If you’re looking for a unique Mexican beach destination away from the maddening crowds, the Yelapa day trips from Puerto Vallarta are the real deal.

With its fascinating history, great natural beauty, facilities to suit all traveling style needs and absence of cars, Yelapa is quite a special place.

Enjoy its magnificent beaches and local cuisine, explore its waters snorkeling and kayaking, and browse the colorful markets with its local crafts and foods.

Here's all you need to know about Yelapa Beach, one of the mos beautiful destinations for day trips from Puerto Vallarta.

How to get to Yelapa Beach from Puerto Vallarta?

Yelapa is only accessible by boat and located 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. If you don’t take one of the tours, there are several water taxi services to Yelapa at about US$20 for roundtrip tickets.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Yelapa Beach from Puerto Vallarta?

You will leave for Yelapa from the Puerto Vallarta port, and enjoy the views of the Puerto Vallarta coastline during the cruise to and from Yelapa.

Your first stop is Colimilla beach for a snorkeling and kayaking stint, whereafter you will visit Yelapa and the Yelapa Waterfall.

You will pass through the picturesque Yelapa village on a 15-minute hike to the waterfall, where you can enjoy the pool at the fall.

At the lovely Yelapa Beach you can have local cuisine at some fine restaurants or just enjoy the sun, before returning to Puerto Vallarta.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Yelapa Beach?

Mega-yacht all-inclusive Yelapa waterfall and snorkeling tour

Explore the beautiful Banderas Bay coastline and the delightful Yelapa village, cruising on a 30-meter luxury yacht on this exciting day tour from Puerto Vallarta.

Enjoy the comforts of drinks service, masseuse service and lots of cozy chairs and cushions. Also have fun with paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling, to name some water activities. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included.

The Bay of Banderas is the world’s second largest bay, so enjoy the views of the Puerto Vallarta coastline during the cruise to and from Yelapa. It is home to prolific sea life and in season, a major breeding habitat for humpback whales .

The first stop is Playa la Piramide (Colimilla) beach for a snorkeling stint and you can frolic in the water in this beautiful spot.

You will then visit Yelapa Waterfall at the charming coastal village of Yelapa south of Puerto Vallarta, only accessible by boat. You can either opt to visit Yelapa Fall or Yelapa Beach.

It’s a 10-15 minute hike to the fall, passing through Yelapa village. When you reach the fall, plunge into the pool below the cascade.

If you opt for Yelapa Beach, it’s a lovely stretch with local restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the sun. There’s also the option to just stay on the boat and enjoy the fine service and open bar.

Catamaran to Yelapa and Majahuitas

Discover a quieter side of Mexico away from the busy city on this full-day tour on a catamaran from Puerto Vallarta.

Explore the village of Yelapa in a car-free town, engage with the locals, spend time on the beach and enjoy the water sports. Your catamaran ride includes breakfast, lunch and an open bar.

Yelapa is one of those timeless, car-free towns, where donkeys still substitute trucks and cockerels serve as alarm clocks.

On your way to the Yelapa Waterfall, wander through the charming village, and browse the native crafts. Jump into the refreshing waterfall pool and enjoy the warm sun on Yelapa's lovely beach.

Then make your way to Majahuitas, a pristine golden beach with emerald water and furnished in a relaxed hippie-chic style. Here you can spend the day snorkeling, paddle boarding or kayaking, or just suntan on the beach.**This tour depends on good weather. If it’s canceled because of bad weather, you can choose a different date or request a refund.

Private trip to Yelapa and snorkeling at south beaches.

On this 6-hour small-group tour to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta, you can explore Yelapa village and enjoy kayaking and snorkeling off the lovely beach.

While traveling, you will also learn about the marine flora and fauna of the Puerto Vallarta coastal waters.

You will be picked up in Puerto Vallarta and from Marina Vallarta, cruise to Yelapa Beach. A naturalist guide will be on board who will provide commentary on the marine flora and fauna during traveling.

At Yelapa, you will spend the time on the beach and kayak and snorkel in Puerto Vallarta’s alluring coastal waters. You will be provided with all kayaking and snorkeling gear for your stint.

Lunch is not included in your package but you have an option to have a nice meal at a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Your guide will also take you to explore the village of Yelapa where you can browse its colorful markets and crafts and food shops.

You can still enjoy a refreshing shower in the Yelapa Waterfall before you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Puerto Vallarta.

How much does a tour to Yelapa Beach from Puerto Vallarta cost?

The 7-hour mega yacht all-inclusive Yelapa waterfall and snorkeling trip costs US$130 per person.

The 8-hour Catamaran to Yelapa and Majahuitas Beach trip costs US$130 per person.

The 6-hour private trip to Yelapa and south beaches snorkeling trip costs US$750 per group of up to 8. There’s also an additional boarding fee of US$40.

What will you see?

The Museum of History, Art and Culture

The Yelapa Museum is located right in the heart of the village and next to the river. The museum showcases the history of Yelapa and its inhabitants, and regularly hosts arts, cultural and social events.

It exhibits ancient pottery and stonework artifacts discovered in the Yelapa region, and more than 200 photographs highlight the history and development of Yelapa.

It also preserves video interviews with elders from the Yelapa area, and displays many locally handmade arts and crafts.

When is Yelapa Beach open over the year?

The Water Taxi Office is located in Puerto Vallarta on the Los Muertos Pier. The office is open every day from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

When is the best time to visit Yelapa Beach?

Yelapa’s climate is sub-tropical and pleasant for most of the year. The high season (November to May) is the best time of the year to visit.

Travel tips

Make sure to book your day trip to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta in advance.
There are no ATM's in Yelapa. Few places will take credit cards, so bring cash.
Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent.
Have enough medication you might need.

Yelapa beach: Day Trips and Tours from Puerto Vallarta