Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

The best part of this six-hour Marietas Islands tour is the mix of wild marine scenery and easygoing boat fun. You cruise Banderas Bay, watch for humpback whales, then reach Playa La Nopalera by swimming from a smaller boat. Back aboard, waterslides, paddleboards, cocktails, and music keep the day moving.

I like the generous food and drink package, which includes breakfast, guacamole and chips, Mexican fajitas, and a branded open bar. I also like the helpful crew, with guides such as Saul and Kano praised for attentive service and practical local tips. The main caution is the wet landing and open-water swim, which make this a poor choice for anyone with mobility limits or low swimming confidence.

Key points to know before booking

• Whale watching is part of the cruise: Humpback whales are commonly seen from December through April, and the captain may pause when wildlife appears.
• Playa La Nopalera is the destination: This tour does not include the famous enclosed hidden beach shown in some promotional images. That requires a different booking or an added fee.
• The island landing is wet: You swim from a smaller boat to shore, then swim back after about 20 minutes on the beach.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fruit, pastries, coffee, juices, guacamole, fajitas, rice, beans, tortillas, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, and piña coladas.
• The boat is built for play: You get unlimited use of snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards, water mattresses, and waterslides.
• Photos cost extra: A photographer works aboard and on shore, but photo purchases are not included in the $131 price.

Why this Marietas Islands outing feels different

Many boat trips to the Marietas Islands focus on getting you there, pointing out a few rocks, and bringing you back. Chica Locca Tours takes a different approach. The boat itself is part of the attraction, with room to sit in the sun, shade for relaxing, water toys, a slide, food service, and drinks throughout the day.

That makes this a good fit if your ideal outing is half nature trip and half floating beach club. You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or swim near the islands. Or you can stay aboard with a cold drink and watch the coastline pass. You are not forced into every activity.

The islands are a protected marine area known for volcanic formations and tropical wildlife. The scenery is the main reason to come, but the boat’s facilities help fill the gaps when water conditions limit snorkeling or when you simply want a break.

The tour costs $131 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see the islands, but the price includes transportation by boat, breakfast, snacks, lunch, an open bar, guides, and all listed water equipment. If you would otherwise pay separately for meals, drinks, kayak rental, paddleboard rental, and a snorkeling trip, the package offers solid value.

Just keep your expectations in the right place. This is not a quiet naturalist expedition. The waterslide, open bar, music, and photographer give it a social, playful feel.

Starting from Paradise Village or Carlos Co y usa

You have two listed starting points: the Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier and Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y usa. Your meeting point depends on the option you book, so check the exact departure location before setting out.

One useful detail from the trip experience is that transportation to the marina can be comfortable and convenient from the heart of Sayulita. The exact transfer arrangements depend on your booking, but you should not assume that every option begins at the same pier.

The boat is described as large, roomy, and comfortable, with space on both lower and upper decks. That matters on a six-hour outing. You can move around, find sun, take a break from the water, or settle in for the ride home.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. A waterproof phone case that hangs around your neck is a smart extra, since the landing at Playa La Nopalera involves getting into the water. A regular camera or loose phone is awkward during the swim.

Breakfast while crossing Banderas Bay

The trip begins with a cruise along the north shore of Banderas Bay. Breakfast is simple but useful: fresh seasonal fruit, muffins or pastries, coffee, juices, and other nonalcoholic drinks.

This is the right kind of meal for a boat morning. It gives you something in your stomach without slowing you down before the water activities. If you want a larger breakfast with meat or cheese, you should eat before departure. The included meal leans continental rather than hearty.

The bay crossing is scenic, and the ride gives you your first chance to watch for marine life. From December through April, humpback whales use these waters. Sightings are not promised, but the captain may stop several times if whales appear. Sea turtles, rays, tropical birds, and other wildlife can be seen at different times of year.

Blue-footed boobies are another memorable possibility near the islands. You might see them flying close to the boat or fishing in the water. The crew also provides information about the Marietas Islands as you go, adding useful context to the scenery instead of treating the ride as dead time.

The cruise can also be the calmest part of the day. If you are prone to motion sickness, use this time to settle in and pay attention to how the boat feels before you decide how many water activities to attempt.

Guacamole, volcanic rocks, and the approach to Marietas

As the boat gets closer to the islands, fresh guacamole and blue corn chips are served. It is a well-timed snack, especially if you have been outside watching for whales and birds.

Marietas Islands National Park is the tour’s main natural attraction. The islands rise from the Pacific as volcanic formations, with steep rock faces and sea-cut openings. You will see the islands from the boat before moving closer to the shore area used for the activities.

The guide-led approach to Playa La Nopalera is the most demanding part of the trip. Depending on the conditions and your selected activity, you may swim, kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel from the main boat or a smaller boat. The wet landing means you should be ready to enter the water and manage yourself in the sea.

This is not a walk-up beach visit. You cannot simply step from a dock onto dry sand. If you are uncomfortable swimming in open water, ask the crew about staying aboard or using a flotation aid. Life vests and snorkeling equipment are provided, and the crew supervises the activities, but the transfer still requires physical effort.

Playa La Nopalera and the short island visit

Playa La Nopalera is a natural beach area accessible only by boat. The water can be clear, and the setting combines volcanic rock, tropical sea life, and a small beach experience that feels far removed from the mainland.

Your time on shore is limited. One detailed account puts the beach visit at about 20 minutes, which is enough to look around, take photos, and enjoy the unusual landing, but not enough for a long beach day. Treat it as one stop within a larger outing, not as a full afternoon at the beach.

