Yelapa is a small village and beach on the south shore of Banderas Bay, tucked between jungle-covered hills. No road reaches it — you arrive by boat, which is half the point.
Two ways to get there
From Los Muertos pier (no transfers)
Water taxis leave from the sail-shaped pier on Playa Los Muertos in the Zona Romántica. The trip takes about 55 minutes, following the coast south.
On the most recent published schedule (updated April 2025), boats left Los Muertos at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm daily, plus an 11:30 am boat except Sundays. Return boats left Yelapa at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily (plus 7:45 am except Sundays). The published fare was MX$270 one way.
From Boca de Tomatlán (more boats, shorter ride)
Boca de Tomatlán is a fishing village at the south end of the coast road. Water taxis leave roughly every hour from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, and the ride is about 30 minutes. The published fare was MX$120 one way, and return boats ran until about 6:00 pm.
To reach Boca, take a southbound city bus from the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Zona Romántica, or a taxi or app ride.
Schedules and fares change with the season and the operator. Treat these as a guide, confirm at the pier, and carry pesos in cash.
Once you're there
- The beach: restaurants and palapas line the sand — the easiest way to spend the day.
- The village: footpaths, small shops and a slower pace. Ask the captain which stop is better for what you want to do.
- The waterfall: a walk inland from the village leads to a waterfall — ask locally for the way, and wear shoes you can get wet.
Prefer a guided day?
A boat tour takes care of timing, food and the ride back, and usually adds snorkeling or other stops on the south shore.
Yelapa & Majahuitas Boat Day★ 4.4 · 794 reviews · from $45 USD · 6 h
See tour →
Before you go
- Check the last boat back when you arrive, and plan to be at the pier early.
- Bring cash, sun protection and water.
- Sea conditions decide everything — on rough days boats may not run.
