Yelapa and Majahuitas make a great one-day break from town noise. I especially like the chance to see Cola de Caballo waterfalls and then switch gears to pure beach time, plus the onboard snorkel-to-open-bar flow that keeps the day moving. The one catch: the snorkeling in Majahuitas can be a bit hit-or-miss for visibility, so you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic.

Plan for an easy, nature-first day built around water and sand. You get a continental breakfast, snorkeling gear, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards, then you’re fed again with a deli-style lunch and a national open bar on board after snorkeling. Main consideration: it’s not a sit-on-the-bench outing, and the activity isn’t suitable for expecting mothers or anyone with heart, back, or neck problems.

If you’re the kind of person who likes do-the-thing energy (water, views, and quick stops) without a long travel scramble, this fits well. The day is built for escape: a carless-feeling village vibe, roosters and sunshine instead of alarms, and a day plan where the big choice is snorkeling-or-siesta.

Key Things That Make This Puerto Vallarta Boat Trip Worth It

• Cola de Caballo waterfalls in Yelapa, with time to stroll and jump in if you want
• Majahuitas Cove snorkeling, plus extra time on the water with kayaks and paddleboards
• Real beach downtime in Yelapa, where the river meets the ocean
• Onboard national open bar after snorkeling, so the fun lands right when you’re done in the water
• Lunch included with 6 specific menu options, so you can plan without guessing

A Smooth 8-Hour Water Day Out of Puerto Vallarta

This is an 8-hour excursion that leans hard into the coast. You start with breakfast, spend time in Yelapa, move toward Majahuitas for snorkeling and water activities, then finish with lunch and drinks on board.

The value here isn’t just that food and gear are included. It’s the pacing. You’re not doing endless switching between tours. You get the full beach-and-water package in one go: see something, swim, snack, and then relax.

Operated by Puerto Vallarta Net, the experience runs with a live tour guide in English and Spanish. That matters, because it helps you understand what you’re looking at in the water and why each spot is worth the stop.

Yelapa Village Walk and Cola de Caballo Waterfall Time

Yelapa is the kind of place where you feel the coast more than you hear it. The village has that timeless rhythm where donkeys serve as cargo transport and roosters are part of the daily soundtrack. For you, that means the atmosphere is calm and slow, even though the day is organized.

The standout moment is the Cola de Caballo waterfalls. The plan gives you time to stroll through the village, then head to the cascading falls. If you’re in the mood for it, you can jump into the refreshing water. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the scenery and take in the green mountain setting around you.

Why this stop works: it’s not only a photo stop. It has options. You can be active, or you can take the quieter route and just enjoy how the water sounds in real life.

Beach Time in Yelapa: Where You Can Slow Down Fast

After the waterfall area, the day shifts to beach mode. Yelapa’s beach is the “put your brain down” part of the trip. You get time to sun, swim, and sip while you’re near the shoreline.

One detail I like in this plan is the river-to-ocean setup. The river streams into the ocean, so the water feels connected to the landscape instead of just being a flat sheet of beach. It’s part of why the place feels serene.

This is also where you can correct your expectations. If snorkeling in Majahuitas doesn’t give you the underwater view you hoped for, Yelapa beach time still delivers. One of the biggest strengths of this tour is that it gives you more than one way to enjoy the water.

Majahuitas Cove Snorkeling: Fish Time With Real Expectations

Majahuitas Cove is the snorkeling highlight. The idea is simple: you get snorkel equipment, then head into cove water where there’s an array of fish populations to look for.

Here’s the balanced take. Snorkeling can vary based on conditions, and that can change what you see. Even with good gear, visibility might not be crystal clear. So I’d treat Majahuitas as a fun add-on for marine life, not a guaranteed, underwater movie set.

To get the most out of it:

• Wear your snorkel mask comfortably before you’re out in open water
• Move slowly once you’re in—fish notice fast motion
• Focus on fish behavior and movement as much as you focus on depth

If you love snorkeling, you’ll still likely enjoy the cove. If you don’t get the perfect view, you still have plenty of day left for relaxing on land and in water.

Kayaks and Paddleboards: Choose Your Effort Level

Between snorkeling and downtime, you’ll have time with water toys: kayaks and paddleboards. Kayaking is offered in double or single-person ocean kayaks, and marine life is part of the experience as you paddle around sandy-bottomed waters.

