Full Day Tour Isla Marietas with Meals and Open Bar

The big draw here is the Marietas Islands, a protected cluster where you may see colorful fish, dolphins, seabirds, and humpback whales from December through March. The catamaran ride gives you a full day on the water, with snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, breakfast, lunch, and drinks included.

I like the chance to combine several water activities in one outing, and I like that the tour begins and ends at Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal. The crew is often described as friendly and energetic, and sightings of whales and dolphins can turn the long ride into a memorable day.

The main caution is time. The crossing can take close to two hours each way, while actual time near the island may be brief. If you want Hidden Beach, careful swimming is required, extra charges may apply, and daily access is limited.

Key Points Before You Reserve

• The boat ride can take much of the day: Plan for roughly six to seven hours, with reports of longer days when departure runs late.
• Hidden Beach is not a simple beach stop: Access requires a swim from a smaller boat through choppy water, and availability is limited.
• The package covers the basics: Snorkel gear, fins, vest, kayak, paddleboard, breakfast, lunch, and boat drinks are included.
• Extra fees are due at boarding: Budget for the listed conservation bracelet of MX$220 and the Marietas National Natural Park fee of MX$33.
• The group can reach 80 people: Expect a social, shared excursion rather than a quiet small-boat trip.
• Wildlife is a major reward: Dolphins are possible, and humpback whales are present from December through March.

What Your Puerto Vallarta Morning Looks Like

You meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, near Las Glorias. The Beach Boy Agency office is on the second floor. Allow enough time to find the agency, since the terminal area can be confusing and a wrong address or late arrival can throw off the whole morning.

This is a mobile-ticket experience offered in English, but the amount of English instruction can vary on the boat. If you need clear guidance for every activity, listen closely during the safety briefing and ask questions early. The tour can carry up to 80 people, so finding the right staff member is easier before everyone spreads across the catamaran.

The published duration is six to seven hours. In practice, the day may feel longer if departure is delayed or if you have a cruise-ship schedule to meet. I would not book this outing if you must be back at a precise hour. A return to the pier is included, but the timing on the water is not as tightly controlled as a museum visit or city walking tour.

The Catamaran Ride to Islas Marietas

The ride to the islands is part transportation and part entertainment. You travel by catamaran across Banderas Bay toward Nayarit, with the possibility of spotting dolphins along the way. From December through March, humpback whales use the waters around the Marietas Islands, and several strong sightings have been reported, including whales breaching near the boat.

That wildlife is the tour’s great wildcard. You cannot count on a whale or dolphin show, but the chance adds real value to the crossing. The islands also shelter seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, which are an unusual sight in this part of Mexico.

The tradeoff is speed. This is not a fast transfer. Some outings take close to two hours in each direction, leaving a limited window for swimming and island activities. If your main goal is to spend hours on a beach, this is the wrong format. You are buying a full marine excursion, not a quick ride to a resort beach.

The boat itself has drawn mixed reactions. Some people find it dated or basic, while others feel that the crew, scenery, and wildlife make up for the boat’s age. I would set your expectations at practical rather than polished. The advertised capacity of 80 means you should expect shared space, music or group entertainment, and a busy deck.

Snorkeling Around the Protected Islands

Snorkeling equipment is included: fins, a vest, and a snorkel. The water around the islands can reveal colorful fish, including pufferfish, and the marine setting is the reason this excursion exists. The protected status of the area also explains several rules that may surprise you.

Snorkeling time can be short, sometimes around 20 to 30 minutes according to the operating pattern described for this outing. That is enough for a taste of the reef and fish life, but not enough for a long, relaxed session. If snorkeling is your central purpose, ask before booking how much water time is planned on your date.

Conditions matter. Strong currents and choppy water can make entry and swimming tiring. You should be comfortable in open water and able to swim with confidence. The transfer from the catamaran to a smaller boat, followed by water access near shore, can be demanding for anyone who is not a strong swimmer.

The conservation rules are practical, not decorative. You may be asked to remove hats, glasses, and water shoes before entering the water so they do not fall into the protected sea. You also may not be allowed to apply sunscreen during the 30 minutes before water activities. Follow the crew’s instructions, and bring sun protection you can use at other points in the day.

Hidden Beach and Playa del Amor

The famous beach inside the island is the experience many people picture when they see photos of Marietas. It is not automatically part of the standard outing. Access may involve an additional charge, limited daily spaces, and operating days from Wednesday through Sunday.

The route requires a swim from a small boat toward the beach and through a low cave or rocky opening. You may receive a helmet for the passage. The swim is short for a strong swimmer but can feel long when the sea is rough, and the rocks leave little room for error.

Do not treat this as a gentle beach landing. You cannot simply walk ashore from the catamaran, place your towel on the sand, and spend the afternoon there. The time on the beach may be limited to around 20 to 30 minutes, and access can sell out before you arrive.

If Playa del Amor is your main reason for booking, confirm three things before paying: that it is available on your date, that space remains, and exactly how much the extra cost is. The standard package lists snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, but it does not list Hidden Beach admission as included.

For visitors who enjoy a physical challenge, the cave swim can be the day’s highlight. For anyone uncomfortable in waves, near rocks, or in confined passages, staying on the main boat and enjoying the marine activities is the better plan.

Kayaks, Paddleboards, and the Nature Option

Kayaking and paddleboarding are included, giving you a way to get off the main deck without committing to the swim toward the beach. The available area may be fairly close to the catamaran, so do not expect a long independent paddle around the islands.

Some departures also offer a separate nature boat ride around Isla del Amor. This is an observation and information trip from a smaller boat, not a chance to get out and spend time on the beach. It may carry an extra charge, so ask what is included before agreeing to it.

I see these activities as useful additions rather than the main event. They break up the long crossing and let you enjoy the water at your own pace for a while. Still, the exact order and duration of each activity can change, especially when the group is large or sea conditions are rough.

Breakfast, Lunch, and the Open Bar

Breakfast and lunch are included, but I would keep expectations modest. Breakfast has been described as eggs and chilaquiles in a simple, continental-style service. Lunch may include a sandwich, pasta salad, and chicken or tuna salad, with a vegetarian option noted by the operator.

The food is convenient, but it may not satisfy a large appetite after swimming. I would eat something light before boarding and bring no assumptions about a restaurant-quality meal. Food service can also run late in the day, depending on the activity schedule.

The open bar needs careful reading. Soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are part of the drink service, while alcoholic drinks may be served only after the water activities. On some outings, alcohol service begins during the return ride, around early afternoon. This restriction is sensible for safety, but it means you should not picture cocktails flowing from the moment you board.

Some people have found the selection basic, and extra sales for snacks, raffles, photographs, or add-on activities can make the day feel sales-focused. Bring cash only if you are comfortable with optional purchases, and remember that tips are not included.

The Real Cost at $115 Per Person

The listed price is $115 per person. That is not a bargain if you mainly want 30 minutes on a beach and a short snorkel. It becomes more reasonable if you plan to use the boat ride, wildlife viewing, included meals, snorkeling equipment, kayak, paddleboard, and drink service.

The extra charges matter. At boarding, the published information calls for a MX$220 conservation bracelet for the island. There is also a MX$33 admission fee for Marietas National Natural Park. These are small compared with the tour price, but they should be clearly included in your budget.

Hidden Beach access may cost extra, and other optional services can be offered during the trip. Ask about every fee before boarding, especially if your only goal is Playa del Amor. The strongest value comes when you treat this as an all-day boat outing with several possible activities, not as paid transportation to a beach.

The group size also affects value. Up to 80 people allows a lower shared price, but it can mean queues for equipment, less personal attention, and a noisier atmosphere. A private tour may give you more control over timing, but it will cost more.

Who Will Enjoy This Day on the Water

I would recommend this tour to you if you want variety and do not mind a long boat day. It suits confident swimmers, families who enjoy group activities, couples who want the chance to see whales, and people who like combining snorkeling, paddling, food, and sightseeing in one booking.

It is less suitable if you need quiet service, polished boats, fluent English guidance at every step, or a long beach stay. It is also a poor fit if you are not comfortable in rough open water or if you must return to a cruise ship at a strict time.

The strongest part of the experience is the setting. The Marietas Islands can deliver colorful fish, dolphins, unusual seabirds, and seasonal whales. The staff is often friendly and energetic, which helps during the long ride.

The weakest part is the mismatch between the grand island photographs and the limited time actually spent there. You may spend several hours reaching the islands for a short snorkel and a brief beach visit. Know that before you book, and the day makes more sense.

Practical Details That Matter

Confirmation arrives at booking, and most people can participate, but good swimming ability is important for the island water activities. The experience starts and ends at the maritime terminal, so plan your own transport to the meeting point.

Photographic services are not included. A separate seller may approach you, but the operator says it is an outside service and accepts no responsibility for it. You may want to bring a waterproof phone pouch, but do not assume you can take every personal item into the water.

The tour needs suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:15 a.m. start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should You Book the Marietas Islands Tour?

Book it if you want a social, full-day catamaran outing and value the chance to see marine life more than you value long hours on the sand. Bring a light breakfast snack, prepare for choppy water, budget the conservation and park fees, and confirm Hidden Beach availability before you commit.

Skip it if Playa del Amor is your only goal, if you dislike large groups, or if a two-hour boat ride each way sounds frustrating. At $115, the tour can be worthwhile for its wildlife, equipment, meals, and range of activities, but it is not a great deal for a quick beach visit. Your best decision comes down to one question: do you want a day on the water, or do you simply want to reach the beach?

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at the Terminal Maritima API, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:15 a.m. The agency is on the second floor of the terminal area.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is approximately six to seven hours. The actual day may run longer if departure is delayed or sea conditions affect the schedule.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included. The food service may include eggs and chilaquiles for breakfast, followed by lunch items such as a sandwich, pasta salad, and chicken, tuna, or vegetarian salad.

Is alcohol included in the open bar?

The boat includes an open bar, with soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee. Alcoholic drinks may be served after the aquatic activities, mainly during the return portion of the trip.

Are park and conservation fees included?

No. The listed additional charges are a MX$220 conservation bracelet for the island and a MX$33 Marietas National Natural Park admission fee. The bracelet is paid when boarding at the pier.

Is Hidden Beach included?

Hidden Beach is not listed among the included services. Access may require an extra payment, has limited daily availability, and is available Wednesday through Sunday according to the supplied tour information.