The new Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa ferry: schedule, boarding, and who it suits vs a water taxi
For years the default path to Yelapa was a water taxi. In 2026 a larger tourist ferry also entered the mix. If you are deciding between the two, here is a clear comparison based on the operator's own site and local reporting, plus notes from our side as owners of Casa Gratitud.
What the ferry is
Ferry Vallarta markets itself as a high-capacity tourist ferry across Bahía de Banderas, with indoor air-conditioned seating, restrooms, and onboard entertainment. Capacity is advertised up to about 400 passengers. The official site is ferryvallarta.com.mx. Local press covered the January 2026 launch and early routes linking Marina Vallarta area piers with Yelapa (and at times stops such as Los Muertos).
Important status as of Oct 1, 2026: the ferry's homepage states service is paused for the low season. Check current status on the operator site before you plan a trip. Do not assume a Thursday or Saturday sailing is running until the operator confirms.
Published schedule (when operating)
From the operator horarios page, as of posting time:
Days: Thursday and Saturday; some early press mentioned Tuesday as well if extra days return in high season. Confirm live days on the operator site.
Check-in: 8:30 a.m. at Muelle Espigón, Marina Los Peines (Marina Vallarta area).
Depart PV: 9:00 a.m.
Arrive Yelapa: about 11:00 a.m. (operator estimate ~2 hours depending on seas).
Return from Yelapa: 4:00 p.m.
Back in PV: about 6:00 p.m.
That pattern suits a long day trip or a same-day return. It does not suit a late airport arrival the same morning. Overnight guests in Yelapa need a return plan on a later ferry day or a water taxi.
Contact listed on the site: 322 221 1979; office address Mastil 2, Interior 1, Marina Vallarta. Ask whether they have a WhatsApp or email channel for reopen notices.
Prices
Public pages disagree slightly, as of posting time:
Homepage (English): adults MXN $800 / kids MXN $400 round-trip.
Tarifas page (Spanish): adults MXN $600 / kids MXN $300.
Treat both as provisional. Confirm the live fare on the operator site when you book. Early 2026 press also quoted other promotional prices that may no longer apply. Confirm inclusions (round-trip, show, AC seating). Food and drinks are generally for purchase, not included.
Boarding tips
Reach Marina Los Peines with time for check-in. From the airport, plan taxi time into Marina Vallarta; traffic varies. 45-75 minutes as a planning buffer.
Bring ID if the crew asks for passenger lists.
Soft luggage is easier on any boat transfer.
Seasickness: the ferry is marketed as more stable than a panga. That helps many guests. It does not erase every swell day.
Who the ferry suits vs a water taxi
Ferry often fits you if:
You want more seating space, restrooms, and AC.
You are traveling with kids or older relatives who prefer a bigger vessel.
Your dates line up with Thursday/Saturday (when service is active).
You like a day-trip shape: morning out, afternoon back.
Water taxi often fits you if:
You arrive midweek or need many daily options.
You want the shortest hop from Boca after a taxi from the airport.
You are staying overnight in Yelapa and need flexible return times.
Service is open for small-boat traffic but the ferry is still on seasonal pause.
Typical water-taxi patterns (when the port is open) still run from Boca and Los Muertos on many hours of the day. Useful schedule reference:
See also the post below.
How this pairs with Casa Gratitud
We own the villa and host overnight stays, not day-only tickets. If you ferry in on a Thursday, message the hosting family your boat choice the day before. We can meet timing realities at the beach landing and help with bags from there.
Plan your stay
When ferry dates reopen and your calendar matches, or when you prefer classic water taxis any open day, check dates at yelapacasagratitud.com