THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a private six‑hour day on the water from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa. Swim, explore a car‑free village, and—during the rainy season—hike to a dramatic waterfall.
Spend a private six‑hour day on the water from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa. Swim, explore a car‑free village, and—during the rainy season—hike to a dramatic waterfall.
You push off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the bay opens around you — wind on your face, bunting on the bow, the mainland falling away into green ridges. Six hours on a private boat gives you time: to drop anchor in a quiet cove, feel the surf slap at a crescent of sand, and row toward a village where cars never arrive and pack mules still climb the trails.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by La Vida Bella Private Boat Tours · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
You push off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the bay opens around you — wind on your face, bunting on the bow, the mainland falling away into green ridges. Six hours on a private boat gives you time: to drop anchor in a quiet cove, feel the surf slap at a crescent of sand, and row toward a village where cars never arrive and pack mules still climb the trails.
Yelapa sits on the south side of Banderas Bay. A 19th-century fishing settlement turned low-key beach community, it grew around sheltered waters and a seasonal freshwater waterfall that becomes dramatic in the rainy months (August–November). Geologically the cove is shaped by coastal cliffs of volcanic and sedimentary rock, while the surrounding hills channel tropical dry forest down to the sea. Local culture mixes fishing, small-scale tourism, and artisan food stands; mule tracks and footpaths thread the village more than roads.
Practically speaking: this is a full-day, moderate outing. Expect a roughly 6‑hour window from departure to return, shore time to swim or explore, and a small port fee at the landing. Water and life jackets are provided; bring sunscreen, a dry bag, and cash for local vendors. Morning departures can avoid late‑day winds and deliver calmer crossings; if you visit in the rainy season, allow time for the waterfall hike and carry quick‑dry layers. Respect beachside homes and trails, leave no trace, and plan for simple village services — restaurants and local vendors, not large hotels. With a private boat, you control the pace: linger for a swim, step ashore for a fresh ceviche, and let the bay push you gently back toward Puerto Vallarta.
The tour is approximately six hours; bottled water and life jackets are included, and shore time in Yelapa is provided.
Yes — there’s ample beach for swimming and operators often offer parasailing; check availability in advance and follow safety instructions.
Infants and small children can ride in strollers and on the boat; cruise passengers must provide ship details and timing at booking and allow time for re‑boarding.
The waterfall is most dramatic in the rainy season, roughly August through November, when higher flows create a better hike and splash pool.
La Vida Bella Private Boat Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the bay opens around you — wind on your face, bunting on the bow, the mainland falling away into green ridges. Six hours on a private boat gives you time: to drop anchor in a quiet cove, feel the surf slap at a crescent of sand, and row toward a village where cars never arrive and pack mules still climb the trails.
You push off Puerto Vallarta’s marina and the bay opens around you — wind on your face, bunting on the bow, the mainland falling away into green ridges. Six hours on a private boat gives you time: to drop anchor in a quiet cove, feel the surf slap at a crescent of sand, and row toward a village where cars never arrive and pack mules still climb the trails.
Yelapa sits on the south side of Banderas Bay. A 19th-century fishing settlement turned low-key beach community, it grew around sheltered waters and a seasonal freshwater waterfall that becomes dramatic in the rainy months (August–November). Geologically the cove is shaped by coastal cliffs of volcanic and sedimentary rock, while the surrounding hills channel tropical dry forest down to the sea. Local culture mixes fishing, small-scale tourism, and artisan food stands; mule tracks and footpaths thread the village more than roads.
Practically speaking: this is a full-day, moderate outing. Expect a roughly 6‑hour window from departure to return, shore time to swim or explore, and a small port fee at the landing. Water and life jackets are provided; bring sunscreen, a dry bag, and cash for local vendors. Morning departures can avoid late‑day winds and deliver calmer crossings; if you visit in the rainy season, allow time for the waterfall hike and carry quick‑dry layers. Respect beachside homes and trails, leave no trace, and plan for simple village services — restaurants and local vendors, not large hotels. With a private boat, you control the pace: linger for a swim, step ashore for a fresh ceviche, and let the bay push you gently back toward Puerto Vallarta.