Full Day Tour Isla Marietas with Meals and Open Bar

The big draw here is the Marietas Islands, a protected marine area where you may see colorful fish, dolphins, humpback whales from December through March, and blue-footed boobies. The ride out can also bring fine wildlife sightings, including whales circling the catamaran.

I like the included snorkeling gear and water activities, and I like that breakfast, lunch, and drinks are built into the day rather than sold as separate add-ons. The main catch is time: the journey can feel very long, while actual snorkeling or beach time may be brief. You should also expect extra conservation and park fees.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride is a major part of the day: Plan on a long round trip from Puerto Vallarta, with some departures returning later than the stated schedule.
• Hidden Beach is not guaranteed or included: Access may require an extra payment, has daily limits, and depends on conditions and availability.
• The swim can be strenuous: Reaching the beach from the small boat requires a strong swim in open, sometimes choppy water.
• Drinks may come later: Soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are available, while alcoholic drinks are generally offered after the water activities.
• The catamaran can carry up to 80 people: That keeps the price moderate, but the boat may feel crowded during a full departure.
• The best moments depend on nature: Whales, dolphins, fish, and seabirds can turn a slow day at sea into a memorable one.

Sailing from Puerto Vallarta at 8:15 a.m.

Your morning begins at the Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, near Las Glorias. The operator’s Beach Boy Agency office is on the second floor, and the stated meeting time is 8:15 a.m.

Give yourself enough time to find the building and office. The meeting point is not the sort of place where you want to arrive at the last second, especially since one reported problem involved confusion over the address. Bring your booking confirmation on your phone, since the tour uses a mobile ticket.

This is a shared catamaran trip with a maximum group size of 80 people. That is not a small-boat outing. You will have more room than on a packed panga, but you should expect a social, organized excursion rather than a quiet private cruise.

The stated duration is six to seven hours, but you should keep your afternoon flexible. Some departures have taken much longer because of late starts, slow sailing, activities, and the return to the marina. If you are arriving from a cruise ship or have another fixed appointment, this matters a great deal. Do not schedule anything tight afterward.

The long run to the Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands sit off the coast of Nayarit, and reaching them is part of the experience. The boat ride can take roughly two hours each way, depending on the day and sea conditions. That means the islands themselves may receive less of your time than the full-day name suggests.

I would treat the sailing as a wildlife trip with water activities, not as a beach transfer. You may see dolphins along the route, and December through March offers the chance to spot humpback whales. One particularly memorable outing had a whale circle the catamaran and breach several times. Those sightings cannot be promised, but they are a real reason to keep your eyes on the water.

The islands also support seabirds and marine life that make the ride worthwhile. Blue-footed boobies have been seen, along with pufferfish and other colorful fish in the snorkeling areas. The scenery is striking, with volcanic rock formations, sea caves, and small beaches that feel quite different from Puerto Vallarta’s developed shoreline.

Still, a slow catamaran ride is not for everyone. If you want maximum time on sand, you may feel that too much of the day is spent getting there and back. Bring patience, sun protection, and something light to occupy you during the long stretches between activities.

Breakfast, lunch, and the open bar

Breakfast is served during the morning portion of the trip. The food has been described as a simple meal with eggs and chilaquiles, closer to a basic breakfast than a full restaurant spread. Lunch has included a sandwich, pasta salad, and chicken salad, with vegetarian options reported as well.

I would eat something before boarding if you need a substantial breakfast or have a sensitive stomach. The meals are useful, but they are not the strongest reason to choose this excursion. Food service can also depend on timing and supply, so do not expect a gourmet lunch at sea.

The phrase open bar needs careful reading. The tour includes drinks, but alcohol is generally served only after the aquatic activities. That is a sensible safety rule on a trip involving snorkeling, swimming, and boarding small boats, but it can feel misleading if you expect cocktails from the moment you leave the dock.

Soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are part of the drink service. Alcohol selection may be limited, and the timing can be later in the afternoon, often during the return journey. If you do not plan to participate in the water activities, do not assume that alcoholic drinks will be served early.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding

The included equipment consists of a snorkel, fins, and a flotation vest. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available. These inclusions give the trip more variety than a simple sightseeing cruise, but activity time may be shorter than you expect.

Snorkeling periods have sometimes lasted only about 20 minutes. That is enough to see fish if the water is clear and conditions cooperate, but it is not a long reef session. You should think of it as a taste of the marine life around the islands rather than a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

The water can be choppy, and currents may be strong. You need to be comfortable in open water and able to follow crew instructions. A flotation vest helps, but it does not replace swimming ability. If you are not a confident swimmer, you may enjoy the boat ride and scenery more than the water portion.

Kayaking and paddleboarding take place close to the catamaran. The available area may be limited, so do not picture a long independent paddle around the islands. These are short activity options that break up the day and let you get closer to the water.

There are also conservation rules. You may be asked not to bring hats, glasses, or water shoes into the water because items can fall and pollute the protected area. Sunblock restrictions have also been enforced before water activities, with a request not to apply it during the 30 minutes before reaching the island. Follow the crew’s current instructions, even if they seem inconvenient.

