Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

Bring your swimsuit and appetite. This six-hour cruise combines a comfortable catamaran ride, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, a Yelapa waterfall walk, and an all-inclusive bar. I like the easy mix of active water time and lazy hours on deck, plus the steady food service, from fruit and pastries at breakfast to chicken and beef fajitas at lunch.

I also like the crew’s strong service record. Staff members keep the boat clean, refresh drinks often, and help create either a lively party mood or a quieter place to sit. The main drawback is time: with two water stops, a beach visit, a waterfall walk, and the return cruise packed into six hours, you may want more time to swim or paddleboard.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Two convenient meeting points: Choose Chica Locca Tours at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal or Paradise Village when you reserve.
• A full food-and-drink package: Breakfast, fajitas, guacamole, chips, soft drinks, coffee, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas are included.
• The boat is a roomy catamaran: It has shaded seating, open deck areas, water slides, and comfortable places to relax, though some people expect a traditional motor yacht.
• Yelapa includes a short waterfall hike: The walk takes about 15 minutes, but parts of the route can feel steep or hot.
• Water time is only one part of the day: Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding happen at Playa Chica Locca before the Yelapa stop.
• Book the meeting point carefully: The pickup location must be selected before you submit your reservation.

What the $117.60 Price Really Covers

At $117.60 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to Yelapa. Your price covers the cruise, breakfast, lunch, snacks, equipment, crew service, entertainment, and the open bar. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, drinks, and water equipment, the package can make good financial sense.

The value depends on how much you use. A guest who snorkels, paddles, eats both meals, and enjoys several drinks receives a strong package. Someone who avoids alcohol and prefers a quiet beach day may find the price less compelling, though the included food, nonalcoholic drinks, seating, and coastal views still have value.

The open bar includes water, mineral water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas. You can order alcoholic drinks from age 18, the minimum drinking age stated for the experience. Gratuities are not included, so plan to tip if the crew takes good care of you.

The overall score is 4.8 from 2,515 ratings, with 96 percent recommending the experience. That is a strong signal, especially because the positive comments focus on practical things that matter during a long boat day: attentive service, plentiful food, clean decks, and a crew that keeps the mood moving.

Starting at Puerto Mágico or Paradise Village

You have two starting locations, which is useful in a spread-out resort area. At Puerto Mágico, check in at the Chica Locca Tours office inside the cruise ship terminal. Because this is a federal maritime port, you must pass through security and may be searched.

Do not bring alcohol, liquids, drugs, weapons, electronic cigarettes, or vapes through the port security area. The operator lists a strict no-drug policy, including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. This is a small detail, but forgetting it can create a stressful start.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the selected meeting point. The experience is near public transportation, but the tour information does not provide a hotel transfer service, so leave extra time for getting there and checking in.

The group limit is 115 people. That is a fairly large boat party, and the atmosphere can change with the group. Some departures may feel lively and social, while others may feel more relaxed. One useful feature is the choice of seating. The upper level can offer quieter music, while lower areas tend to suit guests who want more energy.

Breakfast, Coast Views, and a Moving Bar

Once aboard, you meet the cruise director and crew before settling into the shaded seating or open deck. The boat heads south across Banderas Bay, with views of the Puerto Vallarta coast along the route.

Breakfast is simple but useful: fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. It gives you something to eat before the first water stop, especially if you arrive early and do not want to begin a day of swimming on an empty stomach.

The beverage service begins early and continues through the return ride. That convenience is one reason the price works for people who like an all-inclusive format. You do not need to keep reaching for your wallet every time you want water, coffee, a soft drink, or a cocktail.

Banderas Bay is also known for seasonal humpback whale activity. The cruise route can offer whale sightings in season, and dolphins have also been seen from the boat. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so treat it as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Playa Chica Locca: The Main Water Stop

After roughly an hour of sailing, the boat reaches Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto. This is the active part of the day, with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, water slides, a second-deck jump, and floating water equipment.

You can use the supplied snorkel gear, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and water mattress at no additional charge. The setting combines the open bay with views toward the forested coast, giving you a scenic place to swim and play.

Snorkeling conditions can change. Some departures have clear water and plenty of fish, while others may encounter cloudy water. I would treat the snorkeling as one part of the outing, not as a dedicated reef trip. One passenger reported that the boat ran short of snorkels, so if snorkeling is your main goal, ask about equipment availability when you check in and make your interest clear early.

Time is another consideration. The active stop is listed at about one hour, and that hour includes getting in the water, choosing equipment, swimming, and returning to the boat. If you want a long paddleboard session or a slow snorkel, the schedule may feel tight.

The crew continues serving drinks while you relax on the water, a small touch that adds to the carefree feel. After the water activities, guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips are available. An onboard massage may also be offered as a complimentary sign-up option. It is worth asking about it at the start, since the massage is easy to miss if nobody explains the sign-up process clearly.

Lunch on the Way to Yelapa

The main meal is Mexican fajitas with chicken, beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. The food is prepared in the Playa Chica Locca kitchen and brought out by boat. That makes lunch more substantial than the usual snack tray found on many day cruises.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, but you need to request them when booking. Do not wait until lunch service to mention a dietary need. The tour provides plenty of food, but the exact setup for special meals depends on advance notice.

