THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a day crossing Banderas Bay to a remote fishing village, hike to Cola de Caballo waterfall and relax on Majahuitas’ emerald shore. This boat-access day trip mixes snorkeling, a BBQ lunch and enough downtime to explore cobbled lanes and secret coves.
Spend a day crossing Banderas Bay to a remote fishing village, hike to Cola de Caballo waterfall and relax on Majahuitas’ emerald shore. This boat-access day trip mixes snorkeling, a BBQ lunch and enough downtime to explore cobbled lanes and secret coves.
You step onto a low-slung panga at Puerto Mágico and the bay pulls you out: a warm wind, gulls arguing overhead and the coastline folding into palms and cliffs. The ride across Banderas Bay dissolves the city; the boat’s wake writes a temporary line between two worlds and, an hour later, Yelapa’s cobbled lane appears where the jungle meets the sand.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Vallarta Adventures · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
You step onto a low-slung panga at Puerto Mágico and the bay pulls you out: a warm wind, gulls arguing overhead and the coastline folding into palms and cliffs. The ride across Banderas Bay dissolves the city; the boat’s wake writes a temporary line between two worlds and, an hour later, Yelapa’s cobbled lane appears where the jungle meets the sand.
Yelapa is an old fishing village that opened to visitors in the mid-20th century and still moves at sea-time—mornings of fishing boats, afternoons of hammocks and murals. Geologically, the cove is fed by Sierra Madre runoff; the Cola de Caballo waterfall swells in the rainy season as mountain streams push through volcanic foothills into a cool plunge pool.
Culture here is immediate: palapa kitchens grilling fresh ceviche, locals who run small guesthouses, and a relaxed, hippie-influenced atmosphere that values slow afternoons and strong coffee. A short boat hop away, Majahuitas delivers a classic Banderas Bay beach—gold sand, clear shallows and coral patches that invite snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Practical guidance: bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rock and sand transitions, and small bills—Yelapa is largely cash-based. If you plan to hike to the waterfall expect uneven, sometimes steep paths; moderate fitness helps. Snorkeling gear is provided, but a personal mask often fits better. Watch for changing seas if you’re prone to motion sickness and time visits outside afternoon winds for the clearest water. Respect marine life, carry out trash, and leave extra time to soak in the slow rhythm of a village that still answers to tides.
Yes—basic snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included, though many travelers bring a personal mask for a better fit.
The trail is steep and uneven in sections and not recommended for guests with limited mobility; wear sturdy shoes and allow time for the return climb.
Lunch includes beer and non-alcoholic beverages as described by the operator; check the current tour inclusions for full details.
The Cola de Caballo is most impressive in the rainy season (roughly June–October), but water clarity for snorkeling is often better in the dry season (November–May).
Vallarta Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step onto a low-slung panga at Puerto Mágico and the bay pulls you out: a warm wind, gulls arguing overhead and the coastline folding into palms and cliffs. The ride across Banderas Bay dissolves the city; the boat’s wake writes a temporary line between two worlds and, an hour later, Yelapa’s cobbled lane appears where the jungle meets the sand.
You step onto a low-slung panga at Puerto Mágico and the bay pulls you out: a warm wind, gulls arguing overhead and the coastline folding into palms and cliffs. The ride across Banderas Bay dissolves the city; the boat’s wake writes a temporary line between two worlds and, an hour later, Yelapa’s cobbled lane appears where the jungle meets the sand.
Yelapa is an old fishing village that opened to visitors in the mid-20th century and still moves at sea-time—mornings of fishing boats, afternoons of hammocks and murals. Geologically, the cove is fed by Sierra Madre runoff; the Cola de Caballo waterfall swells in the rainy season as mountain streams push through volcanic foothills into a cool plunge pool.
Culture here is immediate: palapa kitchens grilling fresh ceviche, locals who run small guesthouses, and a relaxed, hippie-influenced atmosphere that values slow afternoons and strong coffee. A short boat hop away, Majahuitas delivers a classic Banderas Bay beach—gold sand, clear shallows and coral patches that invite snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Practical guidance: bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rock and sand transitions, and small bills—Yelapa is largely cash-based. If you plan to hike to the waterfall expect uneven, sometimes steep paths; moderate fitness helps. Snorkeling gear is provided, but a personal mask often fits better. Watch for changing seas if you’re prone to motion sickness and time visits outside afternoon winds for the clearest water. Respect marine life, carry out trash, and leave extra time to soak in the slow rhythm of a village that still answers to tides.