A day on the water in Yelapa is hard to top. This all-inclusive mega yacht outing pairs a laid-back bay cruise with snorkeling gear, water toys, and a chance to swim at the famous waterfall area. You also get an onboard open bar plus breakfast, lunch, and snacks, so you’re not doing math every time you get thirsty.

Two things I really like: the boat experience feels polished, and the food-and-drink flow is built into the schedule. The other big plus is that you don’t have just one activity; you can bounce between snorkeling, paddleboards, and chilling on the water.

One thing to keep in mind: snorkeling time and equipment can get tight if the boat is near capacity, and water visibility can vary with conditions, so don’t assume you’ll get long, perfect underwater time.

Key things to know before you go

• Open bar all day: margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, plus soft drinks, coffee, and juices
• Real water play: snorkeling gear, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and even water slides at the first beach stop
• Yelapa waterfall option: a short guided walk trail (about 15 minutes) for swimming and photos
• Onboard comfort choices: shaded seating and a relaxing layout for people who want less sun
• Lively host energy: DJ David and cruise director Ricky Ricardo help set the tone (party or quieter vibes depending on where you sit)

Checking In for Yelapa: Your Meeting Point and What Starts the Day

This cruise runs out of Puerto Vallarta with two possible starting points you’ll choose when you book. You’ll check in at the Chica Locca Tours office at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal, and there’s also a Chica Locca option at Paradise Village. Pick the one that’s closest to where you’ll actually be that morning—skipping the wrong meeting point is the easiest way to save stress.

Once you’re checked in, you’re guided aboard quickly and the day starts immediately. You’ll get breakfast on the yacht while you cruise along the coast south of Puerto Vallarta. That matters because it sets a relaxed rhythm: you’re fueled before the water activities begin, and you’re not stuck waiting around with nothing to do.

Also, this is a federal maritime port. Expect security screening. Keep your bag simple and avoid any restricted items (including vaping devices and other prohibited substances), so you don’t lose time at the entrance.

Breakfast, Open Bar, and Onboard Service That Actually Feels Included

If you’ve ever done an excursion where food and drinks are technically included but slowly doled out, this is the opposite. The vibe here is that the yacht staff keeps things moving from the moment you board. The beverage menu is broad and stays available all day: water, coffee, juices, sodas/mineral water, plus alcoholic favorites like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and champagne.

The food flow is also part of the design:

• breakfast while cruising out
• snacks during the first stop
• a hot lunch delivered by boat at the beach time

What I like about this approach is that you can plan your day around the activities instead of around a cash-only bar schedule. If you want a calmer pace, you can still stick to water, coffee, and juice and feel like you’re not missing anything.

For atmosphere, the host and crew matter. In the onboard experience, you may feel the energy brought by DJ David, plus cruise director Ricky Ricardo, and the entertainment style can run from lively to more relaxed depending on where you hang out on the boat.

Playa Chica Locca (Quimixto): Waterslides, Snorkeling Gear, and Water Toys

About an hour into the cruise, you reach the first stop at Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto. This is the “gear up and play” part of the day. You’ll anchor and get your first real chance in the water, and the setup is built for variety.

Here’s what you can expect at this stop:

• jump in from the yacht (including the second deck area)
• use snorkeling equipment to explore the marine life around the anchor spot
• kayaking and standup paddleboards
• waterslides and float time with water toys

There’s also a steady rhythm of snacks and guacamole while you’re moving between activities. That sounds small, but it helps a lot: you’re not burning energy all morning and then realizing you’re hungry.

A practical note on snorkeling

Snorkeling here is a highlight, but it’s not a guarantee of unlimited underwater time. Conditions and timing can affect how long you get in the water, and at higher guest counts there can be a gear pinch. My advice: if snorkeling is your main reason for booking, you’ll want to show up ready to go and stay flexible if the first session feels short.

Cruise Through Banderas Bay: Views, Marine Life, and Whale Season

Between stops, you cruise through Banderas Bay, described as one of the world’s largest bays and an important breeding ground for humpback whales each year. Even if you’re not in peak whale season, the benefit here is the scenery: you get panoramic coastline views while you’re comfortably seated, eating breakfast, and waiting for your next water window.

This segment is also where the all-day feel takes shape. Instead of “do activity, then hurry, then wait,” the schedule is designed to keep you moving without rushing you.

If you’re the type who enjoys a break from sun and salt, this is when you’ll appreciate shaded seating options on board. If you’re the type who wants maximum views, you’ll find good places to watch the coastline and other boats coming and going.

Yelapa Beach: Village Time, Easy Swimming, and the Waterfall Walk

The second stop is Yelapa Beach, in a sheltered bay setting that’s ideal for anchoring and hanging out. The yacht docks at a pier, then you choose how to spend your time.

Your options typically include:

• explore Yelapa’s small-town setting
• relax on the boat and swim in the bay
• take the walk to the waterfall area

The waterfall portion is one of the biggest “wow” moments. The walk to the waterfall is described as about 15 minutes and accessible for most visitors, with a trail that leads to a refreshing cascade where people go for photos and swimming.

Here’s the balanced reality check: even if it’s considered accessible for most, it’s still a walk on a trail with uneven ground. If your group includes anyone with mobility limits or discomfort on hills, plan on splitting time between the beach, the boat, and the waterfall stop based on what feels manageable.

