Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

The best part of this cruise is the full day at sea. You ride a catamaran to the Marietas Islands, watch for whales and dolphins, snorkel near the reefs, visit Playa la Nopalera, and see formations such as La Bufadora and the stone arches. The scenery is the main event, not the snorkeling alone.

I like the friendly bilingual crew and the mix of activities, especially the kayaks, paddle boards, music, and beach stop. I also like that breakfast, lunch, basic drinks, equipment, and insurance are included. The catch is important: Hidden Beach is not included, and the long boat ride can take much of your day.

Key points before you book

• The cruise takes about nine hours: Some outings have lasted closer to 11 or 12 hours, so leave your schedule open.
• Playa la Nopalera is included: This is the beach stop listed for the tour. Hidden Beach requires a separate reservation and extra payment.
• The ride from Puerto Vallarta is long: Expect roughly two hours or more each way, depending on conditions and boat performance.
• The advertised group limit is 40 people: The boat has been described as crowded on some departures, so confirm the current vessel and capacity.
• Snorkeling can be hit or miss: Water clarity, jellyfish, currents, and crowding can affect the experience.
• Extra fees are due locally: Budget MX$32 for dock tax and MX$180 for CONANP and SEMARNAT fees per person.

A full day on the water from Puerto Vallarta

This is not a quick island outing. It is a full-day boat program built around the ride as much as the stops.

You meet at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio at 8:30 a.m. The meeting point is in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, and the activity ends back there. Ground transportation to the pier is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

Once aboard, the crew serves breakfast. The listed meal is eggs with ham, fruit, and juice, though food descriptions have varied on different departures. Some people have had chilaquiles and eggs, while others describe a simple breakfast. Either way, it gives you something to eat before the long run south toward the islands.

The ride itself can take around two hours, and some departures have taken more than that. This matters. If you dislike long boat rides, or if you get seasick, this tour may feel slow before the main activities begin. Bring motion-sickness medicine if you normally need it, and choose a seat with care.

The reward is the open Pacific view. Whales, dolphins, and turtles have been seen during the ride, especially in the cooler months, though wildlife is never guaranteed. Whale sightings are a welcome bonus, not a promised part of the schedule.

Reaching the Marietas Islands and Playa la Nopalera

The Marietas Islands are a protected group of rocky islands at the entrance to Banderas Bay. Their appeal comes from the cliffs, arches, caves, seabirds, and clear-water coves that appear around the coast.

This cruise takes you toward the islands by catamaran. You pass outside formations called The Bufadora, The Caves, and The Second Crater. These sights are viewed from the water rather than treated as long landings, so keep your camera ready and listen for the guide’s explanations.

The included beach stop is Playa la Nopalera. To reach it, you may transfer from the large catamaran to a smaller boat and go ashore in groups. The beach is small, and your time there can feel brief, often around 20 minutes according to the timing described for similar departures.

That short stop is enough to stand on the sand, cool off, and take in the cliffs. It is not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. Strong current or changing sea conditions may also affect how long you stay in the water.

A key booking point: the named beach here is Playa la Nopalera, not necessarily Playa del Amor, also called Hidden Beach. Access to Hidden Beach requires an extra reservation, has limited spaces, and costs extra. Some people have paid about MX$1,000 for that option, but availability is not guaranteed.

Do not assume you can simply pay aboard and enter. Ask before departure exactly what is included, what costs extra, how many places are available, and what happens if the add-on is full.

Snorkeling near the reefs

The snorkeling takes place near the Marietas reefs. You receive a life vest and snorkeling equipment, and the crew gives an orientation before you enter the water.

Safety is taken seriously here because currents can be strong. You may be required to wear a life vest even if you are a confident swimmer. That is sensible around rocky islands and moving water, but it also means the snorkeling is not a free-form swim.

The quality of the snorkeling is the most uneven part of the outing. On a good day, you can see fish and coral around the rocks. On another day, the water may be murky, cold, or affected by jellyfish. Some departures have had to skip snorkeling because of jellyfish.

Time in the water can also be short. With kayaks, paddle boards, beach transfers, and other boat activities running at the same time, you may get roughly 20 minutes of actual snorkeling. Crowding makes a difference too. If several boats use the same area, swimmers can bump into one another and visibility gets worse.

I would not book this cruise mainly for snorkeling. Think of it as a sightseeing cruise with a short reef swim. If your top goal is extended time underwater, look for a smaller, snorkeling-focused boat instead.

Check the equipment before using it. A past departure had complaints about poorly cleaned gear, including a mouthpiece with lipstick on it. That is not acceptable, but it also shows why you should inspect your mask and snorkel immediately and ask the crew for a replacement if anything looks unclean.

Kayaks, paddle boards, music, and the boat atmosphere

The tour includes kayaks and paddle boards, but the supply is limited. One account described only a few kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel sets for a much larger crowd. The official capacity is listed as a maximum of 40 people, so ask how many people are booked and how equipment is allocated.

You will likely take turns. Do not expect hours of paddling. The equipment adds variety, especially for people who do not want to snorkel, but it is not the central activity.

The boat program includes music for dancing, games, and karaoke. This can make the return journey lively. Several departures received praise for the crew’s humor, energy, and ability to keep people involved.

The same entertainment can be too loud for some people. One account described music as unbearable, with a speaker eventually failing. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, bring patience and consider staying on the upper deck when possible.

The boat itself has drawn mixed comments. Some people find the catamaran comfortable enough for a day on the water. Others describe older equipment, dirty plastic chairs, and uncomfortable seating. Since boat condition can vary, do not expect a luxury yacht simply because the trip is called an all-inclusive catamaran cruise.

The advertised maximum is 40 participants, but some accounts describe a vessel carrying far more people. That may reflect a different boat, a different operating period, or a crowded departure. Confirm this point before paying if personal space matters to you.

Breakfast, lunch, and the open bar

Meals are included, which helps make the $87.04 price reasonable. Breakfast is served aboard the catamaran, and lunch comes later in the day.

The listed lunch options include a cold meat baguette or a hamburger with fries and salad. Other food descriptions include kabobs, ceviche, chips, and sandwiches. Quality has varied from tasty and satisfying to barely acceptable. One practical issue comes up more than once: lunch may not be served until after 2 p.m., and on a delayed trip it arrived after 4 p.m.

Bring a few snacks. The included meals may be enough for you, but the timing is not always predictable. Snacks are also useful if you have children or need food at regular times.

The national open bar lists beer, soft drinks, juice, water, tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, and whiskey. In practice, the full bar may not open until the return journey or the final 90 minutes. You should not expect to drink cocktails on the beach or during the early ride out.

Some accounts describe only one beer and rum punch being available. Others found the drinks perfectly decent. Treat the bar as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book the tour.

There were also complaints about crew members eating better food in front of passengers while lunch was delayed. That is a service issue worth noting, especially on a long day. Still, many people found the food good and the staff friendly, so the experience is not uniformly poor.

The extra charges that change the advertised price

The headline fare is $87.04 per person, but it is not the final amount. The required local charges are listed as:

• MX$32 per person for dock tax
• MX$180 per person for CONANP and SEMARNAT fees

That adds MX$212 per person. Bring Mexican pesos or confirm the accepted payment method before you go.

Hidden Beach is extra. The ecological tour around the islands is also extra. These add-ons are the source of much confusion because the main cruise passes close to dramatic formations, yet passing them by boat is not the same as entering them.

The extra ecological tour can be useful if you cannot get a place at Hidden Beach. It offers a closer look at the islands and helps explain birds such as the blue-footed booby, which is one of the area’s most interesting sights. But make sure you know the price and schedule before handing over money.

The strongest value in the base fare is the combination of transportation, two meals, basic drinks, equipment, beach time, and a day of sea views. The value weakens if you mainly want Hidden Beach, long snorkeling sessions, or a quiet, comfortable boat.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would consider this a good fit for a social group that wants a busy day on the water. Families, couples, and solo visitors can all enjoy it if they are comfortable with loud music, shared equipment, and a long ride.

It also works well for people who cannot swim confidently. Life vests are supplied, and one family chose the ecological option instead of snorkeling because some members did not swim. You still need to follow the crew’s water instructions and be comfortable boarding small boats.

The tour is less suitable for anyone who wants a calm luxury cruise, serious snorkeling, or guaranteed access to Hidden Beach. Pregnant women beyond four months cannot join. The activity requires good weather, and a cancellation caused by poor weather results in a different date or a full refund.

The crew is one of the better parts of the experience. Bilingual guides explain the activities in English and Spanish, and individual staff members such as Jonathan and Rogelio have been singled out for friendly service. Professional boundaries matter, though, and entertainment should remain respectful.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes. The ride back can feel cold when you are wet, even in warm Puerto Vallarta weather.

Bring cash for the local fees and any optional excursion. Pack snacks, especially if you tend to eat early or have dietary needs. The provided food is not described in enough detail to promise vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly meals.

Keep your expectations clear. You are booking a long catamaran outing with several short activities, not a private island day. The better you handle the schedule, noise, and shared equipment, the more you will enjoy it.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 8:30 a.m. start time. Inside that window, the fare is nonrefundable, and last-minute changes are not accepted.

Should you book the Marietas Islands cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, social day that combines a scenic boat ride, food, drinks, beach time, music, and a taste of snorkeling. The chance of seeing whales or dolphins adds real appeal, and the crew can make the long return trip fun.

Skip it if Hidden Beach is the main reason you are going. The beach is not included, space is limited, and the extra reservation is not always clear. You should also choose another type of outing if snorkeling quality and time in the water matter more than entertainment.

At $87.04, the base price can be fair once you include breakfast, lunch, drinks, transport, and equipment. Just add the required MX$212 in local fees and treat the optional activities as separate purchases. Ask for the exact itinerary, boat capacity, bar schedule, and Hidden Beach policy before you commit. That small bit of homework can turn a frustrating day into a fun one.

FAQ

Where does the Marietas Islands cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta. Ground transportation is not included.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is about nine hours. Some departures have taken 11 or 12 hours, so allow extra time in case of delays.

Is Hidden Beach included?

No. The included beach stop is Playa la Nopalera. Hidden Beach requires a separate reservation, has limited availability, and costs extra.

What food is included?

Breakfast is served aboard the catamaran and includes eggs with ham, fruit, and juice. Lunch may include a cold meat baguette or a hamburger with fries and salad. Other listed food includes ceviche, kabobs, and chips.

What drinks are included?

The listed open bar includes soft drinks, water, juice, beer, tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, and whiskey. The bar may not open fully until the return trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Kayaks and paddle boards are also available.

What extra fees must I pay?

You must pay a MX$32 dock tax and MX$180 in CONANP and SEMARNAT fees per person. Optional activities, including Hidden Beach and the ecological tour, cost extra.

Can pregnant women join the tour?

Pregnant women who are more than four months pregnant cannot participate. The tour also requires good weather and may be canceled or rescheduled in poor conditions.