Hidden Beach and the difficult swim ashore

The most famous attraction associated with the Marietas Islands is Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor. It is not simply a beach stop where the catamaran pulls up and everyone walks ashore.

The larger catamaran may transfer you to a smaller boat, which takes you nearer to the beach. From there, you still need to swim through open water and, in some conditions, through a cave or narrow rocky passage. Strong swimmers have described the experience as rewarding, but rough water can make the approach difficult and uncomfortable.

Access is also limited. The beach is not available every day, and the schedule has been described as Wednesday through Sunday. Daily capacity is restricted, and an additional payment may be required. The current tour information lists a conservation bracelet of MX$220 at boarding, plus a Marietas National Natural Park admission fee of MX$33 per person. A separate Hidden Beach or ecological excursion charge may also be offered, so ask exactly what each payment covers before agreeing.

This is the part of the trip that needs the clearest expectations. Hidden Beach may be the image that attracts you, but it is not guaranteed simply because you booked the island tour. If it is your main reason for going, confirm availability, cost, day of operation, swim requirements, and weather conditions before boarding.

You may also be offered a nature boat ride around the island. This can show you the rock formations, craters, and cave entrance without requiring you to swim to shore. It is a useful alternative if you are not comfortable in rough water, though it may cost extra.

What the staff and boat are like

The crew has often been friendly, energetic, and efficient. That matters on a boat day, since the staff must organize meals, gear, transfers, safety instructions, and several water activities. Good energy can make the long ride more enjoyable.

At the same time, communication may not always be smooth for English speakers. The activity is offered in English, but instructions and announcements can be mixed with Spanish, and some people have found it hard to get clear answers about the schedule, bar service, and extra payments.

The catamaran itself is dated rather than polished. Some people will see that as a minor issue because the scenery and wildlife are the real attraction. If you expect a modern luxury vessel, you may be disappointed.

A full boat can also create crowding during equipment distribution, transfers, and water activities. The maximum of 80 people helps explain the $115 price, but it also means that this is not the best choice for travelers who want personal attention or a calm, spacious deck.

Is $115 a fair price?

At $115 per person, the tour offers a lot on paper: catamaran transport, snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch, a drink service, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a full day around a protected island group.

The value depends heavily on what you want from the day. If you enjoy a social boat trip, want several activities in one package, and are happy to accept a basic meal and older boat, the price can be reasonable. The chance of seeing whales or dolphins adds real value, although wildlife is never guaranteed.

The value becomes weaker if your priority is Hidden Beach. You may pay the listed tour price, the MX$220 conservation bracelet, the MX$33 park fee, and possibly an extra fee for the beach or nature boat option, only to receive a short time near shore. Add tips and any optional purchases, and the final cost can rise.

I would compare the total price, not just the advertised fare. Ask which fees are collected at the pier, which activities are included, and whether Hidden Beach access is available on your date. A private tour may cost more but could suit you better if you want control over timing and a smaller group.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit beneath comfortable clothing and bring a towel. Pack only what you can keep secure, since many personal items may not be allowed in the water.

Arrive early at the maritime terminal, and confirm the exact agency office before departure. Keep your phone protected from spray and carry your booking confirmation.

Most important, plan for a long day. A stated six to seven hours may stretch, especially if the boat leaves late or the return takes longer than expected. If you have an evening reservation, airport transfer, or cruise departure, leave plenty of room.

If you get seasick, consider your limits before booking. The information supplied for this trip does not promise a special seasickness service, and the ride can be long. You should also think carefully about the swimming demands if you are not confident in open water.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 8:15 a.m. start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded. Weather cancellations may result in a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum group size is not reached.

Who should book this Marietas Islands trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a busy, shared boat day with several activities and a chance to see marine wildlife. It fits people who can handle a long ride, enjoy snorkeling and paddling, and do not need a luxury vessel or generous beach time.

I would look elsewhere if you mainly want to relax on a beach, avoid rough water, or spend several hours snorkeling. Families and mixed-age groups may like having different activities, but anyone with limited swimming ability should skip the Hidden Beach swim and ask about the boat sightseeing option.

The trip can deliver wonderful moments: whales beside the catamaran, dolphins along the route, colorful fish below the surface, and dramatic rock formations around the islands. Just book it for the whole package, not for a guaranteed beach stay. At $115 plus the required fees, it is a fair but imperfect outing, best for flexible people who value wildlife and variety more than comfort, speed, or long time ashore.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Terminal Maritima API, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The agency office is on the second floor, and the stated start time is 8:15 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately six to seven hours. Actual return times can be later, so keep your schedule open after the tour.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a catamaran trip to the Marietas Islands, snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch, an open bar service, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Are conservation and park fees included?

No. A Semarnat conservation bracelet costs MX$220 and is paid when boarding at the pier. The Marietas National Natural Park admission fee is listed as MX$33 per person.

Is Hidden Beach included?

Hidden Beach access is not included in the listed inclusions. It may require an extra payment, has limited daily access, and is only available on certain days.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You need good swimming ability for the beach transfer and water activities. Reaching Hidden Beach requires swimming from a smaller boat in open water, and conditions can be choppy.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If bad weather or insufficient numbers cancel the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund.