Sunshine, saltwater, and Yelapa magic. This all-inclusive yacht day pairs snorkel gear and water toys with a big open bar, then trades it for a Yelapa visit with the famous waterfall walk. I especially like how the crew stays on top of everything and how the day feels like two adventures in one, Playa Chica Locca first and Yelapa second.

One thing to consider is that snorkeling time can feel shorter than you hope, and on busier days the equipment can run tight. If you are serious about swimming, plan to spend most of your energy where the yacht stops, not on stretching time on the beach.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Two meeting points you must choose: Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal or Paradise Village, depending on what you select at booking
• All-day, brand-name open bar: margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, champagne, plus coffee and juices
• Built-in water-activity setup: snorkel equipment, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and water toys at the first beach stop
• Yelapa waterfall option: a roughly 15-minute trail walk with a chance to swim
• Spotting wildlife may be seasonal: humpback whales are mentioned as a yearly breeding area, and people often report dolphins and whales

What This Trip Feels Like: A Party Yacht With Real Structure

This is the kind of tour that moves fast in a good way. You start with breakfast and drinks while the boat heads out, then you get a full lineup of water time before the Yelapa portion. It is not a slow “soak in the view” day, and that is a plus if you like getting your money’s worth quickly.

The standout strength is the way the crew keeps the day flowing. In many recent comments, the same theme pops up: attentive service, constant food and drink delivery, and staff who stay busy helping people enjoy the water safely. On a boat day, that matters because you do not want to hunt for someone when you need a life jacket, sunscreen moment, or a quick fix for snorkel gear.

You should also know what you are signing up for. This is set up for a shared experience, with a max size listed at 115 travelers, plus a party vibe on the yacht. You do have quieter seating options, but if you want a private, quiet, slow-moving nature expedition, you might prefer something smaller.

Price and Value: Why $117.60 Often Makes Sense Here

At about $117.60 per person, you are paying for more than a boat ride to Yelapa. The day includes breakfast, lunch, snacks like guacamole and chips, and an open bar with brand-name alcohol options. It also includes access to water gear like snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards, plus water toys at the Playa Chica Locca stop.

Here is how I think about the value. If you were to piece this together on your own, you would quickly pay separately for a guided boat, lunch, drinks, and gear rental. Even if you do not drink alcohol, you still get coffee, juices, and soft drinks, and the tour includes the food you would otherwise have to buy after you swim and work up an appetite.

Two practical limits to keep in mind. There is no hotel pickup, and you must handle your own check-in at the selected meeting point. Also, snorkel time and beach time can vary with day conditions and how the stop schedule plays out, so treat snorkeling as a highlight, not a guarantee of long underwater time.

Getting There: Pick the Correct Meeting Point and Pass Security

Check-in is at the Chica Locca Tours office at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal, or at Chica Locca Tours by Paradise Village, depending on what you chose. The tour notes a must choose your meeting place rule, so do not assume you can switch on the day. If you board at the wrong location, you could miss the departure.

Because Puerto Mágico is described as a Federal Maritime Port, plan for security. Expect screening and possible searches for restricted items, and follow the no-drug policy (including electronic cigarettes, vapers, and any kind of drug). You will also want to keep liquids and anything questionable out of your day bag so you are not stuck sorting at the gate.

On Board Experience: Breakfast, Shade, and a Very Active Crew

Once you check in, you are escorted to the yacht. You meet the cruise director and crew, then settle into seating with shaded options available. That matters, because the first sailing stretch is when the sun can hit hard.

Breakfast is served while you cruise along the Banderas Bay coastline. The food is described as fresh fruit and pastries with coffee and juices. This is a smart warm-up because it prevents the classic vacation problem, swimming on an empty stomach.

The open bar is described as available all day, with a long list of options. You can get basics like water and soft drinks, and also mixed drinks like margaritas and piña coladas, along with beer, tequila, wine, and champagne. Even if you stick to non-alcoholic drinks, the service is designed around constant refills and keeping you comfortable while you move between water activities and meals.

Stop 1, Playa Chica Locca (Quimixto): Slides, Kayaks, Paddleboards, and Snorkel Gear

After about an hour of sailing, you reach the first main swim and play stop at Playa Chica Locca. This is the part of the day with the most “water toy” energy. People can jump off the second deck and use waterslides into the sea. Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are part of the included setup.

What I like about starting here is that you get your body warmed up on easy access water activities first. You are not yet hiking, not yet walking stairs to a waterfall, so it is a smoother ramp into the day.

A couple of practical notes. First, snorkeling conditions can vary, and visibility might not be perfect every day. Second, the tour can run with larger groups, and one review mentioned a scenario where snorkel equipment ran out. It sounds like the crew is still helpful, but if snorkeling is the absolute priority, go in with flexibility and be ready to share time with others.

There is also food and drink support at this stop. During the sailing toward the next portion, guacamole is mentioned as being prepared, and you also get snacks like blue corn chips. If you are the type who gets hungry the second you get off the water, you will appreciate how quickly they keep feeding and refilling.

The Boat Party, With Options: Quiet Spaces and Constant Activity

The yacht is set up with a lively atmosphere and also quieter seating zones. In reviews, people mention options like having different music areas, so you can choose your vibe. This is useful because the day switches gears: water sports and play, then sitting and eating, then a slower time in Yelapa.

One thing I consistently see reflected in the comments is staff energy. Names like DJ David and the host Ricky Ricardo come up, and the theme is that they make time feel fun rather than chaotic. That does not automatically mean you will party the whole time, but it does mean the crew keeps attention on guests and does not just hand you gear and vanish.

Stop 2, Yelapa Beach and Waterfall: Two Ways to Spend Your Time

After another segment of cruising, you arrive at Yelapa Beach. This is described as a sheltered bay, with the town vibe and a big natural feature at the same time.

You have choices here:

• Stay on the beach and swim in the bay area
• Explore Yelapa village at your own pace with the guide’s setup
• Take the roughly 15-minute trail walk to the waterfall for the chance to dip

I think the waterfall option is what makes this stop feel special, because it is not just “arrive and take photos.” It is an actual short hike you can work at, and the reward is a waterfall you can swim near when conditions allow. If you want the postcard moment, it is also a good time to get pictures while the day is still fresh.

Be realistic about the logistics of the walk. The tour materials mention it is accessible for most, and it is about a 15-minute walk, but it still includes a trail and some effort. One review specifically flagged that the waterfall route involves a walk up a hill, which could be a consideration for older travelers or anyone who does not want a climb.

Lunch happens around this Yelapa portion too. The tour describes hot Mexican fajitas with chicken or beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa, prepared in a beach kitchen and delivered by boat. If you want a safe, filling meal without leaving the tour, this is a big part of why people feel the tour is worth it.

Also, there is a chance to unwind with an onboard massage. The tour describes massages as an option, and one person said it felt easy to miss unless it was communicated clearly. If you want one, watch for the announcement and sign up quickly when you can.

Snorkeling Time Expectations: How to Get What You Came For

Snorkeling is included, and people have reported seeing plenty of fish during their time in the water. But the key detail is that snorkeling is only one segment of the day. One review mentioned about 40 minutes in the water, which helps you calibrate your expectations.

So how do you make snorkeling work for you?

• Be ready to go fast when your stop begins, not after you finish eating or changing later
• Keep your snorkel mask fitting simple and tested right away
• If you are prone to sea sickness, consider that water conditions and boat movement can affect comfort

And remember, snorkeling is not guaranteed to be crystal clear every day. If water looks cloudy, you can still enjoy the experience, but the fish visibility may be reduced.

Return Cruise, Photos, and Whale-Watching Season

On the way back, you get cruising time along the Bay of Banderas. The itinerary notes the chance of whale watching, and mentions humpback whales as part of the regional breeding season. If dolphins or whales show up, it tends to feel like a bonus you did not plan for.

There is also a photo element. The tour says a photographer is onboard, and action shots may be available for purchase on the return. One review mentioned that photos they purchased were delayed. If photos matter a lot to you, save this as a “nice extra,” not the only reason you booked the tour.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong match if you:

• Want an all-inclusive yacht day with food and drinks handled
• Like snorkeling plus paddleboarding or kayaking without renting gear
• Prefer a guide-led experience but still want choices for your time in Yelapa
• Are okay with a group setting and a party-adjacent atmosphere

It may not be the best choice if you:

• Want long, uninterrupted snorkeling time
• Need lots of quiet time and minimal walking
• Are sensitive to the sun and heat and do not plan to use shade and water consistently

Small Tips That Make the Day Smoother

This is the kind of outing where preparation pays off quickly. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. You spend real time in the sun, and you will also be in and out of the water at the first stop.

If you are planning to hike to the waterfall, wear footwear that handles a trail and bring water you can access easily. Even if the route is accessible for most, a short walk up a hill can be tiring in heat.

Finally, if massage is a priority, keep your eyes open for the sign-up moment onboard. Some guests miss it because the offer is not always obvious at first.

Should You Book It?

I would book this tour if you want a high-energy, all-in day that combines water play, snorkeling, an open bar, and a real destination stop in Yelapa. The big reasons to say yes are the included food and drinks, the variety of activities at Playa Chica Locca, and the payoff of the waterfall walk option.

Skip it if your number one goal is extended snorkeling time or if the idea of a trail walk to the waterfall sounds like a hassle. In that case, look for a more focused snorkel-only or smaller-group option.

FAQ

What does the all-inclusive package include on this yacht tour?

It includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks, plus an onboard open bar with drinks such as margaritas, piña coladas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, coffee, juices, and sodas. It also includes snorkeling equipment and access to water activities like kayaks and standup paddleboards.

Where do I check in before boarding?

Check-in is at the Chica Locca Tours office at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal, or at the Paradise Village meeting point. You are required to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed as approximately 6 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, along with kayaks and standup paddleboards.

Is there an open bar, and is there an age requirement?

Yes, there is a premium onboard open bar included for alcoholic drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What is not included?

Gratuities are not included (optional). Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Souvenir photos are also not included, though a photographer is onboard and you can reserve or buy photos during the tour.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.