Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

The main draw is a full day on the water around the Marietas Islands, with breakfast on the ride out, snorkeling and paddling near the islands, then lunch and an open bar afterward. The island scenery is the star, but the long boat ride shapes the whole day.

I like two things here: food and drinks are built into the day, and the crew’s friendly, helpful attitude earns strong praise. Families with children from 8 to 15 have enjoyed the easy mix of swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat time. The catch is the timing: you may spend about two hours each way on the boat, and the water conditions can make snorkeling far less pleasant than expected.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride can take about two hours each way, so plan for a long day in the sun.
• Breakfast and lunch are included, with an open bar available after the water activities.
• Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are included, but the quality of the snorkeling depends on conditions.
• The optional Hidden Beach costs $1,000 MXN and requires you to know how to swim.
• Extra conservation and port charges apply, and the listed amounts are not fully consistent, so confirm the current total before departure.
• The group can reach 40 people, making this a social boat outing rather than a quiet private trip.

The Marietas Islands are the reason to go

The Marietas Islands sit offshore from Puerto Vallarta in Bahía de Banderas. Their rocky forms, sea caves, and clear blue water give the day its visual appeal. You do not simply step ashore and wander at will. Most of the experience takes place from the boat or in the water around the islands.

That distinction matters. If you picture a long island walk, this is not that kind of outing. You’ll approach the islands by boat, take photos, swim or snorkel in designated areas, and possibly join an optional eco tour or Hidden Beach visit.

The islands are protected, so conservation charges are part of the cost. That is a useful reminder that this is a natural site with limits on access. The protection also means the day can feel more special than a standard beach cruise, but it comes with rules, extra fees, and controlled activities.

Meeting at Puerto Mágico at 9 a.m.

The tour begins at Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the northern hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll register, introduce yourself, pay the port and conservation charges, and board for the trip.

The stated start time is 9 a.m., and confirmation is provided when you book. I would arrive early enough to handle registration without rushing. The meeting point is not a hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way there unless the operator provides separate instructions.

The supplied information lists several fee amounts. One part gives a total of 150 MXN, made up of 120 MXN for Marietas conservation and 30 MXN for the port. Another section lists a 33 MXN port fee and a 180 MXN conservation bracelet. Since those figures do not match, ask Get Routa for the current exact amount before the morning of your trip. The $95.64 tour price does not appear to cover every charge.

A long ride across Bahía de Banderas

The boat ride to the islands is a major part of the outing. The schedule allows about three hours for the outward portion, including the ride and breakfast, while direct accounts put the trip at roughly two hours each way. Your exact time will depend on the route, stops, and sea conditions.

Breakfast is served as you head toward the islands. This is practical rather than fancy, but it means you do not need to find food before boarding or pack a full meal. If you are prone to motion sickness, the long crossing deserves serious thought. The ride is not a short transfer followed by hours on land.

Boat seating also matters. One account describes only about a quarter of the boat as shaded. If you end up in an exposed seat, the sun can become tiring well before the activities begin. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up. Because the operator asks people not to use standard sunscreen near the marine area, ask what reef-safe protection is accepted and apply it before boarding when possible.

The long crossing has one upside: you may see whales during the ride. Whale sightings are not promised, but they have added a memorable bonus to the journey for some families. Keep your expectations sensible, since the day is primarily an island and water excursion, not a whale-watching trip.

Water activities around the islands

At the Marietas Islands, you can use the included snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, or kayak. Fins, a vest, and snorkel are provided. You can also choose to stay aboard and enjoy the scenery if you do not want to enter the water.

The activities are flexible, but they are not unlimited private sessions. The schedule allows about two hours at the islands, and that time may include instructions, boat movement, swimming, and the optional paid add-ons. You may feel rushed if you want a long, quiet snorkeling session.

Snorkeling conditions can vary sharply. One outing had murky water, few visible fish, and jellyfish that stung several people. That is not a guaranteed part of the tour, but it is an important safety warning. Jellyfish are seasonal and unpredictable, yet you should ask the crew about current conditions before entering the water.

Getting back aboard also deserves attention. A report described no ladder and a difficult climb from the water, with several people needing help. The supplied information does not promise a ladder or an easy boarding system. If you have limited upper-body strength, ask the crew how swimmers re-enter the boat before you jump in.

The protected area is not necessarily a place for a quiet reef session. You might find the water beautiful and enjoyable, or you might encounter poor visibility and marine life that makes swimming uncomfortable. I would treat the snorkeling as one possible part of the day, not the sole reason to book.

Hidden Beach and the optional eco tour

The Hidden Beach option costs $1,000 MXN and requires good swimming ability. You must tell the operator in advance if you want to explore it. The extra charge is significant, especially when added to the tour price and conservation fees.

The name can create unrealistic expectations. Access is limited, and the visit may be brief. One account describes only a few minutes at a beach before boarding again. If you want a relaxed beach stay, this is unlikely to deliver it. If you want the thrill of entering a famous cave and seeing a dramatic formation from the water, it may be worth considering.

