Spend a full day cruising Banderas Bay to two of its most private beaches—snorkel reefs at Majahuitas, explore Yelapa’s village and waterfall, and enjoy onboard breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. Perfect for travelers who want both water play and a relaxed coastal cultural stop.
Spend a full day cruising Banderas Bay to two of its most private beaches—snorkel reefs at Majahuitas, explore Yelapa’s village and waterfall, and enjoy onboard breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. Perfect for travelers who want both water play and a relaxed coastal cultural stop.
A warm breeze and the slap of wake against hull welcome you as the boat slips out of Puerto Vallarta harbor and into Banderas Bay. Sunlight pins the cliffs into bright ribbons while the water opens to teal coves—first stop, Majahuitas, a secluded pocket of clear water where reef and rock drop away beneath your fins.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gray Line Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
A warm breeze and the slap of wake against hull welcome you as the boat slips out of Puerto Vallarta harbor and into Banderas Bay. Sunlight pins the cliffs into bright ribbons while the water opens to teal coves—first stop, Majahuitas, a secluded pocket of clear water where reef and rock drop away beneath your fins.
These waters are shaped by the bay’s volcanic-and-sedimentary coastline: steep jungle cliffs that funnel runoff into sheltered coves, creating nutrient pockets that attract tropical fish and, seasonally, sea turtles. Yelapa, accessible only by boat, has long been a fishing village with cobbled lanes and a small waterfall that locals and visitors reach on a brief hillside trail. The day combines shoreline geology with coastal culture—breakfast onboard, snorkeling over rocky reefs, paddleboarding in glassy bays, and a shore lunch in the village with time to stroll or hike to the falls.
Practical edge: expect a 7–8 hour outing with multiple water stops, short transfers on and off the boat, and a 20–40 minute uphill walk if you choose the waterfall route. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a water shoe for rocky entries, and cash for local crafts. Wear a swimsuit under clothes for easy transitions; the open bar and provided lunch cover midday fuel, but carry a refillable bottle and motion-sickness pills if you’re sensitive to swells.
This is a moderate, full-day marine outing—equal parts active water play and slow coastal exploration—best timed for calmer morning seas and late-afternoon returns when the bay softens into gold.
moderate.
7–8 hours.
Moderate fitness; able to board a small boat, swim/snorkel short distances, and walk uphill on uneven trails.
Basic snorkel equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, and floating islands are provided on the tour; bringing your own well-fitted mask is optional.
The waterfall hike from the beach is a short uphill trail—typically 20–40 minutes each way depending on pace and stops; it includes uneven steps and roots.
Yes—breakfast onboard, a beach-side lunch in Yelapa, and an open bar during the return cruise are included in the tour price.
The operator may cancel for bad weather; cancelations 24+ hours prior are fully refundable per the tour policy, and safety-driven schedule changes are common in rough seas.
Yelapa developed as a fishing community long before tourism arrived; its boat-only access preserved a slower coastal way of life reflected in cobbled lanes and small family businesses.
Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or feeding wildlife, and support local vendors to help the village economy while minimizing environmental impact.
Gray Line Puerto Vallarta operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A warm breeze and the slap of wake against hull welcome you as the boat slips out of Puerto Vallarta harbor and into Banderas Bay. Sunlight pins the cliffs into bright ribbons while the water opens to teal coves—first stop, Majahuitas, a secluded pocket of clear water where reef and rock drop away beneath your fins.
A warm breeze and the slap of wake against hull welcome you as the boat slips out of Puerto Vallarta harbor and into Banderas Bay. Sunlight pins the cliffs into bright ribbons while the water opens to teal coves—first stop, Majahuitas, a secluded pocket of clear water where reef and rock drop away beneath your fins.
These waters are shaped by the bay’s volcanic-and-sedimentary coastline: steep jungle cliffs that funnel runoff into sheltered coves, creating nutrient pockets that attract tropical fish and, seasonally, sea turtles. Yelapa, accessible only by boat, has long been a fishing village with cobbled lanes and a small waterfall that locals and visitors reach on a brief hillside trail. The day combines shoreline geology with coastal culture—breakfast onboard, snorkeling over rocky reefs, paddleboarding in glassy bays, and a shore lunch in the village with time to stroll or hike to the falls.
Practical edge: expect a 7–8 hour outing with multiple water stops, short transfers on and off the boat, and a 20–40 minute uphill walk if you choose the waterfall route. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a water shoe for rocky entries, and cash for local crafts. Wear a swimsuit under clothes for easy transitions; the open bar and provided lunch cover midday fuel, but carry a refillable bottle and motion-sickness pills if you’re sensitive to swells.
This is a moderate, full-day marine outing—equal parts active water play and slow coastal exploration—best timed for calmer morning seas and late-afternoon returns when the bay softens into gold.