Snorkel, cruise, and chase a waterfall. This 7-hour catamaran tour pairs Majahuitas Beach snorkeling with Yelapa village time, all from Puerto Vallarta. You get a smooth mix of water fun, scenic coastline cruising, and free hours where you choose how active to be.

I especially like that snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, so you can spend your time actually in the water. I also like the Yelapa stretch, about 2.5 hours, because it feels like a real sea-only beach stop where you can wander, relax, or pick an add-on like paddleboarding, kayaking, or the short walk to a waterfall. The one thing to consider is that boarding can be slow if ticket checks get backed up, so build in patience at the start.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Majahuitas Beach snorkeling for about 45 minutes with provided equipment and guidance
• Yelapa free time for roughly 2.5 hours, with beach time plus optional activities
• A waterfall option you can reach via a short walk (and you may see pricier organized options)
• Breakfast and lunch onboard mean less time hunting food and more time outside
• Open bar on the return trip plus a music-and-party vibe at the end of the day
• Port fee is extra and pictures aren’t included, so plan for small add-ons

From Puerto Vallarta to the Water: How This Day Flows

This is a classic coast-day trip: you start in Puerto Vallarta, move by catamaran to a top snorkeling spot, then shift gears to a beach village atmosphere in Yelapa. The day is built around three chunks of experience, with meals and time transitions that keep it from feeling rushed.

A big reason this works is pacing. You do not spend the whole day in a bus, and you do not get stuck in one activity. You get one solid swim window at Majahuitas, then a real chunk of free time on land at Yelapa. The return trip keeps the energy up with lunch and an open bar, ending with an onboard party.

If you hate lines, do not go in expecting instant boarding. One practical consideration: ticket verification can take longer than you want, so treat the first part of the day like a waiting room, not a sprint.

Majahuitas Beach Snorkeling: The Main Event

Majahuitas is the headline. This stop is where the tour earns its keep, because you get about 45 minutes of snorkeling at the beach. The equipment is included, and you are also given life jackets, which makes it feel more straightforward if you are not a confident ocean swimmer.

You will likely want to arrive ready to go, because “snorkeling time” is not the same as “change time.” Bring what you need in your day bag (see packing notes below), and plan to spend that snorkeling window in the water rather than troubleshooting gear.

What makes Majahuitas appealing is the combination of access and marine life. The water scene is set up for a guided, friendly experience: you hop in with your gear, follow the rhythm the crew sets, and you get to see colorful fish close to shore. For many people, this is the part they remember most.

Practical tip: during your swim window, slow your breathing and keep your body relaxed. You will see more, and you will tire less. If you get even slightly uncomfortable, signal the guide and adjust your time in the water instead of forcing it.

Yelapa by Sea: Beach Village Time Without the Tour-Bus Feel

After snorkeling, you shift to Yelapa, a coastal village that you reach by boat. The tour gives you about 2.5 hours there, which is long enough to feel like more than a photo stop. You can wander the shoreline, hang out on the sand, and reset your energy after the water.

This is where the experience becomes personal. The tour framework is the same for everyone, but your choices drive your day. You might:

• Walk and explore at a relaxed pace
• Relax on the beach and take breaks from sun and salt
• Choose water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking (these are options provided in the tour description)

The atmosphere matters. Yelapa feels less like a curated attraction and more like a real beach village stop, which is exactly what you want when you are doing a mix day. You also get the benefit of being dropped off by boat, so you arrive as part of the sea-view rhythm of the day.

If you are traveling solo, this stop can be a social reset too. In this kind of tour format, people often regroup quickly at the beach and the rest happens naturally.

The Waterfall Option: Short Walk, Big Decision

One of the most interesting choices in Yelapa is the local waterfall option. The description lists a hike that is about a 20-minute walk. That is a manageable add-on for many people, especially if you want something active without turning the whole afternoon into a grind.

Here is the decision point. If you want exercise and a closer-to-the-trail feel, take the short walk option. If you prefer a more structured outing, you may see organized excursions offered once you are there. One booking noted a waterfall option that carried an extra cost (around 600 pesos), and the overall value was not great for that person.

So, use this rule of thumb: treat the waterfall as optional, not mandatory. If you are the type who needs payoff, choose the version that matches what you want from the experience. If you want the scenery and movement, the walk may be enough. If the extra-cost version does not clearly match your expectations, you can always stay on the beach and still have a great Yelapa afternoon.

Food on Board: Breakfast, Then Lunch, Then Party

The food is not an afterthought here. You get breakfast onboard before the day’s main movement, and later you get lunch onboard. That means you spend less time figuring out meals in between transfers.

Breakfast is hearty and simple: scrambled eggs with ham, fresh fruit, hotcakes, plus coffee, juice, and water. It is exactly the kind of start that helps if you have limited time on your vacation day and you do not want to waste it searching for breakfast near the marina.

