Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise

Yelapa is the prize here: a car-free coastal village reached by boat, with a waterfall, beach time, and a short walk through town. The trip adds a 100-foot yacht, open bar, water toys, music, and an unusually attentive crew, so you get both a shore outing and a floating party.

I especially like the generous food and drink service, from breakfast and fresh guacamole to Mexican fajitas, and the chance to use kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and floating mats without extra fees. The main caution is that this is a lively yacht day, not a quiet nature cruise, and some time in the water may feel short if you want to try every activity.

• Yelapa Falls: Take a guided walk from the village to a waterfall, with time to cool off in the flowing water.
• 100-foot mega yacht: Find a mix of shaded seating, sunny decks, modern bathrooms, and room to move around.
• Water activities included: Snorkel, swim, kayak, paddleboard, or relax on a floating mattress.
• Premium open bar: Drinks are served throughout the day, along with coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
• Ricky and the crew: Guides such as Ricky, also known as Ricky Ricardo, keep the day organized and energetic.
• Two departure points: Choose Puerto Mágico Vallarta or Paradise Village Pier in Nuevo Vallarta.

A Yacht Day Built Around Yelapa

The Chica Locca Mega Yacht Cruise combines three very different experiences: a scenic ride across Bahía de Banderas, active time in the water, and a visit to Yelapa. That mix explains the strong appeal. You are not simply transported to a beach, and you are not stuck on a boat all day with nowhere to go.

The yacht itself is a major part of the outing. It has comfortable seating, areas in sun and shade, modern bathrooms, a sound system, and enough equipment to keep active people occupied. If you prefer to sit back, the crew brings drinks and food to you. If you want to swim, the boat carries snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards, and floating mats.

The mood leans social. Music plays, people dance, and the open bar is active throughout the trip. Families can enjoy the day, but the tone is closer to a friendly boat party than a hushed sailing excursion. You should choose this trip for energy, service, and variety.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta on Bahía de Banderas

You can board at Chica Locca Tours near the Puerto Mágico Vallarta cruise terminal or at the Paradise Village Pier in Nuevo Vallarta. Your meeting point depends on the option you select, and transportation to the port is not included, so plan your own way there.

Once underway, the Bay of Banderas provides the first attraction. The boat ride gives you broad coastal views and the chance to watch for marine life. Whale sightings are possible, and dolphins may also appear, though no wildlife sighting can be promised.

The crew serves breakfast during the cruise. One described spread included fresh fruit and small muffins, a sensible start before swimming and walking. Coffee, tea, juices, sodas, and water are also available, so you do not need to wait for the bar to open before getting comfortable.

The ride can be one of the most relaxing parts of the day. Sit in the shade if you want to keep cool, or claim a sunny place for the full sea-and-sky view. Bring a towel, swimwear, and biodegradable sunscreen. The Mexican sun can be strong, especially when reflected off the water.

Swimming Time and Water Toys

At a stop in Bahía de Banderas, you can get into the water. This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to play. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or stretch out on a floating mattress.

The equipment is included in the price, which makes a real difference. You do not have to decide in advance which activity you want, and you can change plans once you see the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can stay on deck or use the floating equipment at your own pace.

Snorkeling conditions can vary. One account described poor visibility, while another found the snorkeling excellent. That is normal in a bay where water clarity changes with conditions. Treat snorkeling as an included bonus rather than the main reason to book the cruise.

The practical catch is time. The stop includes several water activities, and some people may want longer with the kayaks, paddleboards, or snorkels. If you want to try everything, get ready early and take your turn promptly rather than waiting until the end.

The crew’s service is particularly noticeable here. Drinks may be brought directly to people in the water, including by swimming them out. That is a fun touch, though you should still keep your own swimming ability and alcohol intake in mind.

Lunch, Music, and the Chica Locca Mood

Food is more substantial than the word snacks might suggest. The day includes fresh guacamole with blue corn chips, followed by Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and locally made tortillas. The food is served as part of the cruise rather than requiring you to buy lunch separately.

The premium open bar includes beer, wine, tequila, spirits, margaritas, piña coladas, coffee, juices, sodas, tea, and water. The service is frequent, and the crew makes a point of checking on people instead of leaving you to manage everything yourself.

That level of attention is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Guides including Ricky, Luis, Isaiah, and other crew members have been praised for keeping people informed and involved. Ricky is known for a high-energy hosting style, while the larger crew handles drinks, food, water equipment, and general assistance.

Music and dancing become more important as the day progresses. The trip can feel like a floating celebration, especially on the ride back. This is a plus if you want a social day and a drawback if you hoped for quiet time with only the sound of the sea.

An onboard masseuse offers brief massages. This is a pleasant extra, not a full spa treatment, and availability may depend on demand. Still, it is a rare feature on a group boat excursion and a nice way to break up the active parts of the day.

Arriving at Yelapa, the Car-Free Village

Yelapa gives the cruise its sense of place. Because the village is reached by water and has no cars, the visit feels different from a standard Puerto Vallarta beach stop. You can walk through part of the town, look around, and see a slower coastal community rather than a resort strip.

