Two beaches. One smooth day on the water. This tour is a great mix of Yelapa’s laid-back town feel and Majahuitas’ “almost private” beach time, all wrapped up in a catamaran ride with lunch. I like that the day is structured but still flexible at the beaches, and I like that snorkeling gear, breakfast, and lunch are handled for you. My only real heads-up: if you’re hoping for unlimited kayaking, it isn’t guaranteed and availability can be tight.

I also like the pacing: you get a full chunk of time in Yelapa to either relax or take in the town vibe, then you shift gears to Majahuitas for the beach-club style afternoon. The open bar on the boat helps the day feel like a proper escape, not just transportation between stops. The catamaran part matters here—this is a “ride + two destinations” experience, and you’ll want to enjoy the time on the water.

You’ll be with a group (up to 35), but it doesn’t feel like a cattle call if you lean into the flow—grab breakfast, head ashore when it’s time, and keep your expectations realistic about optional activities.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Two very different beach stops in one day: Yelapa for town views, Majahuitas for beach-club downtime
• 4 hours in Yelapa: beach time or a scenic walk through colorful pathways and stairs
• Majahuitas Beach Club feel: an almost private setup where you can snorkel, paddle, or just lounge
• Snorkeling gear included: fins, vest, and snorkel are part of your package
• Open bar on the boat: built-in to the experience, not a separate add-on
• Kayaks are limited: if that’s your top priority, plan with flexibility

Catamaran Day Trip: The 9:00 AM Start and How It Feels

This is a classic Puerto Vallarta cruise-style day, leaving at 9:00 am from Terminal Maritima (Terminal Maritima API, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta). The end is back at the same starting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated drop-off.

A day like this works because you’re not spending your trip fighting logistics. You arrive, you check in, you board, and then you shift into “vacation mode.” I like that you’re handed a mobile ticket and the tour is offered in English, with a bilingual guide onboard—helpful when you want clarity on timing and what’s expected at each stop.

Plan for a full day out. It runs about 7 to 8 hours, and the itinerary gives you time blocks at each destination. That’s long enough to enjoy the places, but it’s not so long that you feel stuck on a boat the whole day. If you’re the type who likes to see a few things well instead of collecting ten quick photo stops, this format fits.

Yelapa and Its River Views: Beach Time or Town Stroll

The first stop is Yelapa y Mahauitas Playa, and the big idea is choice. You’ll spend about 4 hours on this side, and you can either go straight to the beach or take a scenic hike through Yelapa town.

Here’s what makes Yelapa special in practical terms. You’re not just at a postcard beach—you’re surrounded by the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and the Yelapa river area. The town itself has colorful artwork pieces along pathways and staircases, so even walking through Yelapa is part sightseeing.

If you want an easy day: pick the beach and relax. If you want a bit more energy: do the town stroll. Either way, you’ll feel the “different vibe” compared to Puerto Vallarta’s bigger cruise-port feel. Yelapa is more about texture—water, steps, hills, and street art—than big-ticket attractions.

One consideration: in a hike-friendly town like this, shoes matter. If you plan to climb around, wear something you’re comfortable walking on. And bring sun protection—there’s no guarantee your best views will always be under shade.

Majahuitas Beach Club: An Almost-Private Stretch of Sand

After Yelapa, you head back to the catamaran and cruise to Majahuitas, where you get about 3 hours. This is where the day turns “beach club,” but without the mega-resort chaos.

Majahuitas is described as an almost private beach, with a laid-back hippie chic style. That style translates into a more relaxed atmosphere: think sun tanning, hanging out, and using the water activities as you feel like it. You can snorkel, kayak, or paddle board, or you can simply stay on the sand.

I like the “almost private” angle because it changes the experience. Instead of feeling like you’re trying to carve out space in a crowded public beach, you can settle in. If your beach day goal is to chill and swim without constant interruption, this stop is a strong match.

Water activity note: your snorkeling gear is included, which makes snorkeling feel effortless—you’re not scrambling for equipment when you arrive. Kayaking and paddle boarding are offered as options, but they’re not presented as the guaranteed centerpiece the snorkeling is.

Snorkeling Gear, Open Bar, and the Comforts That Matter

A big part of the value here is what’s included before you even reach the beaches. Your package includes snorkeling equipment—fins, a vest, and a snorkel. For a day like this, that’s not a small thing. It saves time and removes one of those annoying vacation tasks: finding gear and making sure it fits well.