Lunch is also included on the return. The menu is grilled beef burgers, green salad with shrimp, and cold pasta with fine herbs. Even if you are not a big salad person, the burger and pasta combo makes it easy to eat something familiar without losing the coastal vibe.

Then comes the mood shift. During the return journey, the bar is open, so you can pace your drinks while you relax and listen to music. One booking described a dance-off on the deck, which tells you the crew leans into fun, not just logistics. If that kind of goofiness makes you roll your eyes, you can always step inside and cool off. If you enjoy laughing with strangers, this part can make the day feel like a full event.

Open Bar Return Trip: Worth It, but Pace Yourself

The open bar is on the way back to Puerto Vallarta. That is smart timing because you are already done with snorkeling and most walking, so you can enjoy the sail without having to rush.

This is also where you should be sensible. Snorkeling and sun can dehydrate you quickly. If you plan to drink, alternate with water. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider sticking to lighter drinks and give yourself time to settle on the catamaran before you start.

The vibe is social, not silent. Expect music, camaraderie, and an upbeat return trip. That can be a strong plus for groups and couples who want to leave with a story, not just photos.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $81 per person, this tour sits in the category of a paid day out that tries to bundle multiple experiences into one ticket. The key question is value, and the answer depends on what you want from a Puerto Vallarta day.

Here is what the price includes:

• Breakfast and lunch onboard
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• Professional guides
• An open bar on the return trip

What is extra:

• Port tax/fee (listed as 30-32 pesos, payable on site)
• Pictures (not included)

So you are paying for convenience and structure. You are not buying just snorkeling. You are buying snorkeling plus Yelapa time plus two meals plus the return sail atmosphere.

If you are a snorkeler, this is easier to justify because the snorkeling window is part of the core schedule. If you are more interested in beach lounging, Yelapa can still be worth it because you get a meaningful chunk of time. If your main goal is the waterfall, you might want to think carefully, because additional organized options can cost more and some people feel the payoff is hit-or-miss.

My practical advice: decide what you want most. If Majahuitas snorkeling is your “must,” you will likely see this as good value. If you only care about one small piece, the bundled format might feel like you paid for the rest.

Meeting Point and Getting On Smoothly

The meeting point is at Puerto Mágico in the center area of Puerto Vallarta. You enter at the main entrance, go to the left side to handle the port fee payment, and then locate the tour team at that site.

The port fee is described as something you pay on site, with staff then directing you to the right spot. After that, ticket checks are handled directly by the company team, and any additional payment is handled through them.

Because boarding can be slow if ticket verification gets backed up, arrive a few minutes early. Bring your patience. This is not the part of the day you want to start stressed.

What to Pack (So the Day Feels Easy)

You are going to be in sun, salt water, and then back on a boat for meals and a return cruise. Pack like you want comfort, not like you want to be minimalist.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry layer for the boat
• Sunscreen (salt water can make you feel the burn faster)
• A hat or cap
• Water shoes or sandals with grip (for beach walking)
• Sunglasses with a strap, if you have them
• A small dry bag for your phone and important items
• A light towel or towel substitute, if you prefer (availability is not stated)

If you have motion sickness, take your usual method before you get out on the water. You will spend enough time sailing that it can matter.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This works best if you like a day that mixes water time with real beach village wandering. It also suits people who want meals included and do not want to plan food stops between activities.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• You want snorkeling that is planned and gear-supported
• You want a meaningful Yelapa beach block, not just a quick stop
• You enjoy a social atmosphere on the return trip, music and all
• You are okay with optional add-ons like a waterfall walk

It may be less ideal if:

• You cannot handle a slow start and long lines at check-in
• You only care about one activity and resent paying for others
• You dislike the idea of extra-cost optional excursions once you are there

Should You Book Marina Vallarta: Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Tour?

I would book this if snorkeling at a shore-accessible beach and a relaxed Yelapa afternoon are your top priorities. The price starts to make sense when you factor in the bundled meals, snorkeling gear, guides, and the open bar return.

I would hesitate only if you know you get stressed by boarding delays or if you are planning to spend extra money on waterfall add-ons that might not match your expectations. If that is your concern, aim for the short walk option, then keep the rest of your time simple on the beach.

If you want a full, active coast day without the planning headache, this tour is a strong candidate.

FAQ

How long is the Marina Vallarta Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling tour?

The tour duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Puerto Mágico, Centro Comercial in Puerto Vallarta.

Is the port tax included in the price?

No. A port fee or port tax is listed as extra, and it is paid on site.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

The tour includes all necessary equipment for snorkeling, and life jackets are provided.

How much time do you spend snorkeling at Majahuitas?

The snorkeling time at Playa Majahuitas is listed as 45 minutes.

How long do you have in Yelapa?

You have about 2.5 hours in Yelapa, including free time.

Can you do activities besides relaxing in Yelapa?

Yes. The tour description includes options like paddleboarding and kayaking. It also includes a local waterfall option with a short walk.

What food is included during the tour?

Breakfast and lunch are included onboard.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The bar is open during the return journey.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.