Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa, Majahuitas, Lunch, Open Bar Onboard

Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Coastal Treasures: Yelapa & Majahuitas Tour Review

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta? If you’re craving a day filled with stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and authentic Mexican charm, this Yelapa and Majahuitas tour might just be the perfect escape. It offers an excellent mix of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in an 8-hour experience that balances scenic beauty with cultural authenticity.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love the opportunity to explore two very different yet equally captivating beaches—Yelapa, with its unspoiled, carless village vibe, and Majahuitas, known for crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Second, the inclusion of all the essentials—delicious local-style lunch, open bar, and water activities—delivers a sense of value that travelers will appreciate.

A possible consideration? Since the trip runs about 8 hours, it’s a fairly full day, which might be tiring for those with limited mobility or very young children. Also, the tour’s emphasis on water activities means you should be comfortable around the water and consider your health restrictions.

This tour suits travelers looking for a genuine scenic and cultural experience—those who want more than just a quick beach visit. If you love exploring local villages, snorkeling in marine-rich waters, and enjoying fresh food with a view, this will resonate well.

Key Points

• Authentic Beach Experiences: Visit two distinct beaches—Yelapa’s peaceful fishing village and Majahuitas’ clear waters—offering a perfect balance of relaxation and activity.
• Snorkeling & Water Fun: Enjoy snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, getting up close with marine life in protected waters.

  Delicious Local Cuisine: Indulge in a variety of lunch options, including seafood and fajitas, with a complimentary open bar after snorkeling.

  Scenic Hiking & Cultural Charm: Walk through Yelapa’s village, explore waterfalls, and browse native artisan crafts.

  All-Inclusive Value: Morning breakfast, lunch, water sports equipment, and drinks are included, making it a convenient day out.

  Suitable for Active Travelers: Designed for those comfortable with water activities and walking, but not ideal for expecting mothers or those with significant health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

This experience made our article of 15 Best Drinking Tours In Puerto Vallarta (With Prices).

A Deep Dive into the Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa & Majahuitas Tour

This tour offers an engaging way to see the coast beyond the standard tourist spots. Departing from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll hop aboard a boat with a group of fellow travelers, setting out for a day of natural beauty, cultural sights, and laid-back fun.

The Journey Begins: Setting Sail from Puerto Vallarta

The boat departs in the morning, giving you a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views of the coast. The vessel is equipped with snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards—tools that turn a simple boat trip into a mini adventure. The experience provider, Puerto Vallarta Net, emphasizes comfort and safety, including insurance coverage and a knowledgeable live guide who speaks both English and Spanish.

First Stop: Yelapa—A Village Frozen in Time

Yelapa is the star of this tour. This tiny, car-free village is a living postcard of traditional Mexican coastal life. You’ll love the way donkeys still serve as cargo carriers and how sunlight, roosters, and local artisans shape the slow, rhythmic pace of life here.

One of the main highlights is the opportunity to walk through the village, browse native crafts, and visit the famous Cola de Caballo waterfalls. The waterfalls are a must-see, with a cool, refreshing splash that provides a perfect break from the sun. We’ve read that travelers enjoy the chance to hike and explore or simply sit back and watch the natural beauty unfold—it’s a scene that feels untouched by time.

A reviewer from the United States, Victoria, describes her experience:
“Yelapas was awesome. If I could do it again, I would go only there because the snorkeling in Majahuitas wasn’t very good.” This highlights how Yelapa’s charm and natural beauty are often favored by visitors, especially those interested in authentic village life and scenic waterfalls.

Snorkeling in Majahuitas—A Marine Wonderland

The next stop is Majahuitas, renowned for its vibrant marine life and clear, calm waters. Here, you’ll have the chance to snorkel among colorful fish and underwater scenery—an activity that adds a splash of excitement and a new perspective on the local ecosystem.

