Two coves, one long day of sun.

This Puerto Vallarta boat trip pairs the calm charm of Yelapa with the coastal playground of Majahuitas, so you get beach time plus active water fun in a single 8 hour day. The best part is the mix: a village feel, a possible waterfall swim, and then time on and in the water.

I especially like the way the day gives you choices. I like that you can focus on the Cola de Caballo waterfall area, or keep it more relaxed with beach and village wandering. I also like that lunch is not just a snack, you pick from 6 meal options, which makes the day feel more like a full outing than a quick transfer.

One consideration: the Majahuitas snorkeling can be a bit hit or miss for visibility. If you’re the type who needs crystal-clear water to enjoy snorkeling, plan to enjoy the cove time and the kayaking and paddleboarding even if the underwater view isn’t perfect.

Key points to know before you go

• Yelapa waterfall time lets you mix a scenic walk with a refreshing swim
• Majahuitas Cove snorkeling includes snorkel gear, so you can get right in
• Kayaks and paddleboards are provided, giving you more than one way to enjoy the water
• Lunch has 6 choices plus a proper included breakfast set you up for the day
• Open bar comes after snorkeling, so the timing keeps the water activities first
• A marina entrance fee applies (30 pesos per person), so budget a little extra

Yelapa and Majahuitas in one 8 hour boat day

This is a classic coast-hopping day built around two very different flavors of Jalisco shoreline. Yelapa feels like a slower, older world, with a fishing village vibe and that laid-back “no big rush” mood. Majahuitas is more about the water, with cove time where you can snorkel, paddle, and spend the afternoon relaxing on the sea.

You’re out for about 8 hours, which is long enough to feel like a true excursion, but not so long that you lose the day. You’ll have guided time, plus stretches where you can choose your own pace, whether that means a waterfall detour or simply soaking up the sun.

How the day usually runs, from continental breakfast to open bar

The trip starts with a continental breakfast included onboard. You get bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola, which is a solid start before you’re in swim mode.

From there, the day is structured around a few main blocks:

• Morning focus on Yelapa and the waterfall area
• Midday move toward Majahuitas for snorkeling and paddle time
• Then a long, laid-back stretch on the water and at the beach
• Open bar after snorkeling on the boat, so you can enjoy a drink once the main activity is done

The “after snorkeling” timing matters. It keeps you from feeling rushed or clumsy while you’re geared up in the water. By the time the drinks arrive, you’re usually done with the active part, so the day stays fun instead of chaotic.

Yelapa village and Cola de Caballo waterfall time

Yelapa is the part of the itinerary that most people end up talking about, and it’s easy to see why. The fishing village setting has character, and the day builds in time for you to wander and take it slow.

A standout moment is the chance to go for the Cola de Caballo waterfall experience. You’re looking at a short scenic walk, and the idea is that you can reach the cascading waterfall area and then jump in if you want. If jumping in is not your plan, you can still enjoy the view and the surrounding atmosphere.

On the way through, there’s also room for casual local shopping. You can browse native artisan handicrafts as you move around, which adds a bit of culture without turning the day into a museum visit.

Why this stop is valuable: it gives you a “real place” feeling. You’re not just swapping boats and beaches. You’re spending time where people live, and the village tempo changes the mood of the whole day.

Majahuitas Cove snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboard time

Majahuitas is where the day turns into water time. The tour includes snorkel equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own mask. The goal is snorkeling among an array of fish populations, which is the kind of activity that can be great for both first-timers and casual snorkelers.

You’ll also have access to kayaks and paddleboards, and that’s a big deal. Even if you don’t love snorkeling visibility on a given day, you still have options:

• Paddle in a single or double ocean kayak around sandy-bottom waters
• Spend time on paddleboards in the calmer areas
• Enjoy marine life guidance as you go, since the setup is meant to help you spot what’s around you

Practical reality check: the snorkeling experience can vary. One of the most useful bits of advice I can give you is to treat snorkeling here as a bonus, not as the only reason to book. If the water conditions are less clear, kayaking and paddleboarding keep the value strong, and you still get that “Majahuitas cove” feeling.

