Two sea coves, one nonstop adventure. I like how this Puerto Vallarta cruise links wildlife spotting with time on two different beach worlds: Majahuitas for snorkeling and Yelapa for a waterfall walk. On the ride, you might spot dolphins, and in winter, humpback whales can show up too.

What I love most is the simple, hands-on feel at sea. In Majahuitas Cove, you get snorkeling and kayaking gear and an expert guide, so you are not just sitting on a boat. Then the crew keeps the energy up on the return, with names like Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey popping up in that upbeat, get-involved way, including music and a show.

One drawback to know up front: this is a big-day schedule with short stop times, so Yelapa can feel crowded and the waterfall walk may be more “quick hike” than leisurely exploration, especially if conditions are rough or the waterfall is running low.

Key highlights I’d circle on your plan

• Majahuitas Cove access by boat, which means calmer water and fewer crowds once you are there
• Snorkeling plus kayaking gear included, with an expert on hand to help you make the most of the stop
• Yelapa waterfall hike option, centered on the Cola de Caballo area when water is available
• Open bar on board and a lively return ride with music, dancing, and an onboard show
• Wildlife potential on the cruise: dolphins are possible, humpback whales are a winter season note

Enter Majahuitas first, where the water does the talking

Most people’s favorite part starts early, with the catamaran ride out along the coast toward the two sea-only coves. The vibe right away is “on island time,” meaning you are not loading and unloading cars or dealing with long transfers. You just settle in, get your bearings on a boat, and enjoy the scenery rolling by.

Then you reach Playa Majahuitas, a beach area you can only get to by sea. That access detail matters. It helps explain why this stop feels special even when you have a full boat. You are arriving at a place that is not built around roads and quick car drop-offs, and the water tends to feel clearer once you are set for snorkeling.

Snorkeling and sea time you can actually use

In Majahuitas, the tour focuses on water activities, not just beach hanging. You get equipment for snorkeling and kayaking, and you also have time that can include paddle boarding and kayaking depending on conditions and how the crew structures the group on the day. The best part for first-timers is that you are not left to guess. You are with a guide and a crew that knows how to run a tight, safe operation in a cove.

You should also know snorkeling can be weather and season dependent. One visitor had a day where jellyfish stung snorkelers and visibility was poor. That kind of day happens in ocean travel. If you are the type who gets nervous about marine life, you might want to treat snorkeling here as an adventurous outing, not a guaranteed “see the fish forever” moment.

The beach side is not an afterthought

Even if you skip snorkeling, Majahuitas still gives you a real beach moment. Think sand time, a place to rinse off in the practical sense, and a chance to breathe between activities. Some days this becomes the most relaxing chunk of the whole tour, since you are sheltered in a cove and not constantly moving.

Yelapa and the Cola de Caballo waterfall: off-road village energy

After the first sea stop, you shift gears to land, with Yelapa. This is a tiny community with no roads, and that changes the feel immediately. There is a “you are here by choice” mood, and you notice it when you walk through the village atmosphere and along the water area.

Yelapa time is guided, and you get a chance to see the waterfall area known as Cola de Caballo. For many people, that hike is the payoff, but it is not a flat stroll. Expect an uphill walk with uneven footing. More than one person noted that their legs felt it later.

The waterfall might be amazing, or it might be more of a teaser

Waterflow depends on conditions. If the waterfall is running well, you get that cold, refreshing reward once you reach it. If it is not, you can still enjoy the effort and the scenery, but you may not see the same dramatic cascade that you were imagining.

So I recommend setting your expectation like this: the hike is part of the experience, and the waterfall is the bonus when nature cooperates.

Village time is short, so go for what matters to you

Some stops in Yelapa can become fast-moving because the tour is built around fitting a lot into a single day. You may feel a bit of crowd flow, like you are moving through the village with a group schedule rather than wandering freely.

If you want shopping or extra photos, plan for it. Keep a little cash handy for small purchases in the village, since that kind of souvenir browsing is most likely to happen in the Yelapa window.

The catamaran ride back is half the fun

By the time you cruise back toward Puerto Vallarta, the tour leans hard into upbeat onboard entertainment. You are already tired in a good way from sun, sea, and walking. The return ride takes that energy and turns it into a party.

A few things stand out from people’s experiences: music, dancing, and a show at the end. The crew tends to be actively involved, not just “working the job from behind the microphone.” Names like Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey show up in the way passengers describe how the crew interacts, jokes with people, and pulls everyone into the moment.

Open bar helps, but the real value is the group energy

An open bar is included. That does not mean you should treat this like a late-night drinking event. It usually means you can enjoy a drink while watching the coastline and feeling the rhythm of the group fun.

What I think makes this part feel good is how it breaks up the day. You go from snorkeling and hiking into a calmer moving boat with a soundtrack and a sense that the crew has planned the day’s “release valve.”

How the day flows, and why timing feels different here

This is a 7-hour-style adventure, with an early departure and a return cruise that brings you back to your drop-off point. The most important planning tip is simple: you have limited downtime, and most time is active.

Here is how that plays for you in real life:

• You start with a cruise segment that also sets the mood for dolphin and whale spotting chances.
• You hit Majahuitas for your snorkeling and water activities.
• You move to Yelapa for a guided village stop plus the waterfall hike option.
• You finish with the onboard entertainment and open bar feel on the ride home.

That tight pacing is a love-it-or-leave-it thing. People who want a full beach day with lots of unstructured wandering sometimes feel the stops move quickly. People who like seeing multiple highlights in one shot tend to rate this higher, because you get both sea time and the waterfall story without planning a split-day itinerary yourself.

Snorkeling reality check: jellyfish and visibility can happen

For snorkelers, this trip is clearly built for you to get in the water. Equipment is included, and you spend enough time at Majahuitas to feel like you had a real session rather than a token splash.

Still, conditions matter. One experience described jellyfish stings across the snorkeling group and very limited visibility. That is not something you can control from your end, but you can reduce stress by going in expecting variable water clarity.

Practical comfort tips that help

Based on what worked well for people:

• Bring towels if you have them, since a boat day can leave you damp and salty.
• Wear flip-flops for the village areas where footwear needs to be easy and convenient. Some people found that practical for walking and transitioning between beach and land.
• If you are prone to feeling cold in water, keep in mind that the waterfall area is often refreshing, which some people found pleasantly cold.

Lunch and drinks: simple, included, and good enough for a full day

Included lunch is a deli-style meal served on board. One common theme in feedback is that it is tasty but not fancy. Expect something like sandwiches, salads, and fruit, and plan to eat it as part of the day’s fueling strategy, not as a culinary destination.

The open bar on board is included too. That means you can pair your lunch and cruise moments with a drink if that fits your style. If you prefer not to drink, you can still enjoy the social atmosphere, because the crew’s energy is not only tied to alcohol.

Price and value: what you get for about $99

At around $99 per person, this tour is positioned as a value “two-cove” day. The biggest value drivers are:

• Catamaran transport along the coast to two separate sea-only places
• Included snorkeling and kayaking equipment
• Included lunch and open bar
• A crew that runs an entertaining onboard experience, not just a checklist ride

The price starts to make even more sense if you compare it to the real cost of arranging separate boat time, gear rentals, and multiple guided stops on your own.

Just remember the two extra costs that can affect your final budget:

• A port fee of MXN 40 paid in cash before boarding
• An access fee of USD 20 per person paid in cash at check-in

Those fees are common for tour operations, but they can be a surprise if you show up with a card only. I recommend bringing the cash ready so you do not lose time at the dock.

Where big-boat days can feel crowded (and how to handle it)

This is not a small private outing. The catamaran can carry a lot of people, and on busy days, you can feel that at:

• the dock and pickup flow
• the time pressure inside Yelapa
• the snorkeling session itself, which can feel a bit fast if the group moves like a schedule

One practical tip from real-world experience: if you are offered earlier pickup or early arrival instructions, take them seriously. People reported that navigating the port is easier if you get there early, and that helps you start the day relaxed instead of stressed.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A Puerto Vallarta day trip that mixes snorkeling with a waterfall hike
• A lively crew and onboard fun, not a quiet nature-only outing
• Time to explore Yelapa even if your schedule is tight

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want long, slow beach downtime at just one location
• Have mobility needs, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments

If you are traveling with kids, some visitors described it as family-friendly. The key is that snorkeling and beach time are both available, so different people can do different things during the day.

Should you book Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel?

I’d book this if your goal is a full, varied day. You get two iconic places, boat access to Majahuitas, a waterfall hike option in Yelapa, included lunch, and a crew that turns the return ride into something memorable. For many people, the entertainment and energy are as valuable as the scenery.

I would hesitate if you know you dislike crowds, hate tight schedules, or are very sensitive to ocean surprises like jellyfish. Also, if you are expecting a huge, uninterrupted waterfall experience, keep in mind the day is time-boxed and waterflow can vary.

If you do book, come ready with cash for the port and access fees, bring towels, wear comfortable sandals or flip-flops for village walking, and keep a flexible mindset about snorkeling conditions. Do that, and this one-day combo of Majahuitas and Yelapa can feel like a real highlight reel of Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long is the Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall and Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure?

The tour duration is 7 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

Lunch is included, along with an open bar on board. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are also included.

Are there any extra fees I should expect?

Yes. There is an MXN 40 port fee that must be paid in cash before boarding. There is also an access fee of USD 20 per person that must be paid in cash at check-in. Gratuities are not included.

Where do I get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup is available at two locations: Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta (Puerto Magico area). Drop-off is also at two locations: Puerto Magico and Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta.

What do I need to bring with me?

You should bring a passport or an ID card.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.