Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

The biggest draw here is the chance to turn one day into a full water adventure: dolphins and seasonal humpback whales on the ride, snorkeling around the Marietas Islands, and a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas Beach. I like the mix of wildlife watching and hands-on activities, and I especially like that the crew keeps the mood lively without leaving you to figure out the equipment alone.

I also like the generous drinks service and the beautiful lunch setting. Guides such as Pancho and Dani have earned praise for their energy, humor, and care. The catch is simple: most of the seven-hour tour is spent on the boat, and the time for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding can feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Whale watching is seasonal: Humpback whales, dolphins, and manta rays may appear during the cruise, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
• Three water-based stops shape the day: You visit Banderas Bay, the Marietas Islands, and Majahuitas Beach.
• Activity time is limited: Snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP are included, but you may need to choose quickly and move efficiently.
• The BBQ lunch is a major strength: Majahuitas provides a scenic beach setting, generous food, and drinks.
• This is a social boat day: Music, an open bar, and a comedy-style crew performance suit people who enjoy group entertainment.
• Bring cash and a towel: The MX$40 port fee and MX$20 conservation fee are separate, and towels are not provided.

What this Puerto Vallarta boat tour is really like

This is not a quiet nature cruise or a small private charter. It is a full-day group outing built around a comfortable boat, ocean views, wildlife watching, water sports, food, drinks, and entertainment.

You meet at Puerto Magico in the Hotel Zone at 7:00 a.m. The tour lasts about seven hours and returns to the same meeting point. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina.

The boat carries up to 100 people. That number matters. You get a social atmosphere, plenty of crew support, and a steady flow of activities, but you will not have the privacy or flexible timing of a small-group excursion.

At check-in, bring Mexican cash for the MX$40 port fee per person and the MX$20 conservation fee per person. Those charges add MX$60 to the advertised $99 price, making the basic cost $99 plus the required local fees. Tips are not listed as included, so pesos are also useful if you want to thank the crew.

Cruising Banderas Bay for dolphins and whales

The first part of the outing takes place on Banderas Bay. This is when you settle into the boat, watch the shoreline recede, and scan the water for Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins.

The guides provide commentary about the marine mammals and point out activity on the water. You may see dolphins swimming beside the boat or playing in its wake, but it is wise to treat sightings as a bonus rather than a promise.

The cruise continues toward the northern end of the bay and the Marietas Islands. In whale season, usually the more promising time for humpback sightings, the crew may slow down when whales appear. Some outings have included dramatic breaching, tail slaps, and whales swimming close to the boat.

Giant manta rays and local seabirds are also possible. Blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds are among the species you may spot around the rocky islands.

This wildlife portion can be the highlight of the day, especially if you see a whale breach while everyone is gathered on deck. It also explains why the tour spends so much time traveling. The boat must cover a fair stretch of Banderas Bay, and nature does not operate on a fixed schedule.

The Marietas Islands are about rocks, birds, and water

The Marietas Islands are a protected group of rocky islands at the mouth of Banderas Bay. Their appeal comes from the steep rock formations, seabirds, clear ocean views, and fish-rich water around the islands.

This tour does not visit the famous Hidden Beach. That point is important because some people book a Marietas trip expecting the iconic enclosed beach. Here, the focus is on viewing the islands from the boat and using the surrounding water for snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

The guides help organize the water activities and provide the necessary equipment. You can snorkel among the rocks, paddle a kayak, or try SUP. The tour description presents these as choices, and the timing means you may not get a long session with every activity.

Several people have found the snorkeling enjoyable, with fish and interesting underwater habitat. Conditions vary greatly, though. During the rainy season, runoff can make the water murky, and the visibility may be disappointing. The water can also feel cold at certain times of year, so ask about wetsuit availability if you are sensitive to chilly water.

If you have snorkeled in Hawaii or the Caribbean, keep your expectations measured. The Marietas experience is about combining several activities in a striking setting, not delivering a long, crystal-clear reef session.

There is no dock at the island stops. You jump from the boat into the water and climb back aboard using small metal ladders. That requires a moderate level of fitness and enough confidence in the water to manage the transfer.

Majahuitas Beach brings the best meal of the day

The final major stop is Majahuitas Beach, where the BBQ lunch is served. This setting is one of the strongest reasons to consider the tour.

The meal includes BBQ food, side dishes, and refreshing drinks. Food described during the outing has included sandwich fixings, potato salad, and pasta salad, though the exact menu may vary. Several accounts describe lunch as better than expected and, in some cases, one of the best meals of a Puerto Vallarta stay.

The beach setting gives you a welcome change from the boat. You can walk on shore, take in the scenery, and spend time around the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding may also be available here, but this is where the schedule can feel tight.

A buffet line and the number of people on the tour can take up part of your beach time. If you want to use a kayak or paddleboard, do not linger over lunch and assume you will have plenty of time later. The activity window may be brief.

Some outings have also included other beach activities, but the core information for this experience is snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP. Do not book it expecting a leisurely afternoon with unlimited time on shore.

