PUERTO VALLARTA HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Secluded Yelapa by Private Boat — Snorkel Colimilla, Taste Yelapa Pie, Hike to a Waterfall
A 6-hour private boat experience from Puerto Vallarta that combines snorkeling at Colimilla, beach time in Yelapa, the village’s famed pie and a short hike to a waterfall.
Secluded Yelapa by Private Boat — Snorkel Colimilla, Taste Yelapa Pie, Hike to a Waterfall.
Adventure brief
Secluded Yelapa by Private Boat — Snorkel Colimilla, Taste Yelapa Pie, Hike to a Waterfall
This private, six-hour outing from Puerto Vallarta delivers a concentrated taste of Banderas Bay’s quieter coast: a short boat run to Colimilla for snorkeling, time on Yelapa’s sun-worn beach and village, a local slice of Yelapa pie, and a steep-but-brief hike up into the hills to a waterfall before returning to the pier.
Just a short boat ride south of Puerto Vallarta lies Yelapa, a quiet village reachable only through the sea, offering one of Mexico’s most refreshing escapes. Puerto Vallarta Net’s Private Tour to Yelapa weaves together coastal snorkeling, vibrant beach scenes, and a light trek that delivers both adventure and local culture in a seamless 6-hour journey.
Departing from Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos or Marina Vallarta piers, the tour carries up to seven guests aboard a private boat to Colimilla’s sheltered bay. This snorkeling spot favors calm, clear waters where colorful fish dart among rocky reefs and tropical coral, setting the stage for an intimate marine encounter rarely crowded with visitors. Afterward, the boat docks at Yelapa, where the beach stretches wide, framed by dense jungle-clad hills.
The village itself offers a glimpse into coastal living far from bustling resorts. Here, you can savor Yelapa’s famed homemade pie—a local sweet treat known beyond the region. From the shoreline, the experience shifts inland with a manageable 15-minute hike ascending to a waterfall nestled within a steep ravine. The cascade thunders into a cool natural pool, perfect for photos or a refreshing pause surrounded by thick foliage and the distant call of native birds.
Puerto Vallarta Net operates with a thoughtful approach to local visitation by limiting group sizes and providing all necessary snorkeling gear and bottled water, ensuring a smooth blend of comfort and eco-consciousness. This tour stands out for its exclusive access to secluded natural highlights while preserving the charm and authenticity of Yelapa’s community.
It’s an ideal choice for travelers drawn to an active day of swimming, walking, and cultural insight, all wrapped in a private setting far from crowded tourist paths. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beaches or a quick wilderness hike, this tour paints a fuller picture of the diverse outdoor treasures just beyond Puerto Vallarta’s shores.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
The trip follows a simple coastal circuit: snorkel, village, waterfall, return to pier.
Colimilla / Playa Virgen
First stop for snorkeling and beach time; snorkel equipment is provided.
Yelapa Beach
Disembark to explore the beach and nearby eateries; free time to walk the shoreline and town.
Yelapa Village — Pie Stop
Visit the small village to meet locals and try the town’s famous pie.
Waterfall Hike
A short uphill walk from the village leads to a waterfall ideal for photos; the walk can be tiresome for some but is not long.
Return to Pier
Board the boat for the return trip to the selected pickup pier in Puerto Vallarta.
The waterfall approach involves an uphill walk that can be tiring for some participants; the operator advises that the tour is not recommended for expecting mothers and may not suit guests with limited mobility.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Snorkeling at Colimilla (Playa Virgen)
The itinerary begins with snorkeling off Colimilla—also referenced as Playa Virgen—where snorkel equipment is provided and guests can swim from a quiet beach before continuing to Yelapa.
Yelapa Beach and Local Pie
After the water stop the trip spends time ashore in Yelapa village: a chance to stroll the vibrant beach, meet locals and sample the town’s well-known Yelapa pie.
Short Waterfall Hike into the Hills
The tour finishes with an uphill walk from the village to a nearby waterfall—an accessible, photo-ready cascade reached by a walk that can be tiresome for some yet is not long.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Over roughly six hours you’ll ride a private boat south from Puerto Vallarta with a small group, slip into warm bay water to snorkel, stretch your legs on Yelapa’s sand and streets, take a slice of the local pie, and climb a short trail to a waterfall before returning to the pier.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The private experience runs approximately 6 hours and is available daily with departure times at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Meet at one of the chosen pickup places at Los Muertos Pier, Marina Vallarta or Los Peines Pier; exact directions are provided upon confirmation.
The tour includes a private boat for up to seven people, snorkel equipment, bottled water and an ice cooler.
Bring cash for purchases ashore, bio-friendly sunscreen, and beach clothing if you plan to snorkel; note the waterfall walk may be tiresome for some (about a 15-minute walk at a slow pace).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The private tour lasts approximately 6 hours.
Where do we meet the boat?
You can choose pickup at Los Muertos Pier, Marina Vallarta or Los Peines Pier; directions are provided with confirmation.
What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes a private boat for up to seven people, snorkel equipment, bottled water and an ice cooler.
Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?
The tour is not recommended for expecting mothers.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable or accepted.
What should I bring for the waterfall hike and snorkeling?
Bring cash for purchases ashore, bio-friendly sunscreen, beach clothing if you want to snorkel; the hike to the waterfall is short but can be tiresome for some.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T00:48:47.476Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.