Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta, the Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling cruise might catch your eye. It’s a popular choice among travelers who want to combine stunning scenery, good food, and some underwater fun—all in one trip. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve sifted through reviews and details to give you a straightforward, honest rundown that can help you decide if this experience is right for you.

What we really like about this cruise is how it promises a combination of scenic boat rides and authentic local beach time—plus a good selection of included food and drinks that keep you energized for the day. The fact that it’s all-inclusive, with a continental breakfast, lunch, and a national open bar, is definitely a plus for those looking to relax without constantly reaching for their wallet. On the flip side, some reviews note that the water visibility for snorkeling isn’t always ideal, which might be a downside if snorkeling is your main goal.

This trip is probably best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded day without the hassle of planning multiple activities. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a lively vibe and don’t mind a bit of disorganization might find it a good fit. If you’re craving pristine underwater views or a perfectly organized schedule, you might want to keep your options open. But if you’re looking for fun, good food, and scenic stops, this cruise offers a solid, if sometimes inconsistent, experience.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and entertainment—great for a worry-free day.
• Scenic Stops: Yelapa’s waterfall and beach are stunning, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing, or exploring native crafts.
• Mixed Reviews on Snorkeling: Water visibility isn’t always great, and some reviews mention murky waters, but others enjoy the chance to see marine life.
• Friendly Crew and Fun Atmosphere: Many travelers praise the staff for their friendliness and attentiveness, adding to the overall enjoyment.
• Possible Disorganization: Some reviews point out that the experience can feel a bit chaotic or poorly managed, especially at the start.
• Price Point: At around $100 per person, it offers a lot of inclusions, but check if you’re comfortable with the variable quality of the snorkeling and organization.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Booking and What’s Included

For $100, you get quite a bit, which makes this cruise seem like fair value. The booking process is straightforward with a mobile ticket, and most travelers find the price reasonable considering everything that’s included—meals, drinks, equipment, and entertainment. The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:15am from Puerto Mágico, with a group size capped at 40 people, so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.

The tour kicks off with a continental breakfast served on board. Expect bread, coffee, seasonal fruits, yogurt, and granola—enough to fuel you before hitting the water. Throughout the day, there’s access to a national open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water, which keeps the mood lively and relaxed.

The Maritime Journey and Stops

The boat ride itself is a highlight. Traveling on a comfortable catamaran, you’ll enjoy some of the best views Puerto Vallarta has to offer. The watercraft is equipped with life vests, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards—allowing you to choose your preferred way to get closer to the marine life or just splash around. Many reviews mention that the crew is attentive, providing safety instructions and helping with gear.

The first major stop is often a swim or snorkel session, usually near Majaulitas or other reefs. Here lies one of the most common criticisms—many travelers find the water murky, with poor visibility. Several reviews note the water can be “gross” or too muddy to see anything through the goggles. However, a few mention they enjoyed spotting some fish and marine life despite the water quality. One reviewer even mentioned a manta ray, which shows sometimes you can get lucky.

Yelapa and the Waterfall

The trip’s crown jewel is the visit to Yelapa, a charming fishing village where donkeys still serve as cargo transport. The town feels authentic, with native crafts and a laid-back vibe. Here, you get the chance to explore, relax on the long beach where the river meets the ocean, or hike to the Cola de Caballo waterfall.

The waterfall walk is quite popular, and based on reviews, it’s a memorable hike through lush jungle followed by a refreshing dip at the falls. Some travelers mention they appreciated the natural beauty, while others note that the water at Majaulitas (another snorkeling spot) wasn’t great, with muddy, murky waters.

Food and Drink on Board

The included lunch at Vela Roja, a local restaurant, is generally well-received. Options include fish steak, beef fajitas, chicken quesadillas with shrimp, beef burgers, or fresh fish ceviche. Many mention that the meals are satisfying, and the drinks keep flowing—adding to the festive atmosphere. Several reviews describe the crew as attentive and friendly, serving drinks and keeping everyone entertained.

The Overall Atmosphere

This cruise isn’t a silent, peaceful trip—it’s lively, with music and games played during the return journey. Travelers often comment on the crew’s friendliness, describing the day as fun and engaging. The reviews reflect a mix of experiences—some find the organization a bit chaotic or feel that the focus is more on profit than quality, especially with extra fees or unclear instructions upon boarding.

Downsides and Considerations

While many travelers love the overall experience, others have concerns. The water clarity for snorkeling varies depending on weather conditions and water quality, which can be disappointing if snorkeling is your main goal. One review even pointed out that the water was too cold and dropped off quickly at Yelapa Beach, making swimming less enjoyable.

Some review comments highlight disorganization, with unclear instructions or feeling that activities were rushed or not well-coordinated. Plus, extra fees (such as a MX$32 tax at the piers and reefs) could catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those seeking a fun-filled day with plenty of options—snorkeling, kayaking, relaxing on beaches, and enjoying good food and drinks. It’s especially suitable if you’re okay with some unpredictability or less-than-perfect underwater visibility. If you’re traveling with friends or a lively group, or simply want to see a picturesque town and waterfalls, this tour offers a balanced mix.

However, if your priority is pristine snorkeling or a highly organized schedule, you might want to explore other options. This trip leans toward casual, energetic, and social experiences rather than exclusive luxury or perfect water clarity.

Final Thoughts

The Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling cruise in Puerto Vallarta provides a good value with its all-inclusive setup, scenic stops, and lively crew. It’s a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a full day on the water, explore a quaint Mexican village, and indulge in local cuisine. The mixed reviews about water visibility and organization are worth keeping in mind, especially if you’re a snorkeler seeking crystal-clear underwater sights.

For travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere, friendly guides, and a variety of activities, this trip can be a memorable highlight of your Puerto Vallarta visit. Just remember that it’s not a luxury experience, and some chaos might be part of the charm.

In summary, if you’re after a fun, reasonably priced day with plenty of food, drinks, and scenic stops—without expecting perfect snorkeling conditions—this cruise could be just what you need. On the other hand, if you’re highly particular about water quality or organization, you might want to look into other tours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves outdoor activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and a waterfall walk. Consider your children’s comfort with water and outdoor walking before booking.

Are meals and drinks really included?
Yes, the tour includes a continental breakfast, lunch at Vela Roja, and a national open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

What equipment is provided?
Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are included, so you can choose your preferred way to enjoy the water.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:15am and ending back at the meeting point.

Is transportation to the meeting point provided?
No, ground transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Puerto Mágico.

What about water clarity for snorkeling?
Water visibility can be poor at times, with some reviews describing it as murky or dirty. It depends on weather and water conditions.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re up for a day of adventure, good food, and scenic exploration, this cruise might just be your next Puerto Vallarta highlight. Just keep expectations realistic regarding snorkeling visibility and organization, and you’ll likely have a memorable experience.