Two beaches and a waterfall in one day. You’ll tackle the Yelapa Waterfalls hike (or beach time if you want an easier rhythm), then head to Majahuitas Beach Club for snorkeling, kayaking, and a BBQ lunch with drinks. The one catch: the route includes sandy, uphill, uneven walking, so good shoes help a lot.

This is a full day on the water—about 7 hours—out of Puerto Vallarta. On a smooth day, the ride across Banderas Bay can feel like the warm-up act for the best parts of the day, including chances to see marine life.

Key highlights worth circling

• Yelapa Waterfalls in a real local village: a short hike that still feels like Mexico, not a theme park.
• Snorkel and kayak time with provided gear: you get the equipment, so you can just show up and swim.
• Majahuitas Beach Club BBQ with drinks: lunch is part of the package, not an awkward scramble.
• A crew that runs the show: from onboard entertainment to keeping activities moving.
• Weather-sensitive fun: seas and waterfall flow can affect docking, visibility, and what you actually see.

Getting there from Puerto Vallarta: the 8:00 AM start

The day begins at Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima Norte, Puerto Mágico (near the Zona Hotelera area). The departure time is 8:00 am, so if you’re staying in the city, plan for pickup time and don’t roll in at the last second.

One practical note: your ship-shaped schedule only works if you can find the meeting point fast. I’d arrive early, double-check directions, and have your ID ready for check-in. And yes, bring towels if you have room—some people are glad they did.

Also, the boat is set up for basic needs: toilets are located on the lower deck. If you hate standing around on watercraft, use that info to time your breaks.

Yelapa Waterfalls: hike, beach break, and why footwear matters

Yelapa is a remote fishing village about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. When the boat unloads you here, the vibe changes immediately: you’re in a place where the paths feel irregular and the ground isn’t designed for flip-flops.

You’ll have about 2 hours in Yelapa, and you get options:

• Hike toward the waterfall if you want the classic payoff.
• Or hang out on the beach if you’d rather save energy.

That hike is often described as not too long, but it’s not “easy-mode” either. Expect uneven surfaces and wet cobblestones in places. Even if you’re not a “trail person,” wear shoes with real grip. One fall story alone is enough to convince me.

When the waterfall isn’t flowing

Timing and rainfall affect the falls. In drier stretches, you might find the waterfall is more of a trickle than a roar. This doesn’t make the visit pointless—you still learn the village rhythm and get scenery—but it does change what you’re expecting to see at the top.

If your whole reason for booking is waterfall drama, I’d temper that expectation. You’re coming for Yelapa itself as much as the water feature.

The sea part: snorkel, kayak, and marine life in Banderas Bay

After Yelapa, the day keeps moving with time out on the water. You’ll cruise through Banderas Bay and also get a look at the Cola de Caballo waterfalls area from the sea. It’s one of those moments where the viewpoint sells the place.

Then comes the main active portion: snorkeling and kayaking with equipment provided. This is great for two reasons. First, you don’t have to buy gear. Second, the schedule usually gives you a real window to use it rather than doing a 10-minute demo.

What you can realistically expect to see

The marine life can be excellent—or merely OK—depending on water conditions. Some days are full of colorful fish; other days are murkier or less busy. Jellyfish can also be part of the picture at certain times of year, which is why having a crew that knows the water matters.

If you care about seeing sea life, treat snorkel time as an opportunity, not a guarantee. And do rinse-and-sit breaks between swims if you start getting tired. This is a day trip; you’re stacking activities, not planning a marathon.

Rough water is the wild card

The ocean can be rough. When that happens, docking can get delayed or even canceled in some cases, and snorkeling visibility can drop. This isn’t something anyone can fully control, but it’s the biggest reason to keep your attitude flexible. The upside? On calmer days, guests often describe the ride as smooth and enjoyable, with entertainment onboard.

Majahuitas Beach Club BBQ: what “a day in paradise” really means

Majahuitas Beach is where the day softens: palm trees, turquoise water, and a beach club setup designed for groups. You’ll get about 1 hour here—enough for lunch and water fun, but not enough to treat it like a two-day beach vacation.

Lunch is a BBQ at Majahuitas, and it’s included, along with drinks during the meal. Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are part of the experience here. Guests have also mentioned beer as part of the included drink options, but if alcohol is a big factor for you, I’d confirm what’s specifically included for your departure date.

