Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas BBQ Tour: An Honest 2025 Review

You know, when you’re vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, the city itself is really amazing. Still, you sometimes get that itch for a real adventure, like something off the beaten path. We honestly kept hearing about this day trip that takes you out on the water to a remote waterfall and then to a private-feeling beach for a barbecue. It sounded pretty much perfect, so we decided we had to see what this ‘Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Beach’ experience was all about, really. As a matter of fact, we booked it for our trip, wanting to find out if it lived up to all the chatter we’d been hearing.

Frankly, finding a day trip that truly delivers on its promises can sometimes feel like a bit of a gamble. You sort of see the pictures, you read the short descriptions, and you just hope for the best. Is the open bar actually any good, or is it, you know, just watered-down juice? Is the beach actually as secluded as it looks, or is it basically packed with people? Well, these are the questions we had, and we went on this trip to get some real answers for ourselves, and obviously, for you too.

The Sea Voyage to Paradise

Okay, the morning of the tour started fairly early, with check-in at the marina. The energy, you know, was already lively, with music playing and people finding their spots on a big, comfortable catamaran. We actually got on board and the crew immediately made everyone feel at home with a friendly greeting and some jokes. First thing you should know is that they weren’t kidding about the open bar; it literally started the moment we left the dock. You could, for example, get a cold beer, a tequila sunrise, or just some juice or water right away.

The boat ride itself was really a huge part of the day’s fun. We pretty much sailed along the coastline of Banderas Bay, and the sights were just incredible. You could actually see the lush, green mountains meeting the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The crew, you know, was not just serving drinks; they were also pointing out interesting places along the shore and sharing little stories. At one point, we even saw a pod of dolphins playing near the boat, which was obviously an amazing and unexpected bonus. It honestly set a magical tone for the entire rest of the day.

First Stop: The Quaint Village of Yelapa

So, our first main stop was the small, roadless fishing community of Yelapa. Getting there is actually an experience in itself. You basically transfer from the big catamaran to smaller panga boats that motor you right up to the village’s main pier. As I was saying, stepping off that boat felt a little like stepping back in time. There are no real streets, just winding, cobblestone paths that weave between brightly painted homes and little shops.

From the pier, you begin the walk toward the Cola de Caballo waterfalls. To be honest, you have the option to rent a horse for the trek, which some people in our group did. We chose to walk, and frankly, we’re glad we did. The path follows a river, and you get a very authentic sense of the place. You pass by local residents going about their day, chickens scratching in the dirt, and honestly, the scent of blooming flowers is everywhere. The walk is not terribly difficult, but it’s a bit of a hike with some uphill parts, so, you know, wearing good shoes is a solid idea.

The Waterfall’s Cool Reward

After about a 20-minute walk, you finally hear the sound of the waterfall getting louder. You turn a corner, and there it is. Seriously, the Cola de Caballo waterfall is a beautiful sight, tumbling down a rock face into a clear, cool pool of water below. It’s not the biggest waterfall you will ever see, but its location is just so serene and natural. Of course, the best part is that you can get right in the water. That water is definitely refreshing, especially after the warm walk to get there. We spent a good amount of time just swimming in the pool, letting the cool spray from the falls wash over us. At the end of the day, it was the perfect natural reward for our little hike.

Majahuitas Cove: Barbecue and Beach Bliss

Alright, after our time in Yelapa, we hopped back on the boat and headed to our next destination: Majahuitas Cove. Now, this place is sort of what beach dreams are made of. It’s a very protected little cove that you can only get to by boat, which means it feels incredibly exclusive and private. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is this really calm, clear turquoise color. The crew had already set everything up by the time we arrived. Hammocks were just swinging between palm trees, and there were kayaks and paddleboards lined up on the sand, ready for us to use.

The smell of the barbecue was honestly the first thing that greeted us. They were grilling up a feast right there on the beach. There was, like, grilled steak, chicken, and fresh fish, along with a whole bunch of side dishes. For instance, we had fresh salads, homemade guacamole, rice, and delicious salsas. The food was absolutely a highlight of the day; everything tasted incredibly fresh and flavorful. We pretty much filled our plates, grabbed another drink from the beach bar, and found a shady spot to sit and just enjoy the moment. The atmosphere was incredibly relaxed. You could literally just lie in a hammock, go for a snorkel, or paddleboard around the cove. We opted for some snorkeling and were honestly surprised by the amount of colorful fish we saw just a few feet from the shore.

Practical Advice for Your Day Out

Okay, so if you are thinking about booking this trip, there are a few things you might want to know. First, you should absolutely bring biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and some sunglasses. The Mexican sun is very strong, especially when you are out on the water all day. It’s also a great idea to bring some cash, you know, in smaller bills. You’ll pretty much need it for tipping the excellent crew, or if you want to buy any souvenirs from the little shops in Yelapa.

In terms of clothing, just wear your swimsuit under some light, comfortable clothes. You will also need some sturdy walking shoes, like sneakers or good sandals, for the walk to the waterfall in Yelapa; I mean, flip-flops are not a great idea for that part. Honestly, this tour is great for almost everyone—couples, groups of friends, and even families with older children who can handle the walk. The vibe is really fun and lively, but it’s also relaxing, so it sort of hits that perfect balance. It’s less of a wild party boat and more of a really enjoyable day adventure, which was exactly what we were looking for, to be honest.

I mean, the real magic of this tour is how it combines three completely different experiences into one seamless day. You get the fun boat trip, the cultural hike to a natural wonder, and then total relaxation on a beautiful, secluded beach. It really feels like three vacations in one.

• The Crew Makes a Difference: The staff on our boat were incredibly friendly and attentive, which honestly made the whole day more enjoyable.
• Two Distinct Destinations: You get to experience the rustic charm of Yelapa and the exclusive resort feel of Majahuitas, so it’s a day of contrasts.
• Food and Drink Quality: The open bar had good options and the BBQ lunch was delicious, fresh, and plentiful, pretty much exceeding our expectations.
• Activities Included: Basically, having access to kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear at Majahuitas means you can be as active or as lazy as you want.
• Prepare for Walking: You should be prepared for the short, slightly rugged hike to the waterfall in Yelapa for the best experience.

Read our full review: [Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas BBQ Tour Full Review and Details]
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