A day on a yacht to Yelapa changes everything. I love the modern, 100’ stable yacht with room to lounge, and I love the all-day premium open bar with drinks and snacks kept coming. One thing to consider: this is an active day, including a guided walk to Yelapa Falls, so wear comfy shoes and expect some uphill steps.

You’ll cruise the Bay of Banderas with scenic coastal views and a real chance of marine life sightings like dolphins or whales. The included water toys (snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses) make it easy to switch from relaxing to playing in the water.

At Yelapa, you get a guided stop at the falls, then beach time in a car-free town atmosphere. It’s the kind of trip where nature and party energy run side-by-side, without feeling chaotic.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• A 100’ modern mega yacht with sun and shade lounging, a premium sound system, and modern bathrooms
• All-day premium open bar plus breakfast snacks and a full lunch
• Included water toys: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, waterslides, and floating mattresses
• Guided hike to Yelapa Falls and a refreshing water moment during/after the walk
• Marine life viewing potential with whale watching and wildlife spotting on the way
• Live bilingual guide and high-attention crew service, including the famous Chica Locca Service

Why This Yelapa Mega Yacht Day Feels Different Than a Regular Boat Trip

This cruise is built for comfort, but it doesn’t stop at sitting on a deck all day. The yacht is a large, stable 100-foot boat with plenty of seating and lounge space under sun and shade, plus modern bathrooms that make a big difference when you’re out for hours. It’s the kind of setup that keeps the day feeling smooth even when the group is doing different things at once—swimming, snorkeling, or just watching the coast slide by.

Then there’s the vibe. The crew leans into fun: good music, people moving around to keep service going, and that energetic “keep it going” energy that shows up at sea. One highlight for me is how they pair that party feel with real structure: breakfast, lunch, planned activities, and a guided hike when you get to Yelapa.

The biggest takeaway is choice. You can have a slow day (relax, float, sun yourself, drink something cold), or you can be busy (snorkel, paddle board, kayak, use the onboard waterslides). The boat day doesn’t force one mode on everyone.

Getting On Board: Two Check-In Piers in the Puerto Vallarta Area

Check-in is set up with two starting locations, which matters because Puerto Vallarta traffic can be unpredictable. You’ll either meet at the Chica Locca Tours cruise terminal area at Puerto Mágico Vallarta, or you’ll start at the Chica Locca Tours pier at Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta. Same tour idea, different pier.

If you’re choosing between them, pick based on where you’re staying and how you’ll get there. Since transportation to the port isn’t included, plan your ride so you’re not stressed about timing right before boarding.

Also, the tour runs with a live guide in English and Spanish, which helps a lot when instructions matter for the water activities or when you’re switching locations. Language support isn’t just a nice touch—it makes it easier to actually enjoy the day instead of guessing what to do next.

Bay of Banderas Cruise Time: Views, Wildlife Chances, and Breakfast

Once you’re out on the Bay of Banderas, the trip becomes a mix of scenery and “look closely” moments. You’ll spend time cruising along the coast with photo-worthy sea views, plus marine life viewing. Whale watching is specifically included, and dolphins are also mentioned as a possible sighting, so this is one of those days where the ocean feels like part of the itinerary.

Before you’re fully in swim/play mode, you’ll have breakfast on board. That’s not just convenient; it’s smart. A boat day to Yelapa can tempt you to skip food until later, but then you end up hungry and cranky right when you want energy for water toys and a waterfall hike.

If you’re prone to seasickness, the yacht’s stability is an advantage. It’s not a guarantee that everyone will feel perfect (ocean conditions still matter), but the larger, stable boat is typically easier than smaller craft for many people.

All-Day Premium Open Bar That Actually Includes More Than Beer

This is where the value really shows. The cruise includes an all-day premium open bar, and it’s not limited to one or two basic options. You’ll have water, coffee, juices, and sodas, plus mixed drinks like margaritas and piña coladas. Beer is included too, along with tequila, wine, and spirits.

What I like about this setup is that the service is built into the experience. People aren’t just told where the bar is and left to figure it out. The crew keeps offering drinks and snacks as the day moves along, and there’s even a touch where drinks can be brought out when the boat has stopped and people are in the water.

If you’re someone who drinks socially, this reduces friction. You won’t need to time your fun around bar lines or feel like you’re missing out when you’re doing activities. If you don’t drink alcohol, you still get plenty of included non-alcohol options like juices, coffee, and sodas.

The other bonus: snacks are part of the plan. You’ll find fresh snack options such as guacamole and blue corn chips, plus breakfast and lunch that keep you from turning the whole day into a sugar-and-liquids event.

Water Toys Time: Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding, Kayaks, Floating Mats, and Slides

This cruise is packed with included water activities, which is why it works well for mixed groups. You can do the “in-water” version of the day with snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You can also go the gentle route with floating mattresses and lounge time that still keeps you close to the action.

Snorkeling is included with snorkeling gear provided. Just know visibility can vary. On one day it can feel crystal clear; on another, you might find the view is less ideal. Even when visibility isn’t perfect, snorkeling can still be fun because you’re swimming in clear, warm water with a safe, managed setup around the yacht.