Lunch in Yelapa time

Lunch is a strong point: Mexican fajitas with choices like chicken and beef, plus rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. It’s prepared in a beach kitchen and delivered by boat, which means you’re eating while you’re still in excursion mode, not stuck commuting or waiting for service.

If you eat differently, that’s covered too. The tour indicates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you tell them in advance.

Food and Drinks That Keep the Day Moving (and the Right Kind of Party Energy)

This is an all-inclusive-style cruise, but the more important detail is that the staff pacing supports the experience. You’re not chasing someone for drinks or waiting forever for food. Many guests highlight how the crew keeps things going from start to finish, including the way the yacht supports a fun social vibe without turning chaotic.

The boat also gives you room to choose your mood. You can find yourself in a higher-energy zone with music and host talk, or go more low-key depending on where you sit. I like this flexibility because Yelapa is a nature day, not just a party day, and you don’t want the party volume to stomp on your waterfall photos.

You’ll also likely see small onboard touches that make the service feel attentive, like staff quickly addressing messes and keeping common areas clean. That kind of care matters because it keeps the boat feeling like a real “day out,” not a crowded floating waiting room.

Snorkeling in the Real World: Gear Use, Water Clarity, and Expectations

Snorkeling success in Yelapa-area waters depends on conditions. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and assigns time during anchoring at the first stop, but the experience can be affected by:

• water clarity that day
• how quickly everyone cycles through gear
• how long the boat’s schedule allows before moving on

So I recommend booking with the right goal: think “snorkel around marine life” rather than “guaranteed long, crystal-clear reef time.” You’re also getting extra chances for water play—kayaks, paddleboards, and the waterslide area—so even if visibility isn’t perfect, the day still works.

One more practical thing: if you’re prone to slipping on wet surfaces, pay attention to where you step when switching between the boat, the water, and the equipment staging area.

What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta Heat, Salt Water, and Water Activity

This trip is simple on paper, but you’ll enjoy it more if you pack like a person who plans to be in the sun and water for hours.

Bring:

• a hat or cap (it gets hot)
• sunscreen (you’ll be on the water)
• a towel
• your swimsuit plan (the day is built around water time)

What you’ll likely get covered by the tour:

• snorkeling equipment
• kayaks and paddleboards use
• lunch and snacks
• open bar beverages

If you’re planning the waterfall walk, also consider shoes or water-friendly footwear if you don’t love bare or slippery steps on trails.

How Long Is the Day, and How It Fits With the Rest of Your Vacation

The tour runs around 6 hours. One reason people like it is timing: it’s long enough to feel like a true excursion, but short enough that you can still do other things after returning to Puerto Vallarta.

In practice, some days wrap earlier in the afternoon, which leaves you room for dinner plans, a beach walk, or a city stroll. If you’re juggling multiple activities in PV, this length is often a better fit than full-day land-and-sea tours.

Who Should Book This Yacht Cruise to Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkel

This tour fits best if you want a structured day on the water with minimal decision-making. You’ll like it if:

• you want an all-inclusive cruise with real food and drinks
• you want snorkeling plus other water toys, not just one activity
• you prefer guided support for the waterfall area
• you enjoy a mix of scenery, beach time, and onboard fun

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re expecting a long, uninterrupted snorkel session
• your group is sensitive to mobility challenges on the waterfall trail
• you’re booking only for maximum photo opportunities and minimal walking

If you’re traveling with seniors, I’d plan for a flexible day: encourage everyone to choose what matches energy levels—sometimes the best “waterfall visit” is the one done without pushing through discomfort.

Should You Book Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling?

Book it if you want a value-heavy day where meals, drinks, and water activities are built in, and you like the idea of choosing your own pace between lively onboard fun and calmer downtime. The combination of open bar, a hot lunch, snorkeling gear, and the option to walk to the waterfall is exactly the kind of “one ticket, many wins” excursion that makes vacations feel smoother.

Skip or consider an alternative if snorkeling depth is your top priority, because visibility varies and the schedule is shared. Also, if your group has mobility limits, plan your waterfall time carefully and don’t assume everyone will love the trail walk.

Bottom line: if you’re aiming for an easy, energetic day that still gets you to Yelapa’s waterfall area, this is a strong match.

FAQ

What is included in the Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa adventure?

It includes breakfast, lunch (fajitas), snacks (guacamole and chips), use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and access to an onboard open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s described as all included.

Where do I check in for the tour?

Check in is at the Chica Locca Tours office located at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal. There is also an option to check in at Paradise Village, depending on which meeting place you choose when booking.

What open bar drinks are available?

The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and champagne, plus more as available.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. The tour includes snorkeling equipment. It also includes kayaks and standup paddleboards.

How long does the tour run?

The duration is approximately 6 hours.

Is there food and a meal during the trip?

Yes. You get breakfast while cruising, plus a hot Mexican fajita lunch at the beach stop, along with snacks such as guacamole and chips.

Can I visit the Yelapa waterfall?

Yes. There’s an option to walk about 15 minutes to reach the waterfall area, and you can swim there.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise at booking.

Is the tour family-friendly and open to most travelers?

The tour says most travelers can participate, and it’s offered in English. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What is not included?

Gratuities are not included. Souvenir photos are not included (you can reserve at check-in or buy onboard). Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

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