Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach

The best part of this trip is the chance to combine a small-boat sailing day with the Marietas Islands, a protected group of rocky islands north of Puerto Vallarta. You get time in the water, a meal, drinks after the activities, and possible views of dolphins, whales, and blue-footed boobies.

I like the attentive crew and the mix of snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sailing. I also like that the boat can feel more personal than a large party cruise, though the advertised maximum of seven people has not always matched the number actually aboard. Snorkeling conditions can also be less clear and less exciting than you expect.

Key Points

• Marietas Islands setting: Cruise north from Nuevo Vallarta to a small, protected island group known for sea life and unusual rock formations.
• Water activities: Use the supplied mask, snorkel, and life vest, then try paddleboards when conditions allow.
• Love Beach access: Entry is controlled by the marine park, optional, and not guaranteed for every person on the boat.
• Wildlife sightings: You might see dolphins, whales, and blue-footed boobies, especially during the boat ride and around the islands.
• Food and drinks: Continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch are included, with alcoholic drinks available only after water activities.
• Extra costs: Budget for the MX$35 port tax and MX$85 island conservation fee per person.

Sailing North From Paradise Village

This seven-hour outing begins at the Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. You arrange your own way to the marina, since transportation to and from the pier is not included.

That detail matters. If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta, allow extra time and money for the trip across the bay to Nuevo Vallarta. The meeting point is specific, and the boat returns there at the end, so do not confuse this with a downtown Puerto Vallarta departure.

The listed price is $99 per person. That is a fair price for a full day on the water when you add breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and the open bar after swimming. Still, the final cost is higher once you add the MX$35 port tax and MX$85 conservation fee. The total also excludes transport to the marina and a new snorkel tube if you want to purchase one onboard.

The boat ride is part of the appeal. This is not simply a transfer to an island followed by a timed swim. The crew may sail for much of the return journey, and the trip can include wildlife watching along the way. One account described whales close to the boat, while others noted dolphins on the return and blue-footed boobies near the islands. Wildlife is never promised, but the open-water ride gives you a real chance to see more than the islands themselves.

What the Seven-Hour Schedule Feels Like

The exact timing can shift with weather, sea conditions, and the day’s operation, but plan on spending most of the day aboard. You can expect a continental breakfast early in the outing, followed by the boat ride toward the islands and time for water activities.

The pace suits people who enjoy a full day at sea rather than a quick sightseeing stop. You will have periods of movement, swimming, sitting, eating, and watching the water. Bring patience if the trip runs on island conditions rather than a tightly fixed city-tour schedule.

The small-boat format is appealing for people who dislike huge crowds. One account appreciated having a smaller group, but also reported 13 people aboard despite a maximum of seven shown when booking. That is an important point to clarify before paying. A boat with seven people feels intimate. A boat with 13 feels quite different, especially when everyone is using the swim area or waiting for access to Love Beach.

The crew has received strong praise for staying involved throughout the day. Captain Luis and crew members such as Gustavo have been singled out by name, and the crew may organize games or group activities on the return ride. That friendly energy helps keep a long boat ride from feeling flat.

Marietas Islands: Rocks, Birds, and Open Water

The Marietas Islands are small islands north of Vallarta, reached by boat across the bay. Their appeal comes from the mix of steep rock, ocean views, seabirds, and the chance to get into the water near a protected marine area.

You may spend about two hours around the islands. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, and look for birds, but it is not an all-day island stay. Think of this as a boat-based marine outing, not a relaxed beach picnic with unlimited shore time.

The islands are especially appealing to anyone interested in wildlife. Blue-footed boobies have been spotted here, along with other birds. If you enjoy bird watching, bring a small camera or binoculars if you have room, but protect both from spray. Dolphins and whales may also appear during the crossing or return trip.

The setting is scenic even when wildlife stays out of sight. You get the changing view of Bahia de Banderas, the island rocks, and the simple pleasure of being away from the hotel strip for a few hours. The strongest memories may come from the boat ride itself rather than from a single formal sightseeing stop.

Snorkeling: Expect a Swim, Not a Reef Resort

Snorkeling is included, and the operator provides snorkeling gear and a life vest. The equipment is described as well sanitized, and new snorkel tubes are available to buy onboard if you prefer a fresh mouthpiece.

The quality of the snorkeling depends heavily on water clarity and your comfort in open water. One detailed account found the swim challenging and said fish were easiest to see close to the rocks. That is useful advice if your standard is the clear, easy snorkeling found in places such as Hawaii.

You should be ready for swimming rather than simply floating over a bright coral garden. Water conditions may limit visibility, and the best fish viewing may happen near rocky areas. If you are not a confident swimmer, use the life vest and listen closely to the crew before entering the water.

I would still pack a rash guard, sunscreen that is suitable for marine areas, and a towel. The water portion can be more physically demanding than the words snorkeling and beach suggest. If you want a calm, shallow-water experience with guaranteed clear visibility, this may not be the right choice.

Paddleboards and the Optional Love Beach Visit

Paddleboards are included, giving you another way to enjoy the water without spending the whole activity wearing a mask and snorkel. They add variety, especially if snorkeling visibility is only fair.

Love Beach, also called Playa del Amor, is the famous attraction many people picture when they hear about the Marietas Islands. Access is controlled by the marine park and is optional. It is not automatically included for everyone, and availability is limited.

This is the most important expectation to manage before booking. A report from the boat described only two of 13 people being allowed onto the beach. The exact process is controlled by the marine park, so do not assume that paying for the sailing trip guarantees time on Love Beach.

You may still have a very good day without setting foot on the beach. Swimming, paddleboarding, bird watching, and the boat ride remain part of the outing. But if Love Beach is the main reason you want to visit the islands, ask the operator how access is allocated on your date and what extra fee applies. The provided details identify access as optional and controlled, and they also list a separate conservation fee.

Breakfast, Lunch, and the Onboard Bar

Food is one of the more practical strengths of this outing. A continental breakfast is included, followed by a deli-style lunch. That means you do not need to spend the day hunting for food near the islands, and the meal breaks up the long hours on the boat.

The food has received especially good marks, with lunch described as delicious or excellent. Still, the description is deli-style rather than a full restaurant meal, so set your expectations accordingly. If you have dietary restrictions, confirm what can be provided before departure because no special menu details are given.

The domestic open bar includes alcoholic drinks, but service begins only after water activities. This is a sensible safety rule. Do not expect cocktails while you are preparing to snorkel or paddleboard.

Drink plenty of water before and during the trip, even if the bar opens later. Sun, wind, salt, and swimming can wear you down quickly. The atmosphere becomes more social on the return ride, when the crew may serve drinks and involve people in onboard activities.

The Biggest Practical Concern: Booking and Group Size

The tour is sold with a maximum of seven people, yet one booking did not match that figure and had 13 people aboard. That discrepancy should not be ignored. Group size affects personal space, equipment access, the feel of the boat, and the odds of getting time at a controlled attraction such as Love Beach.

There has also been at least one serious reservation problem in which a confirmation did not appear in the boat operator’s records. The boat itself was described as good, but the booking handoff failed. A separate departure was canceled at 10 p.m. the night before, leaving little time to find another activity.

These are not reasons to dismiss the trip, but they are reasons to protect your plans. Confirm the meeting point, departure details, and operator contact information before the day of the tour. Keep your confirmation available, and if anything looks unclear, resolve it before you are standing at the pier.

The stated cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund. Since this is a sea trip, that weather clause is worth noting before you build your whole day around it.

Who Will Get the Most From This Trip

I would choose this outing if you want several activities in one day and enjoy being on the water. It suits couples, friends, and active families who are comfortable with swimming, boat travel, and a flexible schedule.

It is also a good match for people who care about the journey as much as the destination. The chance to see whales or dolphins, spot boobies, sail part of the way home, and spend time with an involved crew gives the day more texture than a simple island shuttle.

I would be cautious if your top priority is guaranteed beach access, crystal-clear snorkeling, or a very quiet boat. Love Beach is controlled by the marine park, and snorkeling conditions can be mixed. You should also confirm the expected group size if the small-boat setting is central to your decision.

The tour is described as suitable for most people, but the water activities still call for basic comfort around the sea. Anyone with mobility, medical, or swimming concerns should ask the operator specific questions before booking, since detailed accessibility information is not provided.

Should You Book Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach?

Book it if you want a full seven-hour sea adventure with food, drinks after swimming, paddleboards, and several possible wildlife sightings. The strongest parts are the island setting, the crew’s friendly service, the excellent food reports, and the chance to sail rather than spend the whole day on a large motorboat.

Book with care if Love Beach is your must-see goal. Access is controlled and not guaranteed, and extra port and conservation fees raise the true cost above the advertised $99. I would also confirm the reservation directly and ask about the actual group size.

For the right person, this is a lively and varied day around the Marietas Islands. Just treat snorkeling and beach access as conditional parts of the outing, not promises, and you will make a more informed choice.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach tour?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the Paradise Village Public Pier.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Transportation to and from the marina is not included, so you must arrange your own way to Paradise Village Public Pier.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and a life vest are included, as are paddleboards. New snorkel tubes can be purchased onboard.

Is access to Love Beach guaranteed?

No. Access is optional and controlled by the marine park. The information provided does not guarantee entry for every person on the boat.

What extra fees should I expect?

The port tax is MX$35 per person, and the Marietas Islands conservation fee is MX$85 per person. These charges are not included in the $99 tour price.