Casa Palmas

Guest Guide

"Everything you need to know for a smooth and unforgettable stay in Yelapa! From travel tips to local recommendations our Guest Guide has all essentials to help you relax and enjoy your time in paradise."

Communication


Once you have booked your stay, we'll reach out via WhatsApp and add you to a group that includes us, Felipe and Yanet, and one designated member of your booking party. To keep communication clear and efficient we suggest one person from your group serve as the main point of contact.

 We use WhatsApp to plan and prepare you for your stay, as well as to comminate throughout your time in Yelapa. 

Since Felipe and Yanet primarily speak Spanish, we recommend downloading a translation app like Google Translate. It works well with WhatsApp and is easy to copy and paste messages into the app to ensure everyone understands.

Approximately a month before your trip we will reach out to you to coordinate the following:

  • Your arrival to Yelapa: Will you take the public boat taxi or arrange a private boat charter with Felipe?
  • Kitchen Pre-Stock Options
  • Meal Planning and Private Chef Services
  • Excursions and Activities you are interested in or want to plan in advance
  • Special Celebrations- Retreats, Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, and more
  • Your departure plan to leave Yelapa

Gratuity Recommendations and Guest Service Fees


Yelapa thrives on tourism, and tipping is an important way to support our team and local community. Just like in the U.S., it is customary to tip for services, though you are always welcome to tip more based on the level of service and your experience. 

  • Carrying luggage: 200 pesos per helper. This is for a normal amount of luggage; please use your judgement.
  • House cleaning: 300 pesos per cleaning (minimum, once every other day).
  • Stocking kitchen: 400 pesos
  • Dinner preparation: 800 pesos
  • Breakfast preparation: 500 pesos

Private Charter to Yelapa


If you're seeking a unique and tranquil experience, a private charter to Yelapa is the perfect choice. If you choose the private boat charter to Yelapa, we'll assist you in coordinating with Felipe, our trusted boat Captain. After landing in Puerto Vallarta, you'll take a short (approx. 5 min) taxi ride to Marina Vallarta where you'll meet Felipe or one of his co-captains. The boat ride will take about 45-60 minutes depending on the weather and sea conditions. Once you arrive to the Yelapa Pier, you'll be guided to your accommodations with assistance with your luggage. 

Step by step instructions once you land at the Puerto Vallarta Airport:

  • Once you've collected your bags and completed customs and immigration through the airport, bypass all of the people inside the airport and proceed outside.
  • Find a Yellow or White cab ambassador and request a ride to Marina Vallarta
  • Plan to drive through a pay booth where you will pay for your ride. This does not include your tip.
  • Proceed to Marina Vallarta
    • Turn right at the whale/Zeus statue
    • Take and immediate left
    • You have arrived at Marina del Rey when you see the Sailboat statue
  • Unload and proceed to Brandos or a nearby restaurant 
  • Felipe or one of his co-captains will meet you here, have a quick beverage and/or bite while you wait.
  • You will need to pay a marina fee of approximately 200 pesos to enter the marina
  • You will load into one of Felipe's boats, Sany or Sany II
  • Enjoy your ride!

Pre-stock


To make your arrival as smooth as possible, we offer a pre-stocking service allowing you to have select items ready and waiting in your casa kitchen. After a long travel day, having snacks, drinks, and breakfast essentials on hand can be a welcome relief. Our goal is to ensure you're covered your first night and morning, giving you time to settle in before heading to the local tiendas for additional groceries.  

Here is a list of items we recommend considering, although if you need something else, please ask and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Fresh shrimp ceviche-Fresh Guacamole-Tostada chips-Limes-12 Pacifico Beers-Bacon-12 Eggs-Milk-Ground Coffee-Bottle of red wine-bottle of white wine-1 large pineapple juice-1 large orange juice-Fresh Fruit-butter-sugar-Bread

We will finalize your pre-stocking preferences via WhatsApp before your arrival.

Currency


When visiting Yelapa, you'll want to be prepared to use pesos as your primary money source. There are no ATMs in Yelapa and most services prefer pesos but will also take USD. While a few beachfront restaurants do accept credit cards, it's wise to have cash on hand for most purchases and gratuities. To ensure a seamless experience, start coordinating with our bank about a month before your trip. You can also exchange for pesos at the airport for slightly higher fee. Keep in mind that the exchange rate fluctuates daily, typically ranging from 16 to 20 pesos for every US dollar. As a general guideline, we recommend budgeting around $1,000 USD worth of pesos per person per week, especially if you plan to enjoy most meals out and partake in a couple of excursions. Of course, your actual spending may vary based on your preferences. 

Flavors of Yelapa & Chef Services


Let Yanet, our incredible chef, elevate your stay with the flavors of Mexico! From mouthwatering homemade breakfasts to unforgettable dinners, she crafts every meal with love and fresh local ingredients. Share your preferences with her while she creates a delicious dining experience just for you! Enjoy the convenience of savoring authentic, restaurant-quality dishes right in the comfort of your own Casa - no reservations needed, just a warm inviting space and unforgettable flavors waiting for you at the table. Yanet is available for hire upon request for a service charge plus the cost of groceries.

Excursions


Excursions Await! Dive into a world of adventure during your stay! For a full list of exciting excursions, be sure to check out or "Play" tab on our webpage. If you're ready to embark on an unforgettable experience, simply drop a message in the WhatsApp group and we'll help you arrange it all. We'll provide pricing details but remember gratuity is not included so plan accordingly to show your appreciation.

Guest Support and Assistance


We are here to ensure you have a wonderful experience! If you encounter any issues of have concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the WhatsApp group. Our team is dedicated to addressing your needs promptly and your comfort and safety are our priority.

Important Information:

  • Power and Connectivity: Please keep in mind that Yelapa has only had electricity since the early 2000's. As a result, power outages or surges can occasionally occur, particularly during storms. These interruptions typically last less than a couple of hours. This may also affect cell service. 
  • Medical Assistance: There is a medical clinic in Yelapa should medical issues arise. There is a nurse that works there and lives in Yelapa and Felipe and Yanet can reach her whenever needed. There are 2 pharmacies located in the village and one near the big beach.
  • Emergency Support: In the event of a medical or other emergency that requires you to leave Yelapa, please notify the WhatsApp group immediately. Our team will be ready to assist you with any necessary arrangements including help to the pier and accessing a boat to Boca or PV.
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