The crew makes this more than a transport service

The crew is a major part of the experience. Pancho has been singled out for his guiding, service, and stage presence, while Dani and Danny have also received strong praise. Names and assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: this is a crew-led experience rather than a self-guided boat ride.

Crew members shift between safety support, wildlife commentary, equipment help, drink service, and entertainment. They may also put on a choreographed music or lip-sync show toward the end of the cruise.

That performance is not an incidental detail. It is a defining feature of the atmosphere, and it gives the return journey a party feel. If you enjoy music, joking around, and a crew that interacts directly with the group, you may find the ride home just as memorable as the island stops.

If you prefer quiet observation, the music and show may feel excessive. One family found the music too loud at times, while other passengers considered the entertainment one of the best parts of the day. This is a good tour for people who want fun and social energy, not silence and solitude.

Food and drinks: strong value, with one morning caveat

The $99 price includes the BBQ lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayak equipment, and SUP use. The open onboard bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices, though alcohol may not be served until after the snorkeling portion.

That timing is sensible. You need a clear head for swimming, climbing the boat ladder, and handling water equipment. The crew also keeps drinks moving during the cruise, which helps make the long boat sections more comfortable.

The morning start is early. The supplied tour details specifically include lunch, not a guaranteed breakfast, so I would eat before leaving or carry something permitted for the early hours. Some departures have offered light items such as fruit, pastries, coffee, and juice, but you should not count on a full breakfast unless the operator confirms it for your date.

Bring your own water bottle if you prefer one, although drinks are available onboard. A towel is not provided. Wear clothing and shoes that you do not mind getting wet, since you may jump into the water and climb back onto the boat.

The main drawback is the ratio of boat time to activity time

The clearest weakness is the schedule. You visit three areas during a seven-hour outing, but the Marietas Islands and Majahuitas Beach are separated by boat travel.

One account estimated that more than 90 percent of the day was spent onboard, with roughly 30 minutes for snorkeling. Other experiences felt more balanced, but the warning is useful. The tour gives you a taste of several activities rather than extended time for one.

At Majahuitas, lunch lines and the walk between the beach and boat can reduce your free time. You may need to choose between eating slowly, relaxing on shore, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The itinerary can also feel rushed because everyone must move through the same equipment and boarding process. If snorkeling is your top goal, ask the adventure advisor how much water time is expected on your departure. If you want a full afternoon at the beach, a dedicated beach trip may suit you better.

The other practical concern is seasickness. You spend most of the day on open water, and the ride can be choppy. If you regularly feel ill on boats, contact the operator before booking and plan accordingly.

Who will get the most from this experience

I would choose this outing if you want a busy day on the water with several different elements. It works well for families with active children, couples who like group excursions, and friends who want snorkeling, wildlife watching, food, and a party atmosphere in one package.

Children can enjoy the boat, wildlife, swimming, and entertainment, but the moderate fitness requirement still matters. A seven-year-old has enjoyed the experience, yet every child must be comfortable with water entry, a metal boarding ladder, and a long day at sea.

This is also a good choice if you want the crew to handle the details. Equipment is supplied, the guides organize the water activities, lunch is included, and drinks are available throughout much of the day.

I would look elsewhere if you want a private or low-key trip. The maximum group size is 100, and the social format is part of the product. I would also skip it if your main goal is the Hidden Beach, extended snorkeling, or long, unstructured beach time.

Cruise ship passengers should not choose this option because the local schedule does not fit typical ship timing. Poor weather can also cancel the outing. In that case, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

How to make the day easier

Arrive ready to move. Wear a swimsuit under clothes that dry reasonably fast, and use footwear you can get wet. Bring a towel, sun protection, pesos for fees and tips, and any seasickness remedy you normally use.

Keep your belongings simple. You will move between boat, water, and beach, and you do not want to manage a large bag while climbing a ladder.

If snorkeling visibility is your priority, consider the season and recent sea conditions. Rainy weather can reduce underwater clarity, while whale season improves your odds of memorable wildlife sightings.

Listen carefully when the crew explains the return trip. One logistical problem reported after a departure involved confusion about a water taxi and the return location. The stated end point for this activity is the original meeting point, so confirm exactly how you return to Puerto Magico before leaving the boat.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, except when poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

Should you book the Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a lively, all-in-one boat day and value variety over long activity sessions. The combination of dolphins, seasonal whales, rocky islands, water sports, a good BBQ lunch, open-bar drinks, and the crew’s end-of-day show gives you plenty for the price.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a Hidden Beach visit, not a private charter, and not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The water may be murky, the ride may be rough, and the activity periods may feel short.

For most active visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting, the package makes sense. For serious snorkelers, seasick passengers, and anyone wanting quiet beach time, choose a smaller or more specialized outing instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s northern Hotel Zone. It ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:00 a.m. The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas Beach is included, along with refreshing drinks.

Are snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel and kayak equipment are included, and stand-up paddleboarding is available as part of the experience.

Are port and conservation fees included in the price?

No. You must pay MX$40 per person in cash for the port fee and MX$20 per person for the conservation fee at check-in.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. The schedule is not suitable for cruise ship passengers because it conflicts with the local departure and return schedule.