Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta boat day is the mix of wildlife watching and water activities. You may spot dolphins in the Bay of Banderas, humpback whales in season, manta rays, blue-footed boobies, and red-billed tropicbirds before reaching the Marietas Islands. Then you can snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard before lunch at Majahuitas.

I like the attentive crew and the strong lunch setting. Guides such as Poncho and Danny have earned praise for keeping people informed, safe, and entertained, while the BBQ meal at Majahuitas is often a highlight. The main drawback is simple: you spend most of the day on the boat, and the time for snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP can feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Whale season can transform the boat ride: Humpbacks have been seen breaching, slapping their fins, and swimming near the boat.
• Three water activities share limited time: Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are available, but you may not get a long session at each.
• Majahuitas provides the best meal setting: The BBQ lunch comes with drinks in a scenic beach location.
• You must jump into the water: There are no docks at the stops, and small metal ladders are used to climb back aboard.
• This is a lively group excursion: The boat can carry up to 100 people, with music and a comic crew performance on some departures.
• Budget extra pesos: The MX$40 port fee and MX$20 conservation fee are paid separately in cash.

A seven-hour day built around the Bay of Banderas

This is a full morning-to-afternoon outing, not a quick trip to one beach. You meet at Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio at 7:00 a.m., pay the required fees, and board for the run across the bay.

The boat ride is a major part of the experience. That matters because this is not the right choice if you want hours of quiet beach time or a short transfer to the islands. It is a good fit if you enjoy being on the water and are happy to treat the journey itself as part of the day.

The open bar serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and several departures have included attentive drink service throughout the day. Some people particularly appreciate that alcohol is held until after the first water activities. If you do not drink, the value comes more from the food, equipment, wildlife watching, and crew than from the bar.

The boat has shaded areas, but bring a towel and clothing that can get wet. You will likely be exposed to sun, spray, and wind even when you are sitting down.

Watching dolphins across the Bay of Banderas

The first stretch gives you a chance to scan the open water for Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the bay is one of the tour’s main attractions. A guide provides commentary as the boat moves north toward the Marietas Islands.

The wildlife watching can be especially rewarding during whale season. Humpback whales have been seen breaching, slapping their pectoral fins, and surfacing close enough to make the boat slow down. Giant manta rays and native seabirds may also appear, including blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds.

I would keep expectations sensible. This is not a dedicated whale-watching trip with long waits in one location. Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather, and luck. Still, the possibility of seeing whales and dolphins gives the long crossing a clear purpose.

The ride can be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, this is one of the most important points to consider. The operator specifically warns that most of the day is spent aboard the boat, so take your usual precautions and ask an adventure adviser if you are unsure.

The Marietas Islands: rock, birds, and water time

The Marietas Islands are known for rugged volcanic rock formations and marine life. This stop is less about walking ashore and more about seeing the islands from the water and choosing an activity.

You can use the provided snorkel equipment, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. The crew’s eco-guides are there to help with safety and basic confidence, which is useful if you have some water experience but are not an expert.

Snorkeling conditions can vary widely. Rainy weather may reduce underwater visibility, and the water can feel cold at certain times of year. One family used a wetsuit to make the swim more comfortable, while other people found the snorkeling enjoyable despite murky water.

Compared with top snorkeling areas in Hawaii or the Caribbean, the underwater viewing here may feel modest. You may see fish and enjoy the setting, but you should not book this trip solely for crystal-clear coral reef conditions.

The biggest practical issue is time. Because the tour also includes wildlife watching and Majahuitas, snorkeling may last around 30 minutes on some departures. If you want to kayak and use the SUP as well, you need to move quickly when the crew opens the activities.

This is also not the Hidden Beach tour. The Marietas Islands include several famous formations, but this particular experience does not visit the Hidden Beach. Check the exact route before booking if that beach is your main reason for going.

Getting into the water without a dock

The tour’s access points are natural shore or water entries, not regular marinas. There is no dock at the stops, so you jump from the boat into the water and climb back up using small metal ladders.

That setup is manageable for people with moderate physical fitness, but it is not ideal for anyone who needs a gentle, step-free entry. You should be comfortable swimming, climbing a short ladder, and getting wet.

Wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes, and bring a towel. The equipment is supplied, but towels are not. Shoes that you do not mind wetting are also a smart choice.

The water activities are optional in the sense that you can remain aboard, but the tour is designed around active time in the water. If you prefer to watch from the deck, you may find the day long.

Majahuitas makes the lunch stop worthwhile

The third part of the day takes you to Majahuitas Beach for the included BBQ lunch and drinks. This is where the tour’s relaxed side arrives after the early start and boat ride.

The meal has received particularly strong praise. The spread can include substantial sandwiches with fillings, potato salad, pasta salad, and drinks. The setting adds real value, since you are eating near a scenic beach rather than inside a city restaurant.

