Yelapa and the Bay of Banderas

Yelapa is a small fishing village tucked into a jungle cove on the southern edge of Banderas Bay, reached only by boat or on foot, which is a large part of its charm. A day trip there is one of the classic things to do from Puerto Vallarta: you cross the bay by boat, watch for dolphins and, in winter, whales, and then spend time on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, paddling or walking up to the village's waterfall. The cruise we link is a large all-inclusive day boat with an enormous following, rated 4.8 from more than two and a half thousand reviews. It runs about six hours, checks in at the Puerto Mágico cruise terminal, and includes breakfast with fruit and pastries, a fajita lunch, snacks, a premium open bar, snorkel gear and kayaks, paddle boards and a water mattress at the stop. It is not a secluded experience, since the boat holds over a hundred passengers, but it delivers a lot of value, a festive mood and an easy day for first-timers who want to see Yelapa without organizing anything themselves.

Why people go: Yelapa has no cars and few paved paths, with palapa restaurants on the sand, a river that meets the bay, and hills thick with palms. The village is known for its relaxed pace, and many visitors choose to stay overnight at a small guesthouse after the day boats leave. A waterfall hike is a popular add-on for those who want more than beach time, but check how long it takes and whether it is included, since the scheduled stop is short. The village is lively around lunchtime when day boats arrive and much quieter in the evening.

Choosing your boat: the options range from big all-inclusive boats like this one to small private charters and water-taxi trips from the Boca de Tomatlán pier. Private trips cost more per head but offer flexibility and fewer people at each stop. The large boat suits groups and anyone who wants unlimited food and drinks with no planning, while those after solitude should consider a private boat or a small group. The minimum drinking age is eighteen, and the trip is not wheelchair accessible because it involves boarding and stepping off onto sand.

Practical tips: eat breakfast on board rather than before you leave, take a hat, sun cream and a towel, wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring cash for small purchases in the village and optional tips. Sea conditions in the bay can be choppy on windy afternoons, so people prone to motion sickness should take precautions. Book with free cancellation if the schedule allows, and pick a morning departure for the best chance of calm water. In whale season, from December to March, the crossing is often the best place in the whole trip to spot humpbacks.