Snorkel, Yelapa, then open-bar sailing. This catamaran tour strings together Majahuitas snorkeling, a beach-and-waterfall stop in Yelapa, and open bar fun on the ride back from Puerto Vallarta.

I like that breakfast and lunch are actually part of the price, with set options you can plan around. I also like the all-day feel: water time in the morning, town time in the afternoon, and an energetic return onboard.

The main thing to consider is the physical logistics: you’ll transfer by smaller boats and the Yelapa beach landing can be tricky if you have mobility limits.

Key things to know before you go

• Majahuitas snorkeling is time-limited to about 45 minutes, but it’s the main underwater highlight.
• You choose one water activity session in practice, even though multiple options are listed (snorkeling, kayak, paddleboard, inflatables).
• Yelapa is built around a waterfall plan with optional walking, horse, or ATV, but water levels and access can vary day to day.
• Breakfast and lunch menus are fixed (not vague buffet wording), which helps if you’re picky about food.
• Open bar and onboard games start after you’re done on land, so expect a party vibe on the return.
• Tender-boat transfers matter—some landings involve jumping in/out and can feel rough in surf.

Majahuitas and Yelapa: what this tour really delivers

This is a full-day catamaran outing that focuses on two different moods in one day. First you get the water: a stop at Majahuitas for snorkeling in Banderas Bay. Then you switch to land time at Yelapa, where the day centers on beach relaxation plus optional adventure up toward the Horsetail waterfall area.

If you want a calm, no-moving-around cruise day, this isn’t that. If you want a packed itinerary with a mix of sea time, food, and an active afternoon, this one makes sense. The tour also aims for variety: breakfast and lunch on schedule, snorkeling and water activities, and an onboard party finish on the way back.

The pricing also works in your favor if you’ll use the included items: you’re getting meals, snorkeling gear, and an open bar. If you mostly want a short beach day and nothing else, you’ll feel the “why so much time traveling?” part more.

Price and value: how $94.45 adds up (and where it doesn’t)

At $94.45 per person, this lands in the midrange for Puerto Vallarta catamaran tours. The value angle is simple: breakfast is included, lunch at Yelapa is included, and alcoholic drinks are included during the onboard portion.

Here’s what’s built in:

• Breakfast with 2 choices, plus juice
• Beach lunch at Yelapa with multiple lunch options
• Alcoholic drinks like beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey (served on the boat portion)
• Snorkeling equipment and a slate of water activities

What isn’t included:

• Port tax of MX$33.00 per person (Puerto Magico)
• Any extra beach activities or upgrades

So the math mostly depends on how hungry you are and whether you’ll actually do the water activities. Also, be aware that several descriptions and experiences emphasize that the water activity time can feel short. One of the best ways to “win” this tour is having a flexible attitude: pick the activity you care about most and accept that the schedule is moving.

Starting at Puerto Mágico: check-in, boarding, and timing reality

The tour departs from Puerto Mágico (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.). Your check-in is 9:10 am, with a stated departure time of 10:00 am.

On the itinerary, you board and get underway, with an early stop to register and go through security. That’s normal for busy marinas, but I recommend you show up early because delays at the port can happen during peak periods. In the real world, you may not sail at exactly the time you expect, and you’ll feel it because the itinerary is built around timed stops.

For the day, plan on roughly 7–8 hours, and treat the return time as “sometime in the evening,” not a strict clock moment. The best part of that is you get a long day of included food and drinks; the downside is you should mentally budget for some waiting.

Stop 1: Puerto Mágico to Majahuitas for snorkeling

After boarding, you head out toward Majahuitas. The first big underwater moment is about 45 minutes in the water.

This stop is designed for a classic snorkeling scenario: jump in, float around, and look for the colorful tropical fish and coral areas. A sea turtle sighting is possible here, but don’t treat that as guaranteed. The point is that Majahuitas is the portion of the day where the underwater viewing is most likely to feel “worth getting wet for.”

A practical note: make sure your snorkel setup is comfortable before you get in. Snorkeling equipment is included, but you should also know that fins/flippers may not be provided. If you rely on fins to feel stable, bring your own if you can.

Majahuitas snorkeling: what you should expect in the water

The snorkeling window is short, so you’ll want to make it count. Here’s how to do that without stressing:

• If you’re a confident swimmer, you can spend your time scanning rather than constantly adjusting your gear.
• If you’re less confident, stay closer to where the crew expects you, and use the lifeline time to get comfortable.

One issue that came up for some people is that safety gear and snorkeling comfort weren’t perfect on every boat moment (life jackets without proper clips, goggles fogging). If something feels off, speak up right away so the crew can help. That’s the difference between a good snorkel experience and one that feels annoying.

Also, the tour is not built like a relaxed “float forever” snorkeling excursion. You’re there, you swim, you exit, and then the day moves on.

Stop 2: Yelapa beach time, waterfall hike, and optional horse or ATV

Then comes the heart of the afternoon: Yelapa. You get about 3.5 hours there, which is enough time to do at least one “main” activity and still have a block of beach time afterward.

Getting to the shore involves a boat transfer from the catamaran. Once you land, you go to a restaurant area to drop belongings and get organized. From there, you can:

• Walk to the Horsetail waterfall area
• Rent a horse (extra cost)
• Rent an ATV (extra cost)
• Skip the waterfall and just spend more time on the beach

The waterfall hike can be steep and rocky. This is where good shoes matter. Bring footwear with traction; sandals alone can feel sketchy on uneven stones. If you’re walking, expect inclines.

The waterfall may not be what you picture

Here’s the honest consideration: some people reported the waterfall wasn’t visible or had very limited water during their visit. That doesn’t mean Yelapa is “wrong,” but it does mean your “pay extra for the uphill ride” decision is dependent on conditions.

If you’re the type who really wants waterfall photos, consider what you’ll do if the flow is weak. The plan still gives you a backup: more beach time and the option to relax, swim, and eat lunch.

ATV and horse costs

ATV and horse rentals are mentioned as extra-cost options. One review cited 550 pesos for ATV or horse. That’s useful as a planning number, but treat it as “what you may be asked,” not a universal rate.

Return to the catamaran: open bar, games, and loud music risk

After Yelapa, it’s back to sea. The return time is about 2 hours on the water, and this is where the tour turns social.

You’ll line up to take the smaller transfer boat back to the catamaran, then the party continues onboard with:

• Open bar
• Games and contests
• Music (and yes, volume can be a factor)

A few people loved the lively atmosphere and drinks. Others felt the music was uncomfortably loud. If you’re sensitive to sound, consider bringing earplugs. It’s a small item that can make the last hour of the day much more enjoyable.

Also, keep motion in mind. If you’re prone to seasickness, you can feel the ride more on a smaller boat during transfers and on parts of the sailing. If you know your body, bring your usual prevention.

Breakfast and lunch: included meals with real choices

This is one of the easiest value wins on the tour because the meals aren’t just “some snacks.” Breakfast has two options:

• Yogurt with fruit and pancakes
• Chilaquiles with egg

Lunch on the beach has five options:

• Shrimp cocktail
• Chicken fajitas
• Beef fajitas
• Fish fillet
• Hamburger
• Cheese quesadillas (listed as an option as well)

In practice, the food can be a highlight when it’s served well. One person described the scrambled eggs breakfast as cold and not great, so there can be quality variability depending on timing and how it’s handled. Still, you’re not arriving hungry and hoping for the best—food is part of the structure.

Juice comes with breakfast, and water is available onboard in the basic sense (restrooms are onboard too). Just remember: drinks on the boat are included, but any extra restaurant drinks and extra food aren’t.

Transportation reality: tender boats, jumping, and mobility limits

This is the part that can make or break the day, especially for older people or anyone with mobility issues.

On the landings, there may be no easy dock ramps. Transfers involve getting into smaller boats, and then getting out onto the shore. One description called out the need to jump into the transfer boat, and another mentioned the beach landing can be difficult when waves are pushing against the boat.

What you should do with this info:

• If you have mobility limits, take it seriously and plan for uneven steps and potentially rough transfer moments.
• If you’re traveling with older family members, arrive with patience and be ready for extra time and help.
• If you’re a younger traveler or stable on your feet, this is usually manageable with crew assistance, but it’s still not a “sit and glide” situation.

It’s also fair to say: the tour is doing a lot of choreography in a small timeframe. That’s great for a lively day, but it’s not built for slow-moving accessibility needs.

Guides and onboard vibe: supportive crews, lively energy

The crew experience is one of the most consistently positive pieces of feedback, and it matters because this tour is logistically busy. You might see guides like Brown Sugar mentioned as a wonderful host, and another guide named Alberto was called out as great.

What does that mean for you? It usually translates to:

• Clear calls for when to return
• Help when boarding and exiting smaller boats
• A fun party tone when you’re back onboard

But that lively tone can come with loud music. You can enjoy the energy and still protect your comfort. If you go in expecting a party vibe, you’ll likely have a better time than if you expected a quiet catamaran cruise.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you:

• Want both snorkeling and Yelapa beach time
• Are okay with a schedule that moves (not a laid-back all-day beach lounge)
• Like an open bar finish with games and contests
• Can walk on uneven ground if you choose the waterfall route

I’d be cautious if you:

• Need an easy, step-free way to get on and off boats
• Want a guaranteed waterfall experience
• Are traveling with very young kids and prefer gentler logistics (one experience specifically said it wasn’t good for young children)
• Strongly dislike loud onboard music

If you’re somewhere in the middle, you can still plan smart: choose the option that matches your energy level at Yelapa. Walking the waterfall route is optional; you don’t have to force it.

Practical tips that make this day smoother

A few choices can turn this into a win:

• Wear grippy shoes for the waterfall area hike. Stones are part of the route.
• Bring earplugs if you know music volume bothers you.
• If you get seasick, plan ahead since motion can be felt more during transfers.
• Expect to do one main water activity session even though multiple are listed.
• Bring a little cash for extras. Port tax is extra, and ATV/horse are add-ons.
• If you’re on a cruise ship, understand that port schedules can shift your arrival. That can affect how much of the day you catch.

Also, consider arriving early for check-in. It can reduce the stress of lines and getting organized fast.

Should you book the Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling and Open Bar?

Book it if you want a big, social day in Puerto Vallarta that combines snorkeling at Majahuitas, a meaningful chunk of time in Yelapa, and a payoff onboard with open bar. The included breakfast and beach lunch options make it feel more “all-in” than tours that nickel-and-dime every meal.

Skip it (or choose a different tour) if you care most about step-free access, quiet sailing, or a guaranteed waterfall show. The day can be physical during transfers, and the waterfall outcome depends on conditions.

If you go in knowing it’s a packed day with active logistics, this one can be a very good value for what you’re paying.

FAQ

What’s included in the price?

You get breakfast (two menu options), lunch on the beach (multiple choices), snorkeling equipment, restroom access on board, and an open bar with alcoholic drinks (beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey). Water activities listed include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, inflatable float, and extreme inflatable.

Do I have to pay extra for the waterfall activities?

Yes. Walking to the Horsetail waterfall area is one option, but horse or ATV rentals are extra cost. You also may pay for optional activities prepared by locals on the beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. Fins/flippers are not mentioned as included, and one experience noted that fins were not provided.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The Majahuitas stop is listed at about 2 hours on the schedule, with snorkeling described as about 45 minutes.

What food can I expect during the day?

Breakfast includes two choices: yogurt with fruit and pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg (plus juice). Lunch at Yelapa includes several options such as shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, and cheese quesadillas.

Is the waterfall visit guaranteed?

The waterfall is part of the plan during your Yelapa time, but conditions can affect what you see. Some experiences reported the waterfall had little or no water during their visit.

How do we get to the Yelapa beach area?

You’ll take a boat from the catamaran to get to the shore, and there may not be a dock landing. Some people noted getting into the smaller boats and stepping/jumping out onto the beach can be difficult in surf.

Does the tour have a group limit?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 99 travelers.

What’s the cancellation and weather approach?

It requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.