Yelapa
A bay fishing village reachable only by boat, with golden sand, palm-roofed houses and jungle waterfalls; a traditional car-free paradise.
Yelapa is on the south shore of Banderas Bay, about 45 minutes by water taxi from the Los Muertos Pier, or about 30 minutes from Boca de Tomatlán. Once ashore, you can lounge on the beach and eat grilled fish at beach bars, then walk about 20 minutes along the village’s stone lanes to a waterfall about 30 m high. You can also ride horses or hike to the higher upstream falls. Local specialties include the coconut and lemon pies of “Mrs. Pie.” Return boats mostly leave before 16:00, so be sure to confirm the last departure time. Guesthouses in the village offer overnight stays.
Opening hours
Boats approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Las Caletas
- Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas Trail
- Vallarta Botanical Garden
- Playa Mismaloya
- Los Arcos National Marine Park
- Vallarta Zoo
- Playa Conchas Chinas
- Playa Los Muertos