Catamaran Islas Marietas – Snorkel & Open Bar

The big draw here is a full day on the water around Islas Marietas National Park, a protected marine area off Puerto Vallarta. I like the mix of snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and I like that breakfast and lunch are included instead of leaving you to fend for yourself between activities.

The staff are described as friendly, which matters on a long boat day. The catch is that the tour’s size, language balance, boat type, and timing may not match the neat picture suggested by the description. Plan for a lively group outing, not a quiet small-boat cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at 8:00 am from Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta and returns to the same meeting point.
• Breakfast and lunch are included, with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, hot cakes, and a later meal.
• Snorkeling time may be limited, so this is better for a broad day of activities than for serious underwater exploration.
• Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment are provided, but equipment procedures can change.
• The open bar is listed for the return journey, not necessarily for the outward sailing or island activities.
• Extra government charges apply, including a listed SEMARNAT bracelet fee of $10 per person and another government fee of $3 per person.

Sailing from Puerto Magico at 8:00 am

Your day starts at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s North Hotel Zone. The tour ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

At $92 per person, the base price sits in the middle range for a full-day boat trip. The value comes from the amount packed into the day: transportation by sea, breakfast, lunch, water equipment, onboard insurance, and entertainment. You should still budget for the listed government charges. The information gives both a $3 government fee and a $10 government fee, and it separately identifies the SEMARNAT bracelet as $10, so confirm the exact total when booking.

The advertised duration is about 10 hours. That is a long outing, and it makes sense to treat the boat itself as part of the experience rather than simply a ride to the islands. You will spend substantial time looking across Banderas Bay and along the Puerto Vallarta coast.

One practical point deserves attention. The trip is described as a catamaran, but one booking experience reported that the vessel did not appear to be a catamaran and that the group was much larger than expected. The stated maximum is 90 people, while that account estimated more than 100. I would not book this expecting an intimate sailing atmosphere or a small group.

Breakfast with a view of Banderas Bay

The included breakfast is simple and useful rather than fancy. You can expect fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes. That is enough to take the edge off an early start, especially if you have not had time for a full meal before reaching the marina.

Lunch is also included later in the day. The food is part of the convenience, but it should not be the main reason you choose this tour. One account found the food only average. I would bring a small backup snack if you have a particular diet or tend to get hungry during long days outside, though the supplied information does not specify special dietary options.

The boat’s deck is the social center of the trip. Music, dancing, games, and karaoke may feature on the return, so the mood is more party cruise than quiet nature expedition. That will suit you if you like meeting people and having music around you. If you want a calm ride with naturalist commentary, this may feel noisy or unfocused.

The open bar is listed for the way back. Drinks are not necessarily available throughout the outward journey or during every island activity. One account also found the drinks weak, so think of the bar as a casual extra, not a serious cocktail program. Drink carefully in the sun, especially after swimming.

Exploring Islas Marietas National Park

The main stop is Islas Marietas National Park, a group of rocky islands and marine habitat just off the coast. The setting gives you a good change of pace from Puerto Vallarta’s shorefront. Instead of buildings and city activity, you get open Pacific views, rock formations, coves, and water-based activities.

The islands are protected, so access and activities can be controlled. The optional visit to Playa del Amor, commonly called Hidden Beach, is not guaranteed as part of every outing. The information describes it as optional, and you should not assume that booking this cruise guarantees entry.

That distinction matters. Hidden Beach is the famous name attached to the islands, but this tour’s broader appeal is the time spent around the national park. You may see local wildlife while sailing or near the islands, though no particular species or sighting is promised.

Your experience can also depend on sea conditions, operating rules, and the day’s schedule. The supplied details do not specify how long the boat remains at each activity, so you should think of the island stop as a series of water activities rather than a long shore visit.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding

The tour provides snorkeling, kayaks, and paddleboards. That equipment makes the day more active than a simple sightseeing cruise. You can choose how you want to use your time: swim and look below the surface, paddle near rock formations, or stay on deck and enjoy the views.

Snorkeling is likely the most anticipated activity, but you should set reasonable expectations. One account reported only about 30 minutes in the water and said snorkeling gear was not handed out because of Covid-era procedures. The supplied information currently lists snorkeling equipment as included, so the equipment policy may have changed, but the short time in the water remains a useful warning.

If snorkeling is your main goal, ask about the current water time and equipment arrangements before departure. Bring your own mask only if you prefer using personal gear and the operator permits it. Do not assume that the day will provide several long snorkeling sessions.

The water activities also require a little physical effort. You should be comfortable getting in and out of the water, handling a kayak or paddleboard, and spending time in the sun. The tour notes that most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information for the boat, ladders, or equipment.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and a full change of clothes. Comfortable clothing and shoes are useful for the boat and dock. Biodegradable sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent are requested, which is especially important in a protected marine area.

A full day, not a quick island visit

The timing is one of the most important things to understand. The current information gives an approximate 10-hour duration, while one booking experience expected a six-hour trip and found the day lasted closer to nine hours. That mismatch is not a minor detail.

I would plan your entire day around this outing. Do not schedule a late afternoon activity, airport transfer, or dinner reservation that requires you to return at a precise time. Boat loading, water activities, meals, entertainment, and the ride back can all stretch the schedule.

The long duration can be a good value if you enjoy being out on the water. You get a complete day instead of a rushed island stop. It can feel tiring if you want a focused snorkeling session or if you do not enjoy sitting on a boat for several hours.

The group size adds to this issue. The official maximum is 90 people, but one account described a group larger than 100. Even at 90, this is a sizeable outing. Boarding, collecting equipment, getting into the water, and returning to the boat may take time. Keep that in mind when you compare this with smaller sailing trips.

English service and onboard entertainment

The experience is offered in English, but the language balance deserves a careful note. One account described the trip as being conducted mostly in Spanish, with about 90 percent of the spoken material in Spanish. Music was also reported to be mostly Spanish.

That may be perfectly enjoyable if you want a Mexican party atmosphere and do not need constant English explanation. It may be frustrating if you are booking primarily for English-language guiding or detailed information about the islands.

The listed entertainment includes music for dancing, games, and possibly karaoke on the return. This gives the ride a festive tone and helps fill the longer sailing time. It also means the trip is not built around quiet wildlife observation.

No guide names are provided, so you cannot choose a particular guide or expect a named naturalist. The staff were described as friendly, which is a meaningful positive on a crowded boat. Friendly service can make the practical parts of a group excursion, such as boarding and equipment collection, much easier.

What the $92 price really covers

At $92, you are paying for convenience and a full schedule rather than luxury. The price includes the boat outing, continental breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, onboard insurance, and an open bar listed for the return journey.

That bundle can be worthwhile if you plan to use several parts of it. Someone who snorkels, paddles, eats onboard, and enjoys music will get more value than someone who only wants to sit quietly and look at the islands.

The additional government charges reduce the headline value slightly. The information lists $3 and $10 government fees, plus a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet. Because these charges are presented separately and their relationship is not completely clear, confirm whether the total extra cost is $13 or $23 per person before you pay.

Food quality also affects the calculation. Breakfast sounds adequate, while lunch received a lukewarm assessment. You are buying a practical meal package, not a culinary tour.

The open bar is another modest bonus rather than the centerpiece. It is listed for the return trip, and you should not assume premium spirits or strong mixed drinks. The boat views, island setting, and included equipment are the stronger reasons to consider the price.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would choose this excursion if you want a social, active day with several ways to enjoy the water. It suits people who like a mixture of swimming, paddling, deck time, music, and casual drinks.

It can also work well for families or mixed groups with different interests, provided everyone is comfortable with a large organized outing. One person can kayak, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay on deck with lunch and the views.

You should think twice if you want any of the following:

• A small, quiet catamaran with plenty of personal space
• A long and serious snorkeling session
• Constant English commentary
• A precise return time
• Gourmet food or carefully made drinks
• A guaranteed visit to Playa del Amor

The pregnancy restriction is strict. The operator reserves the right to refuse boarding to anyone who is pregnant, regardless of stage, because of the risks connected with maritime activity and vessel movement. If that applies to you, this is not an appropriate booking.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the departure point is near public transportation. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

What to pack for the Marietas Islands

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Extra dry clothes
• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Biodegradable insect repellent

A dry bag or waterproof pouch would be sensible for phones and wallets, though one is not listed as provided. I would also carry a small amount of cash or a payment card for unexpected needs, but the tour details do not specify onboard purchases.

Use sunscreen before boarding and reapply as appropriate. The Pacific sun can feel strong even when the breeze makes the air comfortable. A hat and sunglasses would also be useful, though they are not specifically listed among the required items.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta excursion?

Book it if you want an all-day group cruise with many included activities, food, music, and time around the Marietas Islands. The friendly staff, broad activity mix, and included equipment give the outing real practical value.

I would not book it based on the promise of a small catamaran, a mainly English-speaking guide, or extensive snorkeling. The reported group size, Spanish-heavy operation, possible schedule stretch, short snorkeling period, and average food make this a better fit for flexible people who enjoy a lively boat day.

Before paying, confirm the vessel, maximum group size, language of the guide, current snorkeling equipment policy, total government fees, and the chance of visiting Playa del Amor. If those answers suit you, $92 can be fair for a packed day on the Pacific. If you want quiet sailing and more time underwater, compare it with a smaller boat trip.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour is listed as approximately 10 hours. One booking account described a trip that lasted about nine hours, so plan for most of the day.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast includes fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes. Lunch is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are listed as included. Procedures can change, so confirm the current equipment policy before departure.

Is the Hidden Beach visit guaranteed?

No. Playa del Amor, also called Hidden Beach, is described as an optional visit rather than a guaranteed part of the outing.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. Government fees of $3 and $10 per person are listed, and the information also identifies a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet. Confirm the exact total before booking.