Yelapa From Puerto Vallarta: 4 Ways to Go

Pin this post for later!

Are you planning a trip from the bustling streets of Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa to get away from it all?

I got you! This guide is your one-stop shop for all the tips you’ll need. You have four options for this journey. Let’s get into it…

Yelapa From Puerto Vallarta (And Back)

---

1. Take a Tour

The most fun way to get to Yelapa, which doesn’t require you to lift a finger, would be to take a tour. The boat will be much nicer than the regular water taxi that takes you from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa.

If you’re here on vacation and aren’t on a tight budget, THIS is the option you’ll want to take.

There are a few different tours that can take you out to Yelapa, but here are the most highly recommended:

• Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa on a Yacht – Yes, a yacht! This yacht is huge, and you’ll take an epic trip over to Yalapa for the day, including time to visit the waterfall, snorkel, dolphin spotting, a complimentary massage, and a premium open bar.
• Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa on a Speedboat – Take a speedier trip out to Yelapa so you can leave more time for fun! Take a horseback ride, head to the waterfall, and to another cute nearby village.

2. Take a Water Taxi

The most popular but less glamorous way to get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta is by water taxi.

These boats offer a direct route and allow you to soak in the stunning coastline views along the way but on a bumpy and slightly crowded boat.

This is a very simple and local boat that will get you from A to B, and it will be the cheapest way to do it.

If it’s raining, you’ll get wet; if you get stuck in the back, you’ll get wet; if you get seasick, this might not be the best option for you. (We got wet and it wasn’t even raining!)

If you are a bit scared of small boats, particularly when in some waves, you might not want to do this route.

Here’s the info:

• Where to Catch It: Head over to Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta. It’s easy to find.
• Schedule: Water taxis usually have the first boat to Yelapa at 10 AM and the last boat back to Puerto Vallarta at 4:30 PM. It’s a good idea to check the latest schedule, as it can change based on the season.
• Timing: The boat ride from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa is around one hour.
• Ticket Tips: Buy your tickets directly at the pier, but be early to avoid the rush. If the next boat is full, you’ll have to wait for the next one with a seat available.

3. Private Boat Option

For those who prefer a more private experience or have a large group, renting a private boat might be the way to go. It’s a bit pricier but offers flexibility and a personal touch to your journey.

It will also be a smoother ride as your captain isn’t on a tight schedule and can better accommodate your needs.

Here’s the info:

• Booking: You can book this private boat that departs from Puerto Vallarta. They’ll customize the trip to your liking.
• Perks: Aside from privacy, you’ll have the freedom to explore the coastline at your own pace. Plus, some operators offer additional services like snorkeling or fishing.

4. Bus and Water Taxi Combo

If you still want a cheap option but are a bit wary of the boat situation, you can do the bus and boat combo option that cuts down your time on the boat!

You can catch the local bus in Puerto Vallarta and head down to the town of Boca de Tomatlan. The one-way fare is around 10 pesos. You can check the schedule and most of the info here.

From Boca de Tomatlan, you can then take a boat to Yelapa, which won’t be as long as the boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. While this is the cheapest option, this will be the longest and least convenient option as well, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Here’s the info:

• Booking: You’ll need to catch the bus yourself and make your way to Boca de Tomatlan. From there, you’ll head to this pier to catch the boat. You can buy a ticket at the pier.
• Timing: The bus to Boca will take about 45 minutes, and the boat is about 30 minutes long.
• Road Closures: During wet season, the road down to Boca gets hectic. A landslide can block the road, which can cause a big traffic delay, or it might close the road completely! This happened during our visit when we went down to Boca for the day.
• Uber Option: If you want, you could skip the bus and take an Uber down to Boca, which is a bit more expensive but a bit more comfortable.

I hope this helped you choose the best way to get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta and back!

Pin this post for later!