Yelapa Beach Day Trip from Puerto Vallarta. Yelapa Beach is a boat-only beach village south of Puerto Vallarta, best known for its relaxed atmosphere, swimmable bay, beach restaurants, and jungle waterfall.
It is one of the most popular day trips from Puerto Vallarta for travelers looking for a scenic beach escape without crowds or resorts.
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Quick Answer: Is Yelapa Worth Visiting?
Yes. Yelapa is worth visiting if you want:
A laid-back beach day
Calm swimming conditions
A traditional village feel
An easy half-day or full-day boat trip from Puerto Vallarta
Where Is Yelapa Beach Located?
Yelapa is located on the southern coast of Bahía de Banderas, approximately 45 minutes by water taxi from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta. There is no road access, which helps preserve its slower pace and low-rise character.
How to Get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta (2026)
Water Taxi (Best Option)
Departure point: Los Muertos Pier
Travel time: ~45 minutes
Round-trip cost: Moderate (seasonal)
Best for: Flexible schedules, independent travelers
Boat Tours
Often combined with:
Quimixto
Majahuitas
Snorkeling + lunch
Best for: Social travelers, all-in-one experiences
Snippet Tip: The water taxi is the most flexible and cost-effective way to visit Yelapa.
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What Is Yelapa Beach Like?
Yelapa Beach is a wide sandy beach with calm water, lined with:
Palapa-style restaurants
Beach loungers
Kayaks and paddleboards
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, not luxury-focused. Expect vendors, arriving tour boats midday, and a mix of locals and visitors.
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Top Things to Do in Yelapa
1- Relax on Yelapa Beach
Most visitors come to swim, sunbathe, and eat fresh seafood directly on the sand.
2- Visit Yelapa Waterfall
20–30 minute walk from the pier
Best from August to October
Smaller flow during dry season
3- Explore Yelapa Village
Walk uphill to find:
Local bakeries
Small shops
Jungle viewpoints over the bay
4- Swim or Kayak
Yelapa is one of the best calm-water swimming beaches near Puerto Vallarta, especially from November to May.
Best Time to Visit Yelapa (2026)
Nov–May | Best weather, calm seas, busiest
Jun–Jul | Hot, lush scenery
Aug–Sep | Best waterfalls, humid
Oct | Transition season, fewer crowds
Go early to avoid peak tour traffic between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Pros and Cons of Yelapa Beach
Pros
Easy boat trip from Puerto Vallarta
Calm swimming conditions
Authentic village atmosphere
Good beachfront restaurants
Walkable waterfall hike
Cons
Gets crowded midday
Limited ATMs (cash required)
Waterfall is seasonal
No nightlife or luxury resorts
Boat ride depends on sea conditions
Yelapa vs Quimixto vs Majahuitas
Yelapa vs Other PV Day Trips
Yelapa vs Quimixto: Yelapa is flatter and more beach-focused; Quimixto is more hike/adventure oriented.
Yelapa vs Majahuitas: Yelapa has a village; Majahuitas is more secluded and upscale.
Yelapa vs Sayulita: Yelapa is quieter and boat-only; Sayulita is lively and road-accessible.
Practical Tips for Visiting Yelapa
Bring cash (pesos preferred)
Wear water shoes
Pack sunscreen + insect repellent
Leave early, return mid-afternoon
Do not rely on Wi-Fi or cell signal
Final Verdict: Who Should Visit Yelapa?
Yelapa is ideal for:
Couples
Families
First-time Puerto Vallarta visitors
Travelers wanting a classic PV boat day trip
Puerto Vallarta is not about perfection, it is about connection. At PromovisionPV.com, our goal is to help travelers avoid generic experiences and discover the city as it truly exists.
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PromovisionPV emphasizes that Puerto Vallarta is more than just a beach town.
Neighborhood reviews and local advice are highly valued because they help travelers avoid tourist traps.
Practical Q&A format makes the guide stand out, it directly addresses the most common visitor concerns.
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