A catamaran day trip with real variety.

This Puerto Vallarta tour mixes snorkeling in Majahuitas, a long beach block in Yelapa, and an open bar party on the ride back. It is built for people who want sun, food, and a few choices along the way, not just one single stop.

What I like most is the value feel: breakfast plus a full beach lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a drink list that goes beyond beer. I also like the pacing, because you get both calm water time to swim and a more active Yelapa segment with the option to hike to Horsetail waterfall.

One drawback to keep in mind is that the day can run late, and Yelapa access plus any waterfall condition can change the experience. If you are counting every minute, plan for some wiggle room.

Quick hits for this Puerto Vallarta catamaran tour

• Majahuitas snorkeling time is the highlight for many people, with clear water and lots of fish.
• Breakfast and beach lunch are included, with several menu choices for both.
• Open bar and games on the return make the end of the day feel like a party.
• The Yelapa arrival is tender-boat style and not easy for everyone to step on and off.
• The Horsetail waterfall visit can be a mixed bag, especially if conditions are poor or you are expecting something huge.
• Music can be loud on board, so bring your tolerance level for party sound.

Price and what you really get for $94.45

At $94.45 per person for a 7 to 8 hour outing, this is not a budget excursion, but it can be good value because you are paying for a full day package. You get breakfast, lunch at the beach (food options), snorkeling gear, and an open bar with mixed drinks. On paper, that is the kind of bundle that adds up fast if you tried to piece it together yourself.

That said, there is one extra cost to budget: a port tax in Puerto Magico of MX$33.00 per person. Also, the experience quality varies by what matters most to you: snorkeling time, how you feel about loud music, and whether you are hoping for a perfect waterfall moment.

If your priority is Majahuitas sea time plus a beach day in Yelapa, this tour can feel like a fair trade. If your priority is a guaranteed waterfall spectacle or a super quiet ride, you may feel like the pricing is too high.

Meeting in Puerto Magico, check-in, and the reality of start times

The tour meets in Puerto Magico (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte.). Check-in is at 9:10 am with departure at 10:00 am. You end back at the same meeting point.

The big practical thing here is that ports can be chaotic. Some people report late departures due to port demand and crowds. That means your day might run past the expected return time, and the schedule could feel tighter if you have other plans that night.

Also note the group size: up to 99 travelers. You can expect some lines and crowding during boarding and transfers, especially when you are moving from the main catamaran to smaller boats for shore time.

Stop 1: Puerto Magico, boarding the catamaran

Registration starts at the maritime terminal. After security, you board the catamaran. The main point of this block is simple: it is where you settle in and get your first taste of the day’s vibe.

Because the day includes both snorkeling and a beach landing in Yelapa, I recommend arriving ready to move quickly. If you are near public transportation, that helps, but the port can still be slow. Come with water, sunscreen, and a light layer for the wind.

Stop 2: Majahuitas snorkeling, breakfast, and why this stop matters

You head to Majahuitas for about 2 hours, and this is where the tour tends to win people over. Many descriptions point to clear water and colorful fish. If you like snorkeling that feels like an actual swim with variety below you, this stop is the reason to pick this excursion.

Breakfast is served while you enjoy Banderas Bay views. Menu options include yogurt with fruit and pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg, or fruit with pancakes (you choose two breakfast options in the package structure). Juice is included.

What is included for water time:

• Snorkeling plus use of snorkeling equipment
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Inflatable float and extreme inflatable

A key detail for expectation setting: some people report that you can choose only one water activity, and that the “selected activity” time can feel short. Others still loved paddleboarding and kayaking. If you want more than one activity, show up ready to make your pick fast once the crew explains options.

Practical tips from the experience pattern:

• Bring a waterproof bag or at least a way to keep your phone dry.
• If you get foggy goggles, give yourself a moment to adjust before you enter the water.
• If you are sensitive to noise, the ride and on-board music can be loud, and that carries into the overall vibe.

Stop 3: Yelapa beach time, Horsetail waterfall, and the small-world feel

This is the longest “do your thing” segment: about 3 hours in Yelapa. You transfer from the catamaran to a smaller boat to get to shore, then you head to a restaurant to store belongings and get organized.

From there, you basically choose your style:

• Walk to Horsetail waterfall
• Rent a horse
• Rent an ATV

The ATV or horse option costs extra, and one review specifically mentions 550 pesos.

If you walk, you need good footwear. The route is steep and rocky, with many stones. Even if you are not doing the waterfall, Yelapa beach time is the main reward. The waterfall area itself is described as beautiful but small, so do not expect a huge, movie-style drop with tons of room.

Horsetail waterfall: worth it, with a caveat

Several people liked the waterfall photos and the chance to cool off. But other experiences were not what they hoped for, including comments about the waterfall status not matching expectations and complaints that you were not allowed to simply walk up in some cases.

So here’s the smart way to approach it:

• If you care most about swimming and beach lounging, treat the waterfall as bonus time, not your whole goal.
• If you do want the waterfall, wear proper shoes and plan for steep inclines and stairs-like footing.
• If rain or conditions reduce the waterfall flow, your photo payoff may be less than you dreamed.

