This yacht day feels like a floating party. I like two things most: the Luxury Premium Open Bar that really stays flowing all day, and the guided walk to Yelapa Falls once you arrive. One thing to consider, though, is that snorkeling conditions can vary, so underwater visibility is not something you can guarantee.

I also appreciate the modern 100-foot mega yacht setup, with comfortable lounging areas (sun and shade) and modern bathrooms, plus an onboard masseuse for a nice reset. If you want a quiet, low-energy outing, the music, dancing, and party energy may feel like too much.

You’ll still get the authentic payoff: a car-free Yelapa town feel, white-sand beach time, and coastal views in Bahia de Banderas with possible dolphins and whales.

Key points before you book

• All-day premium open bar with a full menu of cocktails plus beer, wine, tequila, and more
• Yelapa Falls hike with a short uphill walk and refreshing waterfall water right after
• Modern mega yacht comfort with loungers, shade, sound system, and water access toys
• Water play is the core activity with snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and floating loungers
• Crew attention stands out (drinks and snacks served constantly, including help getting water toys going)
• Party vibe on the return cruise with music that can feel upbeat, not just background

Stepping onto a 100-foot mega yacht in Bahia de Banderas

The tour runs out of Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas area on a stable, well-equipped modern 100-foot mega yacht. Before you even reach Yelapa, you’re already in that “vacation mode” moment, with room to sit, lounge, and move around without feeling cramped.

You get a mix of sun and shade areas, plus a premium sound system and modern bathrooms. That matters because the day has multiple water stops, and you do not want to scramble for a dry spot every time you get back aboard.

You’ll check in at one of two places, Puerto Mágico Vallarta or Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta (pier-side). Drop-off is back at the same two locations, so you avoid the awkward “where do I go now?” scramble.

The onboard food and drinks that make the ticket feel worth it

This is not a snack-only boat day. The included meal plan is built to keep energy up for swimming, snorkeling, and the Yelapa walking segment.

Breakfast is served on the boat, then you get more food and drinks timed throughout the cruise: drinks flow during the ride, and lunch happens before you explore Yelapa. The lunch is a proper Mexican-style spread, with Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and local tortillas.

For snacks, you get fresh items like guacamole and blue corn chips. It sounds simple, but it’s the kind of food that actually helps when you’ve been in and out of the water all morning.

Now the big deal: the Luxury Premium Open Bar. Included are water, coffee, juices, and sodas, plus margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, and wine. Several guests highlight that there was rarely a long wait for a drink and that staff circulated with an on-the-ball pace.

If you’re the type who usually does one “drink” and then switches to water, this may tempt you into a second drink. If that’s not your goal, you’ll still enjoy it because the quality and variety make it easier to balance.

Sea time with whales and dolphins: what you’re really hunting for

The cruising portion is designed for scenic riding plus marine life viewing. Bahia de Banderas is the right setting for this kind of activity, and the tour includes whale watching and wildlife viewing while you move along the coast.

In plain terms, you’re doing two things at once. First, you get gorgeous shoreline views that feel different from looking at them from shore. Second, if marine life is active that day, you might spot dolphins or whales out in the water.

One practical note: these sightings are never a sure thing. You should go with the mindset of enjoying the ride either way. That’s also why the drink-and-snack rhythm works well, because you are waiting for nature, not rushing through a checklist.

Before Yelapa: swim stops, snorkeling gear, and water toys

Once the boat is set in motion, you’ll get time built around free-water play. This is the part where the tour earns its name as a mega yacht experience, because the boat is set up as a floating activity platform.

Included water equipment covers a lot of options: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses for lounging in the ocean. There are also onboard water attractions mentioned, like waterslides, so even non-swimmers have something to do.

From what I see in the experience style here, you do not need to be a hard-core swimmer to enjoy yourself. Even if snorkeling visibility is not perfect, being in the water from a stable yacht stop is still fun. And if you’d rather stay on the surface, paddle boarding and floating loungers give you a low-effort way to enjoy clear water and views.

A heads-up: some guests note snorkeling can disappoint if visibility is poor that day. It’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reason to bring the right expectations. Treat snorkeling as an optional bonus, not the entire reason you’re there.

Lunch, then Yelapa: the car-free town and the waterfall moment

You eat lunch before you head into Yelapa. When you arrive, the experience shifts from “boat activities” to “land adventure with a relaxed beach payoff.”

Yelapa is known here as one of Mexico’s most unique destinations, and the tour leans into what makes it different: a car-free town atmosphere plus white-sand beach time. You’ll also get a photo stop and a guided visit.

Then comes the headline for most people: the Yelapa Falls hike. You do a short guided walk to reach the falls, and once you’re there, the refreshing water is the reward. Several guests mention it is not a huge hike, with around a 10-minute uphill walk shared by some.