Lunch is served before or around the Yelapa portion of the day, depending on the flow of the cruise. You can eat, refill your drink, and enjoy the coastline before reaching the village. Several ratings give high marks to the food and say the meals were among the best prepared they had encountered on local excursions. That praise matters because food quality can make or break an all-inclusive boat day.

Yelapa Beach and the Waterfall Walk

Yelapa means where two rivers meet the sea, a fitting name for a village reached by water and set near river valleys. The boat docks at a pier, and you can choose how to spend the stop.

You can follow a guide into the village, sit on the beach, swim in the bay, remain aboard, or take the short trail to the waterfall. The walk is described as about 15 minutes and accessible for most people, but it is not flat all the way. Some sections can feel like a substantial uphill walk, especially in heat.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and shoes you can walk in. You will want a swimsuit for the waterfall pool, but the route is better handled in sandals with a secure strap or light walking shoes than in bare feet.

The cascade gives you a refreshing place to cool off and a good photo stop. The waterfall is not the only reason to visit Yelapa, though. The appeal is the change of pace from the boat: a small coastal village, a beach, river scenery, and a short walk through the surrounding area.

The tradeoff is limited time. You may not be able to take a relaxed village stroll, spend a long time swimming, and complete the waterfall walk without watching the clock. One rating specifically wished for more time on the beach and in the water. If you want an unhurried Yelapa visit, a land-based or smaller boat trip may suit you better.

Older adults and anyone with mobility concerns should think carefully about the waterfall route. The tour can work well for many age groups, and one family brought a senior parent who enjoyed the day, but the uphill sections may not suit every person.

The Ride Home: Dancing, Photos, and One Last Drink

The return trip crosses Banderas Bay toward the original departure point. The mood often shifts into music, dancing, conversation, and wildlife watching. If the morning felt active, this is your chance to stretch out and enjoy the ride.

A photographer works aboard the boat and takes action photos during the day. You can purchase the images, but they are not included in the tour price. Ask how the photos will be delivered before leaving if you buy them. One passenger reported a delay receiving paid photos, so keep your booking details and payment information handy if you need to follow up.

The crew’s service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Staff members are described as constantly cleaning, serving drinks, and checking on people. DJ David is known for keeping the ride lively, while Ricky Ricardo is often praised for his high energy as host. The exact crew can vary, but the tour clearly depends on a social, entertainment-focused style.

That atmosphere will appeal to you if you like meeting people and joining a party on the water. It may not suit you if you want a quiet sail with little music or group interaction. The upper deck offers a calmer option on some departures, so ask where to sit if you want less noise.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want several activities in one booking. You do not need to plan separate meals, equipment rentals, or drink stops. The crew handles the practical details while you choose how active you want to be.

It is a good match for people who enjoy:

• A social boat atmosphere
• All-inclusive drinks and meals
• Short bursts of swimming and snorkeling
• Kayaks, paddleboards, and water slides
• A scenic village and waterfall stop
• Comfortable seating with shaded options
• A mix of music, dancing, and relaxation

I would be more cautious if you want a serious snorkeling expedition, long paddleboard sessions, or a quiet, small-group sail. The snorkeling is affected by water conditions, equipment availability, and the time allowed at Playa Chica Locca. The group can also reach 115 people, so this is not an intimate private charter.

The vessel is a catamaran rather than the traditional luxury motor yacht some people picture from the title. It still provides roomy seating, shaded areas, water toys, and food and drink service, but set your expectations correctly. You are booking a lively catamaran excursion with yacht-style service, not a private yacht charter.

Booking Details That Matter

The experience is offered in English, though a multilingual guide may operate the tour. Confirmation is provided at booking. You must select your meeting point before submitting the reservation.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The tour also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can receive a different date or experience, or a full refund.

The experience is listed as suitable for most people, but keep the waterfall walk, boat boarding, swimming, and water equipment in mind. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and hat. You are also wise to bring secure footwear for the walk and a small amount for gratuities or optional photos.

Should You Book the Yelapa Yacht Adventure?

Book it if you want a full Puerto Vallarta day with food, drinks, water activities, coastal views, and a short Yelapa excursion handled in one package. The price is fair for the amount included, and the crew service is the clearest strength. I especially like the balance between an active first stop and the more scenic village and waterfall visit.

Skip it if snorkeling is your single priority, if you dislike large social groups, or if you want several quiet hours on a beach. For most people who want fun, convenience, and plenty of service, this is a strong-value day on Banderas Bay. Just choose the meeting point carefully, ask about snorkeling equipment and the onboard massage at check-in, and remember that six hours goes quickly.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including the outward cruise, the Playa Chica Locca water stop, time at Yelapa, and the return trip.

Where can I meet the boat?

You can choose Chica Locca Tours at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal or Paradise Village. You must select your meeting place before completing the reservation.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. Breakfast includes seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. Lunch includes chicken and beef fajitas with rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. Guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips are also included. The open bar includes nonalcoholic drinks, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and a water mattress are included. Snorkeling takes place at Playa Chica Locca, and water clarity can vary.

Is the waterfall walk difficult?

The walk to the waterfall takes about 15 minutes and is accessible for most people, but some parts can feel steep or hot. Anyone with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or low participation causes the operator to cancel, you can receive another date or experience, or a full refund.