Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

If you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels like a floating party plan plus real nature time, this Mega Yacht all-inclusive cruise is built for you. It pairs a Banderas Bay water play stop with an afternoon in Yelapa, including a short trail to the waterfall for a swim.

I especially like the attention to comfort and cleanliness on board, plus the way the crew keeps the day moving with nonstop service. The other big win for me is the premium open bar all day paired with a proper sit-down lunch of Mexican fajitas, not just chips and snacks.

One consideration: your time in the water is spread across stops, and snorkeling quality and equipment availability can vary depending on conditions and how busy the boat is, so come with a flexible mindset.

Key points before you go

• All-inclusive everything: meals, snacks, snorkeling gear, water toys, and an open bar are included.
• Yelapa waterfall access: you get a short walk to the falls and time to swim if you want.
• Two meeting choices: you pick the closest start point when you book, including the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal area.
• You can choose your vibe: the yacht has areas where the music and energy can feel party-like or more relaxed.
• Crew names you might hear: DJs and hosts like DJ David and Ricky often run the onboard energy.
• Water time depends on reality: snorkeling and swimming time can feel different day to day based on visibility, crowds, and schedule.

Mega catamaran day trip, Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa waterfalls

This is a 6-hour style outing from Puerto Vallarta that mixes guided water activities with free time in Yelapa. The “mega yacht” experience here is operated as a catamaran, which actually matters, because catamarans tend to give you more open deck space and room to move around without feeling packed.

The tour caps at a maximum of 115 travelers, which is part of why the staff can stay on top of food, drinks, and equipment. Even better, this isn’t a back-and-forth, stop-and-start day. You’re mostly cruising, then anchored for water fun, then in Yelapa for the waterfall and beach time.

You’ll also get a choice of where to meet. When you book, you’re required to select your meeting place, including options such as the Chica Locca Tours office at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal and a Paradise Village start. If you’re on a tight cruise schedule, picking the closest start point can save you stress.

One more practical note: the Puerto Mágico Cruise Terminal is a federal maritime port, so plan for security screening. That includes a strict no-drug policy, and you should leave any questionable items behind.

Check-in, boarding, and that first calm moment with breakfast

Check-in happens at the Chica Locca Tours office at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal, or at the other designated start point you selected. After you check in, you’ll be escorted to the yacht and meet the cruise director and crew.

Once you’re on board, the day starts with breakfast. You can expect fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee or juice while you cruise along Banderas Bay. This is a nice buffer, especially if you’re arriving hungry or you’ve been awake since your hotel pickup plan.

The seating setup is also something you’ll feel right away. The yacht offers comfortable seating, including shaded options. That matters in the sun, because the coast is beautiful but it can also bake you faster than you expect. One of the best habits here is to pick your spot early, then plan your gear and towel strategy around it.

Open bar, fajita lunch, and how the onboard vibe works

This tour is designed around all-day service, and it shows in the details. Your included drinks are served throughout the day, not just at the start. The open bar runs with options like beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, plus non-alcoholic items like water, coffee, juices, and soft drinks.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to relax without thinking about tabs, this is where the value hits. If you don’t drink much, you can still think of the bar as part of the overall package that funds staff and keeps the energy high.

Food is also a real inclusion. Lunch is Mexican fajitas with choices like chicken and beef, plus rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. It’s prepared in the Playa Chica Locca beach kitchen and delivered by boat. You’re not stuck with a sad buffet plate.

Snacks are also covered. Expect guacamole with chips, plus potato chips, during the cruise and between stops.

On top of that, there’s onboard entertainment. In the reviews, DJ energy comes up again and again, including DJ David and the host energy around Ricky. The yacht also has a split vibe: some areas feel more party-like with music, while top areas can be quieter, so you can choose how loud you want your day to feel.

And yes, there’s even an onboard massage option. People mention that it can be a standout part of the afternoon when you want to cool down after being in the sun and salt.

Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto: water slides, snorkeling setup, and paddle time

After about an hour of sailing, you arrive at Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto for the first big water stop. This is where the “water toys” part of the day really happens.

You can jump in and use included gear such as snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mattresses. The yacht also offers fun deck moments like jumping off the second deck and water slides into the sea.

This is also one of the most important segments to manage expectations. Snorkeling here can be great when visibility is decent, and you can see fish and marine life. One reviewer reported snorkeling for around 40 minutes and seeing lots of fish. Another mentioned snorkeling conditions felt limited because the water was cloudy.

Equipment timing can also matter. There’s at least one report of the group being large enough that snorkeling gear seemed tight, with snorkels running low for some people. If snorkeling is your #1 reason for booking, do what you can to get in early at this stop, and don’t wait until the last wave of people heads into the water.

If you want a smooth day, here’s what helps:

• Put on your swimsuit early and keep your towel easy to grab
• Use the time before you enter the water to set up your mask and breathing rhythm
• If the water is choppy, focus on the safety routine first, not trying to “win” the snorkeling race

During the sailing and between activities, you’ll also get guacamole and chips, plus continued drink service. This stop is where the tour feels the most like a day at sea with constant little perks.

Yelapa beach and the 15-minute trail to the waterfall

The second stop is Yelapa Beach, where your yacht anchors in a sheltered bay. Yelapa is a small coastal village, and the name is commonly explained as where two rivers meet the sea. In practice, it feels like a calmer contrast to the more party-style water stop.

You can dock at a pier and choose what you want to do next. Options include exploring Yelapa with a guide, relaxing on the boat, or hanging out by the water and beach. This free time is a key part of the experience, because it lets you switch from “activities all day” to “wander and choose.”

The highlight for many people is the waterfall. There’s a trail that’s about 15 minutes to reach it. It’s described as accessible for most travelers, and the reward is a refreshing waterfall cascade that’s suitable for swimming and soaking if conditions allow. In other words, this is not just a photo stop. It’s a real water experience.

That said, it’s still a hike. One review noted that there’s a walk with a hill that may not be ideal for older travelers or anyone with mobility limits. If you have knee issues or you don’t handle uphill walks well, you’ll want to weigh the waterfall plan carefully. The good part is you’re not forced into it. You can stay on the boat if you want, then enjoy the bay and drinks while the others head up.

Guacamole and chips are also part of the afternoon flow, so you can refuel before or after your waterfall time.

Banderas Bay wildlife moments, whales in season, and what you should watch for

The cruise portion goes through Banderas Bay, described as one of the world’s largest bays. It’s also known for marine life, and it can be an important breeding ground for humpback whales in season.

You should treat wildlife sightings like weather. They are possible, and you might get dolphins or whales, but it’s not something you can control. One review mentioned whale sightings, which fits what the itinerary emphasizes about the bay.

On days when the sea is clear and calm, wildlife spotting feels better. If you want to maximize your odds, get on deck during the cruise legs, not just during stops. People sometimes miss the best viewing simply because they’re seated below or focused on their phone.

Snorkeling realities: how to get the most from your time in the water

This isn’t marketed as a marathon snorkeling expedition. It’s a multi-activity day with snorkeling as one component. That’s why your experience can land differently depending on weather, crowd flow, and what part of the schedule you catch.

Based on how people described their days, here’s what you should plan for:

• You’ll snorkel during the anchored water stop
• You may get strong fish time when visibility is good
• Your total snorkeling minutes can feel shorter than you expected, especially if conditions are cloudy or the group is large
• If you’re trying to do everything, you might lose track of time and wind up feeling rushed

So the smart move is to pick your “must do” first. If snorkeling is your priority, commit to it at the Playa Chica Locca stop. If you want a slower day, do the water toys like paddleboarding and kayaking, then snorkel only when it looks best.

Also, keep an eye on your comfort. Saltwater and sun can drain you fast. Reapply sunscreen, drink water, and pace yourself between activities. The tour keeps drinks coming, but hydration is still on you.

What you get for the price: value check at $117.60

At $117.60 per person, this price can feel either like a steal or like a lot, depending on your travel style.

Here’s the value math that matters:

• You’re paying for a boat day, not just activities on land
• Food is included: breakfast, a fajita lunch, and snacks like guacamole and chips
• Gear is included: snorkeling equipment and water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards
• Alcohol is included via a premium open bar

If you’d otherwise pay separately for a tour boat, meal, and drinks, the package can make sense quickly. If you don’t drink much, the open bar is still part of what you’re paying for, but you’re mainly buying the boat time, meals, and included water activities.

I also like the group size cap. With a max of 115, the crew can keep up better than on mega groups that feel like cattle lines. Reviews repeatedly mention attentive service and food and drink kept flowing, and that kind of staffing only works when the operator budgets for it.

Who this tour is best for, and who should think twice

This works great for people who want an easy, all-inclusive day with movement built in. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want a mix of water fun plus a real destination like Yelapa
• Like the idea of included snorkeling equipment and paddleboards
• Are happy with a short hike to a waterfall rather than a long trek
• Enjoy onboard energy, especially if you like DJs and hosts

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session
• Are sensitive to uphill walking (the waterfall trail can include a hill)
• Want total quiet and no music, since the yacht can run energetic even if you have quieter areas

There’s also a drinking-age factor. The tour specifies minimum drinking age is 18, which means it’s not really a child-focused drinking party for younger teens, even if families do book the experience.

Should you book the Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling Adventure?

If you want a Puerto Vallarta excursion that feels like a complete day out, this is an easy yes. The combination of open bar all day, included meals, and a Yelapa waterfall add up to real convenience and real payoff.

Book it if your priority is a fun boat atmosphere plus enough snorkel and enough time at Yelapa to actually enjoy the village and waterfall. I’d also recommend it if you like having staff around for setup and cleanup, because the crew reputation for being attentive and keeping things running comes through clearly.

Skip it or consider alternatives if snorkeling is your one obsession, because your snorkeling time can feel limited on some days and equipment can occasionally run tight. Also, if walking uphill is an issue for you, plan for the waterfall on a careful, go-with-your-body basis, knowing you can stay on the boat instead.

If you do book, come prepared for sun and water: hat, sunscreen, your bathing suit ready, and a towel that you can grab fast. Then aim to get into the water early at Playa Chica Locca, because that’s where you’ll shape how your whole day feels.

FAQ

How long is the Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling Adventure?

The tour is about 6 hours (approx.).

Where do I check in?

Check-in is at the Chica Locca Tours office located at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. You may also choose another starting location when booking, including Paradise Village. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

What is included in the all-inclusive package?

Breakfast, lunch (Mexican fajitas), snacks like guacamole and chips, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and alcoholic beverages through an onboard open bar are included. The experience also includes access to onboard activities and water toys.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes an onboard open bar with a range of drinks, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Is there time to see the Yelapa waterfall?

Yes. At Yelapa, you can take a trail of about 15 minutes to the waterfall, where you can take a dip.

How much snorkeling time should I expect?

You’ll have time to snorkel during the water stop after the yacht drops anchor. The exact snorkeling duration can vary based on conditions and how the schedule runs that day.

What water activities are available besides snorkeling?

You can use snorkeling equipment and also take part in activities like kayaking and standup paddleboarding, plus other water toys during the Playa Chica Locca stop.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear and sun protection. A hat, sunscreen, and a towel are specifically recommended in the shared experiences, since the day includes lots of time in the sun and water.