Lunch choices and onboard open bar, what you actually get

Food and drinks are a big part of what makes this tour feel worth the price, and here they’re handled in a straightforward way. Lunch is included with 6 options, which makes it easy to match preferences. You can choose:

• Fish filet
• Chicken fajitas
• Hamburger
• Beef fajitas
• Shrimp quesadillas
• Fish ceviche

That choice format matters more than it sounds. It cuts down on the chance you’ll end up with a meal you don’t want, and it makes the day feel less “mass-produced.”

After snorkeling, there’s a national open bar onboard. This is a good setup because you get the drinks after you’ve already done the main activity in the water. In real terms, it means you can relax, toast the day, and not think about timing gear swaps.

What to bring, plus the $30 peso marina entrance fee

Pack like you’re going to be in and out of the water multiple times. Here’s what you should bring:

• Camera or video camera
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Extra cash for tips, photos, and small extras

Also plan for the 30 pesos per person marina entrance fee. It’s a separate cost, so don’t assume the $118 covers everything. It’s not huge, but it’s the kind of surprise that can annoy you if you didn’t expect it.

Quick tip: bring sunscreen that you trust. You’ll be out for hours, and even if you’re under the sun for shorter stretches, the combination of reflection off water and long exposure catches people.

Price and value, is $118 fair for this mix of stops?

At $118 per person for about 8 hours, the value comes from the “included package” approach. You’re not just paying for transportation, you’re paying for a full day that includes:

• Continental breakfast
• Lunch with 6 choices
• Snorkel equipment
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Insurance on board
• A national open bar after snorkeling

That’s a lot of included extras for one price. The lunch choice alone is a clear value boost, because it reduces the need to find food later or settle for something random.

Where you should adjust expectations: the entrance fee (30 pesos per person) is extra, and snorkeling conditions can vary. If you’re planning this day as a “must have perfect snorkel visibility” mission, you might be happier mentally if you treat the cove activities as the main plan, with snorkeling as part of the mix.

Who this Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa and Majahuitas tour suits best

I’d point you toward this tour if you want a day that feels like it goes beyond one beach. You’ll like it if you:

• Want Yelapa village atmosphere plus waterfall scenery
• Enjoy snorkeling, but also like having backup options
• Like the idea of kayaking or paddleboarding with gear already included
• Appreciate when breakfast and lunch are handled for you

It’s also a good fit for people who like a bit of independence. You get guided structure, but you’re not locked into one constant activity. You can spend time sunning, swimming, or just taking in the scenery during your free stretches.

Not for everyone: the activity is not suitable for expecting mothers, or for passengers with heart, back, or neck problems. If you’re in any of those categories, it’s worth choosing a different style of tour.

Quick decision guide: should you book this day out?

Book it if your top priorities are Yelapa time, beach relaxation, and having multiple ways to enjoy the water without planning gear or meals. This tour’s strength is the full-day package, not just one activity.

Skip or rethink if you’re planning your whole trip around seeing wildlife underwater with maximum clarity. The Majahuitas snorkeling can be underwhelming for visibility, so if that is your make-or-break goal, go in with a flexible mindset and plan to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach time even if the underwater view is limited.

If you do book, keep one small buffer in your head for the extra marina entrance fee, and pack sunscreen and a towel. That’s the kind of simple prep that makes the whole day smoother.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa, Majahuitas tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes continental breakfast, lunch (choose from 6 options), snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, national open bar on board after snorkeling, and insurance on board. A marina entrance fee also applies.

What are the lunch options?

Lunch options include fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.

When is the open bar available?

The national open bar is on board after snorkeling.

Is there a marina entrance fee?

Yes. There is a 30 pesos per person marina entrance fee.

What should I bring?

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

What snorkeling and water gear is provided?

Snorkel equipment is provided. The tour also includes kayaks and paddleboards.

Who should not take this activity?

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