While some reviews note that snorkeling at Majahuitas might not be spectacular for everyone (“you couldn’t really see much,” as one review mentions), most find it a pleasant, accessible way to enjoy the water. For those interested, kayaks and paddleboards are available, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

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Beach Time and Lunch: Relaxing in Paradise

After the water activities, you’ll have ample free time to sunbathe, swim, or just relax on the beaches of Yelapa or Majahuitas. The tour includes a deli-style lunch with six options—fish filet, chicken fajitas, burger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche—so there’s something for all.

Once you’re back on the boat, enjoy the all-you-can-drink open bar, adding a relaxed, social element to the day. The combination of good food, cold drinks, and stunning scenery makes for an enjoyable way to wrap up the trip.

Practical Details and Tips

• What to Bring: Camera, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and some extra cash for tips or souvenirs.
• Cost & Value: At $109 per person, the price includes breakfast, lunch, water sports gear, and drinks—offering good value considering the full day of activities and the inclusion of amenities.
• Fees & Restrictions: Be aware of a small $30 Pesos (about $1.50 USD) marina entrance fee. The activity isn’t suitable for expecting mothers or those with certain health issues, but for most active travelers, it’s a manageable adventure.

Authenticity and Experience: What You’ll Really Take Away

This trip’s beauty lies in its blend of nature, culture, and fun. The village of Yelapa feels like a glimpse into a slower, simpler way of life—without the hassle of modern cars. You can walk around, chat with local artisans, or hike to waterfalls—a rare chance to connect with authentic local life.

The water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding add a lively, interactive layer, allowing you to explore the coast’s marine ecosystem. While some reviews mention snorkeling isn’t always top-notch, most find it enjoyable enough, especially with guides who illuminate marine life and help you get the most from your time in the water.

The inclusion of a hearty lunch and open bar emphasizes the relaxed, all-inclusive vibe. It’s easy to spend the entire day enjoying the scenery, the food, and the company.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to active, curious travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural discovery and water fun. It’s great for those comfortable around water and who enjoy gentle hikes and village strolls.

However, if you’re seeking a slow, relaxing beach day with minimal effort, this might feel a bit busy. Also, expect a full day, so those with limited stamina or mobility should consider their personal limits.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers wanting to experience the authentic charm of Puerto Vallarta’s coast, this tour offers a well-rounded day. It’s especially good if you crave a taste of local life, scenic waterfalls, and marine adventures—all in one package. The inclusion of good food, drinks, and water gear adds to its value.

While snorkeling might not be spectacular for everyone, the overall experience—covering scenic beaches, cultural sights, and active water fun—makes it a worthwhile choice. It’s perfect for those who want to see a different side of Mexico’s Pacific coast, away from crowded resorts.

In short, this tour provides a delightful taste of Puerto Vallarta’s natural and cultural riches, wrapped up in a comfortable, full-day adventure suited for energetic travelers.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for young children?
It’s generally appropriate for children comfortable with water and walking, but the tour involves some hiking and water activities that might be tiring for very young children.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 8 hours, usually starting in the morning, making it a full day trip.

What is included in the price?
Breakfast, lunch with six options, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and an open bar after snorkeling are included.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there is a small marina entrance fee of about $1.50 USD ($30 Pesos). Tips and souvenirs are extra.

Is snorkeling good at Majahuitas?
It depends. Some travelers find the marine life plentiful and beautiful, while others, like one reviewer, mention the visibility wasn’t great.

Can I choose my lunch?
Yes, you can pick from six different options, including fish, chicken, beef, shrimp, or ceviche.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

What should I pack?
Bring a camera, swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash for tips or souvenirs.

Are water activities included?
Yes, snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are part of the package.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers rave about the unspoiled charm of Yelapa and its waterfalls, along with the chance to snorkel in Majahuitas.

The Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa & Majahuitas tour offers a full, authentic taste of Mexico’s Pacific coast. For active explorers and cultural enthusiasts alike, it’s a day packed with memorable sights, tastes, and experiences—and good value for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby