Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Marietas Islands is the star here, with blue-footed boobies, sea arches, whales, dolphins, and a small beach called Playa la Nopalera. I like the full day on the water, plus the breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle board, music, and bilingual crew included in the base fare. The boat ride itself can be beautiful, especially when whales appear offshore.

The catch is that all inclusive needs a careful reading. Hidden Beach is not included, the ecological boat ride may cost extra, listed port and environmental fees are paid separately, and several people report that the bar opens mainly on the return trip. Snorkeling time can be short, crowded, and murky.

Key points to know before booking

• Playa la Nopalera is included: You visit this small beach, but Hidden Beach, also called Love Beach, requires a separate reservation and extra payment.
• The ride takes much of the day: The stated duration is about nine hours, though some outings have lasted 11 or 12 hours.
• Breakfast and lunch are provided: Expect eggs with ham, fruit, and juice in the morning, followed by a sandwich, burger, fries, salad, or similar meal.
• Snorkeling is not the main strength: Conditions vary, and some departures offer only about 20 minutes in a crowded area with limited visibility.
• Extra fees matter: Budget for the MX$32 dock tax and MX$180 in CONANP and SEMARNAT fees per person.
• The crew can make or break the day: Bilingual hosts, games, music, karaoke, and helpful staff earn strong praise, though service and organization are not always consistent.

What the Marietas cruise really offers

This is a long boat day built around scenery, meals, and entertainment, with water activities fitted into the schedule. You leave Puerto Vallarta at about 8:30 a.m. from Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, then ride toward the Marietas Islands aboard a catamaran.

The islands are protected and famous for their sea caves, rock arches, seabirds, and small beaches. The boat passes outside features called La Bufadora, the Caves, and the Second Crater. You get views of these formations, but the basic tour does not promise entry into every cave or the famous Hidden Beach.

That distinction matters. If your main reason for booking is to stand inside the round crater at Hidden Beach, this is the wrong product unless you arrange that add-on in advance. Space can be limited, and payment does not always appear to guarantee a place.

I see this excursion as three experiences in one: a long catamaran ride, a short island visit, and a floating social event with food and music. That combination can be great for a relaxed group that enjoys being on a boat. It is less suitable if you want serious snorkeling or a quiet, tightly scheduled nature trip.

The morning departure from Puerto Vallarta

You meet at Puerto Mágico, a convenient starting point in the hotel zone north of central Puerto Vallarta. Ground transportation is not included, so you need to reach the dock yourself.

Allow extra time for check-in and fees. The listed start time is 8:30 a.m., but one poor experience involved a later boarding process and a much longer ride after a mechanical problem. That may not be typical, but it shows why you should avoid scheduling another important activity that evening.

The catamaran is advertised with a maximum of 40 people. Some accounts describe a much fuller boat and crowded activity areas, so I would confirm the expected group size directly before paying. Crowd levels matter here because there are only a few kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel sets available at one time.

The ride to the islands can take roughly two hours or more. One account described about an hour and 45 minutes each way, while others reported more than two hours going out. Sea conditions and boat performance affect the timing.

Breakfast comes aboard. The exact meal varies, but the package lists eggs with ham, fruit, and juice. Other descriptions mention eggs and chilaquiles. It is a simple start, not a hotel buffet, but it helps during the long trip west.

Food, drinks, and the meaning of all inclusive

The package includes breakfast and a later meal. Lunch may be a cold meat baguette, hamburger with fries and salad, kabobs, ceviche, chips, or a similar boat meal. The quality is uneven. Some people find the food tasty and filling, while others describe a basic sandwich or mediocre burger.

Timing is the larger issue. Several accounts say lunch arrived late, sometimes after 2 p.m. or even later. If you get hungry early, bring a small snack if permitted, and do not assume that lunch will appear soon after the water activities.

The national open bar lists beer, tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, whiskey, soft drinks, juice, and water. Yet some accounts say alcohol was served only during the final hour or 90 minutes on the way back. Others describe decent drinks and a fun return ride.

So read open bar as a service offered during the cruise, not as a promise that drinks will be available all day or on the beach. The boat also provides music for dancing, games, and karaoke. That can turn the long ride home into a party, but loud music has bothered some people, and the ride out can feel slow.

The best food and drink value comes when you view this as a full-day boat package rather than a restaurant meal. At $87.04 per person, the fare is reasonable for transport, two meals, equipment, entertainment, and staff service. Once you add fees, photos, and optional island activities, the final cost rises.

Snorkeling near the Marietas Islands

The snorkeling stop takes place near the island reefs. You receive a life vest and equipment, and staff may give a short lesson before entering the water. The crew is strict about life jackets, which is sensible because currents can be strong.

Expect conditions to vary. Some outings produce plenty of fish, while others encounter murky water, jellyfish, or poor visibility. One person described seeing only a few fish among dark red water. Another reported a good selection of fish and appreciated the crew taking care of swimmers.

The biggest concern is time. Several accounts put the actual snorkeling at about 20 minutes, even though the day includes a long ride to the islands. If many people are sharing the water equipment, you may spend more time waiting than swimming.

Equipment quality also deserves attention. One account raised concerns about dirty gear and a mouthpiece that appeared not to have been cleaned well. I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. At minimum, inspect the equipment before using it and ask for a replacement if anything looks questionable.

This is not a dependable choice for a dedicated snorkeling day. It works better if snorkeling is one small part of a boat trip that also includes views, food, beach time, and entertainment.

