Two coves, one full day at sea. The big win here is Majahuitas snorkeling in calm, protected water plus onboard entertainment on the return ride. I also like how this tour mixes active time with real downtime on two beaches. The one downside to plan for is a fast, packed schedule, so you may not get long stretches to wander at either stop.

You’ll cruise past the coast with a real chance of dolphins, and if you’re there in the right season you might even spot humpback whales. I like that the day is built around places you reach by boat only, so you feel like you’re escaping the main tourist strip rather than bouncing between crowded landmarks.

If you want a mix of nature, beach time, and a fun crew (not just a quiet sightseeing ride), this is a strong pick. Just be ready for walking and water conditions that can change fast—Majahuitas and Yelapa both react to the day’s weather.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Majahuitas Cove by boat only: less hustle, more marine life, and a proper setup for snorkeling and water fun
• Yelapa’s Cola de Caballo waterfall walk: a short trip from beach life to a refreshing cascade
• Dolphins and possible winter whales: your route runs through waters where wildlife sightings are common
• Onboard open bar and music: dancing and a show on the way back, not just a return transfer
• Lunch included: deli-style lunch that keeps the day moving without dragging you off the boat

Why this 7-hour catamaran day feels like more than a “tour”

This is the kind of day that works because it’s structured like an ocean outing, not a checklist bus ride. You start at Puerto Vallarta, hop on a catamaran, and spend the middle of the day at two places that feel very different: one is beachy and quiet, the other has that off-the-grid village vibe.

I like that the pacing forces variety. You get a water stop at Majahuitas with snorkeling time and extra beach/water freedom afterward. Then you shift gears to Yelapa, where the main attraction is the village feel and the Cola de Caballo waterfall area. The return ride keeps energy high with an open bar, music, and dancing.

That said, time is the trade-off. This is not a slow travel day where you wander for hours. If you’re the type who wants to sink into one place, you’ll feel the squeeze.

Majahuitas Cove: snorkel in protected water, then own your free time

Majahuitas is the first real “wow” moment because it’s a sea-only-access cove. That matters. When a beach is only reachable by boat, it naturally limits the crowds and keeps the cove calmer for the water life you came for.

At this stop, you’ll get snorkeling and kayaking equipment provided by the crew. The snorkeling window is fairly short, so you’ll want to treat it like a focused swim: get your gear sorted quickly, take a couple of steady passes to look around, and don’t spend the whole time troubleshooting your mask.

Even if you’re not a die-hard snorkeler, this stop is still a win. You get a stretch of lounge and free time, which is where most people slow down. The cove has enough charm that you don’t need to be constantly in motion, and it’s designed to feel like a protected escape from the nearby Puerto Vallarta bustle.

A practical note from experience learned the hard way by other passengers: water visibility isn’t guaranteed every day. On some days, jellyfish issues and reduced sightlines can happen. If you’re sensitive to stings, or you hate the idea of scrambling around in open water, keep that in mind.

Yelapa and the Cola de Caballo waterfall: tiny village energy without roads

Then you move to Yelapa, and the vibe shifts fast. Yelapa is described as a tiny community with no roads, surrounded by dramatic natural scenery. That’s part of the charm: you’re not just looking at nature, you’re moving through a place shaped by nature.

You’ll spend about 80 minutes with a guided visit, then have time to explore the village and beach area. The main nature attraction here is the Cola de Caballo waterfalls. This is not a flat, stroller-friendly walk. Some people find the trek to be treacherous at times, and more than one passenger described legs that were sore afterward.

Two other details to keep your expectations realistic:

• If it hasn’t rained much, the waterfall may not be running at full power. One passenger specifically mentioned there was no water falling when they went, yet it still felt worth doing.
• The best plan is to treat the waterfall walk as part nature, part adventure. Go with the mindset that you’re getting a refreshing, scenic reward even if the flow is lighter than you pictured.

What I like about Yelapa is the mix of scenery and human scale. You’ll pass through the fishing village feel, and there’s also time to browse native artisan handicrafts. The beach itself is set in a natural cove, and the view of the green mountains around it is the kind of Puerto Vallarta scenery that looks better in person than it does on a postcard.

The onboard experience: music, dancing, and a show that actually lands

The boat ride back is where this tour punches above its weight. The plan includes an open bar on board, and the crew turns the return trip into an onboard party with music and dancing.

People repeatedly mention how involved the crew is—like they’re not just doing a job, they’re trying to keep the whole group engaged. One of the most memorable parts is the show on the way back, which can feel like the perfect payoff after a day that includes both walking and water time.

I also pay attention to crew energy because it changes the whole day. A few names came up consistently in passenger accounts, including Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey (and the crew overall). If you get any of those guides, you can reasonably expect a friendly, high-attention experience.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this part matters. It gives everyone something fun to hold onto during the longer boat stretches. If you’re traveling as a couple and want romance, it still works—just be sure you’re okay with a louder, more social vibe on the water.

Itinerary breakdown you can plan around (and where it may feel rushed)

Here’s how the day typically plays in real time, and what each segment means for your comfort.

