Full Day Tour Isla Marietas with Meals and Open Bar

The big draw here is the Marietas Islands, where blue-footed boobies, dolphins, humpback whales, colorful fish, caves, and the famous Playa del Amor can turn a long day at sea into a memorable one. The islands sit off Nayarit’s coast, and whale sightings are most likely from December through March.

I like the range of included activities: you can snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, and take the catamaran rather than merely ride out for a quick photo stop. I also like that breakfast, lunch, and drinks are provided, which matters on a six- to seven-hour outing.

The catch is time. The ride can take about two hours each way, while the actual swim and beach portion may last only 20 to 30 minutes. Strong swimming ability is important, and the extra fees and changing details about the open bar should be understood before you board.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride is the main event: Allow roughly two hours each way, with the islands reached after a long run across Banderas Bay.
• Water skills matter: Swimming from a smaller boat toward shore can be difficult in choppy water and currents.
• Hidden Beach is not guaranteed: Access is limited, may operate only Wednesday through Sunday, and can involve an extra charge.
• Meals are simple: Breakfast may be eggs and chilaquiles, while lunch has been described as sandwiches, pasta salad, and chicken or tuna salad.
• Alcohol may be served later: Soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are available, but alcoholic drinks may begin only after water activities.
• The group can be large: The maximum is 80 people, so expect a social, busy shared excursion rather than a quiet boat trip.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta at 8:15 in the morning

You meet at the Terminal Maritima API on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Las Glorias area. The agency, Beach Boy Agency, is on the second floor, and the stated start time is 8:15 am. That sounds simple, but getting the meeting point right matters here. One person reported receiving an incorrect address, so I would save the exact terminal location and confirm the agency entrance before leaving your hotel.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Its advertised length is six to seven hours, but some outings have run considerably longer, with returns reported as late as 6:45 pm. If you have a cruise departure, dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another tour later that day, leave a generous cushion.

This is a shared catamaran excursion with a maximum group size of 80. That is a substantial boatload of people. The upside is a lively atmosphere, plenty of crew interaction, and a lower price than a private charter. The downside is slower boarding, more waiting, and less freedom to adjust the schedule.

Breakfast is served during the early part of the trip. Expect something basic rather than a full restaurant meal. Chilaquiles and eggs have been mentioned, along with descriptions closer to a continental breakfast. I would eat a light snack before boarding, especially if you are prone to seasickness or know you will want energy for snorkeling.

The long crossing to the Marietas Islands

The trip to the islands is scenic, but it is not quick. Plan on roughly two hours each way, depending on sea conditions and the day’s schedule. That means a large share of your excursion is spent aboard the catamaran, not on a beach or in the water.

This matters when you compare the $115 price with shorter Marietas trips. You are paying for transportation, equipment, food, crew, and several water activities, but you are not buying hours of free time on land. If your goal is simply to stand on Playa del Amor, this may feel inefficient.

On the other hand, the crossing can be part of the experience. You might see dolphins, and from December through March there is a chance of spotting humpback whales. One particularly memorable account described a whale circling the catamaran and breaching several times. Such sightings are never guaranteed, but they can completely change the value of the day.

The islands are also known for marine life and unusual rock formations. Blue-footed boobies have been spotted, along with colorful reef fish such as pufferfish. The scenery around the volcanic islands is the reason to make the journey, even if your time in the water is short.

Crew members have been described as friendly, energetic, and efficient, though communication can be uneven. The tour is offered in English, but some onboard explanations may be given in Spanish first, with English following. If you need clear instructions for swimming, snorkeling, or safety, ask directly rather than assuming every announcement will be easy to follow.

Reaching the protected waters

The Marietas Islands are protected, and that affects what you can carry and do. The water entry is not a casual walk from a broad sandy beach. You may transfer from the catamaran to a smaller boat, then swim toward shore or through a cave, depending on the activity available that day.

The water can be choppy, and currents may push you toward rocks. Several accounts describe the swim to the beach as longer and harder than expected. I would not book this outing if you are an uncertain swimmer, tire quickly in open water, or dislike being near rocks in moving seas.

Snorkeling equipment is included: fins, a vest, and a snorkel. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available. These inclusions give the day more variety, but the amount of time for each activity can be limited. Snorkeling has been described as lasting about 20 minutes on some departures, so think of it as a quick look at the marine life rather than a full reef session.

The equipment and transfer boats have received mixed descriptions. Some people found the crew professional and the activities enjoyable, while others felt the catamaran and skiff were dated. That does not automatically make the trip unsafe, but it does set expectations. You are choosing a practical, high-capacity excursion rather than a polished luxury cruise.

There are also environmental rules. You may be told not to bring hats, glasses, or water shoes into the water because anything lost could pollute the protected area. Sunscreen instructions may be strict as well. One account says participants were asked not to apply sunblock for 30 minutes before arriving at the island in order to take part in water activities. Follow the crew’s directions and ask what is permitted before you leave the main boat.

Playa del Amor and the short shore visit

The famous Playa del Amor, often called Hidden Beach, is the most sensitive part of the itinerary. It is not simply a guaranteed beach stop included with every booking. Capacity is limited, access may depend on the day, and an additional payment can apply.

The supplied tour details list a Sermarnat conservation bracelet at $220 MXN, payable when boarding, plus a Marietas National Natural Park admission fee of MX$33 per person. Separate accounts have cited different amounts, including a port fee of about MX$34 and a reserve fee of MX$150. Because the figures do not line up perfectly, I would ask for the current total before departure.

Access to Playa del Amor involves a helmet and a swim through a narrow, rocky passage. You need to be comfortable in rough water and able to follow instructions closely. The setting can be extraordinary, but the visit may be only 20 to 30 minutes, and you cannot expect to lounge there with a bag, hat, or camera gear.

Some departures do not enter the beach at all. Instead, the crew may offer an ecological boat tour around the islands, pointing out craters and the cave entrance from the water. This can be a good alternative if you do not want to swim, but it may cost extra. Clarify exactly what is included before paying onboard.

The limited shore time is the key tradeoff. You get a rare look at a protected site that is difficult to reach independently, but you may spend more time preparing, transferring, and swimming than actually sitting on the sand. I would value it for the setting and the sense of access, not for a relaxed beach day.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding

For many people, the aquatic activities are the core of the trip. The package includes a snorkel, fins, and vest, along with kayaks and paddleboards. These give you several ways to enjoy the water, especially if you do not want to attempt the swim to Playa del Amor.

Do not expect unlimited use. The activities take place near the boat, and one account says kayaks and paddleboards were restricted to an area roughly 100 feet from the catamaran. Snorkeling time can also be brief, with about 20 minutes reported on some outings.

The water may be rough. Strong currents and sharp rocks make this a poor choice for anyone who is not confident in open-water conditions. Even competent swimmers should listen carefully to the crew and avoid treating the beach swim as a casual shortcut.

If you prefer to stay dry, the island viewing and nature boat ride may suit you better. You can see the rock formations and perhaps some birds without committing to the swim. Just remember that the alternate ecological tour has been sold as an extra activity, so ask about the price and schedule first.

Breakfast, lunch, and the open bar

Food is included, but it is best viewed as fuel rather than a reason to book. Breakfast may include eggs and chilaquiles, while lunch has been described as a sandwich with pasta salad and chicken, tuna, or vegetarian salad. Some people found the meals adequate, while others considered the quality poor.

There have also been complaints about food running out. That is especially frustrating on a full day at sea, so eat something before boarding and bring any permitted personal snacks if you need a dependable option. Do not assume the meal will match a hotel buffet or restaurant lunch.