Plan your time carefully. Depending on the crowd and the lunch setup, food lines can take a while. Some people find they have enough time for beach activities, while others feel that eating leaves little time for kayaking or paddleboarding.

If activities matter more to you than lunch, ask the crew about the order of events and get ready early. You may prefer to use the beach first and eat afterward, if the schedule permits.

Majahuitas is not necessarily a long, quiet beach retreat. It is one stop in a packed day, and the available activity time can feel rushed when many people want the same equipment. Still, the meal and scenery make it a useful counterpoint to the active island stop.

A crew that treats the boat like a small stage

The staff is one of the most praised parts of this experience. Guides including Poncho, Pancho, Danny, and Dani have been singled out for friendly service, safety help, wildlife commentary, and comic timing.

The tone is social rather than hushed. Music plays onboard, drinks are served, and the crew may perform a choreographed lip-sync or dance show on the return trip. Some people find this hilarious and consider it one of the best parts of the day. If loud music or organized entertainment bothers you, the style may not suit you.

The show also explains why this tour works well for mixed groups. People who are not eager to snorkel can enjoy the boat atmosphere and performance, while more active people can use the water equipment. It is not a private expedition, though. With capacity for up to 100 people, you should expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet charter.

The crew’s energy can make a long day feel shorter. It can also make the experience less appealing if you want solitude and nature without music or stage entertainment.

What the $99 price really covers

At $99 per person, the price covers roughly seven hours on the water, onboard drinks, lunch at Majahuitas, snorkel and kayak equipment, and stand-up paddleboards. That is a fair package for a full-day boat outing, especially if you use several parts of what is included.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a whale or dolphin cruise, snorkeling, a beach visit, lunch, and drinks. You are getting a broad mix in one booking.

The value is weaker if you mainly want long snorkeling sessions. The tour covers several stops, and the water time is divided between wildlife viewing, the Marietas Islands, and Majahuitas. For a dedicated snorkeler, a smaller trip with one main reef stop may be a better match.

Remember the extra cash charges. The port fee is MX$40 per person, and the conservation fee is MX$20 per person. These are not included in the advertised price. Bring Mexican pesos, and carry some extra for tips if you wish.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Puerto Mágico and return to the meeting point after the tour. This departure is not suitable for cruise ship passengers because the schedule does not fit typical port calls.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta excursion

I would recommend this tour to you if you:

• Like full days on the water
• Want several activities in one outing
• Enjoy group energy, music, and crew entertainment
• Hope to see whales or dolphins in season
• Appreciate having lunch and drinks included
• Have moderate physical fitness and are comfortable with ladders
• Are traveling with a family or mixed-age group that wants choices

I would think twice if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Need a dock or easy beach access
• Want long, uninterrupted snorkeling
• Prefer a small, quiet boat
• Are searching specifically for the Hidden Beach
• Dislike loud music or organized shows
• Need a flexible schedule with plenty of time at each stop

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the maximum group size is 100 people. Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive ready for an early start. The meeting time is 7:00 a.m., and you should allow time to find Puerto Mágico and pay the cash fees before boarding.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, Mexican pesos, and clothes that can get wet. A waterproof phone pouch is useful, although drones are prohibited because of federal protection rules for endemic bird flight paths.

Food before departure is worth considering. Some departures have offered coffee, fruit, juice, and small pastries, but the formal inclusions focus on lunch and drinks. If you need a substantial breakfast, do not assume it will be available.

Keep your expectations flexible. A clear morning may produce excellent wildlife viewing and good snorkeling, while rain or stirred-up water can reduce visibility. The crew can control the schedule and safety, but not whale sightings, water clarity, or the amount of time required for lunch lines.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Should you book the Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a lively, all-day boat outing that combines wildlife watching, several water activities, a scenic lunch, drinks, and a playful crew. The strongest reasons to go are the chance of seeing humpback whales, the excellent Majahuitas meal setting, and the staff-led entertainment.

Skip it if your priority is peaceful beach time or serious snorkeling. The tour covers a lot of ground, so each activity receives only part of the day. For the right person, that variety is the appeal. For someone seeking one unhurried experience, it is the central drawback.

FAQ

How long does the Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. The stated start time is 7:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must get to the Puerto Mágico meeting point yourself.

What activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, along with the use of the required equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas is included, along with refreshing drinks.

Are the port and conservation fees included?

No. You pay a MX$40 port fee per person in Mexican cash and a MX$20 conservation fee per person at check-in.

Is the tour suitable for someone with seasickness?

The tour may not be suitable if you suffer from seasickness because most of the day is spent on the boat and the ride can be choppy.

Can cruise ship passengers take this tour?

No. This option is not suitable for cruise ship passengers because the schedule conflicts with local cruise timing.