The shore visit includes a guided walk toward Yelapa Falls. The uphill walk takes about 10 minutes according to the information provided, though heat and the path itself can make it feel more demanding. Wear sandals or shoes with a secure grip, especially if the ground is wet.

The waterfall is refreshing when flowing, and many people enjoy cooling off in the water. Conditions change with the season. In the dry season, the flow may be light, but the walk can still be worthwhile for the village setting and views.

There is a bar near the falls, and local sellers offer food, drinks, and handmade goods. You may find carved items being made on site, including whale carvings. Bring some spending money if you want to buy something from the village, since those purchases are separate from the cruise price.

Yelapa is not a huge sightseeing circuit. You get a brief taste of the village, a waterfall walk, and time near the water. That is enough for a pleasant shore stop, but not enough for a long independent exploration. Keep that in mind if your main goal is to spend hours wandering town.

One useful detail: stay aware of the return time and route back to the boat. The village paths and shoreline can be confusing, and the crew has assisted people who became separated from their group. Follow the guide’s instructions and do not cut the timing close.

What $142 Includes

At $142 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. The value comes from how many separate costs are bundled into one six-hour outing.

Your price includes:

• Boat transport and port fees
• Breakfast and lunch
• Snacks such as guacamole and blue corn chips
• Premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Snorkel equipment
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Floating mattresses
• Guide service
• Guided walk to Yelapa Falls
• Onboard massage
• Assistance with water activities

If you paid separately for a boat trip, meals, drinks, water equipment, and a guided shore visit, the total could rise quickly. The package is especially useful for people who plan to use the bar and water toys. If you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want transportation to Yelapa, the price may feel high.

The food also matters to the value calculation. This is not just a morning coffee and a small packet of chips. You get breakfast, guacamole, and a proper fajita lunch. The drinks are served all day, not limited to one or two included beverages.

Photos are available for purchase at check-in but are not included. Transportation to your chosen port is also extra, so account for that when comparing the cost with other Puerto Vallarta excursions.

Timing, Comfort, and Small Friction Points

The advertised duration is six hours, although the day is described as a full-day adventure. Departure or return can run late. Some people have reported leaving about 30 minutes behind schedule and returning late as well.

I would not arrive far too early. One person arrived roughly 70 minutes before boarding and spent a long time waiting in the heat. Follow the stated arrival guidance, but do not add a large extra buffer unless you have a clear reason.

The yacht is described as stable, modern, and well equipped. Seating includes sun and shade, and modern bathrooms are onboard. That makes the cruise more comfortable than a small open boat, especially for a six-hour trip.

Heat remains a factor. One account noted that the day is less appealing if you dislike hot weather, though the moving boat and water stops help. Bring your towel, use biodegradable sunscreen, and drink water as well as cocktails.

This is a shared group experience, but the yacht’s layout gives people room to sit and relax. The crew is large enough to circulate, serve drinks, and help with activities. Still, popular equipment may not be available instantly, especially during the busiest water stop.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact starting time and meeting point when booking because the two departure locations have different practical implications.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

You will likely enjoy this excursion if you want a single outing that covers food, drinks, swimming, sightseeing, and entertainment. It works particularly well for couples, groups of friends, and families who like a busy day with plenty of choices.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another lounges on deck, and children or less active family members can enjoy the music, food, and views without taking part in every water activity.

You should think twice if you want a quiet sailing trip, a serious wildlife tour, or a long independent visit to Yelapa. Whale and dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed, and the snorkeling can be affected by water clarity.

The party atmosphere is not forced on everyone, but it is part of the product. Music, dancing, tequila, and frequent drink service shape the mood. If that sounds like your idea of a good day, the setting works beautifully.

Should You Book the Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want value through variety. For $142, you receive a yacht ride, meals, an open bar, water equipment, a guided waterfall walk, and attentive service. The strongest reasons to choose it are the crew, the generous food, and the easy mix of active and relaxing time.

Book it with realistic expectations. Yelapa is a short visit rather than a full cultural tour, snorkeling may be hit or miss, and time for each water activity is limited. But if you want a lively Puerto Vallarta day with beautiful coastal views, a distinctive village stop, and a crew that keeps the details moving, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Where does the cruise depart?

You can choose Chica Locca Tours at the Puerto Mágico Vallarta cruise terminal or the Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier in Nuevo Vallarta.

Is transportation to the port included?

No. Transportation to the selected check-in port is not included.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes breakfast, guacamole with blue corn chips, and a Mexican fajita lunch with rice, beans, and tortillas.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas, beer, wine, tequila, spirits, margaritas, and piña coladas.

Are snorkeling and kayaking included?

Yes. Snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and floating mattresses are included.

Is the Yelapa Falls walk guided?

Yes. A guide leads the walk to Yelapa Falls and assists with the visit.

Can I see whales or dolphins?

Whale and dolphin sightings are possible during the cruise, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. You may also want money for purchases at Yelapa, since local food, drinks, and handmade items are not included.