Few places on the Pacific Coast have the charm and sugary sand as that found in Yelapa. This picture-perfect village sits at the southern end of Banderas Bay in a very special location that is primarily (and easily) reached by boat. When you get there, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of the colorful streets and how they descend to the beach, where you will encounter the local vendors offering exquisite crafts and the best fresh seafood you can get. If you are visiting Puerto Vallarta or you are staying somewhere in Banderas Bay, do not miss the opportunity to visit Yelapa and get away from all the crowded restaurants and city noise. This heavenly retreat offers you the peace and quiet you need to relax for as long as you need. Not to mention that it is also an ideal place to swim, practice snorkeling, and enjoy the fine sand coming from the river’s delta. Below we’ll cover the best things to do in Yelapa and our favorite restaurants you shouldn’t miss!
About Yelapa
Yelapa is one of the original fishing villages on the bay whose inhabitants still live there because they truly love their traditions and way of life. The village was founded 150 years ago by four families, but the first time the bay appeared in the history books was in 1523, when the Spanish lieutenant Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura first landed on the bay. To this day, most people there make a living from fishing or are employed in the hospitality/tourism sector. Along with Quimixto, Majahuitas, Las Animas, and Las Caletas, Yelapa is one of the natural jewels of Banderas Bay and one of the most popular sites around the area. It is considered a pueblo in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. With a population of almost 900 living there full time, this picturesque village is a must-visit location.
Day Trip Tours & Excursions
How to Get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta
This is where the fun begins… You can catch a water taxi or boat to take you to Yelapa from different points of the bay, but the most common is the pier at Playa Los Muertos, which is right on the boardwalk (Malecon). This option will save you a few bucks and it is the most practical since you don’t need a reservation. You can also hire this service from a travel agency or rent a private boat or yacht but most travelers just take a water taxi. For around $20 US per person, you can get a round trip to Yelapa starting at 10:00 AM. So no need to get up so early or rush through yo
ur breakfast, just take your time and get there any time after 10:00 AM.
The boat ride to Yelapa is absolutely enchanting as you’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains, the isles, the bay, and the rich flora and fauna of the region. Now if you’re lucky to be in the area during Winter, you will have the lifetime opportunity to see the whales in one of their favorite playgrounds in the world. And as you approach Yelapa from the sea, you’ll have one of the best full views of the village, so have your camera ready for the first of many instagrammable shots.
Best Things to do in Yelapa
Your visit to beautiful Yelapa will be very rewarding from the time you arrive until you leave. There are many activities for you to choose from and beachfront restaurants where you can delight in traditional Mexican food and seafood. Just imagine, this isolated village was one of the sites for the filming of the movie The Predator. The setting is just as good as it gets: beach, river, mountain, and jungle. This array of natural features provides for a lot of fun altogether, including:
- Fishing trips and boat rides
- Hike into the jungle until you reach the Yelapa waterfall
- Snorkelling in Majahuitas
- Horse riding on the beach
- Whale watching
- Paragliding
Remember, what you do in Yelapa not only will stay in Yelapa, it will stay with you as a great memory for years to come.
Best Restaurants in Yelapa
Our favorite restaurants in Yelapa obviously specialize in seafood, and they include:
- Cafe Bahia: Great place for lunch or breakfast right on the water near the town pier. The food was fresh and tasty and they had a great drink selection as well.
- Tacos Los Abuelos: Fresh handmade tortillas that make mouthwatering tacos.
- Cafe Eclipse: It is not fancy but it is fresh and delicious! Great for coffee and breakfast!
- Marlin Restaurant: Beachfront restaurant with generous portions and great service. Go here for fresh ceviche, passionfruit margaritas, zarandeado fish, and tons of other seafood options!
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