Snorkel day, plus a beach village, one ticket. This Marina Vallarta tour strings together Majahuitas Beach snorkeling with a few hours in Yelapa, a sea-access-only village feel. I also like how it feeds you—breakfast and lunch are included onboard, so you’re not hunting for food between stops.

The one thing to keep in mind is that timing can get messy. If the boarding check runs slow, you could end up in line longer than you want before the catamaran pulls out, and that can set the tone for the whole day.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Majahuitas snorkeling (45 minutes): gear and life jackets are provided, and you’ll head right into the water time.
• Yelapa time on the water: you get about 2.5 hours for beaches, photos, and optional shore activities.
• A waterfall walk is built in: there’s a hike element of roughly 20 minutes each way for those who choose it.
• Food isn’t an afterthought: breakfast and lunch are onboard, plus the bar stays open on the return.
• A lively return trip: the sailing back includes music and a party vibe on deck.

Entering the day: Puerto Vallarta meeting point to catamaran calm

This tour starts in the Puerto Vallarta area at Puerto Mágico (Centro Comercial). You’ll check in with the Grupo Naviero team and, importantly, ticket verification happens through their staff only. It’s a straightforward setup, but show up a bit early so you don’t get stuck waiting once the group starts moving.

You should also plan for the port charge. It’s listed as a port tax (about $32 pesos, and you may see guidance to pay $30 pesos for the port fee). It’s not included in the main price, so having cash ready helps your morning flow.

Once you’re onboard, the tempo shifts quickly—from lines and paperwork to boat rhythm. You’ll have about an hour of cruising in the catamaran, which is long enough to settle in and get ready for the first big activity.

Breakfast onboard: the included meal that actually matters

Boat tours can be hit-or-miss on food. Here, breakfast is part of the deal, and it’s the kind of meal that keeps you from feeling wrecked right when snorkeling starts.

Expect scrambled eggs with ham, fresh fruit, hotcakes, plus coffee, juice, and water. In plain terms: you’ll have fuel for the morning and you won’t be relying on random snacks once you’re out on the route to Majahuitas.

This is also when you should grab water and get your snorkeling essentials handled. If you tend to get cold easily on boats, bring something light for the ride—wind over water can change fast.

Majahuitas Beach snorkeling: what 45 minutes feels like

Majahuitas is the headline stop. The schedule gives you about 45 minutes of snorkeling time at Playa Majahuitas, and the tour provides the snorkeling equipment and life jackets.

What this means for you:

• You’ll want to be ready when your group gets in the water—45 minutes goes fast when you’re figuring things out.
• Comfort matters. If you’re new to snorkeling, treat this as a guided, gear-supported intro rather than a “perfect conditions” long swim.

The good part is that you’re going where the marine life is right in front of you. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy it, and the provided gear removes the biggest hassle.

After snorkeling, you head back to the catamaran. Then you’ll continue cruising onward, with another short stretch by boat before the Yelapa segment.

Yelapa’s sea-only charm: beach time plus a waterfall walk

Yelapa is accessed only by sea, which is half the fun. You’ll get around 2.5 hours on arrival with time for photos, exploring, and beach relaxation.

The practical beat: plan on this being a mix of laid-back and active. You can simply hang out on the Pacific coastline, or you can choose from options while you’re there—like paddleboarding or kayaking (depending on what’s available on shore). There’s also the waterfall idea.

The tour includes a hike to a local waterfall that’s about a 20-minute walk. That hike is short enough for most people with basic mobility, but it still means you should wear decent footwear. If you’re thinking of the waterfall as a “destination waterfall” moment, temper expectations: one rider noted it can be small and that optional added-cost waterfall choices may not feel worth it.

If you’re tempted to add an extra paid excursion on top of the included walk, do the math before you commit. A common pattern on Yelapa day trips is that the shore activities can cost extra, and not every option will feel like a big payoff.

Lunch onboard: the meal that keeps the return trip enjoyable

You’ll return to the boat for lunch. The menu is grilled beef burgers, green salad with shrimp, and cold pasta with fine herbs—plus cold drinks from the onboard bar setup.

This matters because it keeps the day from turning into a snack hunt. You’ve spent the morning on water and beaches, so a real lunch helps you enjoy the ride back instead of feeling sluggish.

You’ll also get a bar that’s open during the return journey. That transforms the final leg into a social stretch rather than just “time to go home.”

The return trip party: music, drinks, and deck energy

The sailing back to Puerto Vallarta is not quiet. The vibe is described as a party onboard, with music and drinks, and it’s the kind of energy that turns strangers into at least temporary friends.

One person even highlighted a deck dance-off that got going as part of the onboard fun, with a playful “judge” moment. Not every departure will run exactly the same way, but the key point stays the same: this isn’t a stiff, silent transportation back to the dock.

If you like a little structure and entertainment, this part is fun. If you prefer a calm, heads-down day, you might still enjoy the water views—just know that the atmosphere is meant to be lively on the way back.

Price and value: is $81 a fair deal?

At $81 per person for a 7-hour day, the real question is value, not the sticker price.

Here’s what you’re getting for that money:

• Breakfast and lunch onboard
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• Professional guides
• Open bar on the return trip

The not-included items are manageable: port tax (about 30–32 pesos) and pictures (sold separately). If you’re the type who would otherwise pay for meals, gear rental, and a separate drink budget, the included food and open bar shift the math in your favor.

That said, your personal “value equation” depends on what you want from the Yelapa portion. If you’re happy with beach time and the included waterfall walk, you’ll likely feel the price makes sense. If you expect waterfall perfection and plan to buy add-ons, the total cost can creep up.

Who this tour fits best (and who might not love it)

This tour is a great match if you want a full-day mix without planning every piece yourself. You get snorkeling at Majahuitas, then you switch gears to Yelapa for beach time and a short hike option. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers who like guided structure.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• you’re excited by snorkeling but don’t want to handle gear logistics
• you like having meals sorted for you
• you enjoy a social boat atmosphere on the ride back

You might want to think twice if:

• you hate waiting around at the marina (boarding lines can run slow)
• you’re picky about waterfall outcomes and don’t want to pay extra for shore activities
• you prefer quieter tours with minimal group energy

Should you book the Marina Vallarta Majahuitas and Yelapa snorkeling tour?

If you want a single ticket that covers snorkeling gear, meals, and a memorable Yelapa beach day, this is a strong choice. The Majahuitas snorkeling slot and the onboard food are the “do not miss” parts of the experience.

My advice: book it if you’re flexible on timing at check-in and you’re okay treating the waterfall as an add-on hike rather than a guaranteed huge wow. If you’re the type who needs a perfectly smooth boarding process, arrive early and keep your expectations realistic. For most people chasing sea life, beach time, and a fun return ride, this tour is worth it.

FAQ

How long is the Marina Vallarta Majahuitas and Yelapa snorkeling tour?

The duration is 7 hours total.

What time at Majahuitas Beach do you spend snorkeling?

You’ll snorkel at Playa Majahuitas for about 45 minutes.

What meals are included during the tour?

Breakfast and lunch are both included onboard.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. The bar is open on the return trip.

What is the Yelapa portion of the tour like?

You’ll arrive in Yelapa for about 2.5 hours of photo stops and free time for beach activities.

Is there a waterfall hike included?

Yes, there is a hike to a local waterfall that’s described as about a 20-minute walk.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?

Yes, all necessary equipment for the activities is included.

What doesn’t come with the ticket price?

The port tax (about $32 pesos) is not included, and pictures are also not included.