Snorkeling here can be a mixed bag, but the day isn’t. This cruise pairs Majahuitas water-time with Yelapa beach and a waterfall walk, all wrapped in a full boat day with breakfast, lunch, and an onboard bar.

I especially like two things. First, you get multiple ways to enjoy the water: snorkeling plus kayaks and paddle boards, so even if visibility is off, you’re not stuck. Second, the food and drink plan is generous for the price, including a continental breakfast and a sit-down-style lunch at Vela Roja (with options like steak, fajitas, quesadilla, burgers, ceviche, and shrimp cocktail).

One drawback to plan around: snorkeling quality depends heavily on conditions. Several guests describe very murky water or gear that didn’t fit well, and the boat day can run long (so you’ll want to be ready for a full sun-and-sea schedule).

Key things I’d lock in before you go

• Water activities built in: snorkeling, kayak, and paddle board help you keep the fun going even when the ocean isn’t cooperating.
• Yelapa time is the payoff: you’re not only doing water sports; you also get a beach town feel and a waterfall walk.
• Food feels like a real meal: breakfast on board and lunch at Vela Roja, not just snacks.
• Bar is part of the deal: expect tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water, but timing can vary.
• Group size stays manageable: the max is 40 travelers, which helps with organization compared to bigger boats.

A Catamaran Day Between Yelapa and Majahuitas

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta outing that works because it’s simple: you meet in the Zona Hotelera area, ride out on a catamaran, and spend the day bouncing between beaches and water activities. On paper, it’s an 8-hour cruise, and in practice it feels like that full-day commitment.

The catamaran part matters. A wider, stable boat generally makes the experience easier for many people than a smaller skiff, and you’ll have plenty of space to move around during the day (top deck, open areas, and places to grab food and drinks). The experience also has an upper limit of 40 people, which keeps the vibe more like a day trip than a mass transit exercise.

That said, you should know that this is a shared group adventure. A few reviews flag that the start can feel slow or disorganized, and time can run loose depending on your day and connections in the area. If you’re the type who hates waiting, plan on going with the flow.

Morning Setup: Breakfast, the Open Bar, and Safety Gear

The tour opens with a continental breakfast served on the boat. You can expect bread, coffee, seasonal fruits, yogurt, and granola. It’s not a fancy brunch, but it’s a smart move before you’re in and out of the water.

Then there’s the bar plan: a national open bar on board with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, plus soft drinks, juice, and water. A couple guests noted the bar didn’t seem to start immediately, so if you’re coming with a strong “first drink right away” expectation, keep it flexible. In other words: it’s included, but it may not feel instant.

You’ll also have lifevests and snorkeling gear available. This is one of the quiet benefits of a cruise like this. You’re not scrambling at the dock for rentals, and you’re not trying to guess sizes in a hurry. Still, I recommend you check the fit as soon as you’re given gear, because even decent snorkeling equipment can feel wrong if it doesn’t sit right.

If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to prep. Some guests specifically advised taking meds if you need them, because it’s a full day on the water and you don’t want the whole outing to be a nausea contest.

Snorkeling Reality Check at Majahuitas (and How to Salvage the Day)

Here’s the honest part: snorkeling at Majahuitas can be hit-or-miss. On good days, you’ll see marine life and enjoy the experience. On other days, visibility can get very poor, with some people describing water clarity close to nothing and not much to see through goggles.

This isn’t just about luck. Conditions vary by time, weather, and sea activity, and the bay can get murky. Even with snorkeling equipment in hand, you’re still snorkeling in an ocean, not an aquarium.

So what do you do if the water is cloudy? You switch activities. The cruise includes kayaks and paddle boards, and that’s a lifesaver when the snorkeling doesn’t deliver. You can still get out on the water, enjoy the coastline, and keep your day from feeling like a “paying for disappointment” situation.

You should also be prepared for marine “surprises.” One review flagged a jellyfish sting while snorkeling, and the team responded and helped. That doesn’t mean you’ll get stung, but it does mean you should treat snorkeling carefully: don’t thrash around, watch where you place your hands, and if you see caution signs or warnings, listen.

Finally, equipment quality matters. Some guests reported older gear or goggles that didn’t work well for them. If your mask isn’t sealing properly or your snorkel fit is off, tell the crew early. The best time to fix gear is before you’re already floating out.

Yelapa Beach Time and the Waterfall Walk That Changes the Mood

If Majahuitas is the water test, Yelapa is the emotional win.

Yelapa is a beach town vibe with a different feel from the hotels of Puerto Vallarta. The beach area gets praise for its atmosphere, and the time on shore gives you a real break from boat life. Several guests also mentioned that Yelapa was beautiful, with a relaxed, laid-back feel once you’re off the water.

The cruise includes a waterfall walk. This is one of the best “value add” items on the schedule because it adds land time and a change of scenery. Instead of spending the whole day just swimming, you get a jungle-style walk to the falls and the chance to cool off afterward.

A few practical notes from the experience details and guest feedback:

• Yelapa day timing can be tight if you’re also doing the water activities, so don’t assume you’ll snorkel for hours and still linger comfortably at the falls.
• If you have mobility concerns, this part can be more challenging. Some guests said reaching the beach required transfers and the route back involved getting on/off smaller boats, so it’s worth thinking about your comfort level with stairs, uneven surfaces, and extra steps.

There’s also a small caution about cost transparency. One review reported being asked to pay for transportation to the waterfalls that wasn’t clearly listed. That doesn’t appear in the official inclusions you’re given, so if waterfall transport could be required on your exact day, it’s smart to ask at the start what’s covered and what isn’t.

Lunch at Vela Roja: The Meal Part People Actually Remember

One reason this cruise holds up is lunch isn’t treated like an afterthought. You get lunch at the Vela Roja a la Carte Restaurant, and the menu reads like a mix of seafood and meat options: fish steak, beef fajitas or chicken, quesadilla with shrimp (or natural), beef burger or shrimp, plus fish ceviche and shrimp cocktail.

Food like this matters because you’re out in the sun all day. A deli-style lunch on a fast-moving excursion can feel sad. Here, you’ve got enough variety that most people can find something that works for them.

There’s also breakfast on board and included soft drinks. Even with that, I’d still suggest bringing your own water plan mentality. The itinerary includes water and juice, but you’ll sweat more than you expect on a full-day boat outing.

If you’re traveling with seafood allergies or strict diets, you should ask before committing. The menu explicitly includes shrimp and ceviche, and meat options are also on the list, so choices are there, but ingredient questions are always smart.

Crew Energy, Entertainment, and a Note on Loud Music

The crew can make or break a day like this, and the experience is noticeably crew-driven. Many guests praised staff who were friendly, attentive, and focused on keeping people safe and fed. Names that came up include Alex, Diego, Jorge, Francisco, and Jonathan (also called Johnny Cash). That doesn’t guarantee who you’ll get, but it does tell you the staffing tends to be lively and engaged.

Entertainment is also part of the package. There’s music for dancing on board, plus general onboard games and a fun return trip vibe. Just know there’s a chance the music is loud. At least one guest complained they couldn’t talk due to speaker volume, especially on the top deck.

So here’s the practical move: if you want conversation time, pick your spot wisely. If noise bothers you, bring earplugs. It’s a small thing that can turn the experience from tolerable to comfortable.

Time on the Water: Expect a Full Day (and Plan Your Comfort)

This trip is sold as an 8-hour cruise, but the time can feel longer in the real world. Some guests noted the schedule can be loose, and if you’re combining with cruise-ship timing, departure and return may not be perfectly crisp.

The boat ride itself gets described as fun and entertaining, but there’s also mention that the ride can be slow. That’s not necessarily bad. A slow boat day means more time to enjoy the bar, the food rhythm, and the onboard games, but it also means you’re exposed to sun longer.

Seasickness prep matters here. More than one guest recommended taking medication if you’re sensitive. If you’ve ever had motion sickness on boats, treat this as a “don’t gamble” day.

You’ll also want to bring practical items you can’t rely on being provided:

• Water and sunscreen habits (even with water included)
• A cover-up for shade when you’re not in the water
• A small dry bag for phones and wallets
• Seasickness meds if you use them

Also, expect that you’ll be in and out of the water and onto land. That’s wet, sandy, and sun-heavy travel. Plan your clothing accordingly.

Price and Value in Puerto Vallarta: What $87 Gets You

At about $87.04 per person, this is positioned as an all-in day. The value comes from stacking multiple inclusions:

• Catamaran maritime transportation
• Continental breakfast on board
• A national open bar (tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, water)
• Lunch at Vela Roja with multiple meal types
• Snorkeling equipment, plus lifevests
• Kayaks and paddle boards
• Onboard insurance
• A waterfall walk and time at Yelapa beach

But here’s the part to calculate carefully: the tour notes an extra pier and reef tax of MX$32.00 per person. That’s not huge, but it is a real cost you should budget.

Also, the snorkeling may not match your expectations every day. When visibility is poor, you can still have fun with paddling and beach time. If your main goal is clear reef snorkeling with fish at every stop, you might walk away disappointed on a bad-water day.

So the price is fair if you see the outing as a “Yelapa + water activities + food and drinks” day, not just a single snorkeling mission.

Should You Book This Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise?

You should book if:

• You want one ticket that covers a full day with breakfast, lunch, and an onboard bar.
• You’re happy to switch gears. Snorkeling is included, but kayaks and paddle boards mean you’re not stuck.
• Yelapa beach and the waterfall walk are the main reasons you’re going, and you’d enjoy the day even if the water is murky.

You might skip (or rethink) if:

• You need crystal-clear snorkeling to be worth it.
• Loud music or long days on the water bother you.
• You have mobility limits. Some routes involve transfers and getting on/off different boats.

If you’re deciding last-minute, here’s my simple rule: go for the full experience, not just the snorkeling. When you do that, this cruise can feel like a solid Puerto Vallarta day out.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 9:15 am. You’ll meet at Puerto MagicoBlvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as about 8 hours.

Is the tour in English?

The listing says it’s offered in English, and guides provide Spanish/English.

What’s included for snorkeling and water activities?

You get snorkeling equipment, plus a lifevest. The tour also includes kayak and paddle board time.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have a continental breakfast on board. Lunch is provided at Vela Roja a la Carte Restaurant with multiple options (including fish, fajitas/chicken, quesadilla, burgers, ceviche, and shrimp cocktail). The tour also includes a national open bar (tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water).

Is there an extra tax at the destination?

Yes. The tour notes a pier and reef tax of MX$32.00 per person.

What’s not included?

It doesn’t include ground transportation, and it does not include the pier/reef tax mentioned above.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it’s also weather dependent.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility issues?

The tour says most travelers can participate, but some feedback points out that reaching the beach can require transfers to smaller boats and involves extra steps getting back onboard. If mobility is a concern, it’s smart to consider that before booking.

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