What I like about this moment is the pacing. You’re not just walking for the sake of walking. You get a real payoff, a chance to cool off right after the uphill effort, and a fun change of scenery from boats and ocean play.

Also, after the waterfall area, there may be a nearby bar option so you can refuel and cool down. Even if you’re not drinking, that’s a useful way to reset your mood and energy before you head back to the boat.

Snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boards, and floating loungers: how to choose

With so many water options included, your biggest challenge is deciding what you’ll actually do with your time. The boat gives you the gear, but your best day comes from picking a priority and then sampling a second activity.

If you want the most “wow per minute,” snorkeling can be great when conditions are clear. If visibility turns out to be limited, you’ll still enjoy the water and the novelty of being out there on a yacht day.

If you prefer something that feels easier and more scenic, paddle boarding and kayaks are a strong pick. They also let you move without committing to a swim routine.

For pure relaxation, floating mattresses are underrated. This is where you can lounge, watch the coast slide by, and let the day slow down without losing the ocean vibe.

One caution I’d give you based on how these tours can run: not everyone gets equal time on every toy. If you care a lot about a specific activity, start early during the water window. If you wait until the later part, the gear may be in heavy use.

The onboard massage and the small luxuries that matter at sea

A lot of tours promise fun. This one adds a small wellness touch. An onboard masseuse is included, giving you access to a massage during the day.

In practice, this helps because your body can get a mix of sun, water, and walking. A quick massage can feel like a reset button before the return cruise, especially if you did the falls hike and then jumped back in the ocean.

Even if you skip the massage, it’s still part of why this tour feels more premium than standard catamaran-style days. It signals that the company is aiming for comfort, not just activities.

Your return cruise: music, dancing, and how the vibe stays fun

On the way back, you get more drinks and local snacks, plus continued marine viewing and scenic cruising. This is also where the day tends to shift into party mode, with music and dancing that can feel like a celebration rather than a chore.

The good part is that the energy is mostly about fun, not chaos. Multiple guests describe it as a party vibe with constant attention from the crew, plus enough staff circulating that you’re not hunting for service.

If you’re traveling with friends, this is often the stretch that helps everyone bond. If you’re traveling with family and you want a fun day rather than a quiet one, this return section can be a highlight, as long as you’re okay with the upbeat atmosphere.

Price and value: what $142 gets you and why it adds up

At $142 per person for about six hours, the headline value is not just the boat ride. It’s the combination of included items that normally cost extra on separate tours.

You’re getting:

• A premium open bar with multiple cocktail options, beer, wine, tequila, and more
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks (not just chips and salsa)
• Water equipment including snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and floating loungers
• A guided hike to Yelapa Falls
• An onboard massage
• Port fees included

So when you think about value, compare it to doing a regular boat tour plus paying separately for lunch, drinks, and water activities. When all of that is bundled into one price, you spend your time enjoying the day instead of tracking what costs what.

The only real “cost” is your personal preferences. If you’re someone who wants lots of quiet snorkeling time, you may wish the snorkeling window were longer. If you’re someone who likes variety, you’ll love how the day moves between ocean time and Yelapa’s land-based highlight.

Who should book the Mega Yacht cruise, and who should reconsider

This tour is ideal for you if you want:

• A fun, lively yacht day with music and a crew that stays active
• A mix of water time and land time, with the Yelapa Falls hike as the anchor
• An included open bar experience that feels generous and not stingy
• Multiple water options, so you can pick your mood day-of

You might reconsider if:

• You strongly prefer quiet experiences with minimal party energy
• You only care about snorkeling and are highly sensitive to visibility conditions
• You want lots of uninterrupted time on one single activity, since the day rotates between stops

In short, this tour works best when you like variety and you’re okay with the day having a social, upbeat rhythm.

Should you book Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

Yes, if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day is a balance of comfort and activities, plus a real highlight on land. The open bar, the included food, and the hands-on water toys create a day that feels complete even if marine sightings or snorkeling conditions vary.

If you care most about a calm, low-key outing, you might still enjoy the scenery and Yelapa Falls, but the music and party vibe may not match your style. For most people who want a big memorable day without planning every little detail, this is a smart pick.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa mega yacht cruise?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

Where do I check in for the cruise?

You can check in at either Puerto Mágico Vallarta or the Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta pier. Drop-off is also at one of these locations depending on your booking.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The tour includes an all-day premium open bar with water, coffee, juices, sodas, and alcohol options like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, and wine.

What water equipment is included?

Snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses for lounging in the ocean are included.

Is a massage included onboard?

Yes. There is a masseuse onboard, and massage is included.

What should I bring, and are photo packages included?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Photo packages are available at check-in, but they are not included.