Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Yelapa and Majahuitas are a two-part day, and that is what makes this cruise interesting. You get a classic catamaran outing plus real time on two different shorelines, with extra water toys like kayaks and paddle boards.

I especially like how the trip feeds you all day, from a continental breakfast right on the boat to lunch at Vela Roja, and then keeps the party going with an onboard open bar. A possible drawback is that snorkeling quality can swing, with some days looking murky, so your best payoff may be Yelapa and the waterfall walk more than the sea life.

Key points before you go

• Two beach moods: Majahuitas for water time, Yelapa for vibe, town wandering, and the waterfall hike
• Food and drinks included: continental breakfast, full lunch, plus a national open bar on the boat
• More than snorkeling: kayaks and paddle boards are part of the package, not an add-on
• Crew energy is a highlight: standout staff names you may hear include Alex, Diego, Jorge, Francisco, and Jonathan (Johnny Cash)
• Budget for small extra fees: a MX$32 pier and reef tax per person is not included
• Plan for rougher logistics: expect loose timing and possibly loud music, plus equipment that can be hit or miss

Why Yelapa and Majahuitas feels like two different vacations

This cruise is built around contrast. Majahuitas is where you slide into the water and use the snorkeling gear, while Yelapa is where the day slows down, the scenery changes, and the hike to the waterfall is the big moment.

If you like being active, you will enjoy the mix. You can snorkel, kayak, or paddle board before you head over to Yelapa for the calmer beach time.

The tradeoff is simple: underwater visibility is not guaranteed. Even when conditions are not perfect, Yelapa itself often delivers the real wow factor, especially with the waterfall walk.

Catamaran day basics: timing, group size, and where you meet

You start at 9:15 am at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera Norte area. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not stuck figuring out a late return across town.

The boat runs with a maximum of 40 travelers, which helps the day feel less like a cattle call than some larger boats. Also, you get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking.

One practical note: several people describe timing as flexible, not tight. If you are on a cruise ship schedule, you should build in extra buffer because departure can run late.

Breakfast plus an open bar on board: what is included, and what to expect

Breakfast is continental style and comes right on the boat: bread, coffee, seasonal fruits, yogurt, and granola. It is a good setup for a full day because you are not waiting until lunch to eat.

Drinks are a major part of the experience. The national open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. Music and onboard games or dancing are part of the vibe too.

One thing to watch: some departures have been reported to delay the bar opening, meaning you might not be handed drinks immediately after boarding. If strong drinks are part of your plan, ask what the timing looks like that day so you can adjust your expectations.

Majahuitas snorkeling: how to boost your odds when visibility is variable

Snorkeling equipment and lifevests are included, and you also get the freedom to kayak or paddle board once you are out there. The cruise is designed as a water-first outing before you hit the Yelapa portion.

That said, your best attitude here is flexible. Some days people report murky water and low visibility, with little to see through goggles. Other days the water is clearer, and you can spot fish, and even occasional big surprises like manta rays.

Because equipment quality is not always consistent, I recommend a small safety checklist:

• If your mask or snorkel does not seal well, stop and get help right away.
• Consider bringing your own snorkel mask if you are picky about fit.
• Bring the right mood, not just the right gear, because the sea can change fast.

Also keep an eye out for jellyfish. You are not likely to plan your day around that, but at least you will know to be alert when you first enter the water.

Kayaks and paddle boards: the included activities that often feel worth it

Even if snorkeling is not amazing, the included water toys can still make the day feel active and fun. Kayaks and paddle boards help you get out and move around at your own pace.

This matters because it turns the day from a single-point gamble into a broader experience. You can spend more time on the water surface, relax, and still feel like you got value from the trip even if the fish count is low.

If you are not a confident swimmer, lifevest use can make you feel safer while you enjoy the paddle options. Just follow crew instructions closely, especially when conditions are moving.

Yelapa beach time and the waterfall walk: the part that earns its praise

When the cruise transitions to Yelapa, the day often clicks into place. Yelapa is described as beautiful, with a beach vibe that feels different from the larger Puerto Vallarta scene, plus enough time for a guided experience on land.

The waterfall walk is a big draw. You are moving through a jungle-style hike and then ending with a meal on the beach, which is where the day can feel truly special.

A few practical tips to make that hike more comfortable:

• Bring a light cover-up and keep water handy.
• Wear shoes you can walk in, because this is a real walk, not just a beach shuffle.
• If you are sensitive to motion, take any nausea meds ahead of time. One review specifically called out that the full day on the water can hit people who get seasick.

Yelapa can also be chilly, and the water may drop quickly and get deep fast. If you plan to swim, go in gradually and watch your comfort level.

Food at Vela Roja: a full lunch that reduces decision fatigue

Lunch is at the Vela Roja a la Carte Restaurant, and the menu is broad enough to satisfy picky eaters. You might get fish steak, beef fajitas or chicken, quesadilla with shrimp, natural style items, beef burger or shrimp, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail.

It is not just one plate and done either. The lunch spread is meant to keep everyone fed after time in the sun and water.

If you are the type who gets cranky when lunch is late, this part of the tour is valuable. You are not hunting for food after snorkeling. You sit down, eat, and keep going.

That said, some people mention that certain meals can be only average. If you are very sensitive to food quality, you might want to bring a snack just in case. It is a small buffer for an all-day outing.

Crew and guides: what makes the trip feel smooth or not

The crew can make or break a day like this, and names you may hear include Alex, Diego, Jorge, Francisco, and Jonathan, sometimes referred to as Johnny Cash. The common thread is that staff often work hard to keep the energy up, handle equipment, and keep safety in mind.

In some cases, people also report disorganization early on, like not clearly explaining the order of getting snorkeling gear or the need to have an ID available for equipment pickup. That does not mean every departure is chaotic, but it is a sign to arrive ready and ask questions early.

If music is too loud for you, know that some travelers have complained about the volume on the upper deck. If you are sensitive to sound, pick your seat area carefully and speak up if the speakers are bothering you.

Price and value around $87: what you are buying

At about $87 per person for roughly 8 hours, you are paying for transportation by catamaran, time at two shoreline stops, and a full-day bundle of activities. That bundle is where the value lives.

Here is what helps justify the price:

• Snorkeling equipment plus lifevests
• Kayaks and paddle boards
• Continental breakfast plus lunch
• An open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water
• Onboard insurance

What can reduce value for some people is when snorkeling underdelivers. If your dream is coral-and-tropical-fish snorkeling, you might feel disappointed on low-visibility days. In that scenario, you will want to lean into the Yelapa portion and accept that the sea life might be hit or miss.

Also budget for the extra MX$32 pier and reef tax per person, since it is not included. And be aware that some guests report being asked for additional costs tied to land activities like getting to the waterfall area. The exact amount is not stated in the tour details you provided, so the safest move is to ask what local fees apply that day before you settle in.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you want an easy, social full-day outing with lots happening. Couples and families often like it because it mixes beach time with active water toys, and the food and drinks keep the schedule moving.

You might want to choose this tour over a stricter snorkeling-only boat if:

• You are okay with snorkeling being variable
• You want a waterfall hike option
• You enjoy an open bar and a lively crew
• You want included kayaks and paddle boards, not just one activity

You might want to skip or think twice if you:

• Need very smooth logistics with no delays (timing can be loose)
• Have mobility limitations, because reaching the beach may involve transfers and steps, depending on conditions
• Are bothered by loud onboard music

If you love to plan, bring your own mask if you can. Some people reported goggles not working well or water getting in. That is an easy fix if you come prepared.

Should you book it?

Book it if your priority is a fun all-day cruise that delivers a lot of included extras, and your real highlight is likely Yelapa plus the waterfall walk. The combination of catamaran ride, beach scenery, included kayaks or paddle boards, and a full lunch is hard to beat for the price.

Skip it if snorkeling is your non negotiable goal and you cannot handle murky water or inconsistent visibility. In that case, you might be happier with a tour that only focuses on snorkeling spots with stronger track records.

If you do book, go in with the right expectations: think of this as a day on the water plus a Yelapa escape, not a guaranteed snorkel showcase.

FAQ

What time does the Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling cruise start?

It starts at 9:15 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The meeting point is Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What is included in the price?

It includes maritime transportation by catamaran, continental breakfast, an open bar on the boat, lunch at Vela Roja, snorkeling equipment, lifevest, kayaks, paddle board, plus onboard insurance and guides in Spanish and English.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The tour lists a national open bar on the boat, including tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

What is not included?

Ground transportation is not included. Also, the pier and reef tax for Yelapa and Majahuitas is MX$32.00 per person.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?

The tour involves getting to the beach and returning to the boat, and some travelers recommend avoiding it if you have mobility issues due to the added transfers. If mobility is a concern, check with the provider before booking.