Full Day Tour Isla Marietas with Meals and Open Bar

The islands reward strong swimmers. This full-day catamaran trip from Puerto Vallarta combines striking sea views, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, meals, and a lively boat ride to the Marietas Islands. I like the chance to see dolphins, colorful fish, and humpback whales from December through March. I also like that breakfast, lunch, gear, and water activities are included for $115 per person.

The main drawback is time in the water. The ride can take about two hours each way, while snorkeling or beach access may last only 20 to 30 minutes. You should also expect extra conservation and park charges, plus a crowded boat that can hold up to 80 people.

Key Details Before You Book

• Whales visit from December through March: Humpback whales use the waters around the islands during these months, and dolphins may appear at any time.
• Hidden Beach requires real swimming ability: Getting from the small transfer boat to shore can be difficult in choppy water and strong currents.
• The boat ride takes up much of the day: The advertised duration is six to seven hours, but some departures have lasted longer.
• The open bar has limits: Alcohol may be served only after the water activities, while soft drinks, juices, coffee, and water are available earlier.
• Extra island charges are not included: A conservation bracelet and Marietas National Natural Park fee are paid separately.
• The catamaran carries up to 80 people: This is a shared excursion with an energetic, social atmosphere rather than a quiet small-group outing.

Setting Out From Puerto Vallarta at 8:15 a.m.

The morning begins at the maritime terminal on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Las Glorias area of Puerto Vallarta. The agency office is on the second floor, and the stated meeting time is 8:15 a.m. Your day ends at the same meeting point.

I would arrive early. The meeting point has caused confusion for some people, and a late departure can have a knock-on effect throughout the day. One departure reportedly began more than an hour late, and another returned close to 6:45 p.m. If you have an evening flight, dinner reservation, or cruise departure, leave plenty of room.

The boat is a catamaran, and the crossing to the islands is a major part of the outing. Some people enjoy the long ride for the open sea, music, wildlife sightings, and views of the coast. Others find it too slow, especially when the main island activities add up to less than an hour.

The boat can carry as many as 80 people. That helps keep the price below many private or premium excursions, but it also means queues, group instructions, and limited space during popular activities. If you prefer calm service and flexible timing, a private trip may suit you better.

Breakfast Comes Before the Island Activities

Breakfast is included, with descriptions from the day indicating eggs and chilaquiles or a light continental-style meal. It is useful rather than lavish. I would eat something before boarding if you need a substantial breakfast, especially because lunch may not arrive until later in the afternoon.

Food service can feel tied to the schedule. The boat normally moves through its activity program first, then serves later meals. Bring a little patience and do not assume that every meal will arrive exactly when you expect.

Lunch includes items such as a sandwich, pasta salad, and chicken salad, with vegetarian options also reported. The quality has been uneven. Some people find the meals adequate, while others have found them bland or felt that portions were not handled well.

The practical lesson is simple: have a good breakfast before leaving your hotel, and bring cash for snacks if you want a backup. Food is included, but this is not a gourmet sailing trip.

Reaching the Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands sit off the coast of Nayarit and are protected for their marine life and bird habitat. The water around the islands can contain schools of colorful fish, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales. Sightings are never guaranteed, but wildlife can change the entire character of the day.

One especially memorable possibility is seeing blue-footed boobies. These unusual birds are associated with the islands, and a few people have also reported spectacular whale activity, including a whale circling the catamaran and breaching several times.

The approach itself is beautiful, with rocky islands, sea caves, and unusual formations. The scenery is the strongest reason to make this trip. Even people who found the schedule frustrating often still appreciated the islands themselves.

The boat may anchor near the islands rather than pull directly onto a broad beach. You can then use snorkeling equipment, a kayak, or a paddleboard, depending on the day’s instructions and conditions.

Snorkeling in Choppy Water

The package includes a snorkel, fins, and a flotation vest. Those basics are helpful, but they do not remove the need to swim confidently. Reports from the excursion describe rough water, strong currents, and a short snorkeling period, sometimes around 20 minutes.

You may enter the water from the boat and remain close to the catamaran. The fish can be beautiful, including sightings of pufferfish, but conditions affect visibility and comfort. If you are not a strong swimmer, the flotation vest helps you stay afloat, but you may still find the waves tiring.

The crew’s safety rules matter here. Water activities are connected to the protected status of the islands, and alcohol is generally held until the active portion is finished. That policy makes sense, even if the phrase open bar leads some people to expect drinks throughout the morning.

You should also pay attention to sun protection instructions. One account says sunscreen must not be applied during the 30 minutes before arrival at the island, apparently to protect the water. Since rules can be enforced at the activity site, listen carefully to the crew and use sun protection before that restricted period.

Kayaks and Paddleboards Near the Boat

Kayaks and paddleboards are included, adding a nice change from snorkeling. Do not picture a long independent paddle around the islands, though. The activity area may be limited to a short distance from the boat, in one account roughly 100 feet.

That restriction is understandable in a protected marine area and with a large group. It also means the kayaks and boards are best viewed as brief water activities rather than a full excursion of their own.

The same applies to the schedule. You may have to wait your turn, and the crew controls where you can go. If you want long stretches of quiet paddling, look for a smaller kayaking trip instead.

Hidden Beach and Playa del Amor

Hidden Beach is the most demanding part of the day. Reaching it can require a swim from a small boat through open water, followed by passage through a cave. The distance may sound short, but choppy seas and strong currents can make it strenuous.

You may need to swim close to rocks, and one route involves moving through a narrow cave with rock above and on both sides. This is not a casual wade from a dock. If you are not a strong swimmer, have trouble in waves, or feel uneasy around rocks, skip this option.