A photographer accompanies the group and can take pictures on shore. This is helpful because carrying a phone or camera through the wet landing is difficult. The photographer may also help arrange poses and action shots. The photos are offered for purchase later and are not part of the tour price.

A crucial booking point: the enclosed cove beach shown in some tour images is not included in this particular outing. The tour goes to Playa La Nopalera. If your main goal is the famous hidden beach, confirm that your chosen package specifically includes it, or pay for the appropriate add-on if offered.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and the limits of sea conditions

After the guided arrival, you have free time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and floating. All listed equipment is included, so you do not need to rent each item separately.

The snorkeling can be excellent when the water is calm. Tropical fish and other marine life are the reward, and the equipment is reported to be good quality. The setting around a protected island also gives you more to look at than a standard beach swim.

Still, the Pacific controls the schedule. High swells can make snorkeling less appealing or force the crew to use a different area. One trip had disappointing snorkeling because conditions prevented access to the usual spot. That is a real risk, especially if snorkeling is your only reason for booking.

The smart approach is to see snorkeling as one part of the day, not the entire product. If conditions cooperate, it may be the highlight. If they do not, the kayak, paddleboard, beach landing, whale watching, and boat activities give you alternatives.

The waterslide is a major draw for families and playful adults. The boat also carries paddleboards, kayaks, water mattresses, and flotation gear. Children have received close attention from the crew, but the tour is still an active open-water outing, not a supervised kids’ program.

Fajitas, open bar, and the ride home

After the island activities, lunch is served back on the boat. The meal includes Mexican fajitas with a choice of beef, chicken, or vegetarian filling, along with rice, beans, and local corn tortillas.

The food is practical rather than fancy. It is fresh, filling, and suited to a day in the sun. Some diners found the lunch only fair and wished for stronger seasoning or hot sauce, so bring your expectations down from restaurant dining. The guacamole and chips are a strong part of the food service, while breakfast is lighter.

The open bar is one of the clearest value points. Included drinks range from water, mineral water, coffee, tea, juices, and sodas to beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas. Drinks are served throughout the day, and the crew keeps an attentive eye on empty glasses.

That level of service can make the price feel worthwhile, particularly if you plan to enjoy several drinks and would otherwise pay resort prices. It also means you should pace yourself. You still have a boat ride, sun, salt water, and movement underfoot to manage.

The return across Banderas Bay is relaxed and social. You can dance, talk, enjoy the ocean breeze, or find a quieter seat. The boat’s size helps here, since you are not packed into one small row of seats.

The crew and the service style

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. Guides are described as attentive, friendly, energetic, and careful around the water. Names that appear in the trip experience include Saul and Kano, with Kano also offering suggestions for local taco places.

The service style is active. Crew members offer drinks, explain activities, help with equipment, and watch swimmers. That is especially useful when you are moving between the main boat, a smaller transfer boat, the beach, and the snorkeling area.

Guides speak English and Spanish. Their role is not limited to serving drinks. You also receive information about the Marietas Islands and the wildlife around Banderas Bay.

The photographer is another staff member to consider. If you want hands-free photos during the wet landing or water activities, this service solves a real problem. Just remember that buying the photographs costs extra.

Who should book this $131 tour?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a full-service day on the water and like having choices. It suits couples, families with active children, groups of friends, and anyone who wants nature viewing without giving up lunch, drinks, music, and a comfortable boat.

It is also a good choice if whale watching is important to you and you are visiting between December and April. The captain may stop for sightings, and the open bay crossing gives you plenty of time to scan the water.

I would be cautious if your top priority is serious snorkeling. Conditions can change, and the usual snorkeling area may not be available. I would also choose another outing if you want a quiet, small-group nature trip with long time ashore.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The wet landing, swim to shore, boat transfers, and water activities require a level of physical ability. You can relax aboard rather than join every activity, but getting to the island still requires managing the water transfer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The duration is six hours, with departure times based on availability.

Final call: a strong all-day package with one important warning

Book this Chica Locca tour if you want the Marietas Islands paired with plenty of food, drinks, service, and water play. The strongest features are the crew, roomy boat, whale-watching chances, included equipment, and the freedom to be active or simply relax.

Before paying, confirm two details: your meeting point and whether your package includes the famous hidden beach. It does not appear in the standard Playa La Nopalera experience described here. Also bring a waterproof case, since the shore landing is wet and the onboard photographer is an extra-cost service.

At $131, the tour earns its price through the all-inclusive setup. You are paying for a complete day rather than a bare boat transfer. If that combination sounds better than a quiet snorkel charter, this is an easy excursion to add to a Jalisco visit.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands boat tour?

The tour lasts six hours, including the cruise across Banderas Bay, time at the Marietas Islands, water activities, meals, and the return trip.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $131 per person.

Where does the tour start?

There are two listed starting options: Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier and Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y usa. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit, muffins or pastries, juices, and coffee. You also receive fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and a Mexican fajitas lunch with beef, chicken, or vegetarian filling, rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes water, mineral water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other listed beverages.

What water activities are available?

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or use a water mattress. The boat also has waterslides.

Is Playa La Nopalera the famous hidden beach?

No. The described tour visits Playa La Nopalera. The enclosed cove beach shown in some images is not included in this option and may require an extra payment or a different package.

Do I need to swim to the island?

Yes, reaching Playa La Nopalera involves a wet landing from a smaller boat, with swimming to shore and back. The crew provides supervision and equipment, but the activity requires physical effort.

Are photographs included?

No. A professional photographer takes candid, action, and shore photos, but the photographs are available to view and purchase separately.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments because of the swimming, wet landing, boat transfers, and water activities.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold your place without paying immediately.