Snorkeling and Yelapa Beach Tour Majahuitas

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to experience the best of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, this Snorkeling and Yelapa Beach Tour offered by Mismaloya Adventures might just be your ticket. Designed for travelers eager to enjoy both underwater life and charming local beaches, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how accessible it is—an easy half-day outing that promises plenty of fun without the hassle of a full-day commitment. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and wander through a quiet, authentic town like Yelapa is hard to beat. One possible drawback? Since no food is served on board, you’ll want to plan for snacks or a meal at Yelapa if you’re hungry after your swim.

This tour fits well for those who love beach days, underwater exploration, and a taste of local charm—ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to squeeze in a memorable coastal experience.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining snorkeling at Majahuitas with free time at Yelapa Beach
• Affordable price of $82 per person for a five-hour experience
• Includes all necessary snorkeling gear and boat with shade for comfort
• Authentic taste of local life in Yelapa, a small town only accessible by boat
• Stunning coastal views along the journey, with opportunities for photos and sightseeing
• Flexible cancellation policies—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is crafted to give you a taste of both underwater discovery and authentic coastal culture. From the moment you meet at Mismaloya Adventures, you’ll get fitted with your snorkeling gear—think of it as your all-access pass to the Pacific’s colorful marine life. The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of the coastline that set the tone for the day.

Your first stop is Majahuitas Beach, a tiny but stunning spot famous for clear waters and abundant marine life. The snorkeling here isn’t just about swimming—it’s about witnessing a small underwater world teeming with fish of all kinds. The guided aspect ensures you’ll see more, and the complete snorkeling equipment with life jackets makes it accessible to all skill levels.

After about 40 minutes of underwater fun, the boat takes you further south to Yelapa, a picturesque village accessible only by boat. Here, you’re free to explore, relax on the soft sands, or take a walk to the nearby waterfall—a popular local highlight. The reviews emphasize the charm of Yelapa: “the town with history standing still,” as one visitor described it, offering a glimpse of authentic coastal life away from tourist crowds.

Throughout, bottled water is included, and you can bring your own snacks and drinks—refreshments are a key part of the experience, especially after a swim. Keep in mind, no food is served on the boat, so planning ahead is wise if you’re hungry.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Meeting Point and Preparation

Start your morning at Mismaloya Adventures, where you’ll meet your bilingual guide and captain. Here, you’ll also find dressing rooms and bathrooms—handy for freshening up before setting sail. The group size tends to be small and personal, with one review praising the entire boat being reserved just for their family, enhancing the feeling of a private adventure.

The Boat Ride to Majahuitas

The journey to Majahuitas takes around 40 minutes. Expect beautiful coastal views along the way—craggy coves, lush green hills, and maybe even some local wildlife. The boat itself provides shade, so you won’t get sunstroke en route. The captain and guide coordinate to ensure everyone is comfortable, making it suitable even for less experienced swimmers.

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Snorkeling at Majahuitas

Once at Majahuitas, you’ll don your snorkeling gear and jump into the water. The guide may point out marine life and help you spot fish and coral. The clarity of the water makes for an excellent viewing experience, and the marine life is diverse enough to satisfy both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Exploring Yelapa

After snorkeling, the boat heads south to Yelapa. The journey offers scenic views of the coastline, with the cliffs and small beaches making for perfect photo ops. Once at Yelapa, you’re free to explore on your own for roughly three and a half hours. You can walk to a waterfall, relax on the beach, or grab a bite at one of the local restaurants (at your own expense).

One reviewer loved the personal touch: “Isela gave us a guided walk through this small, quaint town where history has stood still,” highlighting how this part of the tour showcases authentic local life.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Considerations

This tour is particularly valued for the chance to see local Yelapa—a village with limited access, full of simple charm and genuine character. It’s a break from the often overly commercialized tourist spots, giving you a window into everyday life in small Mexican coastal towns.

Price-wise, $82 per person is reasonable for a half-day trip that combines snorkeling, boat travel, and the opportunity to explore Yelapa. When you consider all the included amenities—snorkeling gear, boat with shade, bottled water—it offers good value for the experience.

The tour’s duration of roughly five hours means you won’t feel rushed, and morning departures allow you to make the most of the day.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praised the stunning scenery and the friendly, attentive guides. Veronica Quezada mentioned that her family received extra snorkeling gear and even a gift of bonito fillets, adding a personal, caring touch. Similarly, Arthur W appreciated their private boat and the surprise detour to see Los Arcos formations, which wasn’t part of the original plan but made the trip even more memorable.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, towel, snacks, and water for comfort.
• Since no food is served onboard, packing a picnic or snacks is advisable.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users—the physical demands and accessibility are limited.
• Touching marine life is discouraged for conservation reasons, and alcohol or drugs are prohibited.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If your ideal day involves sun, sea, and charming small-town vibes, then this trip is a strong choice. It’s perfect for families with children, couples, and solo travelers wanting a relaxed, authentic experience with underwater fun thrown in. Since it’s a half-day adventure, it’s easy to fit into a broader Puerto Vallarta itinerary.

Those who enjoy scenic boat rides with incredible views will find this particularly appealing. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to snorkel in clear waters and experience a bit of local culture, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you’re pregnant, have mobility restrictions, or prefer a more gourmet experience (since no meals are included), you might want to explore other options or plan a separate meal in Yelapa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat with shade, a bilingual guide, snorkeling at Majahuitas, complete snorkeling gear with life jackets, dressing rooms and bathrooms, bottled water, and a cooler for your drinks.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride from Mismaloya to Majahuitas takes about 40 minutes each way, offering scenic coastal views en route.

Is food provided during the trip?
No, food is not served on board. You should bring snacks or plan to eat at one of Yelapa’s restaurants, which are at your own expense.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Packing a small bag with these essentials makes the experience more comfortable.

Can I snorkel if I’m a beginner?
Yes, the full snorkeling equipment and life jackets make it accessible for all skill levels. The guides are available to assist and point out marine life.

How much free time do I get at Yelapa?
You’ll have about three and a half hours to relax, explore, or walk to the waterfall.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it isn’t explicitly restricted, the physical activity and boat ride are best suited for children old enough to swim and comfortably handle the boat’s motion.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Snorkeling and Yelapa Beach Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of coastal Puerto Vallarta—crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the charm of a quiet village. It balances adventure with cultural authenticity, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers craving a taste of local life without the fuss of a full-day tour.

The experience’s value lies in its simplicity and focus—excellent snorkeling, stunning scenery, and a chance to unwind in a beautiful setting. If you’re someone who appreciates natural beauty, authentic towns, and the thrill of underwater discovery, this tour deserves a spot on your Puerto Vallarta list.

For those seeking a flexible, engaging, and reasonably priced adventure, this trip hits all the right notes. It’s perfect as a relaxed morning or afternoon escape—one that leaves you with plenty of stories and pictures to remember.

Note: Always check the latest details, availability, and any updates directly with the provider before booking, as schedules and policies can change.

You can check availability for your dates here: