THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cross Banderas Bay by boat to a fishing village, hike to a seasonal horsetail waterfall, then snorkel and eat a beachside BBQ at Majahuitas. This full-day tour mixes easy hiking, snorkeling, and a scenic boat ride out of Puerto Vallarta.
Cross Banderas Bay by boat to a fishing village, hike to a seasonal horsetail waterfall, then snorkel and eat a beachside BBQ at Majahuitas. This full-day tour mixes easy hiking, snorkeling, and a scenic boat ride out of Puerto Vallarta.
Salt spray cuts the morning air as the boat pushes off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the Sierra Madre falls away behind you.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Monkey Adventures México · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Salt spray cuts the morning air as the boat pushes off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the Sierra Madre falls away behind you.
Within an hour the coastline reshapes—cliffs give way to coves, pelicans quarter the surface, and the boat slips into a green pocket where Yelapa’s cobblestone streets tumble to the water. A short guided walk through the village leads to the horsetail waterfall when the rains allow, a cool cascade pooling into a natural basin that dares you to jump in. Later the tender drifts south to Playa Majahuitas, a sheltered crescent of golden sand and clear water where snorkeling reveals reefs and schooling fish.
This trip threads culture and geology: volcanic foothills feed the steep coastal streams, and the village reflects old fishing traditions with murals and family-run palapas. The boat leg across Banderas Bay gives panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and the mountain spine that shapes the microclimates here.
Practical edge: plan for a seven-hour day, arrive at the Vallarta Adventures check-in 30 minutes early and bring biodegradable sunscreen and cash for the small dock fee. Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities. Footwear should handle sand, wet rock, and a short village trail—light hikers or sturdy sandals work. Expect basic facilities on the beach and a beachfront BBQ lunch of ribs, ceviche, salads and tropical desserts. Hydrate between swims, keep electronics dry in a waterproof pouch, and follow guides’ instructions for snorkeling and wildlife viewing—both keep the experience safe and the coastline healthy.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to walk 10–30 minutes on uneven village trails and swim/snorkel in calm bay waters.
The full experience is roughly seven hours and includes boat transport, guided walk to Yelapa waterfall (seasonal), snorkeling and water activity equipment, and a beach BBQ lunch.
The Horsetail waterfall in Yelapa is seasonal; it’s most impressive in the rainy season (summer into early fall) and may be reduced or dry in the dry season.
Yes—snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking are suitable for beginners; life jackets are mandatory and guides provide briefings and basic instruction.
Bring cash for a small dock fee (about 30 MXN), souvenirs, tips and any optional photos or extras not included in the tour price.
Yelapa grew from a small fishing village that was historically accessed only by boat; its cultural rhythm still centers on family-run fisheries and seasonal fiestas.
The area relies on reef and watershed health; operators encourage biodegradable sunscreen, responsible anchoring, and limiting single‑use plastics to protect coral and coastal streams.
Monkey Adventures México operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Salt spray cuts the morning air as the boat pushes off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the Sierra Madre falls away behind you.
Salt spray cuts the morning air as the boat pushes off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the Sierra Madre falls away behind you.
Within an hour the coastline reshapes—cliffs give way to coves, pelicans quarter the surface, and the boat slips into a green pocket where Yelapa’s cobblestone streets tumble to the water. A short guided walk through the village leads to the horsetail waterfall when the rains allow, a cool cascade pooling into a natural basin that dares you to jump in. Later the tender drifts south to Playa Majahuitas, a sheltered crescent of golden sand and clear water where snorkeling reveals reefs and schooling fish.
This trip threads culture and geology: volcanic foothills feed the steep coastal streams, and the village reflects old fishing traditions with murals and family-run palapas. The boat leg across Banderas Bay gives panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and the mountain spine that shapes the microclimates here.
Practical edge: plan for a seven-hour day, arrive at the Vallarta Adventures check-in 30 minutes early and bring biodegradable sunscreen and cash for the small dock fee. Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities. Footwear should handle sand, wet rock, and a short village trail—light hikers or sturdy sandals work. Expect basic facilities on the beach and a beachfront BBQ lunch of ribs, ceviche, salads and tropical desserts. Hydrate between swims, keep electronics dry in a waterproof pouch, and follow guides’ instructions for snorkeling and wildlife viewing—both keep the experience safe and the coastline healthy.