Wondering how to get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta? You go by boat. Yelapa has no road in, so every visitor arrives by water taxi (panga), private boat, or, in season, a larger tourist ferry. The shortest ride leaves from Boca de Tomatlán, just south of town, and takes about 30 minutes. Here is how each option works as of October 12, 2026, with links so you can confirm current times before you go.
How to get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta: your boat options
Water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán
Boca de Tomatlán is a small village at the south end of Puerto Vallarta and the main departure point for the pangas that serve the south shore. It is the quickest crossing: the minimum ride to Yelapa is about 30 minutes. Boats leave through the day, from morning into early evening, and the return boats run on a similar pattern.
The go2yelapa water taxi page keeps the current schedule, costs, and a contact for buying tickets ahead. Times can change with the weather, so check it close to your travel day.
To reach Boca, take a taxi or app ride (plan on at least an hour from the airport), or ride the local bus marked "Boca" from the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Romantic Zone. If in doubt, ask the driver, "¿Va a Boca?"
Water taxi from Los Muertos Pier
The Los Muertos Pier sits on the beach in the Romantic Zone, so it suits you if your first night is in that part of town. There are fewer departures than from Boca, and the ride is longer, at least 55 minutes, but you skip the drive south. The pier is about 30 minutes from the airport.
Ferry Vallarta (seasonal)
A larger tourist ferry started running to Yelapa in 2026. As of today, the operator's site says it is paused for the low season and will announce reopening dates. When it runs, it sails Thursdays and Saturdays from Marina Los Peines in the Marina Vallarta area, takes about two hours each way, and returns the same afternoon. Our Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa ferry post covers boarding and who it suits, and ferryvallarta.com.mx has the current status.
Private boat
Staying at Casa Gratitud? Your host family can arrange a private boat from the airport, the marina, or Boca de Tomatlán at the time you choose. Ask in your WhatsApp group when you book; they'll quote the price, which depends on the pier, the time, and the size of your group.
How long is the boat ride from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa?
Minimum crossing times, per the go2yelapa schedule page and the ferry operator:
- Boca de Tomatlán to Yelapa: about 30 minutes
- Los Muertos Pier to Yelapa: about 55 minutes
- Ferry from Marina Los Peines: about 2 hours
Add the trip to the pier: at least an hour from the airport to Boca, or about 30 minutes to Los Muertos. Sea conditions can stretch any crossing a little.
Can you drive to Yelapa?
Not all the way. There is no practical road access to Yelapa, and that is a big part of its charm: no traffic, just boats and footpaths. You can drive or ride as far as Boca de Tomatlán, then finish by water.
Coming from the airport, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, or Sayulita
From Puerto Vallarta's airport (PVR), take a taxi or a prearranged transfer straight to Boca or Los Muertos. If you start in Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, or Sayulita, you head south past the airport on the way, so add that drive to the airport times above. Flying in from Mexico City or Guadalajara? Our Mexico City and Guadalajara to Yelapa post walks through that route, and our snowbird guide to reaching Yelapa covers longer winter stays.
Time your trip for daylight
Pick a boat that gets you to Yelapa with daylight to spare. If your flight lands late in the day, spend your first night in Puerto Vallarta and take a morning boat; it turns travel day into a relaxed start, with breakfast in town and a calm crossing.
A few easy habits help:
- Check the boat schedule the day before, and again after any stormy week. Our post on checking the port and water taxis shows how to confirm boats are running.
- Pack soft bags. They are easier to hand onto a panga than hard cases.
- Bring pesos in cash for the boat and the village, and get them in Puerto Vallarta before you leave.
- In winter, watch the water. From mid-December through March, you may spot humpback whales on the crossing; our whale season post has the details.
Arriving at Casa Gratitud
Guests at Casa Gratitud get off at the pier next to Café Bahía, at the far right of the bay. Before you travel, share your boat and time in your WhatsApp group with the host family, and they'll meet you at the pier, help with your luggage, and walk you to the villa. Our getting to Casa Gratitud post shows that last stretch from the beach.
Plan your stay
Casa Gratitud is a jungle villa above Yelapa's bay with ocean and mountain views, open for stays October through April. Check dates and book at yelapacasagratitud.com, then send us your flight time so the host family can help you pick the right boat.