Islas Marietas – Incredible Tour Catamaran from Puerto Vallarta

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta day trip is the mix of protected island scenery and water activities. You sail to the Marietas Islands by catamaran, then use snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards to see rock formations and coastal spots that are not reachable by road. I like the included breakfast and lunch, and I like that the return trip shifts into a social party with music and an open bar.

The main drawback is the pace and setting. This is a shared boat for up to 90 people, and the kayak area may feel cramped when many people are using it. The tour also includes separate government fees, and the long return can involve a lot of Spanish-language music, so this suits you best if you want an active, lively boat day rather than a quiet island visit.

Key things to know before booking

• The day begins at 8:00 a.m. at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta and lasts about 10 hours.
• Marietas Islands National Park is the main stop, with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, bird-watching, and rock formations.
• Hidden Beach, also called Playa del Amor, is optional, so do not book solely on the assumption that you will visit it.
• Breakfast and lunch are included, with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes served in the morning.
• Alcoholic drinks are included on the return journey, along with music, games, dancing, and possibly karaoke.
• Budget another $13 per person for the listed government charges, shown as a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet fee and a separate $3 government fee.

Setting out from Puerto Magico at 8:00 a.m.

You meet the catamaran at Puerto Magico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the northern hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta. The activity returns to this same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying nearby or can reach the port by public transportation.

This is an early start, but it makes sense for a full day on the Pacific. Bring your swimsuit, towel, spare clothes, and comfortable shoes. You will want clothing that works for both sitting on deck and getting wet during the water activities.

The boat carries as many as 90 people. That number matters. A large shared catamaran gives you a lively atmosphere and more room than a small open boat, but it also means that popular equipment and activity areas can become crowded. If you prefer personal attention and a quiet ride, this is probably not the right format.

The trip is offered in English, but music and onboard entertainment may not be in English. One direct account of the day described a long stretch of Mexican and Spanish-language music with limited activity during part of the ride. If you enjoy a festive Mexican party atmosphere, that can be a plus. If you want constant narration or quiet time, bring realistic expectations.

Breakfast on the way to the Marietas Islands

The morning meal is more useful than flashy. You receive a continental-style breakfast with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes. That gives you something in your stomach before snorkeling and paddling, without requiring you to find food at the port before sunrise.

I like this detail because water activities can feel much harder when you start the day hungry. The meal also helps make the $92 price easier to assess, since you are paying for a full boat day rather than transport alone.

The food is served onboard, so you are eating while the catamaran heads toward the islands. Do not expect a restaurant-style breakfast or a long sit-down meal. This is practical fuel for a busy day, with ocean views as the setting.

The tour includes insurance onboard, but you should still bring any personal medication and use sensible care around the water. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are specifically recommended. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring a towel, since you will likely be moving between deck time and water activities.

Reaching Marietas Islands National Park

The Marietas Islands are a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. The appeal here is not a long walk or a town visit. It is the combination of sea, rock, birds, and clear water, all reached by boat.

The islands have coastal formations and secluded coves that you cannot reach by road. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the Pacific and the rocky shoreline. Once the boat reaches the area, the day becomes more hands-on, with several ways to see the setting.

The main stop is listed as Marietas Islands, rather than a series of separate ports or beaches. That means you should think of the tour as one extended marine stop with several activities, not as an island-hopping itinerary. You may spend time on the boat between activities, which is part of the experience rather than dead time.

Bird-watching is also part of the appeal. The islands are known in the tour description for bird life, though no particular species or guaranteed sightings are specified. Bring patience and keep your expectations flexible. The water activities are the more certain focus of the day.

Snorkeling beside the rocky islands

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion. You receive the necessary equipment onboard, and the waters around the Marietas Islands provide the chance to see marine life and underwater scenery near the rock formations.

The word chance matters. Water conditions, visibility, and access can change, and the information provided does not promise a particular animal sighting or exact snorkeling duration. Still, the location gives you a more interesting setting than a generic beach swim because you are near protected island rock and marine habitat.

You should be comfortable in the water and ready to follow the crew’s instructions. The tour says most people can participate, but it does not describe specialized instruction or private guides for each swimmer. If you are a nervous swimmer, ask questions before entering the water and stay within the designated activity area.

The equipment is included, which is helpful at this price. You do not need to arrange a separate snorkel rental. Check the fit of your mask and other gear before you enter the water, since a little preparation can make the difference between enjoying the view and spending your time adjusting equipment.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and the optional Hidden Beach

Kayaks and paddleboards give you a closer look at the island’s coves and arches. These activities are a good choice if you want more than a swim, and they let you see the rock formations from the waterline.

There is one practical limitation: the kayak area may not provide much room when activity is underway. On a boat carrying up to 90 people, you may need to wait your turn or share a compact operating area. I would treat the kayaking and paddleboarding as short activity sessions, not as a long independent paddle around the islands.

The famous Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor, is offered as an optional visit. It is one of the most recognizable sights associated with the Marietas Islands, but the wording matters: it is optional, not presented as a guaranteed part of every passenger’s day. Do not choose this tour only for a promise of standing on the beach.

