This page saves to your phone after your first visit, so it opens on the boat with no signal.
Yelapa has no road in. Every guest arrives by boat, best in daylight, because the water can be rough at night. Here is the whole trip, step by step.
1. Get to a pier in Puerto Vallarta
- Boca de Tomatlán is the shortest crossing, about 30 minutes. Take a taxi or app ride (plan on at least an hour from the airport), or the local bus marked "Boca" from the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Romantic Zone.
- Los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone has fewer departures and a longer ride, at least 55 minutes, but it is about 30 minutes from the airport.
- A private boat can pick you up at the marina or at Boca. Our host family arranges it and confirms the price, because fuel and boat size change it.
Current water-taxi times and fares: go2yelapa water taxi page. For every option in detail, read how to get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta.
2. Get off at the pier beside Café Bahía
The pier is on the far right of the bay as you come in. Our host family meets arrivals we have coordinated with you; we introduce you on WhatsApp before your trip. Porters carry your bags.
3. Walk along the beach, about 10 minutes
The path is sand and cemented rock. There are no streetlights, so after dark use a flashlight or your phone light.
4. Climb the private stairs, about 5 minutes
Cemented stairs lead up through the jungle to the house. There is no step-free route.
Before you leave Puerto Vallarta
- Get cash pesos from a bank ATM in Puerto Vallarta. Yelapa has no ATMs, and most places take only cash.
- Download WhatsApp and turn on Wi-Fi calling.
- Pack soft duffels, and keep passports and medication in a daypack.
If plans change
Message us on WhatsApp at +1 503 927 3563. If boats stop for weather, see how to check the port and water taxi.