Playa la Nopalera and the extra-cost beach

The included island stop is Playa la Nopalera. It is small, scenic, and worth seeing, but the time on shore may be brief, often around 20 minutes in the accounts provided. The transfer from the catamaran is made in a smaller boat.

You should expect a wet transfer and strong sun. Bring a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to carry your phone. The return ride can feel cool if your clothes are still damp, especially when the boat is moving quickly.

Hidden Beach is the point that causes the most confusion. It is separate from Playa la Nopalera and requires an additional reservation and payment, often described as about MX$1,000. The ecological boat tour around the island also costs extra, with one account citing about MX$200.

Neither add-on should be treated as guaranteed simply because someone offers it on the boat. Space may be limited, and people have reported being unable to get a place or waiting while others take the small boat. Ask before departure:

• Is Hidden Beach available on this date?
• Is the extra payment a reservation or only a request?
• How much time do you get there?
• What happens if weather or sea conditions prevent entry?
• Is the ecological tour included in the optional fee?

If you want close views of the island, the ecological tour may be the better use of extra money, especially if you cannot enter Hidden Beach. One family enjoyed learning about blue-footed boobies and other seabirds during this kind of excursion.

Seeing whales, dolphins, birds, and rock formations

Wildlife is an important bonus. Several accounts describe humpback whales breaching during the ride, along with dolphins and turtles. Sightings are never promised, but the long crossing gives you plenty of time to watch the sea.

The Marietas Islands are also a good place to look for blue-footed boobies. You may see seabirds from the main catamaran, but a closer ecological trip may be needed for better views. La Bufadora, the stone arches, caves, and Second Crater add interest even when you stay outside the formations.

This is where the boat ride earns its keep. Even people who found the snorkeling weak still enjoyed the scenery and wildlife. Keep your expectations practical: the boat passes these sites, and the basic outing is not a private exploration of every cave.

The crew, music, and onboard mood

The human side of the trip receives both strong praise and sharp criticism. Friendly bilingual staff can explain the activities, help nervous swimmers, organize transfers, and keep the group moving. Crew members named Jonathan and Rogelio received specific praise for their service.

The entertainment includes music, dancing, games, and karaoke. For a social group, this is a real benefit. It gives the long return ride a purpose and helps you meet other people.

The same setup can annoy you if you want peace. Loud music has been called unbearable, and some people found the ride out dull except for breakfast and the scenery. Service also appears uneven, with complaints about aggressive upselling, late food, uncomfortable chairs, and unprofessional behavior from one host.

I would choose this boat if you like a lively group setting. If you prefer quiet wildlife watching, a smaller ecological operator may suit you better.

Extra fees, timing, and practical planning

The advertised price is $87.04 per person, but it is not the final amount. You also need to pay a MX$32 dock tax and MX$180 per person for CONANP and SEMARNAT charges. Optional activities and photos cost more.

Bring cash for those charges and any add-ons. The tour ends back at the Puerto Mágico meeting point, but the return time can vary. The scheduled duration is about nine hours, yet some accounts describe a 12-hour day.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Pregnant women more than four months along cannot participate.

Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable with a long boat ride, transfers in a small boat, and time in open water. Life vests are provided and required during swimming activities.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a low-cost day on the sea with several ingredients in one package: breakfast, lunch, drinks, beach time, basic water sports, music, and a chance to see whales or dolphins.

It is also a good fit for families with mixed interests. A non-swimmer can stay aboard, use a life vest, enjoy the scenery, and join the food and entertainment. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling give active people something to do, though equipment may be shared.

I would hesitate if your priority is clear snorkeling, a guaranteed visit to Hidden Beach, or a quiet, small-group nature trip. The ride is long, the water conditions are unpredictable, and optional fees can make the deal less attractive.

If you are staying near Sayulita or Punta de Mita, compare departures from those areas. Starting closer to the islands may reduce the time spent on the boat. From Puerto Vallarta, the long crossing is part of the price, but it is also the main drawback.

Should you book the Marietas Islands snorkel cruise?

Book it if you want a social catamaran day and can accept a flexible schedule. The best parts are the island scenery, possible whale sightings, friendly crew members, included meals, and lively return trip.

Skip it if the words Hidden Beach are the main reason you are interested. Confirm that option separately, and do not assume the base fare includes it. Also skip it if you want a serious snorkeling session. You may get a short swim in murky or crowded water.

For the right person, $87.04 is fair value. Just add the required fees, bring cash and dry clothes, and treat the snorkeling and optional beach visit as uncertain extras rather than the central promise.

FAQ

Where does the Marietas Islands cruise start?

It starts at Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s north hotel zone. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

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

How long does the excursion last?

The stated duration is about nine hours. Actual outings can run longer, with some lasting 11 or 12 hours.

Is Hidden Beach included?

No. Hidden Beach, also called Love Beach, requires a separate reservation and additional payment. Availability may be limited.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast includes eggs with ham, fruit, and juice. A later meal may include a cold meat baguette, hamburger with fries and salad, or similar food. The onboard bar lists beer, tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, whiskey, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Are snorkeling equipment and life vests provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life vests. Kayaks and paddle boards are also provided for shared use.

What extra fees must I pay?

You must pay a MX$32 dock tax per person and MX$180 per person in CONANP and SEMARNAT fees. Optional activities and photos cost extra.