This is a good fit for a mixed group. If someone wants a calmer, steady outing, a kayak works. If you want more balance practice and a more upright view, paddleboards can be the move.

Practical tip: if you get nervous on a paddleboard, start with shorter pushes. Don’t try to impress anyone. The whole point is to enjoy the coastline at your pace.

Lunch Options and How to Think About the Onboard Open Bar

Food is handled in a way that feels more like a real meal than a token snack. You get a continental breakfast at the start, and later you choose from 6 lunch options:

• fish filet
• chicken fajitas
• hamburger
• beef fajitas
• shrimp quesadillas
• fish ceviche

That menu matters because it reduces decision fatigue. You can match your meal to your mood after swimming—citrusy and light if you choose ceviche, hearty if you choose fajitas or the burger.

Then comes the onboard national open bar on board after snorkeling. This timing is smart. You’re not trying to drink hard right as you’re figuring out your fins or your swim confidence. You’re done in the water, so you can actually enjoy the drink.

Price note: at $118 per person for an 8-hour day, the value is strongest when you add up what’s included. You’re not just paying for transport and a view. You’re also covered for breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks/paddleboards, and onboard insurance. On top of that, the open bar is part of the experience after snorkeling, not a separate upsell.

One additional cost to plan for: there’s a $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee (about $1.50 USD). That’s small, but it’s still money you don’t want to forget when you’re budgeting.

What to Bring (and What to Double-Check Before You Go)

This trip is water-heavy, so your packing needs to match reality. Bring:

• camera or video camera
• swimsuit
• towel
• sunglasses
• hat
• sunscreen
• extra cash for tips and photos

Also double-check you’ve got a safe place for your phone or camera when you’re on the water. Even if the day isn’t technically a “stormy conditions” situation, spray happens around boats and paddleboards.

If you’re a careful planner, bring a small dry bag too, even if it isn’t listed. The tour data doesn’t mention one, so I can’t promise it’ll be provided—but you’ll likely appreciate any extra way to keep valuables dry.

Who This Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa and Majahuitas Day Trip Fits Best

I’d point this trip toward three types of people.

First, you like mixing activities with downtime. Waterfall stroll, then beach, then snorkeling and paddling, then food and drinks. You’re not stuck doing one thing all day.

Second, you want an authentic coastal day without a complicated route. Yelapa feels different from the bigger towns, and the way the day is structured helps you feel that shift instead of just passing through.

Third, you’re comfortable being active for part of the day. Even if you take it easy at times, you’ll still be getting in and out, walking to the falls area, and moving between water stops.

If you’re in a group where some people love snorkeling while others prefer relaxing, this itinerary makes it easier to keep everyone happy. Yelapa has the “sit and soak in the view” side. Majahuitas adds the “try the water activity” side.

A Few Smart Considerations Before You Book

This excursion is built around natural water spots and outdoor time. That’s great—just plan around reality.

• Snorkeling visibility can vary. Keep your expectations flexible. Majahuitas is still part of the fun, but don’t bank the entire day on perfect underwater clarity.
• It’s not for certain health situations. The activity isn’t suitable for expecting mothers or passengers with heart, back, or neck problems.
• Bring tip cash and photo money. Extra cash is specifically called out for tips and photos, so do yourself a favor and have it ready.

If your schedule is changeable, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, plus reserve now and pay later.

Should You Book This Yelapa and Majahuitas Open Bar Tour?

If you want a classic Puerto Vallarta coastal escape—water, beaches, a waterfall moment, and a meal plus drinks included—this is a solid choice.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re drawn to Yelapa for its beach atmosphere and the chance to see Cola de Caballo. Even with snorkeling conditions that aren’t always perfect, the day still has enough “you’ll enjoy it either way” time to feel worth it.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed top-tier snorkeling view every time, or if you’re affected by the health restrictions listed for the activity.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa, Majahuitas, Lunch, Open Bar onboard experience?

The experience lasts 8 hours.

What food is included on this tour?

You’ll get a continental breakfast and lunch. Lunch options include fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.

Is there an open bar included?

Yes. There is a national open bar on board after snorkeling.

Do I get snorkel equipment and water activities?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, and you also get kayaks and paddleboards.

Is there an extra marina fee?

Yes. There is a $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee (about $1.50 USD).

What should I bring?

Bring a camera or video camera, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and extra cash for tips and photos.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for expecting mothers or passengers with heart, back, or neck problems.