Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

The Pacific puts on a good show. This seven-hour trip from Puerto Vallarta combines dolphin and whale watching with snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a barbecue lunch at Majahuitas Beach. I like the friendly crew and the wide choice of included drinks, and I also like that you can see several kinds of marine life in one day.

The main catch is the pace. You spend most of the day on the boat, while time for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding can feel short. This is best viewed as a lively boat outing with water activities, not as a dedicated snorkeling expedition or a quiet island escape.

Key points to know before booking

• Whales and dolphins can be the day’s biggest reward: Humpback whales appear in season, and bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins may swim near the boat.
• The activities share limited time: Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are all offered, but you may need to choose quickly.
• Majahuitas provides the best meal setting: The BBQ lunch comes with drinks and is served in a scenic beach setting.
• There is no dock at the activity stops: You jump from the boat into the water and climb back using small metal ladders.
• The tour is lively, not hushed: The crew may add music, dancing, and a comic performance on the ride back.
• Budget for MX$60 in cash: That covers the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 conservation fee per person.

Starting early at Puerto Magico

The tour begins at 7:00 am at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s northern hotel zone. Hotel pickup and return transportation are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point and back.

At check-in, bring Mexican cash for the MX$40 port fee and the MX$20 conservation fee. These charges are separate from the $99 tour price. I would also carry a little extra cash for tips, since the crew handles many jobs during the day, from water safety and guiding to serving drinks and helping with equipment.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. One important detail deserves attention: the boat and return arrangements have caused confusion for some people, especially around Puerto Magico and Nuevo Vallarta. Confirm the exact meeting and return instructions before departure, and do not assume that a water taxi or transfer is included unless the staff clearly explains it.

This is a large group outing, with up to 100 people. The crew works hard to keep things moving, but the group size affects the amount of time available for each activity. If you want a private, quiet boat with long stretches in the water, this is probably the wrong choice.

Watching the Bay of Banderas for dolphins

Once the boat leaves Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas becomes the main stage. The crew watches the water for Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins. These sightings are wild and never guaranteed, but the open bay gives you a real chance to see them in their natural setting rather than in a controlled attraction.

The ride itself is a major part of the experience. You will spend most of the roughly seven hours on board, so think of the boat as your base for the whole day. Open-bar drinks are available, and the crew keeps the mood upbeat with music, service, and commentary about the marine life.

In whale season, usually the most exciting encounters come during the cruise across the bay. People have seen humpback whales breaching, slapping their pectoral fins, and swimming near the boat. Giant manta rays are also possible, and Pacific manta sightings have added a memorable surprise to some departures.

Bird life gives the trip another focus. Keep watch for blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and other birds around the Marietas Islands. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight paths of endemic birds. Leave yours at the hotel.

The ride can be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully or contact the tour company before booking. This is not a short crossing followed by a long beach stay. The ocean ride is the backbone of the day.

Exploring the rock formations around Islas Marietas

The Marietas Islands are known for rugged volcanic rock formations and the fish-filled water around them. The tour lets you see the islands from the boat before giving you a chance to get into the water.

It is important to set your expectations correctly. This outing does not visit Hidden Beach. That famous site is a separate attraction, and the name Islas Marietas alone can lead people to expect it. If Hidden Beach is the main reason you want to visit the islands, choose an excursion that states clearly that it goes there.

The water conditions change with the season. Rainy-season runoff can make visibility poor, and even in good weather the snorkeling may not compare with Hawaii or the Caribbean. The fish and rock scenery can still make the swim worthwhile, but this is not a guaranteed clear-water snorkeling trip.

The time in the water is another practical concern. Some departures allow about 30 minutes for snorkeling, and you may have to move quickly if you also want to kayak or use a paddleboard. There is no dock, so you enter from the boat and climb back aboard by a small metal ladder.

That arrangement is manageable for people with moderate fitness and basic comfort in the water. It can be awkward for anyone with limited mobility, and the operator specifically advises a moderate physical fitness level. Wear swimwear and shoes that can get wet, since the boat-to-water transfer is part of the experience.

Choosing between snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP

The activity menu is appealing because you are not limited to one way of seeing the islands. You can snorkel among the fish, paddle a kayak along the formations, or try stand-up paddleboarding on the surface.

The problem is not the selection. It is the clock. With three stops and a large group, you may not have enough time to enjoy every option at a relaxed pace. If snorkeling matters most, go straight for the gear and accept that kayaking or SUP may get only a brief turn.

Snorkeling is the most natural choice if you want to see fish and explore below the surface. Bring patience, since people getting in and out of the water can slow the process. Water temperatures may feel chilly at some times of year, and wetsuits have been available to help with that problem.

Kayaking gives you a better look at the cliffs and channels from above the water. Stand-up paddleboarding requires balance and may be less appealing when the bay is rough. The eco-guides are available to help with safety and confidence, but the crew cannot eliminate waves, current, or limited time.

I would not book this tour solely for one long snorkeling session. I would book it if you like having several active choices and do not mind sampling each one quickly.

Lunch at Majahuitas Beach

Majahuitas is where the day slows down a little. The beach setting is one of the strongest parts of the trip, and the BBQ lunch is repeatedly praised for being better than expected. The meal includes refreshing drinks, and the location gives you a chance to eat beside the water rather than on the boat.

Food has been described as a substantial buffet-style spread, with sandwich bread and fillings, potato salad, pasta salad, and other lunch items. Exact offerings can vary, so do not expect a fixed restaurant menu. Some departures have also included light morning items such as fruit, coffee, juice, and small pastries, but breakfast is not clearly guaranteed in the official inclusions.

For that reason, I would eat something before leaving if you need a dependable breakfast, especially with a 7:00 am start. You can still enjoy the lunch later, and you will not be counting on a few small morning items to carry you through the first part of the cruise.

The beach stop can feel rushed. Buffet lines may take time, leaving less room for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply sitting by the water. If the activity schedule matters to you, listen carefully to the staff’s instructions and move promptly after eating.

Majahuitas is not a completely quiet retreat. The beach is part of a group excursion, and the number of people sharing the space can affect the feeling of privacy. Still, the food and setting offer a welcome change from the boat and give the day a satisfying center.

Drinks, music, and the crew’s show

The crew receives some of the strongest praise for this outing. Names that come up often include Dani, Danny, Pancho, and Poncho, with Pancho especially associated with the onboard entertainment. Crew members switch between safety duties, guiding, drink service, equipment help, and keeping the group involved.

Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included. On at least some departures, alcohol is held until after the water activities, which is a sensible safety choice. If you do not drink, the bar will not add much value for you, but the soft drinks and service remain part of the package.

The return ride often includes a choreographed lip-sync or dance show. It is silly, loud, and deliberately theatrical. Many people enjoy this as the perfect finish to a busy day, while others find the music too strong or the performance more than they wanted.

This matters when choosing the tour. The personality is closer to a fun group party on the water than a quiet nature cruise. I like that the crew does more than point out wildlife, but you should know that the entertainment is part of the package.

What the $99 price really includes

At $99 per person, the tour offers a reasonable bundle for a full day on the water. The price includes the cruise, BBQ lunch, refreshing drinks, snorkel and kayak equipment, and stand-up paddleboards. You also get the wildlife search, island scenery, beach time, guides, and onboard entertainment.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several parts of the package. A family that wants dolphin watching, snorkeling, lunch, beach time, and drinks may find the price fair. A person interested only in clear-water snorkeling may get better value from a smaller, more focused trip.

Remember the extra MX$60 in cash per person for port and conservation fees. Hotel transportation is not included, and towels are not supplied. Bring your own towel, water-resistant clothing, and a way to keep personal items dry.

The experience is booked an average of 21 days ahead, so popular dates may fill early. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta boat trip?

This tour suits you if you want a busy day with several kinds of activity. Families, couples, and friends can all find something to enjoy, and children have taken part successfully. The mix of wildlife, swimming, beach time, food, drinks, and music keeps the day from depending on one single highlight.

It is also a good fit if you like social tours. The group setting makes it easier to meet people, and the crew works to include different ages and ability levels. The entertainment gives the return ride a festive finish.

I would hesitate to recommend it to someone who gets seasick, dislikes loud music, wants a private boat, or needs a long uninterrupted swim. It is also a poor match for cruise ship passengers because the schedule does not fit typical port timing.

The lack of docks matters for anyone who finds ladders or boat transfers difficult. Moderate fitness is required, and you should be comfortable getting into the water from the boat.

My verdict: book it for variety, not perfection

I would book this excursion if I wanted a full, social day on the Bay of Banderas with a real chance of seeing dolphins or seasonal whales. The crew, lunch at Majahuitas, included drinks, and range of activities make the $99 price attractive, especially for families and first-time visitors who want one organized water day.

I would skip it if my priority were Hidden Beach, private time, or excellent snorkeling visibility. The schedule can feel rushed, the boat occupies most of the day, and conditions may limit what you see underwater.

Go with a towel, Mexican cash, sun protection, clothes that can get wet, and realistic expectations. If a breaching humpback appears beside the boat, the schedule will suddenly seem much less important.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Puerto Magico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta. The start time is 7:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and finishes back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What extra fees must I pay?

You must pay a MX$40 port fee and a MX$20 conservation fee per person in Mexican cash.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas Beach and refreshing drinks are included.

Are snorkeling and kayaking equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and kayaks are provided, and stand-up paddleboards are also included.

Does the tour visit Hidden Beach?

No. This experience does not visit Hidden Beach.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The tour spends most of its time on the boat, and the ride can be choppy. If you suffer from seasickness, contact the tour company before booking.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations protecting endemic birds and their flight paths.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather.