Yelapa Yacht Cruise: Snorkel, Waterfall & All-Inclusive Bar

Jump off a yacht deck into Banderas Bay, then hike to a waterfall and back to lunch waiting on the pier.

A six-hour all-inclusive yacht cruise from Puerto Vallarta to the car-free beach town of Yelapa, with snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, waterslides and a guided walk to a waterfall. The yacht carries an open premium bar, fresh Mexican lunch, and water gear; you choose your boarding point (Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal or Nuevo Vallarta) before checkout. Gratuities are optional.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mega Yacht Cruise and Yelapa Adventure

• Check in and board luxury yacht
• Enjoy breakfast and open premium bar
• Cruise along Banderas Bay
• Stop at Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto
• Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and waterslide
• Enjoy open bar and on-board massage
• Dock at Yelapa and explore with guide
• Hike to Yelapa Waterfall and swim
• Eat hot Mexican fajitas lunch
• Relax on beach or swim in bay
• Return trip with dancing and whale watching
• View and purchase photos from the day

The Experience

The day starts at your chosen meeting point—either Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal or Nuevo Vallarta—where you board a mega yacht and meet the crew. Breakfast arrives as you sail: fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice while the boat heads into Banderas Bay, the second largest bay in the world. The open bar is live from the moment you step aboard, pouring water, coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, tequila and champagne all day. An on-board masseuse is available if you want a break from the water.

After an hour of cruising, the yacht anchors at Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto, the first stop. This is where the water activities start: you can jump off the second deck into the sea, slide down waterslides, paddleboard, kayak or snorkel among the marine life. The crew keeps the party going with fresh guacamole and blue corn chips while you're in the water, and the bar stays open. Then the yacht sails toward Yelapa—the name means "where two rivers meet the sea"—and you have the afternoon to choose how to spend it. Some guests stay on board, swim in the bay and soak up the sun. Others take the short guided walk inland to a waterfall, where the water is cold and the swim at the base is worth the hike. Lunch—hot Mexican fajitas with chicken or beef, beans, rice, tortillas and salsa—is prepared in the beach kitchen and delivered fresh by boat to wherever you are.

The return trip to Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta fills with dancing, whale watching (in season) and the crew sharing photos they shot all day. A photographer has been onboard the whole time; you can reserve prints at check-in or buy them direct when you see the shots. The tour runs six hours total, and everything—snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattresses, food and drinks—is included in the price.

What’s included

• Fresh breakfast of seasonal fruit and pastries.
• all-day open premium bar with water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, tequila and champagne.
• fresh guacamole and blue corn chips.
• hot Mexican lunch of fajitas with chicken or beef, beans, rice, tortillas and salsa.
• snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards and water mattresses.
• waterslides at the first stop.
• guided walk to Yelapa Falls.
• on-board massage available.
• vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meal options if requested at booking.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chica Locca Tours

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want to swim, snorkel and paddleboard in one morning, hike to a waterfall in the afternoon, and never leave the boat to order food or drinks—everything is prepared and waiting, and the crew handles the timing so you just show up and choose what to do.

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Top questions

What's the waterfall hike like at Yelapa?

The walk to Yelapa Falls is short and accessible for most fitness levels, leading to a breathtaking cascade where you can swim and cool off in the refreshing water. The effort is brief and the reward is worth it.

Can I snorkel and paddleboard on the same tour?

Yes. The yacht stops at Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto first, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, kayak or use the waterslides—you choose what you want to do in the water, and all the gear is included.

What food and drinks are included all day?

Breakfast (fresh fruit and pastries), lunch (hot Mexican fajitas with beans, rice and tortillas), fresh guacamole and chips, and an unlimited open bar with water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, tequila and champagne from boarding until the return.

Where do I board the yacht?

You choose your meeting point when you book: either Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal or Nuevo Vallarta. Both are departure points for the same cruise; you select which one works for your location.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

Whale watching is a highlight during the season when humpback whales breed in Banderas Bay. The return trip includes time to watch for them, though sightings depend on the time of year you travel.

Can I buy the photos the crew takes during the tour?

Yes. A photographer is onboard all day capturing action shots. On the return trip, you can reserve prints at check-in or buy them directly from the crew when you see the images.