YOU’LL LIKELY TRAVEL BY AIR, LAND AND SEA TO GET HERE.  Yelapa is a 50 minute boat ride from Pier de los Muertos and a 30 minute boat ride from Boca de Tomatlan. The closest airport is the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport located in Puerto Vallarta (airport code: PVR). This airport has recently become quite popular so allow time for getting through customs.

We need to know which water taxi you plan to catch at least 24hrs in advance so we can greet you when you arrive!

Car taxi: There are taxi cabs in the airport ($30) or over the bridge across the street ($15) to Pier de los Muertos. Expect to pay double if you go all the way to Boca de Tomatlan. Cabs are everywhere and super easy to grab at the airport.

Water Taxi: Here is a link to the water taxi schedule. Pricing is listed on the website.

When you arrive to Pier de los Muertos you can get your ticket from the many vendors there.  You’ll walk to the end of the walkway all the way to the pier. Get in line a bit before the boat departs. You do not need to book in advance but you can.  Refer to the water taxi schedule link above.

When you arrive to Boca de Tomatlan go to the restaurant Embarcadero on the pier and let them know you want to go to Yelapa.  They will sell you a ticket and help you get on the boat.

Parking your Car: Parking a car in Boca de Tomatlan is easier and cheaper than parking in Puerto Vallarta. As you drive down the hill into town parking service guys will ask you if you need to park.  Let them know you need to park overnight and they will direct you.  Generally $10 – $15 dollars per night.

YELAPA TOWN PIER: When you arrive, get off at the town pier (not the beach pier or on the beach).  If you sent us your plans for arrival, we will have someone show you to the house.  Tipping for luggage service is expected and appreciated. 100 pesos per large bag is about right.

Private Boat Pickup: We can arrange a private boat pick-up for MiraMar guests only ($180 USD from Boca de Tomatlan or $280 USD from Puerto Vallarta).  We need your flight information to confirm.

Yes! There are no banks or ATMs here so don’t forget to bring the balance for the house and any activities as well as pesos for eating out, groceries, and souvenirs. MiraMar can accept credit cards for house balances and excursions (5% processing fee). Most restaurants are cash only. Do not expect “cheap middle of Mexico” prices. Prices are likely similar to where you live. The exchange rates are better in Puerto Vallarta but you can exchange dollars to pesos here in Yelapa, so bring extra cash you can stash in your safe, just in case you need it.

It is easy to pull pesos out of ATMs in Puerto Vallarta.  You can also exchange $300 USD per person per day in Puerto Vallarta.

So many great restaurants here! There are several mom and pop style grocery stores in town too (cash only). They have all the basics so support local business and don’t bother with bringing everything over from Puerto Vallarta. If you want a specific brand or item or mark of alcohol though, you should likely bring it with you. We can stock beer in your room and we’ll send a list of restaurant suggestions before your stay with us.

Pack light and plan to be casual

Suggested items:

• passport of course – required for travel to Mexico
• cash – no ATMs or banks and credit cards largely not accepted
• flashlights or headlamps
• walking/hiking shoes
• swim suits
• sun screen and bug repellent
• beach shoes
• comfortable clothing for warm weather and cooler evenings
• camera
• sunglasses and a hat
• binoculars
• toiletries
• books and playing cards or games
• upset tummy remedies
• earplugs to block out Wed. and Sat. fiesta nights
• cell phones – there’s cell service in Yelapa, check your plan for rates
• a big appetite – so much great food and drink here!
• computers or devices for remote work and school (fast and reliable internet service provided by Yelapa Wifi)

Don’t bring:

• electrical adapters if you are from the US and Canada – you don’t need them in Mexico
• expensive jewelry – the ocean is fond of collecting wedding rings
• fancy clothes or shoes

Yes! Tipping is appreciated and expected in restaurants, for tours, for help with luggage, etc. Tipping 15% – 20% or more at restaurants and for tours is fair if you enjoy the service. Tip at least 100 pesos for help with luggage and more for over 2 bags. You are not expected to tip water taxi staff.

Yelapa is in Banderas Bay and on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands. The climate is sub-tropical so it’s pleasant and temperate most of the year. The weather is ideal during the high season which is November through May. During this time of year, daytime temperatures are in the mid 70s to low 80’s F (28-30 C), while nighttime temperatures cool to the 60s.

Yelapa has a rainy and a dry season. Though rainy and hot, don’t overlook the summer months as a time to visit. Temperatures may reach 90 degrees F (32 C), but rates are considerably cheaper. The town slows way down and you will have the place nearly all to yourself! Fishing is best in Sept, Oct, Nov, and Dec.

CURRENT WEATHER:

Yes! We love hosting families! We provide fast and reliable internet for remote school and work. Traveling with your kids is so good for them and there is so much family fun to be had in and around Yelapa. Parent guests have said they feel safe and welcomed in the community and really enjoyed watching their kids’ newfound independence. They felt confident sending them on short runs to the store, restaurant, or down the stairs to the beach. It’s also easy for kids to connect with locals (both adults and children). Kids are always playing on the playita below the houses, at the basketball court in town and on the main beach. These connections bring our world closer together. Bravo family travel!

If you speak a little Spanish, the locals will love practicing with you. If you don’t, don’t sweat it. Most speak enough English that you shouldn’t have any trouble. Spanish classes are available.

You have likely heard some scary stories about Mexico but Yelapa is safe. Petty theft is the worst of it so keep your valuables locked up or leave them at home.