Boca de Tomatlán is the quiet start that sets the tone. This private snorkeling day pairs a south-bay boat ride with boat-based snorkeling at Majahuitas and a long break in Yelapa. I really like the way the plan stays flexible for your pace, and how Captain Jordy focuses on safety and good sightings. One thing to weigh is that Majahuitas has no beach access, so you’re snorkeling right from the boat.

On the water, I especially like the small comforts that make the day feel “handled”: a cooler with ice-cold drinks, towels, and shade from a Bimini top. The snorkeling setup is also practical, with equipment provided and an easy way back on board (including a ladder). A possible drawback is that you’ll spend part of the time in and out of the water, so you’ll want to plan for a wet suit-up and sunscreen management.

Key things that make this tour a smart choice

• Captain Jordy runs a tight, friendly ship with safety-first attention and clear communication.
• Majahuitas snorkeling is from the boat in calm, clear water with great visibility.
• Banderas Bay South Bay views include coastal scenery, hidden beaches, and jungle areas you only see by sea.
• Yelapa time is long and real: stroll the village, swim in the bay, and even plan a short hike option.
• Cooling and comfort are built in: bottled water, cooler with ice, towels, and a Bluetooth speaker system.
• It’s truly private: your boat and schedule are dedicated to your group.

Boca de Tomatlán to Yelapa: why this route feels more local

Boca de Tomatlán is a fishing village vibe, not a busy cruise-stop scene. Your day starts near the water with a set meeting point on C. de las Garzas, and you’ll be welcomed by Captain Jordy’s team at the Golondrinas Tour 2 Welcome Sign. If you want the “Mexico by the sea” feel—without the constant crowds—this side of Puerto Vallarta is a good bet.

The private format matters more than you might think. Instead of squeezing in among a big group, you get a dedicated boat ride and the freedom to move at your pace. In practice, that helps when you want a little extra time to snorkel, relax, or simply enjoy the ride between coves.

Getting on the boat: parking, timing, and what to expect

The tour starts at 10:30 am and finishes back at the same meeting point. You’ll use the designated parking lot, and the parking fee is included, which saves you time and hassle. Once you arrive, Captain Jordy confirms details by text or email so you’re not guessing where to go.

Because the day is private, timing can feel smoother. You’ll still want to build in buffer time for the overall schedule since total tour time may not include transportation time or any traffic delays. The good news is that the base plan is still straightforward: boat out, snorkel and beach time, then boat back.

Bring practical items that match how the day actually plays. You’ll want swimsuit-ready clothes, a towel plan (you get one towel per guest), sunscreen, and a waterproof case for your phone. Also bring cash in USD or MXN because tips and small purchases can come up once you’re in the village.

The South Bay boat ride: scenery that’s worth the trip itself

Before snorkeling, you start with a scenic boat ride along the southern part of Banderas Bay. This section is where you’re rewarded with sea views most people never get from land: hidden beaches and jungle-covered areas that only make sense when you’re seeing them from the water.

If your priority is “see something different,” this ride is part of the value. It turns the day from a simple snorkeling stop into a proper coastal outing. And the private setup gives the captain room to adjust the route for what’s happening that day.

From the experience details, you may also catch memorable wildlife or sightseeing moments depending on conditions. In the feedback you’ll see mention of whale spotting and Los Arcos sightings, which hints that the captain pays attention to what’s around when you’re out on the bay. Even when wildlife is not guaranteed, the boat ride itself is the calming lead-in to the rest of the day.

Majahuitas snorkeling stop: clear water, calm bays, and no beach access

Majahuitas is the first “main event” underwater. It’s described as a crystal-clear bay with calm water and vibrant marine life, and you snorkel directly from the boat. That’s a big deal for comfort and ease because you don’t have to shuffle along a beach or deal with a crowded shore setup.

You get about 30 minutes here, and the time is structured around practical snorkeling flow. You’ll gear up with the provided snorkeling equipment, get comfortable in the water, and then spend your time looking for fish and coral formations in clear conditions. Since there’s no beach access, plan to keep your belongings secure on board and treat this as a “water-to-boat” stop.

In the feedback, people really emphasized how easy it is to see fish without needing to get fully off the boat constantly. There’s also mention of a ladder for getting back up after swimming, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes a difference when you’re tired or the water is a little choppy. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely enjoy this more. If you prefer shallow beach entries, this stop will feel less your style because it’s boat-based.

Colimilla beach time: a quiet reset away from the crowds

After Majahuitas, you head to Colimilla, a secluded beach on the southern shores of the bay. This is your “reset” stop, with 15 to 30 minutes of free time. The pace here is simpler: relax, swim, or just let the sun and sound do the job.

Colimilla’s appeal is the lack of bustle. It’s described as a quiet escape away from the crowds, with soft sand and gentle waves. If you want a break from constant snorkeling gear and frequent boat movement, this stop helps break up the day nicely.

One practical note: since it’s a short stop, don’t over-plan. Go in with a clear idea of what you want—quick swim, a few photos, maybe a snack if you brought one—and then get back ready for Yelapa.

Yelapa arrival: village time plus a long break at Juanito’s Restaurant

Yelapa is the part of the day that shifts from “water activities” to “real place time.” You arrive by boat, and the experience description frames it as a laid-back fishing village with colorful streets and easy village strolling. It’s also known for a golden-sand beach and for being accessible by boat rather than road, which helps keep the mood calmer.

