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. To get to Yelapa you can either hack through the jungle of El Refugio for 15 miles, or take a scenic boat ride along the tropical coast.

Approaching Yelapa Bay

Boats near Puerto Vallarta, before departing to Yelapa

Boca de TomatlanView All Sizes

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 from Yelapa return regularly in the late afternoon, or you can stay the night at the Hotel Lagunita.

Waterfall, Yelapa, Jalisco, MexicoView All Sizes

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 weatherworn 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, MexicoView All Sizes

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.

A catamaran sits out in front of the restaurant and cabanas on Yelapa Beach, Jalisco, Mexico.

Cabanas on Yelapa BeachView All Sizes

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