Yelapa is a small village and beach on the south shore of Banderas Bay, tucked between jungle-covered hills. No road reaches it — you arrive by boat, which is half the point.
Two ways to get there
From Los Muertos pier (no transfers)
Water taxis leave from the sail-shaped pier on Playa Los Muertos in the Zona Romántica. The trip takes about 55 minutes, following the coast south.
On typical published schedules, boats leave Los Muertos around 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm daily (plus an 11:30 am boat except Sundays). Return boats leave Yelapa around 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily (plus 7:45 am except Sundays). The published fare is MX$350 one way (approx. MX$550–$600 round trip).
From Boca de Tomatlán (more boats, shorter ride)
Boca de Tomatlán is a fishing village at the south end of the coast road. Water taxis leave roughly every hour from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, and the ride is about 30 minutes. The published fare is MX$130 one way (approx. MX$260 round trip), and return boats run until about 6:00 pm.
To reach Boca, take a southbound city bus from the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Zona Romántica, or a taxi or app ride.
Schedules and fares change with the season and the operator. Treat these as a guide, confirm at the pier, and carry pesos in cash.
Once you're there
- The beach: restaurants and palapas line the sand — the easiest way to spend the day.
- The village: footpaths, small shops and a slower pace. Ask the captain which stop is better for what you want to do.
- The waterfall: a walk inland from the village leads to a waterfall — ask locally for the way, and wear shoes you can get wet.
Prefer a guided day?
A boat tour takes care of timing, food and the ride back, and usually adds snorkeling or other stops on the south shore.
Yelapa & Majahuitas Boat Day
★ 4.4 · 796 reviews · from $79 USD · 6 h
Check availability →
Before you go
- Check the last boat back when you arrive, and plan to be at the pier early.
- Bring cash, sun protection and water.
- Sea conditions decide everything — on rough days boats may not run.