Access to Hidden Beach may cost extra and can be limited each day. Playa del Amor access has also been reported as available only from Wednesday through Sunday. Do not assume that buying the main tour guarantees entry.

In practical terms, this attraction is the part most likely to create disappointment. Promotional images can make the beach look like a simple stop, but you may spend only about 20 to 30 minutes there, and the swim can be harder than expected.

If you do go, follow every instruction about helmets, timing, sunscreen, and what you may carry. Hats, glasses, and water shoes may not be permitted in the water because lost items can harm the protected area.

Why the Return Ride Divides People

Once the water activities end, the return journey becomes the social part of the outing. The open bar is included, but alcohol may begin only after the activities, sometimes during the trip back. Expect basic drinks rather than a broad cocktail menu.

The crew is described as friendly, energetic, and fun. Music, games, sales of extra activities, raffle tickets, snacks, and tip requests can make the boat feel festive. Some people enjoy that atmosphere. Others find it too much, especially after a long ride and limited island time.

If you want a quiet return, this may not be your ideal boat. If you like a party atmosphere and enjoy meeting people, the same energy can be a plus.

Service in English is advertised, but communication may vary from one crew member to another. Important instructions may be delivered in Spanish and English, so ask directly if you are unsure about the next activity, meal time, or rules.

The Real Cost: $115 Plus Island Charges

The posted price is $115 per person. That is a reasonable starting price for a six to seven-hour boat trip with breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaking, paddleboarding, and drinks. The value depends heavily on how much you use the activities and how much you enjoy the long sailing time.

Two extra charges are listed separately:

• A Semarnat conservation bracelet costing MX$220, paid when boarding at the pier
• A Marietas National Natural Park admission fee of MX$33 per person

Some amounts described during past departures have differed, including a lower conservation charge. I would confirm the current total before boarding, because the exact fee should not be a surprise once the boat leaves the pier.

Tips are not included. You may also hear offers for an ecological boat tour around Isla del Amor or other add-ons. That optional tour does not necessarily include getting off at the beach.

At this price, the trip makes sense if you want an all-in-one day at sea and will snorkel, paddle, eat, and enjoy the group atmosphere. It makes less sense if your only goal is Hidden Beach, since access may cost extra, sell out, or be unavailable on your date.

What the Strongest Moments Look Like

The best version of this trip includes calm water, clear visibility, a well-run transfer to the islands, and wildlife along the route. A whale sighting between December and March would be a major bonus, while dolphins and seabirds can make the crossing worthwhile even when the water activities are brief.

The islands themselves provide the visual payoff. Rocky cliffs, caves, unusual birds, and fish give you plenty to watch during the approach and activity stops. You can also enjoy the views from the catamaran if you do not want to enter the water.

The crew is another bright spot. They are often described as friendly and lively, which helps during a long day on a shared boat. The trade-off is that the same energy can feel forced when the schedule includes repeated sales, games, or tip requests.

Who Should Book This Puerto Vallarta Excursion?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, families with older children who can handle a full day on the water, couples who enjoy social boat trips, and anyone who wants several activities bundled into one outing.

It is also a good match if you value wildlife sightings and scenery more than long beach time. December through March is especially appealing for the chance to see humpback whales, though nature never follows a schedule.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, need a quiet boat, dislike group activities, or want guaranteed access to Hidden Beach. The long ride and short snorkeling or beach periods may leave you feeling that the day was mostly spent on the catamaran.

Photographic services are not offered by the agency. If someone sells photos at the pier or on the boat, that service is separate and not managed by the tour provider. Bring only what you can safely keep with you, since some items may be prohibited during water activities.

Cancellation and Practical Planning

You receive confirmation when booking, and most people can participate. Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Plan for a long day even though the stated duration is six to seven hours. Wear a swimsuit, bring a towel, and arrive early at the maritime terminal. Since the boat’s rules may restrict what enters the water, keep valuables to a minimum and ask the crew before carrying anything into the sea.

Should You Book the Marietas Islands Tour?

Book this tour if you want a lively, budget-minded day that bundles meals, gear, paddling, snorkeling, and a catamaran ride. The islands are beautiful, wildlife sightings can be excellent, and the friendly crew may make the long crossing enjoyable.

Skip it if Hidden Beach is your one essential goal, if you expect a polished premium boat, or if you want several hours on a beach. The clearest way to judge the $115 price is to count the whole day, not just the limited time on shore. Read the extra-fee details, confirm the conservation charge, ask about Hidden Beach availability, and be ready for a crowded, activity-led boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the Terminal Maritima API on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta. The agency office is on the second floor.

What time should I arrive?

The stated start time is 8:15 a.m. Arriving early is wise because the meeting point and departure timing have caused confusion.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the same maritime terminal meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately six to seven hours. Some departures have taken longer, so avoid scheduling a tight connection afterward.

What is included in the price?

The package includes a catamaran trip to Islas Marietas, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, an open bar, paddleboards, and kayaks.

Are park and conservation fees included?

No. The Semarnat conservation bracelet and the Marietas National Natural Park fee are paid separately when boarding or at the pier.

How much are the listed additional fees?

The listed conservation bracelet costs MX$220, and the park admission fee is MX$33 per person. Confirm the current amounts before boarding.

Is Hidden Beach included?

Hidden Beach access is not guaranteed as part of the basic package. It may require an extra payment and has limited daily availability.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Yes, strong swimming ability is important for snorkeling and especially for reaching Hidden Beach from the small transfer boat. Water conditions may include waves and strong currents.

Is the open bar available all day?

The open bar is included, but alcohol may be served only after the water activities. Soft drinks, juices, coffee, and water may be available earlier.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You should be offered another date or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather. A full refund is also offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.