If access is available during your departure, the visit may be the highlight for you. If not, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and the island views still form the core of the experience. Conditions and park rules can affect what is possible, so keep your schedule flexible.

Lunch, deck time, and the return-party mood

Lunch is included, though the supplied information does not give a menu. You should see it as a convenient onboard meal rather than a reason to expect a specific dish. Having lunch on the catamaran means you do not lose time returning to shore or searching for food during the main stop.

After the more active portion, the boat becomes a place to relax. You can sit on deck, take in the ocean views, and enjoy the catamaran ride back toward Puerto Vallarta. This change of pace is one of the tour’s better design choices. You get a morning of water activities, followed by a more social afternoon.

Alcoholic drinks are included on the way back. Music, dancing, games, and karaoke may also form part of the return entertainment. The crew members praised most strongly in the available comments were David, Charly, and Alan, who were associated with the lively karaoke, dancing, and piña colada atmosphere.

That party element is a real part of the product, not a minor extra. If you like meeting people and singing along after a day outside, it can turn the return into a memorable finish. If you want a calm ride after snorkeling, you may find the noise and music tiring.

The music may be mostly Mexican or Spanish-language. That is a useful cultural detail, not a flaw by itself. But if you expect English pop music or detailed English commentary all day, this tour may feel less tailored to that preference.

What the $92 price really covers

At $92 per person, this is a midrange full-day boat excursion rather than a bare-bones ferry ride. The price includes transportation by catamaran, onboard insurance, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and alcoholic drinks on the return trip.

It also includes the entertainment that gives the trip its party character. For one day, you are combining marine activities, meals, equipment rental, and a staffed boat ride into one booking.

The extra charges need attention. The information lists a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet fee per person and another government fee of $3 per person. That brings the listed additional cost to $13 per person, making the practical total about $105 before any other personal spending.

I would judge the value by your priorities. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, food, snorkel gear, and water equipment, the package is convenient. If you mainly want to reach the islands and spend a quiet hour swimming, you may find the price high for the amount of time spent in shared activities and onboard entertainment.

The rating information is mixed, so I would not treat the tour as a perfect fit for everyone. The strongest praise centers on the accommodating crew, good food, and fun return ride. The clearest concern is limited kayak space and a long stretch of music with less activity. Those points give you a fair picture of the tradeoff.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this tour to you if you want several activities in one day and enjoy a social boat atmosphere. It works particularly well for couples, groups of friends, and families with participants who are comfortable around water and do not mind sharing equipment.

You will likely appreciate the tour if you want:

• A full day rather than a short cruise
• A mix of snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
• Breakfast and lunch included
• A lively return with music and an open bar
• A chance to see Marietas Islands without arranging separate activities

I would be more cautious if you want a small group, quiet travel, or long uninterrupted time at one beach. The boat can carry up to 90 people, and the activities are shared. Pregnant passengers are not permitted to board, regardless of stage of pregnancy, because of the company’s maritime safety policy.

The tour is also a better match for someone who enjoys an active schedule. You should bring energy for an early start, water time, equipment changes, meals onboard, and a long return to the port.

Practical packing advice for the 10-hour outing

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle a wet deck. Pack your swimsuit, towel, and an extra change of clothes, exactly as recommended for the activity.

Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent. The sunscreen request matters in a protected marine area, and reapplying is sensible during a long day outside. Keep your belongings compact, since a large shared boat may not offer unlimited personal space.

Your mobile ticket is accepted for the experience, and confirmation is received when you book. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity finishes where it begins at Puerto Magico.

The cancellation terms are friendly but strict near departure. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans before the deadline.

Should you book the Marietas Islands catamaran?

Book it if you want a full, sociable day on the water with several included activities, two meals, and a party-style return. The crew’s energy, especially from David, Charly, and Alan, appears to be a major part of the appeal, and the included equipment keeps planning easy.

Think twice if your main goal is a peaceful island escape, spacious kayaking, or guaranteed access to Hidden Beach. The group may be large, the kayak area may feel tight, and the return entertainment leans toward music and celebration.

For the right person, this is good-value convenience: one reservation covers the catamaran, food, water gear, and entertainment. Just add the $13 listed government fees, pack for a wet day, and choose it for the whole experience rather than for Hidden Beach alone.

FAQ

Where does the Marietas Islands catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Puerto Magico.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes. Lunch is also included, but no specific lunch menu is provided.

Are drinks included?

An open bar with alcoholic drinks is included on the way back to Puerto Vallarta.

Are snorkeling and water equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks are included.

Is Hidden Beach included?

A visit to Hidden Beach, also called Playa del Amor, is optional. The provided information does not state that access is guaranteed for every departure.

Are there extra government fees?

Yes. The listed charges are a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet fee per person and a separate $3 government fee per person.

Can pregnant passengers join the tour?

No. The company reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger who is pregnant, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 90 travelers.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.