Once you are done with the waterfall or chosen not to go, you order food back at the restaurant and finish your time on the sand. There are also local activities at extra cost, if you want that layer of fun.

Yelapa beach culture: friendly but pushy can happen

Yelapa is not a sanitized tourist zone. One review mentions local vendors being persistent and walking right up while people try to relax at beach chairs. Another says an iguana named Peppa was brought out for photos, with a mentioned price of 250 pesos each.

That does not make Yelapa bad. It just means you should go in with your “polite but firm” strategy ready. If you do not want something, say no once and keep your focus on your beach time.

Stop 4: Return trip on the water, open bar, games, and music levels

After Yelapa, you head back to the catamaran and get around 2 hours of fun on the high seas. This part is often praised as the best time for the party energy.

On board, the package includes:

• Beer
• Margaritas
• Rum
• Vodka
• Tequila
• Whiskey

You will also get games and contests. Restroom access is available on the boat.

Two notes I think you should take seriously:

1. Music can be uncomfortably loud for some people. If you want quiet relaxation, this probably is not your style.
2. If you get seasick, you may feel it more on a smaller catamaran segment, since the motion can be more noticeable than on a bigger cruise.

People also remember specific crew energy. One review calls out Alberto as a great tour guide. Another mentions Brown Sugar as a wonderful host. That kind of onboard enthusiasm can really shape how much you enjoy the final block.

Food and drinks: included choices that can make or break the day

This tour includes two meal moments, both with choices.

Breakfast

Breakfast has 2 options you select from:

• yogurt with fruit and pancakes
• chilaquiles with egg

(One review mentions cold scrambled eggs, which suggests breakfast quality can vary by what you choose or how it is served that day.)

Lunch on the beach: 5 options

Lunch options include:

• shrimp cocktail
• chicken fajitas
• beef fajitas
• fish fillet
• hamburger
• cheese quesadillas

So yes, there is enough variety that meat eaters, seafood fans, and even cheese lovers have something to work with.

Drinks

The open bar is part of the value. It is listed as alcoholic beverages including the full tequila and mixed drink set, not just beer. That helps justify the price if you drink responsibly and enjoy the party atmosphere on the return.

The transfer boats and beach landing: the part you should plan for

One theme that pops up in the experience notes is that stepping on and off smaller boats can be tricky. One description says there are no docks in Yelapa, and you jump into the smaller transfer boat and then step onto the beach as waves hit. Another says the transfer experience was extremely difficult for older people or anyone with mobility issues, and staff urged people to move faster.

So if you have balance issues, mobility limits, or fear of water steps, you should consider this tour carefully. Even though staff assistance is mentioned as available, physical stepping into and out of boats is still a real factor.

If you are traveling with kids, this is also important. For young children, the combination of transfer steps, steep walking options for the waterfall, and loud music can turn into a long day.

Who this tour fits best

This excursion tends to work well if:

• you want a full-day catamaran experience with both water time and a beach block
• you care about snorkeling in Majahuitas and enjoy seeing marine life
• you like included food and open bar vibes on the ride back
• you are okay with music at a higher volume

You may want to skip it, or choose another option, if:

• you need a quiet ride and a schedule that stays perfectly on time
• you are traveling for a guaranteed waterfall spectacle
• you have mobility concerns for boat steps and the Yelapa shoreline landing
• you are very picky about snorkeling gear details, like clips on life jackets or how long you spend in the water

My booking verdict: should you book this Puerto Vallarta catamaran with Yelapa?

I would book it if your top priorities are Majahuitas snorkeling, a relaxed Yelapa beach block, and a fun return with drinks and games. The included meals and open bar make the price feel more reasonable than “pay-as-you-go” tours, and the tour’s energy is a big part of what people remember.

I would hesitate if you are waterfall-obsessed, expecting easy access everywhere, or you are sensitive to loud music and long travel segments. The waterfall can disappoint when conditions are off, and the boat-to-shore landing is not the smooth dock experience some people hope for.

If you do book, go in with the right mindset: treat the waterfall as a bonus, choose your snorkeling and paddle time quickly once options are explained, wear grippy shoes, and bring a little patience for port timing.

FAQ

What time do I check in and when does the tour depart?

You check in at 9:10 am and the tour departs at 10:00 am from Puerto Magico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is included with options you choose, and lunch is included on the beach with multiple menu choices. Drinks for the lunch are not listed as included, but the tour does include open bar alcohol on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling is part of the water activities.

What alcoholic drinks are included in the open bar?

Beer and mixed drinks are included, including margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey.

Are there extra costs during the Yelapa stop?

Optional beach activities are not included. Also, the port tax in Puerto Magico is MX$33.00 per person. ATV or horse options for reaching the waterfall are also at additional cost.

Will I be able to walk to the Horsetail waterfall?

You can choose to go on foot to the waterfall, or take a horse or ATV for an added fee. Footing is described as rocky and steep, so wear appropriate footwear.

Is this tour difficult for people with mobility issues?

The Yelapa shore landing involves transfers and steps from smaller boats, and some experiences describe this as challenging for older people or those with mobility issues. The tour includes staff support, but it is still something to consider before booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.