Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach

The Marietas Islands trip mixes a pleasant sail across Bahia de Banderas with snorkeling, paddle boards, bird watching, and a possible swim to Love Beach. I like the small-boat feel and the fact that breakfast, lunch, gear, and onboard drinks are included. I also like the chance to see blue-footed boobies, dolphins, or whales along the way.

The main catch is that Love Beach access is controlled by the marine park, so it is not guaranteed. Snorkeling can also be less clear and more strenuous than you may expect, and you should confirm the boat’s passenger count before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Love Beach access is optional and controlled: You may not be allowed onto the famous beach, even after reaching the islands.
• Snorkeling is close to the rocks: Water visibility can vary, and the swim may feel more like a workout than a calm reef outing.
• Food is included: Expect a continental breakfast, deli-style lunch, and alcoholic drinks after the water activities.
• The advertised group limit is seven: One booking ended up with 13 people, so confirm the actual group size.
• Extra fees add up: Budget MX$35 for port tax and MX$85 for the island conservation fee per person.
• Captain Luis and crew receive strong praise: Gustavo is also named as part of the attentive onboard team.

Sailing out from Paradise Village

The tour begins at Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. You arrange your own transportation to the marina, and the boat returns to the same pier after roughly seven hours.

That meeting point matters if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta proper. Nuevo Vallarta is across the bay from central Puerto Vallarta, so you need to allow time and money for your ride to the pier. Transportation is not included.

The trip is sold as a sail, but do not expect to glide under sail power every minute. One outing used the motor on the way to the islands and sailed for much of the return. That is normal for a practical boat trip, since the crew must work with wind, timing, and the route.

The boat ride itself is one of the strongest parts of the day. You get open views across Bahia de Banderas, and the return can become a lively part of the outing, with the crew involving people onboard. Wildlife sightings are possible too. The most notable reports include dolphins and whales, but sightings are never something you should treat as guaranteed.

Breakfast, lunch, and the onboard rhythm

A continental breakfast is included, followed by a deli-style lunch. That is useful on a seven-hour outing, since you are away from shore for most of the day and cannot simply stop for food.

The open bar is domestic and alcoholic drinks are served only after the water activities. This rule is sensible. You can focus on swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding first, then relax with a drink once you are back onboard.

The food receives especially warm praise, with the lunch described as excellent. Still, this is simple boat catering, not a restaurant meal. If you have a strict diet or need a particular meal, the supplied information does not promise alternatives, so ask before booking.

The crew also helps shape the day. Captain Luis is specifically praised, as are crew members including Gustavo. The strongest pattern is attentive service, with the crew helping people during activities and keeping the return trip social and fun.

Reaching the Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands sit north of Puerto Vallarta and are the main destination, with about two hours set aside at the islands. Their appeal comes from the rocky coast, sea birds, and the chance to reach the famous beach area managed by the marine park.

The bird life is a real reason to bring binoculars if you have room for them. Blue-footed boobies have been spotted, along with other birds. The islands are a good choice if you want more than a standard beach cruise, since the setting gives you wildlife and dramatic coastal views as well as water activities.

The islands are protected, which explains the added conservation fee and the limits on access. The fee is MX$85 per person, and the port tax is another MX$35 per person. Together, those required charges add MX$120 to the advertised $99 price, before any transportation costs.

Snorkeling near the rocks

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, and the gear is described as well sanitized. New snorkeling tubes are available to buy onboard if you prefer a fresh personal mouthpiece.

Set your expectations carefully. The snorkeling is done close to the rocks, where water clarity may be good enough to see fish at close range but not always clear enough for a wide underwater view. One account described the swim as challenging and less exciting than expected, especially compared with snorkeling in Hawaii.

That does not make it a poor activity. It means you should be comfortable in open water and ready for conditions that can change. You may see fish around the rocks, but this is not presented as a large coral-reef excursion with guaranteed clear water.

The swim can be tiring, particularly if you are hoping to reach a beach area. A life vest is available, and most people can participate, but you should think honestly about your swimming comfort. If you are seeking a relaxed float with easy access from a sandy shore, this may not be the best match.

Love Beach and the access problem

Love Beach, often called the hidden beach, is the visual prize of the Marietas Islands. The setting is spectacular, and reaching it by swimming can feel like the most memorable part of the day.

