In short
- Beachfront spots serve fresh seafood like pescado zarandeado.
- Village restaurants offer casual local dishes and tacos.
- Pie ladies sell slices of coconut and banana pie on the beach.
In this article
Eating in Yelapa ranges from toes-in-the-sand seafood to quick tacos in the car-free village. The town is small, but you will find plenty of fresh food. Bring Mexican Pesos, as there are no ATMs in the village.
What kind of food is available on Yelapa Beach?
Beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood, Mexican staples, and cold drinks under thatched roofs.
Most visitors eat at the restaurants lining Yelapa Beach. They offer tables with umbrellas and lounge chairs under palapas. You can order ceviche, shrimp, and regional specialties like pescado zarandeado (grilled fish).
These spots also serve margaritas and cold beers. Locals may ask you to buy a drink or meal to use their beach chairs for the day.
Who are the Yelapa pie ladies?
The pie ladies are local vendors who walk the beach selling homemade pies from plastic containers balanced on their heads.
These women are a famous part of the Yelapa experience. They carry a variety of fresh pies, usually offering coconut, banana, chocolate, or cheese flavors. Yelapa Packing List Bring small cash to buy a slice.
You will spot them walking up and down the main beach during the day. They usually sell out by the afternoon.
Are there restaurants in Yelapa village?
Yes, the village has small restaurants and taco stands along the cobblestone paths.
If you leave the main beach and walk into the village, you will find cheaper and more casual dining. These spots serve tacos, quesadillas, and local Mexican dishes. It is a good way to support the local community away from the busy beach.
Do I need to tip at restaurants in Yelapa?
Tipping is expected at sit-down restaurants, similar to the rest of Mexico.
Leave a 10% to 15% tip for good service at the beachfront and village restaurants. Since there are no ATMs in Yelapa, make sure you bring enough Mexican Pesos for your meals and tips.
Is food included if I take a boat tour to Yelapa?
Many organized boat tours include lunch or snacks, but read the details of your specific booking.
If you book a full-day catamaran or yacht tour from Puerto Vallarta, lunch is often provided on the boat or at a specific beach spot. If you take the standard water taxi, you will need to buy your own food in Yelapa.
| Tour Type | Food Usually Included? |
|---|---|
| Standard Water Taxi | No (buy your own) |
| Catamaran Tour | Yes (often buffet or BBQ lunch) |
| Speedboat Tour | Yes (often a light snack or ceviche) |
Can I eat near the Yelapa waterfalls?
There are small restaurants and vendors near the base of the main town waterfall.
After the 15-30 minute walk to the Cola de Caballo waterfall, you can buy drinks and snacks. The locals running these spots may ask you to buy a drink to sit at their tables near the water.
Questions travellers ask
Are there vegetarian options in Yelapa?
Yes. While seafood dominates, most restaurants offer beans, rice, guacamole, quesadillas, and salads.
Can I use a credit card at restaurants in Yelapa?
Some larger beachfront spots might accept cards if the connection is working, but do not rely on it. Always bring enough cash (Mexican Pesos) for all your food.
How much does a slice of pie cost?
Prices change, but expect to pay a few dollars' worth of Mexican Pesos per slice. Ask the vendor for the current price before ordering.