You’ll have about 3 hours here, and the base is Juanito’s Restaurant. This is where you can grab lunch and spend the time however you want—exploring the town, swimming in the bay, or using the time for a nearby hike option. Some people also look into arranging an ATV ride while they’re there, though that’s something you’d handle locally with what’s available on the day.

The restaurant timing is useful because it gives you an anchor. You’re not wandering without direction or trying to meet up with a boat later in a busy dock scene. The location gives you a predictable place to return to, and that reduces stress after time in the water.

About food: lunch is mentioned as part of the experience plan, but the tour details also indicate that meals at the restaurant are not included. So I’d treat lunch as “plan to buy food here,” not as a guaranteed included meal. If you want alcohol, the same info says alcoholic beverages aren’t included, so bring that expectation too.

What the best captains do: safety, comfort, and pacing

Captain Jordy gets repeated praise for being attentive and making people feel safe. That doesn’t just mean “watching the boat”—it shows up in small choices like pacing, checking that you’re comfortable in the water, and keeping the group in the right rhythm.

Comfort details matter for a half-day at sea. Your tour includes bottled water, a cooler with ice, towels, and a Bluetooth sound system with multiple speakers. Shade is also part of the setup (a Bimini top is specifically mentioned in the feedback), which is a lifesaver if the sun is strong.

The private nature also lets the captain respond to your group. One account describes the host adjusting timing and offering flexibility like dropping people off for dinner and returning later. That’s the kind of flexibility you appreciate when you’re trying to turn “a tour” into a day that actually fits your plans.

The return ride to Boca: slow down and end where you started

After Yelapa, you board again and enjoy a 45-minute ride back to Boca de Tomatlán. This stretch is usually when the day’s fun clicks into “now we’re just enjoying the views” mode. It’s also a good moment to rinse off what you can, drink water, and get your photos organized before you head back to the parking lot.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to figure out transport from a random dock location. That simple ending matters if you’re trying to keep the day from turning into logistics at the end.

Price and value: what $95.31 per person really buys

At $95.31 per person, this tour sits in a mid-range space for a private boat outing from Puerto Vallarta. The big value is that you’re paying for privacy plus a full day structure, not just snorkeling time. You get snorkeling equipment, towels, water/ice cooler support, and a dedicated boat setup for your group.

Private tours often cost more, but here you’re also getting multiple “micro-experiences” packed in:

• a scenic south-bay boat ride,
• a no-beach-access snorkeling stop at Majahuitas,
• a secluded beach break at Colimilla,
• and a long village hang at Yelapa with restaurant access.

Add the comfort items like shade, Bluetooth music, and cold drinks, and the price starts to feel more reasonable. The trade-off is that you’re not just paying for “underwater time.” You’re paying for the whole flow of a day on the water with a captain who actually manages it.

One more pricing reality check: there’s a minimum charge equivalent to three guests, even for solo travelers or couples. If you’re going alone, it can feel like a higher effective rate. If you can share the cost with one or two friends, the value tends to make more sense.

Who should book this private snorkeling to Yelapa trip

This is a great fit if you want:

• private boat time (not a crowded group),
• snorkeling with easy boat access (gear provided; ladder mentioned for getting back on),
• a mix of ocean time and Yelapa village time,
• and a captain who pays attention to safety and the day’s conditions.

It’s also a good pick for people who care about comfort details like shade, cold drinks, and straightforward logistics. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want long beach walks, the boat-based snorkeling format can be a plus.

If your ideal day is mostly land-based sightseeing with lots of sandy beach time, you might find Majahuitas less aligned since there’s no beach access at that stop. You do get beach time at Colimilla and in Yelapa, though, so it’s not all water all the time.

Booking tips that help you get the best day

To make the day feel smooth, keep a few things in mind:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat; you’ll be out on the water and sun exposure can stack fast.
• Pack an extra set of clothes if you can; after swimming, you’ll appreciate it on the ride back.
• Plan for cash: tips and any lunch or small purchases at Yelapa/Boca might be easiest with USD or MXN.
• If you wear contacts or have eye sensitivity, consider how comfortable you are with snorkeling water and plan accordingly.

Also, expect weather to matter. The experience is described as weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t right, you may be offered a different date or a refund.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you want a private, captain-led day that combines real snorkeling conditions with actual village time in Yelapa. The repeated praise for Captain Jordy’s attention, safety, and flexibility is exactly what you want in a half-day at sea. And the Majahuitas plan—snorkeling directly from the boat in calm, clear water—fits people who want to see marine life without turning the day into a long beach logistics routine.

If you’re trying to keep costs as low as possible and you’re booking solo or as a couple, remember the minimum charge equivalent to three guests. If you can bring one or two people along, the value usually feels much better.

FAQ

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water, a cooler with ice, private transportation, fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, towels (1 per guest), a Bluetooth sound system, and landing and facility fees.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and Majahuitas is a boat-based snorkeling stop, so you’ll snorkel from the water with the provided gear.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours and starts at 10:30 am. The itinerary includes time at Boca, Majahuitas, Colimilla, Yelapa, and the return ride.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at C. de las Garzas 515, 48270 Boca de Tomatlán, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s not included (like lunch or alcohol)?

Gratuities are not included. Lunch and meals at restaurants are not included, and alcoholic beverages at the restaurant are not included. The tour does include bottled water and cooler items.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes. Bring cash in USD or MXN for tips and for purchases or extra activities during the Yelapa/Boca portion of the day.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.