling is hard to organize well on your own if you don’t have a boat plan. Here, you get the location options and the guided support in one package. And the water can be warm, which makes a big difference when you’re in and out.
That said, don’t wait until the last minute to join the included activities. On one trip, guests had to sign up on the boat, and by the time they received the explanation it was too late for them. So I recommend you:
- listen for the activity instructions right away
- ask for the English recap if you prefer that
- confirm how sign-up works before you assume you’re automatically in
Yelapa town walk: more than a beach break
After the water stops, you transition to Yelapa itself. You get a guided tour through the charming streets, time at the picturesque beach, and then you’ll head into the hike portion of the day.
Yelapa has that “pause the pace” feel. You’re trading open water for local scenery and walking routes that make sense only when someone guides you. If you’re the type who likes to understand where you are instead of just taking photos, this town segment is the glue that connects the whole day.
You should still expect some walking. This is an active day: boat, sun, water, then a hike. Wear comfortable beach clothes, and consider shoes you don’t mind getting wet if you’re heading for waterfall terrain.
The waterfall hike (and the river crossing you should plan for)
The waterfall visit is one of the most memorable parts of the itinerary. You don’t just see a waterfall from a viewpoint; you hike to it, guided the whole way. There’s also a river crossing involved, and in one account the water was about 3 feet high in spots.
That detail matters because it changes what you need to feel comfortable. I’d treat this like a wet hiking scenario, not a casual stroll. Bring or wear something you can handle if your feet get soaked, and keep your phone protected. You’ll also want sun protection—this hike happens in open air.
If you’re prone to slipping, be extra mindful on the crossing. The tour provides safety items and guidance overall, but you’re still the one controlling your footing.
On-board lunch and open bar: convenience, not fine dining
This is an included food-and-drink day. You’ll have lunch on board and an open bar during the tour. That’s a big deal for value because it reduces the number of decisions you’d otherwise make during a day trip.
Here’s the realistic expectation: food quality can be okay and satisfying, but it may not be restaurant-level. One guest described breakfast as nice and lunch as okay, while another felt lunch wasn’t good and was served later for some groups. So I’d go in hungry and flexible, not expecting gourmet.
Open bar means you can relax a bit and stay in vacation mode. Just keep in mind that at least one person reported water was extra. That doesn’t mean it will be the case for everyone, but it’s wise to have some cash on hand for whatever isn’t included in your drink reality.
Also, if you’re traveling with kids, take note: at least one review said it wasn’t kid friendly. I wouldn’t assume it’s a bad choice, but I’d treat this as more of an active adult day unless your kids are comfortable with boating, sun, and a waterfall hike.
Safety gear, helmet, and a map: useful when the day gets active
The tour includes safety equipment, including a life jacket/vest, plus gear for safety and orientation like a helmet and a map. That’s a nice touch because it’s not just about getting you out on the water—it’s about keeping you oriented and protected.
In practical terms, life jackets and vests are your non-negotiables. Use them correctly. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, gear is there for a reason on moving boats and near active water.
The helmet and map matter most during the parts of the day where you’re moving around—especially on land when you’re hiking. I like that the tour takes safety seriously enough to provide more than just a quick verbal reminder.
Timing and communication: the part you should manage with your brain switched on
This experience is listed as English/Spanish with a live tour guide, but the actual experience can depend on the day and how instructions are delivered. One guest described instructions as heavily Spanish with minimal English, which can be frustrating if you rely on English for safety details and activity sign-up.
Here’s what I do when I’m in that situation: I ask questions early, then repeat back what I think the plan is. It’s okay to be direct. If you need English for the snorkeling sign-up or for the hike steps, ask before you’re committed.
Also, watch the timing. One trip didn’t depart until 10:30 even though it was expected earlier. That doesn’t mean your day will be late, but it’s a strong reminder to build in buffer time before you have other plans that day.
Fun on the return to Puerto Vallarta
On the way back, the tour includes fun shows and contests. This can be a lighthearted way to keep energy up after snorkeling and hiking. It also helps turn the return ride into part of the experience, not just the commute home.
One bonus that popped up in a review: a couple of whales were seen from the boat. I can’t promise wildlife every trip, but it’s a good reason to stay on deck and look around during the cruise when you’re not focused on swimming.
What this tour is best for (and who might want a different day)
I think this tour is a strong match for you if you want:
- a one-day plan that mixes sea time and land time
- snorkeling stops where guides handle the where-and-when
- a guided day in Yelapa with a waterfall hike included
- open bar convenience so you’re not constantly buying drinks
You might consider a different option if:
- you need consistently clear English narration for every step
- you’re very time-sensitive for the day (possible departure delays happen)
- you’re traveling with kids who struggle with active boating and a hike
- you’re picky about lunch quality and need a guaranteed meal style
Price and value: is $84 per person a fair deal?
At $84 per person for 7 hours, this tour lands in the “good value if you’ll use what’s included” category. Here’s why: food is included, drinks are included via an open bar, and safety gear and snorkeling equipment are part of the package. You also get guided town time and the waterfall hike without having to hire separate transport.
The extra item to plan for is the port tax of 34 pesos, which isn’t included. Factor that into your budget and bring cash.
So the real question isn’t just price. It’s whether you’ll actually take advantage of the snorkeling and the waterfall hike. If you show up, sign up for activities on board, and use the included gear, this price can feel fair. If you miss the activity sign-up or you end up disappointed with the lunch, the value can feel worse.
Should you book this Yelapa catamaran cruise?
If you want a guided, active day that delivers snorkeling and a real waterfall hike—plus the convenience of meals and an open bar—this is worth serious consideration. The snorkeling locations around Yelapa and the waterfall hike are the standout elements, and the safety gear and map help make the day feel more structured than a casual boat outing.
My decision tip: book it if you’re comfortable with an active itinerary and you’re okay adapting to Spanish-first instructions when needed. Skip or choose something else if you strongly require all-day English communication or you can’t handle schedule hiccups.
If you do go, show up early, protect your phone, bring sunscreen, and keep a close ear out for the on-boat sign-up for included activities.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Yelapa catamaran cruise?
The tour lasts 7 hours. Check availability to see the starting times.
Is lunch and an open bar included?
Yes. Food and drinks are included, and there is an open bar throughout the tour.
What should I bring or do to be comfortable?
Wear comfortable beach clothes and bring sun blocker. It also helps to bring cash and use a cell phone case. If you get sea sick, the tour suggests buying a tablet for dizziness.
Do I need to pay anything extra?
Yes. The port tax is 34 pesos and it is not included.
What activities are included during the day?
You’ll get snorkeling and water activities, a guided tour through Yelapa, and a visit to the waterfall. The return trip also includes fun shows and contests.
Does the tour offer English and Spanish?
Yes. The live tour guide is listed as English and Spanish.
