Yelapa is one of Puerto Vallarta's worst-kept secrets. A fishing village of about 1,500 people, no roads, only reachable by boat — with jungle waterfalls, an untouched beach, and a pace of life that makes you forget the world. Here's everything you need to know to get there.
Two ways to arrive
There's only one way to reach Yelapa: by water. But you have two departure points, each with its perks.
Option 1: Water taxi from Los Muertos Pier
Time: 45-50 minutes.
Round-trip price: approx. 400-500 pesos per person (verify in 2026).
Schedule: departure at 11:00 AM, return at 4:00-4:30 PM.
The water taxi leaves the pier in the heart of the Romantic Zone. The most convenient option if you're staying in Vallarta because no extra transport is needed. The ride is part of the trip: you'll pass Los Arcos, Mismaloya, Las Ánimas, and Quimixto, with views of houses tucked into the coastal sierra.
Option 2: Boat from Boca de Tomatlán
Time: 25-30 minutes.
Round-trip price: approx. 300-400 pesos per person.
Schedule: departures every 30-60 minutes from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Boca de Tomatlán is a fishing village south of Vallarta, about 30 minutes by car or "Boca" route bus. City buses leave from Basilio Badillo and Constitución every 20 minutes for about 18 pesos. This option is cheaper and more flexible, but requires getting to Boca by car/bus first.
What to pack
Yelapa is rustic. Pack a backpack with:
- Mexican cash (no reliable ATM in the village).
- Biodegradable sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent (especially June-October).
- Bottled water.
- Towel and swimsuit.
- Closed shoes if you plan to hike to the waterfall.
- Water-resistant camera.
- Dry change of clothes.
What to do when you arrive
1. Eat on the beach
Yelapa restaurants have tables right on the sand. Order grilled fresh fish, garlic shrimp, or ceviche. The classics: Domingo's, Carlo's, and Club de Yates.
2. Try the beach pie
The famous "Pie Ladies" walk the beach selling homemade pies of coconut, chocolate, lime, and cheese. A slice costs about 60-80 pesos and it's a Yelapa tradition. Don't leave without trying one.
3. Hike to the waterfall
Yelapa has two waterfalls:
- Village waterfall: easy 15-20 minute walk through town. Small but pleasant.
- Cola del Caballo waterfall: 1.5-2 hour hike through the jungle, or go by horse/ATV from the village (600-800 pesos per person). Bigger and more impressive.
4. Other activities
You can rent a paddle board or kayak on the beach (around 300 pesos/hour), book a snorkel excursion, or just hammock under a palapa.
Spending the night?
Yelapa is worth at least one overnight. Options:
- Hotel Lagunita (classic rustic beachfront bungalows).
- Verana (luxury boutique, top-rated on TripAdvisor).
- Casa Isabel and other local Airbnb cabins.
- Check ahead: some places don't have 24/7 electricity.
Best time to go
November to May: dry weather, calm sea, ideal.
June to October: rainy season, fuller waterfall but rougher sea — some days they cancel boats.
Avoid December 25-31 and Easter Week: very crowded.
Final tips
- Bring extra cash. Boats sometimes raise prices in high season.
- Last return taxi leaves at 4:30-5:00 PM. Don't miss it.
- Wear comfortable sandals: the village is all hills and uneven cobblestone.
- Restaurant Wi-Fi works. Mobile signal is spotty.
Yelapa is the best way to leave Vallarta without really leaving. A full day there resets the pace of your trip.