Water activities you’ll likely get to try

This is one of the better “activity-to-time” stops because you can keep changing modes:

• Snorkeling (equipment provided)
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Plus beach fun like volleyball has come up in real-day experiences

Some people wish they had more time at Majahuitas after lunch, because beach activities and a final dip are the best payoff. That’s not a reason to skip the tour—just a heads-up that you should plan to choose your favorite thing and go for it while you have the window.

Also, at Yelapa there can be vendors selling items along the way. In Majahuitas, the beach club environment usually feels more controlled, but you may still see people offering stuff. If you dislike that kind of “constant sales,” you’ll probably prefer spending most of your time in the water.

The crew and the onboard vibe: why people remember this part

The strongest theme in the experience is the crew energy. It’s not just polite customer service. The team keeps the day flowing—moving you between stops, explaining what to do, and running activities so the group doesn’t stall.

Some named staff show up in guest notes, like Dani and Danny, and the general pattern is consistent: they make the day feel like an event, not a checklist. People talk about music, drinks on the boat, and even a closing performance that shows up at the end of the trip.

One more practical detail: during the day, you may feel like you’re “staying in motion” a bit. That’s not automatically bad—it usually keeps things on track—but if you want long, slow wandering, you might find the pacing a little intense.

Money matters: price, included food, and the extra fees at the port

The price is $99 per person, for a day around 7 hours with major pieces included. Here’s what you’re really buying:

Included

• BBQ lunch at Majahuitas with drinks
• Snorkeling and kayaking equipment
• Beverages onboard

You also get a light breakfast mentioned as part of the day’s food.

Not included (and easy to forget)

• Gratuity (optional)
• Horse rentals (extra)
• Drinks on the beach at Yelapa (extra)
• Port fees in cash: MX$40 per person
• An access fee: $20 per person paid at check-in

So for budgeting, don’t only look at the sticker price. The port and access fees are part of the real total you’ll hand over that day. I’d also bring cash for the MX$40 port fee since it’s stated as cash at the port.

If you want the best value from this trip, it helps to be someone who will actually use the activities (snorkel and kayak) and enjoy a structured day. If you only care about one small slice—like strictly the waterfall photo—then a different format might suit you better.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This tour fits best if you’re:

• Looking for a 1-day combo: Yelapa + waterfalls + beach club BBQ
• Comfortable with moderate movement (short hike, sandy uneven walking)
• Happy to spend time on the water and accept that ocean conditions vary
• The kind of person who likes a lively crew and an organized schedule

You should think twice if you:

• Have limited mobility. The village paths can be sandy, uphill, and irregular.
• Want a long, slow beach day. Majahuitas is about an hour, so it’s more “hit the water” than “spread out and chill for hours.”
• Get stressed by change if seas are rough. Weather can affect docking and snorkeling comfort.

One more filter: this isn’t for cruise ship passengers. If you’re arriving by cruise, you’ll need a different option.

Safety and rules that affect access

Mexico’s federal maritime ports have a strict No-Drug Policy, including electronic cigarettes, vapers, and all kinds of drugs. If security denies access, refunds or day changes aren’t offered. It’s not a guess—this is enforced.

Also, bring what you need for a water-and-walk day: swimwear, water-friendly shoes, and a towel. The day mixes boat time, walking, and time in the water.

Should you book the Yelapa Waterfalls and Majahuitas BBQ tour?

I’d book it if you want a single day that covers the best “outside Puerto Vallarta” flavor: a village visit in Yelapa, a real waterfall hike option, and a beach club finish with BBQ and water activities. The crew vibe is a major reason this works—people often come away talking about staff energy as much as the scenery.

I wouldn’t book it if your plan depends on perfect conditions: if you need the waterfall to be roaring, or you know you dislike boats in rough water. This is weather-sensitive, and the schedule assumes you’ll roll with whatever the day hands you.

If you go in with flexible expectations—bring good footwear, be ready for walking, and treat snorkeling as a bonus rather than a guarantee—you’ll get a fun, well-run day that feels like more than just a drive-by excursion.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa Waterfalls and Majahuitas tour?

It runs about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start and where do we meet?

It starts at 8:00 am at Vallarta Adventures, Terminal Marítima Norte in Puerto Mágico (Zona Hotelera Norte).

What’s included in the price?

You get a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and beverages onboard.

Are port fees and other fees included?

No. You’ll pay MX$40 per person in cash at the port, plus an additional $20 access fee per person at check-in.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring good footwear for sandy and uneven paths, plus a towel if you have one. You’ll also want swimwear for the beach and water activities.

Is this tour suitable for limited mobility?

It’s not recommended. The experience includes walking in sandy, uphill, and irregular terrain around a fishing village.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

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