Yelapa is a traditional fishing village and artist enclave tucked into the southern mountains of Banderas Bay. Because no roads lead to Yelapa, the only way in is by boat across the Pacific.
Visiting Yelapa feels like stepping into Old Mexico — cobblestone footpaths, mules carrying supplies, beachfront palapa restaurants serving fresh grilled red snapper (huachinango), and a jungle waterfall just a 15-minute walk inland.
How to Get There: Water Taxi Options
Option 1: From Los Muertos Pier (Zona Romántica)
- Departure: The iconic sail pier at Playa Los Muertos.
- Schedule: Departs roughly every hour between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Cost: ~$380–$450 MXN round trip ($22–$25 USD).
- Transit Time: 45 minutes of scenic coastal cruising past Los Arcos and Mismaloya.
Option 2: From Boca de Tomatlán (Cheapest & Most Frequent)
- How to get to Boca: Take the orange local bus from Basilio Badillo / Constitución in Old Town ($10 MXN, 25 mins) or an Uber ($120–$180 MXN) to Boca de Tomatlán.
- Water Taxi from Boca: Pangas leave every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Cost: ~$120–$150 MXN one-way ($200–$250 MXN round trip).
- Transit Time: 25 minutes.
The Two Stops in Yelapa
When your boat arrives, the captain will announce two stops: 1. **The Beach (La Playa): Drops you right on the golden sand where the beach chairs, restaurants, and water activities are. 2. The Village (El Pueblo):** Drops you at the concrete town pier inside the river mouth. Pick this stop if you want to walk through the traditional town or stay overnight.
What to Do in Yelapa
- The Town Waterfall: An easy, paved 15-minute stroll through the village with craft shops leading to a freshwater pool with a local cold beer stand.
- The Upper Cathedral Waterfall: A deeper 90-minute jungle hike across rivers. Hire a local guide or rent horses on the beach.
- Eat Yelapa Pie: Women walk the beach with round plastic tubs selling homemade coconut, chocolate, banana, and lemon pies ( MXN/slice) — a 50-year-old village tradition.
- Rhythms of the Night: In the evening, the nearby private cove of Las Caletas turns into an open-air theatrical dinner show.
Crucial Tips Before You Go
- Bring Cash (Pesos): There are no working ATMs in Yelapa, and card readers frequently lose satellite signal.
- Check the Last Boat Return: The last scheduled water taxi back to Puerto Vallarta leaves around 4:30 PM–5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM from Boca). Do not miss the last boat unless you plan to rent an eco-hotel room for the night!
Want a hassle-free all-inclusive boat day? Book the Yelapa & Majahuitas Catamaran Day Tour with open bar, lunch, and snorkeling equipment included.