You also get breakfast and lunch, which is a quiet win. Boat days can turn into snack-chasing if meals aren’t covered. Here, your energy is handled, and you can focus on the views and the water.

Then there’s the open bar on the boat. That doesn’t mean the day turns into a party bus, but it does mean you can enjoy the cruise portion with less hassle. If you like a cold drink while you’re moving between stops, this is one of the perks that actually changes the feel of the trip.

One more practical touch: you’re traveling with travel insurance included. You still have to use common sense, but it’s a comfort when you’re out on the water for hours.

Group Size, Timing, and Weather: Plan Like It’s a Boat Day

This tour caps at 35 travelers, which is large enough to have a lively group but small enough that you’re not likely to get lost in a crowd. Still, it helps to understand how group logistics work.

At Majahuitas in particular, activities happen in shared time windows. Snorkeling is set up by the included gear and your guide’s plan, so it’s easier to coordinate. Optional activities like kayaking can be more first-come-first-served, and the supply can get stretched when everyone wants the same thing at the same time.

Weather matters here because it’s a boat experience. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words: check the day’s forecast when you can, but also don’t assume you can force it in bad weather.

Price and Value Check for $120 Lunch and Open Bar Included

At $120 per person, the headline value isn’t just the catamaran ride. It’s the “bundle” you get for that price: breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, open bar, bilingual guidance, and travel insurance—all included.

Let’s break it down the way I’d think about it when I’m budgeting for a day in Puerto Vallarta:

• If you were paying separately for transportation to two coastal areas, you’d quickly feel the cost creep.
• If you were renting snorkeling gear, you’d spend extra and lose time.
• If you were hunting down meals during a full day on the water, it becomes a distraction.

Here, meals and gear are handled, so you spend your energy where you actually want it—between the water stops.

Add the port tax: MX$30 per person is not included. It’s small, but remember it so you’re not surprised at the end.

And tips: tips aren’t included either. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to tip based on service, plan to add that to your day budget.

Bottom line: this price works best when you’ll actually use the included items—especially the snorkeling setup, lunch, and the beach time you’re paying for. If you only want one short swim and you’d rather spend your money elsewhere, you might feel like you’re paying for parts you didn’t use.

Optional Kayaks: A Key Reality Check Before You Fall in Love With the Idea

There’s one detail worth calling out clearly: kayaking isn’t guaranteed as a long, everyone-gets-a-kayak activity.

Even though kayaking is listed as a possible activity at Majahuitas, supply and timing can limit it. In an issue that came up, the operator explanation made the point that kayaks are an additional option and availability is limited. The response said there were 5 kayaks available, but with a group onboard, it can mean some people have to wait or get only a brief slot.

Here’s the practical advice I’d give you: if kayaking is your main goal (especially a two-person kayak plan), book this tour with flexibility. Consider treating snorkeling and beach time as the core experience, not the kayaking.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong match for:

• Couples and small groups who want a simple, guided “two destination” day
• Beach lovers who enjoy both quiet swimming and a scenic town stroll
• People who want breakfast + lunch included without thinking about it
• Snorkel fans who benefit from having gear provided
• Travelers who like a low-stress boat day with an open bar on board

It may not be the best fit for:

• Anyone who wants to guarantee kayaking time for specific group setups
• Travelers who hate boat rides and prefer to stay on land all day
• People who are extremely sensitive to weather disruptions (because good conditions are required)

Should You Book This Yelapa and Majahuitas Catamaran Tour?

If your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes water, real beach time, and one scenic town stop where you can choose between lounging and walking, I think this tour is worth booking. The biggest reasons: snorkeling gear is included, meals are taken care of, and you get two different vibes—Yelapa’s town views and Majahuitas’ relaxed beach-club feel.

Book it if you want value that feels practical, not just “transportation to a beach.” Skip it or keep your expectations flexible if kayaking is your make-or-break activity, because it’s not presented as a guaranteed equal-access feature.

If you’re ready for a guided day with structure, sunshine, and the kind of day where lunch shows up right on schedule, this is a good bet.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for the tour?

The tour starts at Terminal Maritima API, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

What’s included for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included: fins, a vest, and a snorkel.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is an open bar on the boat included in the tour.

Is port tax included?

No. There is a port tax of MX$30 per person that is not included.