Pickup and cruise out

You’ll be picked up at one of two Vallarta Adventures check-in locations: Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta (Puerto Magico area). From there, you head out on the catamaran. The sea portion to reach the coves is about 1.5 hours.

This is enough time to get oriented, use the facilities, and get comfortable with the day’s energy. The boat ride is also where you may spot wildlife like dolphins, and in the right season, humpback whales.

Majahuitas Cove: snorkeling first, then beach time

Next comes Majahuitas. You’ll have about 25 minutes of snorkeling time. Then you shift into a longer window—around 2 hours 40 minutes—where you can relax, enjoy the beach, and take advantage of water options depending on what’s running that day.

This is one of the best sections for people who hate being rushed. The day gives you a chance to stop “performing” and just enjoy the cove.

Possible drawback: if snorkeling doesn’t feel great due to water conditions, you might wish you’d had a longer chunk. It’s a short window, so you’ll want to be ready to make the most of it quickly.

Yelapa: guide time, then waterfall and village exploration

After Majahuitas, you head to Yelapa, where you get a guided portion (about 80 minutes). Expect village atmosphere and a walk toward the waterfall area.

This is the part that can feel the most “adventure-y.” Comfortable shoes help, and you should plan for a physically active moment even if you’re not hiking all day. Some people describe the trail as difficult, and at least one passenger flagged it as treacherous.

Also, Yelapa is small. When a lot of boats arrive around the same time, it can feel like a queue. I can’t fix that from the comfort of my hotel, but I can tell you: the village experience is real, just understand it may be temporarily busy.

Return: open bar + onboard party

On the way back to Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have another boat stretch of about 1.5 hours. This is when the crew music, dancing, and show take over again.

And yes, people mention pictures. If you like having memories, watch for photo opportunities near the end of the ride. Some passengers felt photo packages were pricey, but the photos themselves were described as good quality.

Price and extra cash: what $99 turns into on the day

The listed price is $99 per person for a full 7-hour day with two coves, lunch, an open bar, plus snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

But you should budget for the extra fees that are not included:

• A MXN $40 port fee paid in cash before boarding
• An access fee of USD $20 per person paid in cash at check-in

So the real value isn’t just the $99 ticket. The value comes from bundling a lot of day costs together: your transport by catamaran, meals, drinks, and the gear.

Is it worth it? For many people, yes—especially if you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat day, snorkeling gear rental, and a guided waterfall/lower-cove plan. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants zero extra charges, you might feel the add-ons.

Smart packing and small gotchas that matter

You only have to bring an ID card or passport. But bring a bit more so you don’t end up improvising.

Practical items that help:

• A towel (more than one passenger specifically recommended this)
• Footwear you don’t mind getting sandy for the village and waterfall walk
• If you’re okay with flip-flops, at least treat them as beach wear, not trail wear (the walk can be rough)

A few “day-of” considerations:

• Water conditions change. If visibility is poor, snorkeling can feel different than you expected.
• Jellyfish can be an issue. One passenger reported jellyfish stings and that visibility was very limited on their snorkeling day. You can’t control that, but you can decide how much risk you want.
• It’s a larger group. One review mentioned the boat felt like 100+ people. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it can feel busy when boarding and moving between stops.

Also, check in early. People noted that navigating the port can be tricky, and arriving before about 8:00 am helps you avoid stress.

Who this suits best (and who should rethink it)

This tour is a good match if you want a day that mixes water time, scenery, and fun crew energy. It’s also family-friendly in the sense that the onboard party keeps younger passengers entertained while adults enjoy the coves.

You might especially like it if:

• You want Majahuitas access by boat rather than a road-to-beach plan
• You’re curious about Yelapa’s off-road village feel and the waterfall walk
• You enjoy social tours where the crew is actively part of the experience

You should reconsider if:

• You have mobility impairments (this tour is not suitable for that)
• You strongly prefer long, slow exploration over a packed schedule
• You’re sensitive to stings or uncomfortable with the possibility of jellyfish during snorkeling

Should you book it?

I’d book this if your idea of a great day in Puerto Vallarta is: boat ride, two very different coves, one short snorkeling push, and a waterfall walk that adds real reward if your legs hold up. The combo of lunch + open bar + crew entertainment makes the day feel like a full package rather than a series of rushed stops.

I wouldn’t book it if you want quiet and uncrowded time at Yelapa, or if you’re counting on the waterfall to be running at peak power every single day. The route and nature are the stars here, and nature doesn’t follow a schedule.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure?

It runs about 7 hours.

Where are the pickup locations?

Pickup is included from one of two Vallarta Adventures check-in spots: Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta (Puerto Magico) and another Vallarta Adventures location in Nuevo Vallarta.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes deli-style lunch, an open bar on board, and snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

What extra fees should I pay in cash?

You must pay a MXN $40 port fee in cash before boarding, and there is a USD $20 access fee per person paid in cash at check-in.

Is snorkeling included, and how much time do you get?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, with about 25 minutes at Playa Majahuitas.

Will I see dolphins or whales?

You might see dolphins, and humpback whale sightings are common in winter. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the route is designed for that kind of chance.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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