Discover Yelapa: A Car‑Free Cove of Sand, Surf and a Seasonal Waterfall

SAN VICENTE SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Discover Yelapa: A Car‑Free Cove of Sand, Surf and a Seasonal Waterfall

An 8‑hour sightseeing tour from San Vicente that visits Yelapa’s cobbled village, its quarter‑mile sandy cove and a seasonal waterfall, with meals, an open bar on board and snorkeling included.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Discover Yelapa: A Car‑Free Cove of Sand, Surf and a Seasonal Waterfall.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
San Vicente
Operator
Vallarta Best Tours
Category
Sightseeing Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Discover Yelapa, a native village tucked along the south side of Banderas Bay where cobblestone footpaths and dirt trails replace roads and cars. The cove sits at the base of the mountains and offers a long, 1/4‑mile sandy beach and a mountain‑river waterfall that flows seasonally; the day combines simple village life with beach time, swimming and snorkeling.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Quarter‑mile sandy cove and seasonal waterfall

Yelapa’s open cove gives way to roughly a quarter‑mile stretch of sand backed by a mountain river; a waterfall is a highlight when the season brings it to life.

THE ROUTE

A village with no roads — only cobblestones and trails

The village is accessed on foot via cobblestone paths and dirt trails; there are no roads and no cars, which gives Yelapa a distinct, slow‑paced character.

THE EXPERIENCE

Meals, open bar and snorkeling included

The tour package includes a continental breakfast, lunch, an open bar on board and snorkeling equipment so most of the day’s essentials are provided.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Over an eight‑hour day you move from morning provisions to shoreline exploration: breakfast and drinks on board, time in clear water with provided snorkeling gear, walking the village’s cobbled lanes to the beach, and a hike to the mountain river and its seasonal waterfall before returning to San Vicente.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits best (based on participant rules and age pricing).

1
Families with childrenThe tour is offered to participants of all ages and includes a child rate for ages 4–12, making it straightforward for families to join.
2
Multi‑generational groupsListed as suitable for all ages, the trip accommodates a broad age range with separate child and adult pricing tiers.
3
Adult travelers and couplesAdults are charged at the adult rate (ages 12 and up), making the tour a clear option for solo travelers and couples over 12.
4
Travelers with infants or unclear age casesThe published pricing specifies adults (12+) and children (4–12); pricing or policy for children under 4 is not specified in the provided material and should be confirmed with the operator.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What’s provided

Continental breakfast, lunch, an open bar on board and snorkeling equipment are included with the tour.

Gear notes

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour; any additional personal gear is not listed in the provided details.

Meals & beverage service

The tour package includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an open bar on board.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Discover Yelapa tour?

The tour runs for 8 hours.

What are the start and end times?

The tour runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a continental breakfast, lunch, an open bar on board and snorkeling equipment.

How much does the tour cost?

Adult (ages 12+) price is MXN $1,445 (approx. USD $73); child (ages 4–12) price is MXN $1,020 (approx. USD $51).

Is the waterfall always flowing?

No — the waterfall is seasonal and flows depending on the season and local conditions.

Are there roads or cars in Yelapa?

No — Yelapa is a car‑free village accessed by cobblestone footpaths and dirt trails.