So much to do ...
Sailing, fishing, whale watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, visit remote beaches or take a trip to Marietas Islands a bird sanctuary with its private beaches and ancient pirate caves. Or in and around Yelapa there is always hiking, nature treks, bird watching, horseback riding, parasailing or kayaking.
Then of course you could always just lie back on the beach and do nothing. Enjoy the many sites and activities with a cold one in your hand. People watching can be very interesting too.
Fishing and Other Boat Excursions
If you are interested in going on any type of boat excursions we encourage our guests to use the services of Yelapa Adventures. Visit there website www.yelapaadventures.com They are fully licensed for all types of marine excursions; they have 3 great boats all with new eco friendly energy efficient motors. They speak good English and operate their business with honesty and integrity. Gerardo and his son Jay have a wealth of experience and they work very hard to insure your excursion is a success. Some examples of what they offer are:
- Fishing – They can take you out for a few hours on one of the 2 “Pangas” or an all day trip and go after the big fish.
- Corrales - A new day trip destination along the southern coast of the bay down to the light house. Corrales beach is a beautiful remote beach that you will most likely have all to yourself. There is also a little cantina on the beach for lunch and refreshments. The best Ceviche you may ever taste.
- Marieta Islands – Take a day trip to the “Las Marietas” go snorkelling, visit the remote beaches and maybe see some whales along the way.
- Whale Watching – There is often an opportunity to go out and see whales in the bay, you can get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth.
- Pizota – Take a short boat trip around the corner to Pizota you will most likely have the beach to yourself and enjoy snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.
They can customize your day and do any combination of trips. There are other remote beaches and little villages to explore all down the south coast of Banderas Bay.
When you are in Yelapa you will most likely be approached by other boat owners trying to pressure you into going on a trip with them, they can be very persuasive. Before you commit we urge you to talk to Jay or Gerardo, you will always find their prices fare and their services second to none. We have never had a complaint from any of our guests that have used their services, in fact if you check out “Trip Advisor” you will find great reviews for “Yelapa Adventures”. We know you will not regret going on any type of excursion with them.
Corrales Beach and Cantina is fast becoming Yelepa Adventures most popular day trip. This remote beach and great little Cantina is a true escape from the normal hustle and bustle of most tourist destinations. It is not uncommon to spend a day on the beautiful beach and have it all to yourself. Check out this "SLIDE SHOW" of a recent group at Corrales.
The Marietas Islands are also favorite day trip, exploring remote beaches, snorkling in the crystal clear waters, this "SLIDE SHOW" gives you good idea what it is like.
Judy and I recently went out fishing with Yelapa Adventures, Jay and Johnny. We had a great day check out this slide show for our trip and a few others "FISHING WITH YELAPA ADVENTURES"
New this year is an opportunity to go on an inland tour of rural Mexico try out Brad's new Backroad Cultural Safari We recently joined Brad on one of his tours. The key points of the tour were the views from Yelapa Tapa, Breakfast in Chacala, touring an authentic Mexican Raicilla Taverna. Our visit to the Ranchero Pueblo of El Algodon was great we were able to visit a true artist that makes rawhide lariats and other authentic rawhide items. Then we went to this fantastic destination Hacienda El Divisadero a Ranchero Style Resort in the middle of Cabo Corrientes. Check out their website www.haciendaeldivisadero.com We were joined our tour by a very nice couple from Alaska, Steven and Lynn and we all really enjoyed our day. The tour was fun, educational, good pace and we saw a little bit of everything. We ended our day cooling off under the water fall at Agua Caliente. Brad really knows the area and the people. We would rate it as a must do if you want to see the real Mexico, beyond the beach resorts and tourist areas. To see more check out our slide show and comments BACKROAD ADVENTURE ... when you view a slide show please click on show info for details about each photo.
The "Village Waterfall" or "La Cascada" is always a great place to visit although it is best before and after the day trippers from PVR are in town. The "La Cascada y Bosque Restuarant" is a great place for lunch or a cool drink while you take in the sites and sounds of this natural splendor. We enjoy the beauty and tranquility so much we did a special "SLIDE SHOW" ... when you view a slide show please click on show info for details about each photo.
The large water fall is about 1-1/2 hours hike upriver, we can also help arrange horses if you prefer. The scenery along the way is amazing, the birds, the flowers and jungle in general. The destination water fall has a good swimming hole to cool off in.
For the bird enthusiasts this area of Western Mexico offers a variety of interesting species, check out "Bird Watching" Part of their website has a slide show with great photographs by Frank Mc Cann and actual bird sounds check out the "Bird Show" with this direct link.
We recently went on a great day trip to The Botanical Gardens of Vallarta we caught the 10:00 water taxi to Boca walked up the hill and got on a bus to the Gardens. We had an interesting and enjoyable day with a great lunch in an amazing restaurant. We bought some plants for Mar y Sol and headed home. The cost for water taxi/bus return was $120 pesos each and admission to the Gardens was $50 pesos. Well worth it. For more info check out www.vallartabotanicalgardensac.org
If you are interested in Yoga check out www.yogainyelapa.com the fantastic new Yoga Studio is open and waiting, Judith has some great programs and retreat type packages.
While relaxing on the beach you will have a unique opportunity to indulge in one of YELAPA's most delicious traditions ..... "Home Made Yelapa Pie" baked fresh and served by the infamous "Pie Lady" check out this article in "Banderas News" by Ken Hoffman ..... your vacation is not complete without some "Yelapa Pie"
For those that want to make this an educational trip Spanish Language Lessons are available at YESI "Yelapa English Spanish Institute" just up the hill from Mar y Sol.
Great spa packages are available at Hotel Lagunita on the beach A Day at the Spa
Also there are many more retreats, workshops and clinics in YELAPA whether it be Drum Making or Creative Writing. Again more info can be found at www.yelapa.info click on the "Links" tab.
If you want to learn a little Spanish before you go down to Mexico try www.spanishprograms.com you can quickly pick up some of the basics for free.
Keep in mind we are here to assist you in any way we can to make you stay more enjoyable. 
