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October 15, 2005

Boat Trip to Remote Yelapa

Yelapa > Jalisco > Mexico

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Yelapa is an isolated bay along the southern rim of huge Banderas Bay which nests Puerto Vallarta in its apex. Here is a list of the best Puerto Vallarta attractions and sites offering fun and adventure in this wonderful destination.

Approaching Yelapa Bay

Boca de Tomatlan

Boats depart frequently to Yelapa from Boca de Tomatlan, which is a brief 15-minute drive south from Puerto Vallarta. Boats return regularly in the late afternoon, or you can stay the night at the Hotel Lagunita.

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Waterfall, Yelapa, Jalisco, Mexico

Rio Mismaloya

From Sayulita to Yelapa

We were staying in Sayulita for a few months and decided to check out Yelapa. On this day we bundled into the car and drove south to Boca de Tomatlan. Along the way we passed the unusual Los Arcos rock formations just offshore and Mismaloya, entrance to El Eden Ecological Reserve.

Los Arcos

The 20-minute boat ride from Boca de Tomatlan to Yelapa along the sparsely inhabited coast was truly amazing. Ancient grey rock formations thrust out of the sea, adding vintage to the primal tropical jungle valleys crowned with pristine beaches.

Yelapa Bay

Upon our arrival at the mouth of Yelapa Bay the captain pointed out a huge stingray swimming around the boat. Once in awhile its wingtips would breach the surface and it appeared to have a wingspan of about 6 feet.

Robin & Iguana

The first stop is at the main beach. Then we decided to hike up to a waterfall on the southern side of the valley. A scenic hike leads up to the waterfall and a refreshing natural pool where we swam for awhile. My sister Robin bribed a local boy to borrow his iguana for the picture here. Then we trekked down through a winding village walkway to the sea again and took the boat back to the main beach. The remaining time we laid on the beach under a palapa and ate lobster. We got a little exploring time in, but mostly this was a relaxing pleasure trip. Yelapa is a pretty sweet spot.