Paddle boarding and kayaking are included too, which helps if you want to feel more active but don’t want to rely on seeing fish to have a good time. Floating mattresses are great for people who want to relax and still feel like they’re “in” the ocean.

And yes, waterslides are part of the onboard fun. That matters because it gives you a different kind of thrill than just swimming—especially if you’re traveling with kids or people who want something playful beyond the waterline.

There’s also an included massage on board. That’s the smart recovery move. After hours in sun and water, a short massage helps reset without you having to leave the boat.

Arriving in Yelapa: The Falls Walk and Beach Time in a Car-Free Town

Yelapa is the reason you’re doing this cruise, and the day is structured so you’re not only rushing. Once you arrive, you’ll have a guided walk to Yelapa Falls. The hike is short, but it includes an uphill section, so bring decent footwear. The good part is that the falls are a real payoff: refreshing water flows, and it cools you down after the walk.

Then you get time for Yelapa itself—photo stops, sightseeing, and beach time. The tour includes time to enjoy white sand beaches and relax in the Yelapa area. It also mentions Yelapa as a car-free town, which is part of the charm. You’re not just dropping onto a beach; you’re stepping into a slower-feeling place.

A small reality check: on some days, water flow at the falls can feel less intense due to seasonal conditions. When that happens, the experience can still be worth it because the falls area plus the walk plus the cool-water relief still hits the mark. You’re doing this for the combination, not only for maximum waterfall force.

If you’re the type who likes a balance—guided nature moment plus unplanned downtime—this is a good fit.

The Lunch Spread: Why the Food Changes the Mood on a Boat Day

Boat trips can fall into two categories: snacks that barely qualify as food, or meals that show up too late. This cruise does neither. Lunch is included and it’s built like a real meal: fajitas, rice, beans, and local-made tortillas. You’ll also get fresh snacks earlier in the day like guacamole and blue corn chips.

If you’re watching for quality, pay attention to the details. There are hints of “fresh-prepared” food rather than just packaged items, and that keeps energy up for the activities after lunch. People often underestimate this: your second swim session and your ability to enjoy the waterfall walk often depend on whether you ate something satisfying.

Food also matters for comfort. When everyone is well fed, the vibe stays friendly instead of turning into a grumpy scramble for snacks.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $142

At $142 per person, the best way to judge value is to look at what’s included, not just the total number.

This cruise bundles:

• All food and drinks, including a full premium open bar
• Snorkeling gear and major water toys (paddle boards, kayaks, floating mattresses)
• A guided waterfall hike
• An on-board massage
• Port fees

Many boat excursions in this area charge for food, drinks, and water gear separately. Here, you’re paying once, then living the day without constantly checking what costs extra. That’s why the price feels fair if you’ll use the water activities and stick around for the full day.

If you’re only going to sit on a deck and skip most water time, the value drops a bit, because you’d be paying for amenities you’re not using. But if you want a structured, high-comfort day with lots of included fun, this is one of the easier deals to justify.

Who Should Book This (And Who Might Want a Different Style of Trip)

This tour is especially good for:

• People who want a fun crew vibe and don’t want silence and boring lectures for hours
• Mixed groups where some people want active water time and others prefer lounging and floating
• Families or friend groups who want variety: snorkeling plus slides plus beach time
• Anyone who appreciates service that keeps drinks and snacks going without you chasing it

It may not be ideal if:

• You dislike any uphill walking. There’s a guided walk to the falls and it’s described as short with an uphill section.
• You prefer a quiet, low-energy nature day. The music and party energy are part of the experience.
• You’re expecting snorkeling to always look perfect. Visibility can vary, so go in knowing it’s water play plus potential marine viewing, not a guaranteed “see everything” underwater show.

If you’re worried about conditions, pack for flexibility: plan to swim, but be ready for changes in water clarity and weather.

Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier (Bring These, Do These)

Here’s what you should have ready so the day runs smoothly:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen (bring your own)

A couple of smart habits based on real-life boat-day patterns:

• Don’t overdo early arrivals. Boarding days can stretch, and arriving way ahead can mean waiting in heat. Aim for a reasonable buffer and follow the crew’s timing cues.
• Use water equipment in a timely way. With multiple activities offered, some people don’t get to everything if they wait too long. If snorkeling and paddle boarding are must-dos for you, pick one or two early, then pivot.

Also, consider drink stability. One simple comfort tip from the experience: if you tend to carry drinks while moving around the boat, you might want something to help you hold your drink hands-free (anything you bring should be safe and secure).

Should You Book the Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

Yes, if your idea of a great day is equal parts ocean time, water toys, strong included food and drinks, and a guided Yelapa waterfall stop. This is the kind of tour that works even if your group has different energy levels, because there are options all day.

I’d book it with confidence if you want:

• A big, stable yacht experience
• Premium open bar and nonstop snacks/food
• Included snorkeling and paddle/kayak time
• A guided, memorable Yelapa Falls moment plus beach time

I’d consider another option if you want a calm, minimal-activity nature outing, or if walking uphill is a deal-breaker for you. Otherwise, this is a good value play for people who will actually use what’s included.

If you’re going to spend money on a boat day in the Bay of Banderas, this is one of the more complete packages around.