
Yelapa Beach Yelapa
A laid-back, boat-access-only village in Mexico known for its beautiful bay beach, delicious pies, and a scenic waterfall hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Yelapa Beach Yelapa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back, boat-access-only village in Mexico known for its beautiful bay beach, delicious pies, and a scenic waterfall hike.
"Super cool tiny little pueblito, old school town with cordial and welcoming people."

🚤 Water Taxi Essentials
Book water taxis from Los Muertos Beach or Boca de Tomatlán.
🥧 Don't Miss the Pie!
Try the delicious homemade pies sold by local vendors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yelapa Beach
Relax on the sand, swim, or enjoy water sports at this picturesque bay.

Yelapa Waterfall
Hike through town to discover a refreshing waterfall, a perfect escape from the heat.

Beachfront Dining & Pie
Savor fresh seafood and the famous Yelapa pies right on the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Access is Key
Embrace the Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Water Taxi Essentials
Book water taxis from Los Muertos Beach or Boca de Tomatlán.
🥧 Don't Miss the Pie!
Try the delicious homemade pies sold by local vendors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for walking to the waterfall and exploring town.
💰 Cash is King
Many vendors and smaller establishments prefer cash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Water Taxi Essentials
Book water taxis from Los Muertos Beach or Boca de Tomatlán.
🥧 Don't Miss the Pie!
Try the delicious homemade pies sold by local vendors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for walking to the waterfall and exploring town.
💰 Cash is King
Many vendors and smaller establishments prefer cash.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot; carry water and stay refreshed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yelapa is a charming, old-school village accessible only by boat, offering a relaxed beach experience with delicious pies and a refreshing waterfall hike. While some visitors find vendors persistent, the friendly locals and beautiful scenery make it a highly recommended day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
"Super cool tiny little pueblito, old school town
The people that live there are so cordial and very welcoming..... 👍👍🫶🫶"
Walter Elias
"Wonderful beach. Highly recommend but….you can only access from boat. So you have to hire a boat to take you out there. It is similar to many it the other beaches in the area, except for it has a larger area for hanging out and quite a few restaurants that will cater to you just be careful about which seats, don’t mix & match try to sit all
In one section because they are butted next to each other but are marked so that your group can all be together. Highly recommend, but it is a bit drive south of Puerto Vallarta and then further by boat."
Alberto Gallegos
"Took the water taxi to Yelapa! It was a fun day! Beautiful scenery. Sat at the restaurant they recommended, were bothered too much by the vendors, they were almost begging it was annoying. Had one of best piña colada’s !!! Walked up to the town. Kinda of disappointed the beach is not for swimming. Was fun trying the pies from the pie ladies son, yum."
Pamela Pamula
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Yelapa is by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta's Los Muertos Beach or from Boca de Tomatlán. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. You can also take a local bus to Boca de Tomatlán and then catch a water taxi from there. Booking in advance isn't always necessary, but it's wise to check schedules, especially during peak season.
No, Yelapa is a car-free village and is only accessible by boat. This adds to its charm and secluded feel.
Water taxi prices can vary, but expect to pay around $20 USD for a round trip from Puerto Vallarta. It's always a good idea to confirm the price before boarding.
You can take a local bus from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán, which is a common departure point for water taxis to Yelapa.
Yes, many tours from Puerto Vallarta include Yelapa as a stop, often combined with other nearby beaches like Majahuitas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Yelapa itself. Your main cost will be the boat transportation to get there.
Yelapa is a village, so it's generally accessible throughout the day. Water taxis operate on schedules, so check their timings.
While the hike to the waterfall is generally free, there might be a small fee for swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall, depending on local arrangements.
While you can often find boats on the day of, booking in advance can be beneficial, especially during busy periods to secure your spot.
It's highly recommended to bring cash (Mexican Pesos) as many vendors, small restaurants, and shops may not accept credit cards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yelapa offers swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, parasailing, hiking to a waterfall, and enjoying beachfront restaurants.
Yelapa beach is generally good for swimming, though conditions can vary. Some reviews suggest it's not always ideal for swimming, so check locally.
The walk to the waterfall from the beach takes about 15-30 minutes through the charming town.
Yes, Yelapa has local vendors selling crafts, souvenirs, and the famous pies. Some visitors found them to be persistent.
Absolutely! Yelapa is a very popular day trip destination from Puerto Vallarta, offering a unique escape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yelapa is famous for its delicious homemade pies, often sold by local women. You can also find fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes at beachfront restaurants.
There are numerous beachfront restaurants and palapa-style eateries along Yelapa beach offering a variety of dishes.
While seafood is prevalent, most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests with dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or vegetable plates.
Yes, you can enjoy refreshing drinks, including piña coladas and margaritas, at the beachside bars and restaurants.
Recommendations vary, but many visitors enjoy the beachfront spots for the atmosphere and views. Trying Domingo's for pie is often suggested.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture colorful buildings, the beach, the waterfall, and the vibrant local life. The walk through town offers many picturesque scenes.
Yelapa's stunning coastal views and unique layout make it a great subject for drone photography, but always be mindful of local regulations and privacy.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. Sunsets can also be spectacular.
Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children, to be respectful of their privacy.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing landscapes and details. A waterproof camera or phone case is great for beach activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many beachfront restaurants are family-friendly and offer simple, crowd-pleasing options. The unique experience of arriving by boat adds an element of excitement for younger travelers. Just be mindful of the vendors on the beach, who can sometimes be persistent.
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantics
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Yelapa: The Water Taxi Adventure
Some visitors recommend taking an earlier boat to Yelapa to maximize your time and experience the village before it gets too crowded. For those interested in visiting the waterfall, aiming for a morning boat allows ample time for the hike and return to the beach. The experience of arriving by sea, with the colorful village gradually coming into view, is a memorable part of the Yelapa visit.
Exploring Yelapa: Beyond the Beach
The village itself is a photographer's delight, with its vibrant colors and relaxed atmosphere. Wander through the narrow paths, discover hidden corners, and soak in the authentic 'pueblito' feel. Keep an eye out for local artisans selling their crafts and the famous Yelapa pies, a sweet treat that's a local specialty. The community is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, adding to the overall charm of the experience.
Culinary Delights of Yelapa
The undisputed star of Yelapa's food offerings is its famous pies. These homemade treats, often sold by local women who walk the beach, come in various flavors like coconut, apple, and banana. Trying a slice of Yelapa pie is considered a quintessential experience. Don't forget to sample some of the local beverages, such as piña coladas or margaritas, which are perfect for a hot day by the sea. Remember to bring cash, as many of these smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit