The view from our balcony. Just off the rocks here is the best snorkeling spot on the beach!

Jesse and I found ourselves giggle as a bobbed in the ocean, we couldn’t believe we found such a serene place. Yelapa, Mexico is the kind of place that instantly slows you down. Tucked along the southern edge of Banderas Bay and accessible only by boat, this small fishing village feels worlds away from the buzz of Puerto Vallarta. Jungle-covered hills spill down to the sea, waterfalls tumble through the village, and life moves at an unhurried, barefoot pace.

If you’re wondering whether Yelapa is worth the trip — it is! Below is a complete guide to what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Yelapa.

How to Get to Yelapa

Getting to Yelapa is part of the experience. There are no roads — only water taxis.

Most travelers are likely starting off In Puerto Vallarta just as we did. Only a short 45 mintue uber drive from the Zone Romantica, you will arive at a little port. The only way to get to the bay is to arrive by boat from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta or from Boca de Tomatlán. The boat ride takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on where you depart from and offers beautiful views of the coastline along the way. Dolphins aren’t uncommon if you’re lucky.

The boats that will transport you to and from the bay

Keep in mind you are cruising along the ocean and big waves can happen at any time so make sure you’re holding on!

Once you arrive, you’ll step straight onto the beach — no port, no cars, just sand and palm trees.

When you’re ready to leave, just hangout by the main dock and a boat will be long shortly to collect you. They usually come every hour or so depending on the weather. The last boat of the day leaves at 5pm. You can buy a roundtrip ticket from Los Muertos Pier or just buy a ticket back from the boat shows up. It’s very low stress.

Things to Do in Yelapa

Relax on Yelapa Beach

Yelapa’s main beach is where most people naturally gravitate. Given it’s isolated in a bay, the water is very calm, it’s colour is bright blue, and the beach is covered in fluffy sand. The bay is lined with palapas and casual beachfront restaurants. Spend the afternoon swimming, reading, or ordering a drink while watching boats come and go. Sun chairs come free with any drink order!

This is also where you’ll find locals selling fresh fruit, empanadas, and the famous Yelapa pie, a must-try while you’re here.

If you’re here in off season like we were, you’ll pretty much have the beach to yourselves!

There are lots of dogs that like to hangout at the beach to keep cool. Tip, their favourite toys are coconuts! Jesse spent hours playing fetch with them.

Jesse tossing around a coconut for one of the local dogs

Hike to the Yelapa Waterfall

One of the most popular things to do in Yelapa is the walk to the Yelapa Waterfall. The trail winds through the village, past homes and small farms, before opening up to a shaded jungle path.

The waterfall itself cascades into a cool natural pool perfect for a refreshing swim, especially on hot days. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk, takes about 40 minutes each way and well worth the effort if you’re looking for something fun to do.

Explore the Village on Foot

Yelapa is best explored slowly. Narrow dirt paths and stone staircases weave through colorful homes, small tiendas, and quiet corners of the village. Wandering without a plan is half the charm here.

You’ll likely stumble upon viewpoints overlooking the bay, friendly locals, and small artisan stands selling handmade goods.

Keep in mind, during off season the only way to go to the village is by wadding across the river. It will get to be about waist deep so you’ll need to make sure all your valuables are in a water-roof bag.

Our advise is make sure you have all the groceries you need before coming to the bay as the only shops are in the village. We didn’t know this beforehand and Jesse had to carry them across the river!

The village is often shut down during low season as well. Not a lot of shops or restaurants stay open.

Jesse crossing the river with our groceries!

Visit Playa Isabel

If you’re looking for something quieter than the main beach, Playa Isabel is a great option. Located a short walk south of town, this smaller beach is calmer and less crowded, making it ideal for swimming or simply laying low for the afternoon.

This beach is also known for better snorkeling as it’s a more rocky area.

Kayak or Snorkel the Bay

Kayaking and snorkeling are popular ways to explore the coastline around Yelapa. Rentals are often available near the main beach, and calm conditions make it accessible even for beginners.

From the water, you’ll get a different perspective of the village and nearby coves — one of our favorite ways to experience the area.

While you can absolutely snorkel here, keep expectations low. There isn’t a lot of coral, meaning the fish aren’t in plentiful. I did a really cool purple shell though! The locals offer daily snorkeling tours to nearby island for a decent price. Definitely worth it if snorkeling is on your agenda.

Where to Stay in Yelapa

Yelapa is a place that lends itself naturally to eco-conscious travel. Rather than large resorts, you’ll find small-scale accommodations that blend into the jungle and coastline.

Eco lodges in Yelapa offer a more immersive experience, often surrounded by lush vegetation and designed to keep you connected to nature. Expect open-air spaces, simple comforts, and the sound of the ocean or jungle at night.

Staying at an eco lodge is ideal if you’re looking to unplug, slow down, and experience Yelapa beyond a quick day trip. We suggest checking out Santuario Yelapa.

We booked our trip pretty last minute, so the eco lodge recommended above was fully booked. That’s ok though, we found an excellent little accommodation on Airbnb that was overlooking the water.

Where to Eat in Yelapa

One of the standout places to eat in Yelapa is Sirena Morena. Located right on the beach, it’s the kind of spot where you can spend hours without realizing it.

The menu focuses on fresh seafood and classic Mexican dishes, and everything tastes even better with your feet in the sand. It’s an excellent place for lunch after a swim or for a relaxed sunset dinner with views over the bay.

I think I had the best octopus tacos of my life here! In fact, we came back here for every single dinner during our trip..it was that good.

Sirena Morena perfectly captures Yelapa’s easygoing vibe — unpretentious, welcoming, and effortlessly scenic.

We had about 5 coffee waiting for the rain to stop

Local Eateries and Beach Vendors

Beyond restaurants, some of the best food in Yelapa comes from small local spots and beach vendors. Fresh fish tacos, grilled seafood, fruit cups, and baked goods are easy to find and often unforgettable.

Don’t skip the chance to try something homemade — it’s part of what makes Yelapa special.

Practical Travel Tips for Yelapa

Bring cash: ATMs are limited and many places don’t accept cards.
Wear good walking shoes: Paths can be steep, uneven, and muddy after rain.
Pack light: Everything is carried by hand once you arrive.
Best time to visit: November through April offers drier, more predictable weather.

Why Yelapa Is Worth Visiting

Yelapa isn’t about ticking off attractions — it’s about atmosphere. It’s a place to swim, wander, eat well, and let time stretch a little longer than usual.

Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, staying at an eco lodge tucked into the jungle, or lingering over a meal at Sirena Morena as the sun sets, Yelapa has a way of quietly getting under your skin.

If you’re craving a destination that feels genuine, unpolished, and deeply relaxing, Yelapa is absolutely worth the journey.

Have questions about visiting Yelapa or planning a longer trip along Mexico’s Pacific coast? Let us know — we’re always happy to share more from the road.

Next up, check out our other Yelapa blog How To Spend The Perfect Day In Yelapa, Mexico. If you’re looking for other hidden gems in Mexico then be sure to check out our blog about Holbox as well! Everything to do and see in Holbox.

As always, thanks for joining us and be on the look out for new blogs as we continue our travels around the world!

Cheers,

Liv and Jesse

Everything to Do and See in Yelapa, Mexico