Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

If you’re considering a day trip out to the Marietas Islands, this all-inclusive snorkel cruise from Puerto Vallarta might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying and what the tour actually offers, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

What really shines about this tour is the chance to see the stunning scenery of the islands and enjoy a variety of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding—all wrapped into one day. Plus, the amenities onboard, including a continental breakfast and national open bar, make the trip more enjoyable. On the flip side, some reviews point out that the experience can get crowded, and the overall value might depend on your expectations and preferences.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love a mix of relaxing boat rides, scenic viewpoints, and light adventure activities. If you’re okay with spending a good chunk of the day on a boat and don’t mind some variability in the snorkeling conditions, you could find this to be a memorable outing. However, if you’re after a highly exclusive or tranquil experience, it’s worth knowing what to expect.

Key Points

• Includes a variety of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with equipment provided.
• Long ride of around 2 hours each way, which can be tiring but offers scenic views.
• Food and drinks are included, with a continental breakfast and an open bar on board.
• Crowded snorkeling spots may mean limited time and space for each guest.
• Multiple stops and sights, including Playa la Nopalera, Bufadora, caves, and second crater, offer a full day of exploration.
• Mixed reviews on water clarity and overall experience, so managing expectations is key.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting bright and early at 8:30am from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll board a comfortable catamaran that whisks you away toward the Marietas Islands. The ride itself is quite long—about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way—which means plenty of time to kick back, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps indulge in the continental breakfast that is served aboard. That breakfast typically includes eggs with ham, fruit, and juice, which makes it a decent start before a busy day.

Once you arrive, your first stop is Playa La Nopalera, a beautiful beach with calm waters perfect for relaxing. Many reviews mention that this is a highlight, especially since you get to spend some time swimming and soaking up the sun. However, some guests felt the time here was a bit limited, and they’d appreciate more than just a quick visit.

On the way to the island, you’ll pass outside notable spots like Bufadora, famous for its blowhole, along with the caves and the second crater. These are great photo opportunities and add a scenic edge to the trip, even for those who prefer just to enjoy the views from deck.

Snorkeling and Water Activities: The Heart of the Experience?

Snorkeling is billed as one of the main activities, with equipment included and multiple options like kayaks and paddleboards. The actual snorkeling spot is at reefs on the shore of the Marietas Islands, which sounds fantastic but seems to have mixed reviews. Several guests mention that the water wasn’t as clear as expected, and the limited number of snorkel sets and activity gear (only three kayaks and paddleboards) means that your time in the water might be pretty brief and crowded.

One reviewer noted that “the snorkeling area could have been bigger,” and that “everyone kept bumping into each other.” Another mentioned that “there were too many people,” making it tough to enjoy the reef fully. So, if snorkeling is your main goal, be prepared for some crowds and perhaps a shorter time in the water.

Another thing to consider is the water temperature—some mention it can be cold, which might catch you off guard if you’re used to warmer Caribbean waters. Still, with life vests provided, even non-swimmers can get a taste of the underwater world safely.

Food and Drinks: A Noteworthy Feature

One aspect many reviews praise is the onboard food and open bar. You’ll enjoy a cold meat baguette or hamburger with fries and salad, which is quite decent for a day at sea. The all-inclusive drinks—including tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water—add a lively touch to the trip, especially on the return leg when the weather and mood are lighter.

However, some guests say that the open bar only opens during the last 1.5 hours of the trip, so don’t expect to be sipping drinks from the moment you start. Also, one reviewer noted that the staff was sometimes slow to serve, or that there was limited drink choice, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re expecting a full bar experience throughout.

Highlights and Unique Sights

Beyond water activities, the tour includes several notable stops. You’ll get a good view of the Bufadora, a famous blowhole, and even descend into the stone arches, which adds a bit of adventure and photo-op potential. Visitors frequently mention the stunning scenery of the islands, with some lucky travelers like Catherine spotting whales—an unexpected highlight.

The visit to Playa la Nopalera seems to be the star of the show for many, offering a taste of the gorgeous, unspoiled beach environment. If you’re a nature lover, this is likely to be a favorite memory, though some reviews indicate the limited time here is a downside.

The Crowd and Overall Atmosphere

This tour generally caters to a larger group—up to 40 travelers—meaning it can feel crowded, especially in the snorkeling and water activity zones. Several reviews mention that the large number of participants affects the pace and quality of the experience. If you prefer intimate excursions, this might not be your ideal choice.

The entertainment onboard includes music and karaoke, which some guests find adds to the fun, but others found the music too repetitive or not suited to their taste. Plus, some reviews highlight rudeness or unprofessionalism from staff—like handling extra fees or the controversial issue of booking spots for hidden beaches—which can sour the experience for some.

Is the Price Worth It?

At around $101.86 per person, the tour offers a lot: transportation, meals, drinks, activities, and sightseeing. For a full day filled with multiple stops and a variety of water sports, this price isn’t unreasonable. However, many reviews suggest that the actual snorkeling experience might be limited and crowded, which could influence your perception of value.

Additional costs include a dock tax of MXN 32 (~$1.60 USD) and taxes for environmental conservation (~$9 USD)—so be prepared for those extra charges on top of the ticket price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adventurous travelers who want a full day of sightseeing, water activities, and lively atmosphere. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for value—especially with the food and drinks included—and don’t mind a long boat ride or some crowds.

If your priority is tranquility, small-group intimacy, or exclusive access to particular spots, you might want to explore other options or consider different tours closer to the islands, like those departing from Sayulita or Punta de Mita.

Final Thoughts

This Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta offers a lively, activity-packed day with plenty of scenic views and water fun. The friendly guides, decent food, and the chance to see whales and other wildlife elevate the experience. Yet, the large group size and mixed snorkeling reviews mean you’ll want to manage expectations if you’re after a more relaxed or exclusive outing.

If you’re someone who enjoys socializing, exploring multiple sights in a day, and doesn’t mind a bit of crowding, this could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind that the water clarity isn’t guaranteed, and the schedule might feel rushed for those wanting more time in the water.

FAQs About the Tour

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t swim?
Yes. The tour provides life vests and offers activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, which non-swimmers can enjoy safely.

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each way, so plan for a long day on the water.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes. There’s a continental breakfast and an open bar that lasts about 1.5 hours on the return trip. The food includes options like sandwiches, fries, and salads.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, there’s a dock tax of MXN 32 (~$1.60 USD) and environmental taxes of MXN 180 (~$9 USD). Snorkeling gear and water activity equipment are included but limited in number.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Some travelers have reported whale sightings during the trip, though it’s not guaranteed.

What are the highlights?
Expect scenic views, the chance to see marine life, visits to Playa la Nopalera, Bufadora, caves, and the second crater, along with fun water activities.

Is this a family-friendly tour?
While most travelers find it suitable for adults and older kids who can handle long boat rides, the tour’s length and activity level may not be ideal for very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, a towel, and maybe a waterproof camera. Remember that the water can be cold, and sun protection is a must.

All in all, this tour offers a lively and scenic day out that balances adventure with relaxation. It’s a good choice if you’re looking to pack a lot into one trip and are comfortable with some crowds and a long day at sea.