Yelapa Escape & Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta by Speedboat

Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Gems: A Deep Dive into the Yelapa Escape & Snorkeling Tour

If you’re looking for a breezy way to see the best of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, this Yelapa Escape & Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta tour might just be what you need. Offered by Los Veranos Canopy Tour, it’s a quick, immersive experience that combines adventure, scenic views, and a taste of local charm—all in just three hours.

What really makes this tour stand out are a couple of things. First, the speedboat ride itself is a highlight, giving you a chance to feel the wind and see the bay from a different perspective. Second, the snorkeling spot is praised for its vibrant marine life—think lobsters, turtles, and colorful fish—which makes for an engaging aquatic adventure.

A potential catch? Since the tour is relatively short and packed with activities, it might feel rushed to those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to linger longer at each stop. Also, if you’re traveling with very young kids, under 8, or if you’re pregnant or have mobility issues, this might not be suitable.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick but memorable glimpse of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal beauty, especially if they enjoy a bit of adventure and some fantastic photo ops. If you’re after a deeper exploration or a slow, luxury experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But for an active, scenic excursion that offers a little bit of everything, this is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Fast-paced but packed with variety: Combines boat rides, sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach time.
• Expert guides and safety gear: Ensures a smooth experience, especially for water activities.
• Vibrant marine life: Snorkeling spot is renowned for lobsters, turtles, and fish.
• Beautiful photo opportunities: The Arches of Mismaloya and Yelapa are picture-perfect.
• Includes food and drinks: Sandwiches, ceviche, water, soda, and beer.
• Limited for very young children or pregnant women: Not suitable for under 8s or those with certain health conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins either from Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Vallarta, depending on your chosen pickup location. The tour uses a speedboat called Apex, which is an excellent choice for quick, smooth travel across the bay. The boat ride to Yelapa takes around 35 minutes, a perfect breezy start to your day, especially if you love boat rides. The speed ensures you spend more time at destinations rather than traveling, which is great if you’re short on time.

Exploring Yelapa

Once you arrive in Yelapa, the real charm begins. This small fishing village is a popular escape from the more tourist-heavy spots, offering a relaxed vibe and scenic alleys. You get about 50 minutes here, enough time to take photos, walk around, and maybe buy some local souvenirs. The tour includes visits to the waterfall and highlights the town’s main attractions, giving you a taste of local life.

The guides seem knowledgeable, and reviewers rave about how they make the experience more meaningful. One traveler commented, “Staff made ALL the difference with the snorkeling experience,” highlighting the importance of good guides.

Snorkeling in a Paradise Spot

After exploring Yelapa, you’ll head to a beach south of the bay for snorkeling. The exact location might change depending on weather conditions—a smart move by the tour operators to ensure safety and the best possible marine visibility.

The snorkeling area is quite lively; you might see lobsters, turtles, starfish, and octopuses along with a colorful array of fish. For many, this is a highlight, especially given the ease of access and the chance to use kayaks and floating mats. You don’t need to be an expert diver; the equipment provided is safe and suitable for all levels.

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Lunch and Relaxation at Madagascar Beach

Post-snorkel, you’ll visit Madagascar Beach for a delicious meal. The included lunch features sandwiches and ceviche, with drinks like water, soda, and beer—pretty good value considering the overall price. The meal offers a chance to unwind, dip your toes in the sand, and soak up the sun.

Visiting the Mismaloya Arches

On the way back, the boat makes a brief stop at the Mismaloya Arches, a photographer’s dream with those striking rock formations. The stop is just a couple of minutes—enough for quick pictures and admiration of the natural scenery.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Duration and Schedule

The tour clocks in at around 3 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity. Starting times depend on availability, and the tour includes convenient pickups in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta—if booked with optional pickup. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to ensure a smooth start.

Cost and Value

At $107 per person, the tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It includes transportation, guided activities, snacks, and drinks, which makes it a pretty comprehensive package. The port fee of $2 USD or 32 pesos isn’t included but is a small extra. The guided tour aspect, along with safety gear, adds peace of mind, especially for water activities.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’re covered for transportation, guide service, snacks, and drinks—pretty good considering the short duration. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included**, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point, which is conveniently located at the Muelle E in front of Hard Rock Hotel if you’re in PV.

Photos are also extra if you want to purchase professional images, but the scenery alone gives plenty of opportunities for great shots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or wheelchair users due to the nature of water activities and boat transportation. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, adventurous taste of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, marine life, and charming villages without committing a full day.

Why Travelers Love It

One review from a traveler in the U.S. gave it a 5-star rating, mentioning, “Incredibly! Staff made ALL the difference with the snorkeling experience,” which underscores how guides can elevate the trip. The boat ride offers stunning views, and the marine life is vibrant enough to impress even seasoned snorkelers.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a lively, scenic, and active half-day in Puerto Vallarta, this tour hits the sweet spot. It combines the thrill of speedboat rides with the serenity of snorkeling and beach lounging—all guided by friendly, experienced staff. The inclusion of food and drinks makes it a convenient package, especially if you’re eager to maximize your time without multiple stops.

While it’s not the best choice if you’re seeking a slow, leisurely exploration, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, beautiful scenery, and marine encounters packed into a manageable timeframe. Whether you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, this tour offers a fun and memorable way to see some of the coast’s most impressive sights.

FAQ About the Yelapa Escape & Snorkeling Tour

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the meeting point at Muelle E in front of the Hard Rock Hotel is easy to access.

How long is the boat ride to Yelapa?
The boat ride takes approximately 35 minutes each way, giving you a quick and scenic journey across the bay.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. It’s also smart to have sun protection and a waterproof camera if you want photos.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how?
Yes, the snorkeling equipment is provided, and the tour guides are experienced, making it suitable even for beginners.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, children under 8, pregnant women, and wheelchair users are not recommended to join this tour due to safety and activity considerations.

What’s included in the tour price?
The fee covers transportation on the Apex speedboat, guided activities, snacks (sandwich and ceviche), and drinks (water, soda, beer). Port fees are extra.

In the end, this tour offers a lively taste of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal beauty—perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and relaxation, all packed into just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: