Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

The big draw here is a full-day boat trip to the Marietas Islands, with time for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, scenic views, and an optional visit to Hidden Beach. You’ll spend much of the day on the water, not walking around the islands, and the crossing can take about two hours each way.

I like the easy all-in-one setup: breakfast, lunch, gear, and drinks are handled for you. I also like the cheerful crew and the chance to spot whales during the crossing. The main caution is comfort: shade is limited, snorkeling conditions can be poor, and the $95.64 price does not cover all island and port charges.

Key points at a glance

• Two-hour boat ride each way: The crossing takes time, but it gives you open-water views and the chance of seeing whales.
• Water gear included: You get a vest, fins, snorkel, and your choice of a kayak or paddleboard.
• The boat is your base: You generally do not walk onto the main islands, and the optional Hidden Beach visit requires advance notice.
• Open bar begins after water activities: Lunch and drinks follow the active part of the day.
• Extra fees need checking: Listed charges include conservation and port fees, but the supplied details show different amounts.
• A maximum of 40 people: This is not a private cruise, but the group is limited enough to keep the outing organized.

The Marietas Islands are the main event

The Marietas Islands rise from the Pacific at the mouth of Bahia de Banderas. Their appeal is simple: dramatic rock formations, blue water, sea caves, and a setting that feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.

This excursion is best understood as a boat and water-activity day, not an island walking tour. You’ll cruise toward the islands, look for marine life, take photographs, and get into the water at designated points. A fast boat or special visit may take you near the island formations, but the main vessel does not function like a ferry that lets you wander ashore.

That distinction matters. If your dream is to stroll across the famous beach inside the rock, check exactly what the optional Hidden Beach portion includes before paying. It costs an additional $1,000 MXN, requires advance notice, and you must know how to swim. The regular outing still gives you the island scenery, but it may not deliver the classic beach experience you have seen in photographs.

Meeting at Puerto Magico at 9:00 a.m.

The tour begins at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, in Puerto Vallarta’s northern hotel zone. Arrive ready to register, identify yourself, and handle the required port and conservation payments before boarding.

The gathering and payment process takes about 30 minutes. Bring Mexican pesos if possible, since the listed charges are in MXN. The supplied information gives several different figures: one section lists a $120 MXN conservation fee and a $30 MXN port tax, for a total of $150 MXN. Another lists a $33 MXN port fee and a $180 MXN SEMARNAT conservation bracelet.

Because those amounts do not match, I would confirm the current total before departure. Treat the advertised price as the base cost, not the final amount, until the operator confirms every required fee. The optional Hidden Beach visit is separate and much more expensive.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. A mobile ticket is accepted, confirmation arrives at booking, and the operating language is English.

The long crossing through Bahia de Banderas

Once the boat leaves Puerto Vallarta, you have a substantial ride ahead. The overall trip lasts about eight to nine hours, and the crossing to the islands may take roughly one and a half to two hours each way.

That is a large portion of your day, so your expectations should be realistic. The ride is part of the experience, but it can feel long if you want constant action. One particularly good reason to enjoy the crossing is the chance of seeing whales. Sightings are not promised, yet some departures have had memorable encounters along the way.

Shade is limited on the boat. One account described only about a quarter of the seating area as shaded, so arriving early may help you claim a better spot. You should also expect a lot of sun, wind, and salt spray. The crew has advised avoiding sunscreen to protect the marine environment, which creates a practical problem on a long day at sea. Ask the operator in advance what type of sun protection is permitted and how the crew wants you to use it.

The boat ride can be social and fun, especially if you enjoy music, open water, and meeting other people. It is less suitable if you dislike extended periods on a moving vessel or need a quiet, shaded seat.

Breakfast makes the morning easier

A breakfast stop or meal is included during the trip toward the islands. This is a useful touch because the tour starts early and the morning crossing is long. You do not need to organize a separate meal before reaching the water.

The food is part of the value, but do not expect a restaurant-style dining experience. Meals are served as part of an active boat excursion, and conditions can be breezy or wet. Bring any personal snacks or special items you need, since the supplied details only promise breakfast and lunch, without listing menus or dietary choices.

The crew’s role also matters here. The strongest praise for this outing centers on the staff being friendly, helpful, and attentive. That can make a big difference when you are handling gear, entering the water, or settling into a crowded boat.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding near the islands

At the Marietas Islands, the outing shifts from sightseeing to water activities. Snorkeling equipment includes fins, a vest, and a snorkel. You can also use a kayak or paddleboard, giving you a quieter way to enjoy the rock formations than simply staying on the main boat.

The water portion is the most condition-dependent part of the day. Visibility and marine life can change, and one account described murky water with few fish. Jellyfish were also present during one outing, causing several stings. They may not appear every time, but you should listen closely to the crew before entering the water and decide how comfortable you are with the conditions that day.

Getting back onto the boat may require strength and assistance. The boat used on one outing did not have a ladder, and several people needed help climbing aboard. If you have limited mobility, difficulty pulling yourself up, or discomfort with open-water boarding, ask about the exact vessel and re-entry setup before booking.

The water activities are not necessarily rushed, but the timing is shared among the whole group. With a maximum of 40 people, you will not have the privacy of a small private charter. Still, the group size is manageable for a general excursion and gives the crew enough people to keep the day lively.

The optional Hidden Beach visit requires planning

The Hidden Beach portion is the most important extra to clarify. It costs $1,000 MXN, must be requested ahead of time, and requires good swimming ability.

Do not assume that buying the standard excursion automatically includes entry to the beach. The main experience may involve viewing the islands from the boat, snorkeling nearby, or taking a short ride around the formations. If Hidden Beach is your priority, contact Get Routa before the day of departure and confirm availability, timing, cost, and the exact physical requirements.

The beach visit may also change the rhythm of the day. You could have less time for other activities, and conditions at the islands can affect access. That is not a reason to skip it, but it is a reason to treat it as a special add-on rather than a guaranteed part of every outing.

Lunch and the open bar come after the active part

After the water activities, the boat returns to a more relaxed pace. Lunch is included, followed by the open bar. This order is sensible: you can enjoy the snorkeling and paddling first, then sit back with a drink rather than trying to combine alcohol and active water time.

The open bar is one of the tour’s strongest value points for people who want a carefree day. You do not need to keep buying drinks as the boat heads back to Puerto Vallarta. Food and beverages are already part of the plan, which makes the day easier for families and groups.

The experience is not only about scenery. It is also a social outing, with time to chat, eat, and enjoy the crew’s entertainment. If you prefer an independent schedule, a private boat or a smaller specialist trip may suit you better. If you like having meals, activities, and drinks arranged in one package, this format works well.

What the $95.64 price really covers

At $95.64 per person, the base price is reasonable for an eight to nine-hour day that includes transportation by boat, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, a kayak or paddleboard, and an open bar after the water activities.

The value improves if you plan to use the equipment and enjoy the full day. Buying meals, drinks, and a separate boat ride independently could cost more, while the organized format removes much of the planning.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want to reach the islands quickly, take a few photographs, and return. You are paying for a long crossing, food, activities, and time on the boat. It is also important to add the conservation and port charges, plus the optional $1,000 MXN Hidden Beach fee if you choose it.

I would budget beyond the advertised amount and confirm the fee discrepancy before booking. The experience provider is Get Routa, and the tour is commonly reserved about 22 days ahead, so popular dates may require planning.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full-service marine adventure rather than a quiet sightseeing cruise. Families with older children can enjoy the mix of boat time, paddling, snorkeling, food, and drinks. One family with children aged 8 to 15 had a particularly good time, which suggests the format can work well for active school-age kids and teenagers.

It also suits groups who value convenience. You have meals, gear, and drinks in one booking, and the crew helps keep the day moving. The maximum of 40 people gives the outing a shared, friendly feel without making it a huge ferry trip.

I would be cautious if you dislike long boat rides, need dependable shade, or expect excellent snorkeling every time. The ocean can bring jellyfish and poor visibility, and boarding from the water may be awkward. Anyone considering Hidden Beach must be a confident swimmer and arrange that portion in advance.

Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not promise wheelchair access or specialized assistance. If mobility is a concern, ask direct questions about the boat, boarding, ladder, and water-entry process before paying.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the operator also offers another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and all cut-off times use local Puerto Vallarta time.

For the day itself, wear swimwear and bring a towel, dry clothes, and a secure way to protect your phone. The tour includes gear, but the information does not say that lockers or dry storage are available, so keep valuables to a minimum.

I would also ask about the current sun-protection policy. The crew has emphasized protecting the marine environment by limiting sunscreen, but an all-day open-water trip requires careful planning. Confirm what is permitted rather than arriving with assumptions.

Should you book the Marietas Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a sociable, activity-filled day with food and drinks included, and you are happy spending several hours on a boat. The friendly crew, whale-spotting possibility, island scenery, included equipment, and open bar create solid value at the base price.

Skip it if the only thing you want is a guaranteed visit to Hidden Beach or clear, fish-filled snorkeling. The standard outing does not promise either, the optional beach costs extra, and sea conditions can change the water experience.

My advice is to confirm the current conservation and port fees, ask about sunscreen, and reserve the Hidden Beach add-on before departure if it is essential to you. With those details settled, this is a good fit for families, groups, and first-time visitors who want Puerto Vallarta’s islands handled in one long, lively day.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta, at 9:00 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight to nine hours, including the boat journey, island activities, meals, and return to Puerto Vallarta.

What is included in the price?

The price includes snorkeling equipment with fins, a vest, and snorkel, plus a kayak or paddleboard, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar on the boat after the water activities.

Is the Hidden Beach visit included?

No. Hidden Beach costs an additional $1,000 MXN. You must request it in advance, and good swimming ability is required.

Are conservation and port fees included?

The supplied details list these as additional charges, but the amounts differ between sections. One section lists $120 MXN for island conservation and $30 MXN for the port, while another lists a $180 MXN conservation bracelet and a $33 MXN port fee. Confirm the current amount before departure.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient participation cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.