The eco tour is also an extra-cost choice. It can involve viewing the islands and rock formations from a smaller speedboat rather than going ashore. Some people have found it worthwhile, while others have had the option skipped or felt it was not clearly delivered. Ask exactly what the eco tour includes, how long it lasts, and what it costs before paying.

You should not assume that every activity runs in the same way on every departure. Sea conditions, park rules, and timing can change the order or duration of stops.

Lunch, drinks, and the open bar

After the water activities, the boat serves lunch and opens the bar. The included food is described as sandwiches and pasta, with drinks available after the water portion. This arrangement makes sense: eat, relax, and socialize once you are finished swimming.

I like this setup for families and groups. You do not need to return to Puerto Vallarta hungry, and you can settle into the ride home with a meal already arranged. The food is part of the value, even if you should not expect a restaurant-style lunch.

The timing also has a safety benefit. Alcohol is offered after the water activities, not as an incentive to swim under the influence. Keep your own limits in mind, since the return ride can be long and sunny.

The open bar is a social feature, not the main attraction. If you want a quiet natural experience, the music, conversation, and group atmosphere may feel busy. If you enjoy meeting people and sharing a boat day, this part can be one of the most enjoyable.

The two-hour ride back to Puerto Vallarta

The return journey can take about two hours. That is when the difference between a pleasant day and an exhausting one becomes clear. After swimming, sun, and lunch, you may want shade and a smooth ride, yet the boat still has to cover the same distance back to the pier.

Bring a dry change of clothes, a light layer, and enough personal sun protection for the full day. The operator’s environmental guidance about sunscreen should not mean you go without protection. Ask what product is allowed, and use hats and clothing as your first line of defense.

The boat ride home is not wasted time if you enjoy sea views and conversation. It is also not easy for everyone. Children may become restless, and anyone who dislikes long boat crossings should think twice before booking an 8 to 9 hour outing.

Is $95.64 good value?

At $95.64 per person, the tour includes transportation by boat, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, a kayak or paddleboard, and an open bar after the water activities. That is a fair bundle for a full-day outing, especially if you plan to use several of the included features.

The value drops if you mainly want the Hidden Beach or eco tour. Those cost extra, and the Hidden Beach alone is listed at $1,000 MXN. Add the conservation bracelet and port charge, and the final cost can be notably higher than the advertised base price.

I would compare this tour with a simpler boat trip by asking three questions:

• Do I want a full day on the water rather than several hours on an island?
• Will I use the included kayak, paddleboard, and snorkeling gear?
• Am I comfortable paying extra for the special access options?

If you answer yes to the first two, the package can work well. If your priority is a calm beach day or excellent snorkeling, the price may feel less convincing.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

This tour suits active families, couples, and groups who like a social day with several choices. Children from 8 to 15 have enjoyed the mix of water play, food, and boat time, although every child should be comfortable with a long crossing.

It also works for people who do not want to plan meals or rent equipment separately. The crew handles the basic structure of the day, and you can choose between joining the water activities or staying aboard.

I would be cautious if you have motion sickness, need reliable shade, dislike crowded boats, or want guaranteed clear snorkeling. The maximum group size is 40 people, so this is not a private charter. It is an organized outing with a lively group feel.

You also need to know how to swim for the Hidden Beach option. The general activity may suit most people, but the supplied information does not promise that every part is accessible to every physical ability. Ask specific questions before booking if swimming, boarding, or climbing could be difficult for you.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, the operator also offers another date or experience, or a full refund.

The activity is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation arrives at booking. Most people can participate, but you should still raise any swimming or mobility concerns in advance.

Should you book the Marietas Islands boat tour?

Book it if you want a full, social boat day with meals, drinks, and several water activities included. The islands are beautiful, the crew receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful, and the package removes much of the hassle from arranging food and equipment.

Think carefully if you are booking mainly for snorkeling or Hidden Beach. Jellyfish, murky water, limited shade, difficult boarding, long crossings, and extra fees can all affect the day. Confirm the current conservation and port charges, ask about the exact Hidden Beach and eco tour arrangements, and prepare for a full day in the sun.

My call: this is a good-value choice for families and groups that enjoy variety and do not mind boat time. It is a weaker match for anyone seeking a quiet beach visit, a private trip, or guaranteed top-quality snorkeling.

FAQ

How long does the Marietas Islands tour last?

The full experience takes approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Puerto Mágico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 9 a.m.

Does the tour return to Puerto Vallarta?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. The open bar is available on the boat after the water activities.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Fins, a vest, and a snorkel are included.

Are kayaking and paddleboarding included?

Yes. The tour includes use of a paddleboard or kayak.

Does the Hidden Beach visit cost extra?

Yes. The Hidden Beach option costs $1,000 MXN, and you must know how to swim.

How far in advance can I cancel for a full refund?

You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.