Private Bay Tour: Dolphins, Whales & Yelepa Waterfall

Cross the bay watching for marine life, then swim or hike at a secluded beach

A private boat tour of Bay of Banderas with a live English or Spanish-speaking guide, departing with hotel pickup included. You'll cross open water where dolphins, whales and turtles often appear, anchor at Yelepa for a beachside lunch or an easy hike to the waterfall, and can add an optional detour past Old Town Puerto Vallarta and the Cathedral from the water. Beer, soda, water, snacks and fishing gear are provided. The operator brings a camera to email photos afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay crossing and Yelepa visit

• Cross Bay of Banderas by private boat
• Spot dolphins, whales, or turtles
• Arrive at Yelepa beach
• Have lunch on the beach
• Hike to Yelepa waterfall
• Swim or fish at Yelepa
• Optional detour to Old Town Puerto Vallarta
• View Malecon and Cathedral from water

The experience

Nearly six hours on the water means you're not rushing between stops. The boat leaves with pickup from your hotel and heads straight into Bay of Banderas, where the crossing itself is part of the draw: dolphins, whales and sea turtles show up often enough that the operator built the tour around them. You're not watching from a crowded deck. This is a private boat, so the pace and the sightings are yours alone.

Yelepa is where the day splits. You can anchor and eat lunch on the beach, or hike the short trail up to the waterfall, or do both. The time is yours. Swimming happens here too, and if fishing interests you, the gear is on board. The optional loop back toward Puerto Vallarta gives you the Cathedral and the Malecon from the water, and sometimes a pirate ship replica passes close enough to photograph.

Beer, soda, bottled water and snacks travel with you. A high-quality camera captures the day and the operator emails the photos after you leave. Fishing equipment is included if you want to try your luck.

What’s included

• Beer, soda, bottled water and snacks.
• fishing gear.
• high-quality camera photos emailed after the tour.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by FishTFC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water with time for both beach lunch and waterfall hiking at Yelepa, rather than a quick stop. The open boat crossing means wildlife sightings vary by season.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine life might I see crossing Bay of Banderas?

Dolphins, whales and sea turtles appear often enough on this crossing that the tour is built around them, though sightings are never guaranteed. The boat's private setup means you can watch without competing for space or the guide's attention.

Can I swim at Yelepa, or is it just for lunch?

Yelepa works for both. You can anchor and eat on the beach, take an easy hike to the waterfall, swim in the bay, or mix all three. The schedule is flexible since the boat is yours alone for the day.

What's included to eat and drink?

Beer, soda, bottled water and snacks come on board. You'll want to bring or arrange lunch at Yelepa, or the beach itself is where many travelers eat.

Does the tour pass Old Town Puerto Vallarta?

Old Town is an optional detour on the way back, so you can see the Cathedral, the Malecon and the historic waterfront from the water. It adds time but is your choice to include.

How long is the hike to Yelepa's waterfall?

The operator describes it as an easy hike, with no distance or time stated, so it's a short walk rather than a strenuous climb. You can skip it entirely and stay on the beach instead.