But access is not included as a guaranteed part of the experience. The marine park controls entry, and only some people may be permitted to go ashore. One outing allowed only two of 13 people to visit the beach, which shows why you should not book this trip solely for the promise of standing on the sand.

The access process can feel like a lottery or controlled allocation. The information provided does not spell out the exact procedure, so ask the operator before booking how access is decided on your date.

You may still enjoy the trip without entering Love Beach. The islands themselves offer bird watching, coastal scenery, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. But if the beach is your main goal, confirm the rules and accept that the conservation authority, not the boat crew, makes the final call.

Paddle boards and time on the water

Paddle boards are included, giving you another way to enjoy the island stop. This is a useful addition because it lets you break up the snorkeling and swimming with a calmer activity on the surface.

The equipment list also includes life vests and snorkeling gear. You do not need to rent these separately, which improves the practical value of the $99 fare. The available information does not state how long each activity lasts, so the crew will likely manage the timing around sea conditions and the park’s rules.

The overall day is active but not an endurance expedition. Most people can participate, though the swim to the beach and snorkeling near rocks may feel demanding if you are not comfortable in open water.

Group size needs a careful check

The tour is advertised with a maximum of seven people. That would be a strong selling point, since a small group usually means more room onboard and less waiting during water activities.

However, one booking expected seven people and found 13 onboard. That is a serious difference, even though the boat ride and service remained enjoyable on that particular outing.

I would contact GoPralia before booking and ask three direct questions: How many people are confirmed for your date? Is the boat operated by GoPralia or by a partner? What happens if the group exceeds seven?

This is especially important if you are paying for a quiet small-boat trip. The experience may still work well with a larger group, but you should not assume the advertised maximum will always be honored.

What the $99 price really covers

At $99 per person, the fare is fair if you value a full day on the water with food, equipment, and onboard service. You are not paying only for a ride to the islands. The package includes breakfast, lunch, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, life vests, and alcoholic drinks after the water activities.

The price is less attractive once you add the mandatory charges. The MX$35 port tax and MX$85 conservation fee total MX$120 per person. Transportation to the Paradise Village pier is also extra.

Love Beach access is optional and controlled by the marine park. The provided details do not give a separate price for it, so ask about any additional charge before departure. You can also buy a new snorkeling tube onboard if you want one.

For a full seven-hour outing, the value is good when the boat is not overcrowded and the weather cooperates. It is weaker if you mainly want guaranteed beach access or crystal-clear snorkeling. Your best value comes from treating it as a complete island day, not as a guaranteed Love Beach transfer.

Booking, cancellations, and weather

You receive confirmation at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead, you do not receive a refund, and late changes are not accepted.

One cancellation occurred at 10 p.m. the night before departure, leaving little time to find another plan. That kind of late notice is frustrating, so keep your schedule flexible if this is the main activity of your day.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the itinerary depends on sea conditions, that protection is important.

Who should book this island trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a full day combining a boat ride, island scenery, simple water activities, food, and a social atmosphere. It suits people who like variety and do not need every part of the day to be perfectly predictable.

It is also a good fit for bird watchers. Blue-footed boobies and other birds can be seen around the islands, and dolphins or whales may appear during the crossing.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed access to Love Beach, demand a very small group, or want exceptionally clear snorkeling. I would also ask about group size if the seven-person limit is central to your decision.

FAQ

Where does the Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach tour start?

It starts at Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours. About two hours are allocated to the Marietas Islands.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. You are responsible for getting to and from Paradise Village Public Pier.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a continental breakfast, deli-style lunch, and a domestic open bar. Alcoholic drinks are served only after the water activities.

Is Love Beach access guaranteed?

No. Access is controlled by the marine park and is optional. You may not be allowed onto the beach, so confirm the current access process before booking.

What equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear, life vests, and paddle boards are included. New snorkeling tubes are available to purchase onboard.

What extra fees must I pay?

The port tax is MX$35 per person, and the Marietas Islands conservation fee is MX$85 per person. Transportation and any optional Love Beach charge are not included.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a varied day at sea and can treat Love Beach as a bonus rather than a promise. The food, crew, boat ride, bird watching, and chance of seeing dolphins or whales give the trip plenty of appeal.

Before paying, confirm the actual passenger count, ask how Love Beach access works, and budget the MX$120 in required fees. With those points clear, the Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach tour can be a good-value outing from Nuevo Vallarta, especially for someone who enjoys the journey as much as the island stop.