Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

The Pacific puts on a good show here. Chica Locca Tours combines a boat party, wildlife cruise, and water-sports outing into a roughly six-hour trip to Marietas Islands National Park. I like the easy all-inclusive setup, with breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, gear, and a lively crew included. I also like the range of ways to enjoy the stop, from snorkeling and kayaking to floating on a mattress or taking the boat’s waterslide.

The main caution is physical: reaching the beach means entering the water, and some activities require jumping from a smaller boat into the ocean. Life jackets are required in the water, and a few people found the fit uncomfortable or the water entry hard on older knees and backs.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Wildlife can be a major bonus: From December through April, humpback whales may appear in Bay of Banderas, while dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds are possible year-round.

• The Hidden Beach costs extra: Access requires a limited permit booked in advance, with payment in pesos at check-in. It is not guaranteed by the standard tour.

• Food begins early: Breakfast is fresh fruit and pastries or a small muffin, followed by guacamole and chips, snacks, and a Mexican fajita lunch.

• The boat is built for fun: You get waterslides, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, floating mattresses, water tubes, shaded areas, music, and an open bar.

• Expect a social atmosphere: The maximum group size is 66 people, and the cruise director keeps the music, dancing, and drinks moving.

• Bring water-ready gear: A phone case, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and secure footwear will make the day much easier.

What You Get for $110

At $110 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing boat. It is a packaged day with food, drinks, equipment, entertainment, and access to a protected marine park. I think the price makes sense if you plan to use several parts of the package, especially the open bar and water toys.

The food and drinks begin soon after departure. You receive fruit and pastries or a small muffin for breakfast, guacamole and chips during the cruise, and a lunch of Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available if you request them when booking.

Breakfast is the weakest part for hungry people. Several people found the early serving light, especially because lunch does not arrive until after the island activities. I would eat something before departure or bring an extra snack if you need a substantial morning meal. The tour includes food, but breakfast is not a full restaurant-style meal.

The premium beverage service includes coffee, juices, sodas, water, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18. This is a real advantage for anyone who wants a carefree day on the water, though the party atmosphere may not suit someone hoping for a quiet nature cruise.

Boarding at Bay of Banderas

The day begins at a designated meeting point near public transportation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so choose the meeting place carefully when you reserve. If you are coming from Sayulita, transportation to the marina may involve a bus ride of about 50 minutes each way, with traffic affecting the return.

The boat holds up to 66 people. That is a sizable group, but the boat has both sunny and shaded seating, and one person described having plenty of room. Comfort depends on how full the departure is and where you settle in. If loud music bothers you, bring that preference into your decision. The crew creates an energetic setting, not a hushed one.

The opening cruise takes about an hour, though the full schedule divides the day into several sections. The crew introduces the cruise director, photographer, and staff, then begins beverage service. Crew members named in particularly positive feedback include Raul, Alex, and Saul, though the exact team may vary by departure.

A photographer follows the day and takes candid and action photos in and out of the water. The photo package is not included, but you can view and purchase images later if you did not reserve it ahead of time.

The Cruise Along the North Shore

The ride to the islands is part of the attraction. You cruise along the North Shore of Bay of Banderas, with tropical coastline and open ocean views. From December through April, humpback whales pass through these waters. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the crew watches for whales and other marine life throughout the route.

Dolphins, sea turtles, rays, seabirds, and tropical fish are also possible. The boat may pause when wildlife appears, giving you time to watch rather than simply speeding past. Whale sightings can turn an ordinary transfer into the highlight of the day, especially during the winter season.

This is also when the social side of the trip gets going. Drinks circulate, music plays, and people settle into the boat’s party rhythm. If you want a peaceful ride, the shaded seating may help, but you should not expect silence. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, and solo visitors can fit in easily because the crew actively engages with people.

Arriving at Playa la Nopalera

By late morning, the boat reaches the Marietas Islands National Park area and anchors for the main activities. The islands are protected, so access is controlled and the schedule depends on sea conditions, tides, permits, and park rules.

A guided group may swim, kayak, paddle, or snorkel toward Playa la Nopalera. The beach area offers sand, caves, clear water when conditions are favorable, tropical fish, coral, and seabirds. This is the natural centerpiece of the day, but it is not a simple walk from the boat. You need to be comfortable in the ocean and able to manage the transfer from boat to water.

A key detail gets lost in many short tour descriptions: the water entry can require jumping from a smaller boat into ocean waves. Some people found this easy and exciting. Others wanted to use a ladder, especially for an older family member, but were still directed to jump. If you have knee, back, balance, or mobility concerns, ask about the entry process before booking.

You also need to wear a life jacket in the water. This requirement comes from Marietas Islands National Park authorities, according to the operator. Some people found the jackets itchy, chafing, or difficult to adjust. For strong swimmers, the rule can feel restrictive, but it is part of the protected-park operating conditions.

Hidden Beach: Worth the Extra Permit?

The famous Hidden Beach is not included automatically. It requires a limited permit, an additional fee, and advance arrangements. Payment is made in pesos at check-in, and you should notify the company after booking if you want the operator to help reserve a permit.

This is the most important expectation to set before you go. The regular visit to Playa la Nopalera is not the same as guaranteed access to Hidden Beach. Ocean conditions, tides, daily permits, and timing can prevent entry, even when you have planned for it. One delayed departure caused a family to miss the beach because the tide became too high.

If you receive a permit and conditions cooperate, the experience involves swimming through the water to reach the beach. That effort is part of the appeal, but it also means the add-on is not suitable for someone who wants a dry, easy island visit. I would pay for it only if you are comfortable swimming in a life jacket and accept that nature and park controls may change the plan.

The extra access is valuable for people who specifically want the iconic beach and caves. It is less important if your main goal is whale watching, open-water play, drinks, and time on the boat.

Water Sports and Time at Anchor

After the beach and snorkeling portion, you return to the main boat for lunch. Then the floating fun continues for about two hours. You can use snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, water tubes, and a floating mattress. The waterslide adds a playful touch, especially for families and groups of friends.

The boat setup lets you choose your level of effort. You can snorkel, paddle, swim, jump from the boat, relax under a canopy, or stay dry and watch the activity. That flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest features. A family can split up for a while and still share the same outing.

Water conditions matter. Some people found snorkeling rewarding, while others experienced murky water or felt the session was rushed. Snorkeling around the islands is best treated as a chance to see marine life, not as a guaranteed clear-water reef excursion. If conditions are poor, the kayaks, slide, floating gear, wildlife watching, and boat atmosphere become more important.

Children can participate, and the crew has earned praise for helping young kids. However, child-size snorkeling gear may not be available. If your child needs a particular size, bring your own equipment or ask before departure.

Lunch, Music, and the Ride Home

Lunch is served after the island activities, with fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas. The food receives generally strong praise, though a few people describe it as average. I would rate it as useful and satisfying for an active day, but I would not book this trip mainly for fine dining.

The open bar remains available throughout the return. The cruise director acts as the master of ceremonies, so the ride back can include dancing, music, drinks, and casual conversation. Some people love this final stretch because the day keeps its energy until the dock. Others may find the music loud or the party tone tiring after several hours in the sun.

The crew continues watching for whales and other marine life. A return sighting can add one more memorable moment, especially in the humpback season. If no wildlife appears, you still have the coastline, ocean breeze, drinks, and music to fill the ride.

Service and Safety

The crew is the tour’s most consistently praised feature. Staff members are described as attentive, friendly, caring, and quick to help people get on and off the boat. They look after solo participants, children, and people who need extra support.

That good service does not erase the need for personal preparation. The boat crew can help, but they cannot remove the physical demands of swimming from a boat, climbing a ladder, or moving in ocean conditions. Tell the crew early if you need assistance, and do not assume that every water entry will be gentle.

The tour is listed as suitable for most people, but the activity level is real. You should be comfortable around open water and able to participate in the required safety procedures. Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations and concern for endemic birds.

What to Pack

Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-friendly sunscreen if available, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof phone pouch. One of the most practical tips from the day is to protect your phone before you start swimming. There is plenty of water activity, and a loose phone can quickly become a lost phone.

Wear secure footwear for the boat and island area. Flip-flops may be fine for lounging, but they are less helpful on wet surfaces or around caves. If you are coming from Sayulita, a small shopping mall near the meeting point may have last-minute supplies.

I would also bring a light layer for the ride back, though the provided details do not promise a specific clothing setup. Keep valuables limited, and remember that the photographer may offer paid images after taking photos during the day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

I would choose this outing if you want a social boat day with a lot included. It suits families, couples, friend groups, and solo visitors who like music, drinks, wildlife, and active water time. Families especially benefit from having several choices, since one child can use the slide while another parent relaxes in the shade.

It is also a good fit if you want to see Marietas without arranging separate meals, water gear, and transport plans. The price covers the parts that often add up on a boat trip.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet nature excursion, a guaranteed Hidden Beach visit, or a polished snorkeling trip with unlimited time in clear water. I would also think carefully if you have difficulty jumping into the sea, wearing a life jacket, or climbing back aboard.

The tour has a 4.8 rating from 690 reviews, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. Those numbers fit the pattern of the experience: service and atmosphere are the great strengths, while beach access, food expectations, water clarity, crowding, and equipment comfort can vary.

Should You Book the Marietas Islands Tour?

Book it if you want an all-day ocean outing with excellent crew service, a lively group mood, wildlife chances, and plenty of included food, drinks, and water toys. The best value comes when you use the boat as a floating playground rather than treating it as a simple ride to an island.

Before paying, confirm your meeting point, ask about transportation if you are staying in Sayulita, and decide if you want to request the limited Hidden Beach permit. Prepare for a light breakfast, mandatory life jacket use, and a possible jump into the water.

I think this is a strong choice for an active, social day in Puerto Vallarta. Just do not buy it expecting a guaranteed beach visit or a quiet cruise. The islands provide the setting, but Chica Locca’s crew, food, drinks, music, and attentive service provide most of the tour’s lasting appeal.

FAQ

How long does the Marietas Islands tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. The schedule includes the cruise to the islands, island activities, lunch, more time on the water, and the return cruise.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit and pastries or a small muffin. Guacamole and chips are served during the cruise, and lunch includes Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The premium open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other beverages. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is Hidden Beach included in the price?

No. Hidden Beach requires a separate permit and extra fee. Access is limited, must be arranged in advance, and depends on permits, tides, weather, and sea conditions.

What water activities are available?

You can use snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, floating mattresses, water tubes, and waterslides. The visit may also include swimming and paddling toward Playa la Nopalera.

Do I need to wear a life jacket?

Yes. Life jackets are required while you are in the water under the park’s rules.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must choose a meeting place when making the reservation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.