The phrase open bar requires careful reading. Soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are part of the beverage service, but alcohol may be offered only after snorkeling and other water activities. Some accounts describe alcoholic drinks as available mainly during the two-hour return trip.

That timing has a sensible safety reason, particularly when swimming near rocks. Still, it is different from an all-day bar. If you are booking because of the drinks, ask precisely what is included, when alcohol begins, and what brands or types are available. Reports describe a limited selection rather than a premium bar.

Crew members may also offer snacks, raffle tickets, photographs, or extra excursions. Photography is not provided by the agency as part of the package, and any photographer selling that service is separate from the operator. You are not required to buy extras, so decide in advance what you want to spend.

Is $115 good value?

At $115 per person, this tour can be fair value if you plan to use the equipment, eat the included meals, enjoy the boat ride, and hope for marine life. Transport to a protected island, snorkeling gear, kayaking, paddleboarding, breakfast, lunch, and drinks add up quickly when purchased separately.

The price looks less attractive if your main goal is the beach. You may spend four hours or more in transit and only a short period near shore. Add the conservation bracelet, park admission, possible port charges, and any fee for Playa del Amor or the ecological boat ride, and your actual cost rises.

I see this as a budget-minded, full-day group cruise rather than a carefully paced island expedition. It can deliver terrific moments, especially a whale sighting, dolphins, unusual birds, or a glimpse through the cave. But those highlights depend on weather, wildlife, availability, and your willingness to accept a crowded schedule.

The overall rating supplied for the activity is 3.8 out of 5 from 60 ratings. That fits the pattern: strong praise for the crew, scenery, whales, dolphins, fish, and overall fun, alongside serious complaints about long transit times, brief water sessions, unclear fees, food, and the open-bar wording.

Who should book this Marietas Islands trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a lively day on the water and are happy to treat the journey as part of the outing. It suits confident swimmers, families and couples who enjoy several simple activities, and anyone excited by the possibility of whales, dolphins, birds, caves, and fish.

It is also a reasonable choice if you prefer a shared tour with meals and equipment already arranged. The crew’s friendly energy has been one of the stronger points, and the included kayak and paddleboard access gives you more to do than a basic sightseeing boat.

I would choose another option if you need a tight schedule, want a quiet small-group experience, or mainly want guaranteed time at Playa del Amor. A private trip may offer more control, though it will cost more. If you are not a strong swimmer, select an activity that lets you enjoy the islands without a difficult open-water transfer.

Book at least 24 hours before departure if your plans are uncertain. Cancellation is free up to that point, but cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded. Bad weather or failure to meet the minimum group size can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Final booking advice

Book this tour for the wildlife, boat day, and variety of water activities, not for a long beach stay or luxury service. Confirm the meeting point, total compulsory fees, Hidden Beach availability, meal details, and when the alcoholic bar opens before you pay.

If you can accept a dated boat, a possible two-hour ride each way, limited snorkeling time, and a large group, the Marietas Islands may reward you with the sort of unscripted wildlife encounter that no schedule can promise. If those compromises sound tiresome, spend more for a smaller, more focused outing.

FAQ

Where does the Marietas Islands tour start?

It starts at Terminal Maritima API, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta. The agency is on the second floor, and the stated start time is 8:15 am.

How long does the tour last?

The scheduled duration is approximately six to seven hours, and the activity returns to the original meeting point. Actual return times can be later, so leave extra time if you have evening plans.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included. Breakfast may include eggs and chilaquiles, while lunch may include a sandwich, pasta salad, and chicken, tuna, or vegetarian salad.

Is alcohol included in the open bar?

An open bar is included, along with soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee. Alcohol may be served only after the water activities and mainly during the return trip, so confirm the current arrangement before boarding.

Is the conservation bracelet included in the price?

No. The supplied details list a Sermarnat conservation bracelet costing $220 MXN, payable when boarding. A separate Marietas National Natural Park admission fee of MX$33 per person is also listed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather or an insufficient minimum group.