Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

Exploring the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta: An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re considering a day trip to the Marietas Islands, this tour offers a lively mix of water activities, scenic views, and good food, all wrapped up in a full-day adventure. We’ve looked into what travelers are experiencing and what you can realistically expect, so you can decide if it fits your travel plans.

Two things we genuinely appreciate about this tour are the variety of water activities—snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking—and the all-inclusive vibe that lets you relax without worrying about food and drinks during the ride. The open bar and tasty meals are a real highlight. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the boat ride to the islands can be quite long and exposed to sun, which may not be ideal if you’re sensitive to the heat or prone to sunburn.

This experience tends to suit travelers who enjoy ecotourism, nature, and water-based fun. It’s especially good for those who want a well-rounded day, including plenty of time in the water, great scenery, and good eats. Families with older kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to meet others should find it a solid choice—just be prepared for the boat ride and potential sun exposure.

Key Points

• All-day adventure combining water activities, sightseeing, and good food
• Includes snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks for varied aquatic fun
• Great value for the price of around $89 per person, with food and drinks included
• Long boat ride (around 1.5 hours) to the islands, with some sun exposure
• Popular among ecotourists and water lovers; families with older kids will enjoy it
• Optional hidden beach visit for the more adventurous, with an additional fee

The Full Lowdown on the Tour

This tour kicks off early at 9:00 am from Puerto Vallarta’s meeting point, Puerto Mágico. You’ll start by registering and paying a small conservation fee (120 MXN) and port tax (30 MXN), which are pretty standard for eco-tours in the area. Once onboard, the fun begins with a scenic ride across Banderas Bay towards the Marietas Islands. Expect the journey to last around 1.5 hours, and it’s worth noting that only a quarter of the boat is shaded. If you’re sensitive to the sun, bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (eco-friendly, ideally) is a good idea.

During the boat ride, plenty of travelers mention the sun exposure—one review even noted that many seats are in the sun, so it might be uncomfortable if you aren’t prepared. That’s a minor inconvenience, but worth considering.

First Stop: Arrival and Introduction to the Islands

Once you arrive, you’ll have about 30 minutes to settle in and pay the conservation fee if you haven’t already. The tour includes access to Playa Escondida—a tiny, secluded beach accessible only by swimming through a marine tunnel. Only a few minutes are spent here, but it’s a unique experience. Since access is only by swimming, knowing how to swim is a must if you want to visit.

Enjoying the Banderas Bay Landscape

The next stop is a relaxing 3-hour window to take in the stunning scenery of Bahia de Banderas. Here, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast—an opportunity to fuel up before the fun in the water begins. This part of the tour is all about soaking in the views, snapping photos, and gearing up for your water adventures. Some reviews highlight the beauty of the landscape as a major highlight, so don’t forget your camera.

Water Activities at Islas Marietas

The heart of the tour is the 2-hour time allocated for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking around the islands. The snorkeling is the star here—underwater landscapes teeming with life and color make for memorable moments. Snorkel gear (fins, vest, snorkel) is provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment unless you prefer to. Many guests have told us they loved the variety of options—being able to choose between floating on a paddleboard or exploring the waters by kayak adds flexibility.

One reviewer shared that “you can snorkel by jumping in,” and appreciated the opportunity to explore the marine environment. The natural beauty of the islands is impressive, and the water is usually clear enough to see plenty of marine life. Just be aware that during certain seasons or weather conditions, jellyfish might be present, as one guest mentioned, which could affect your experience.

Lunch and Open Bar

After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour period to relax and savor a delicious meal. The tour includes a lunch spread and an open bar, making it easy to unwind and socialize. Many travelers note that the food is good—some even say it’s more than just “ok,” with fresh options and tasty drinks. This is a great chance to chat with fellow travelers and enjoy the moment.

Returning to Puerto Vallarta

The last leg of the tour is a scenic 2-hour trip back to Puerto Vallarta, giving you a chance to reflect on your day. As the boat glides back along the coast, you’ll get glimpses of the city skyline and perhaps spot some marine life or seabirds. Several reviews mentioned how pleasant the return journey was, with some praising the crew for their friendly service.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers key water gear like snorkel sets, paddleboards, and kayaks, plus breakfast, lunch, and unlimited drinks from the open bar. The main costs to keep in mind are the optional hidden beach visit (which requires an extra 1,000 MXN and knowing how to swim), the port fee (30 MXN), and a conservation donation (150 MXN), which funds efforts to preserve the islands’ fragile ecosystem.

No hidden fees are hidden beyond these, and the tour is designed for about 40 travelers max, keeping it from feeling crowded. The fact that it’s a full-day experience makes the price quite reasonable—you’re getting a lot of value, especially with the food and drinks included.

Highlights from Reviews

Several travelers shared their thoughts that can help shape your expectations. For example, one said, “The crew was amazing! Very fun and helpful. My family of 6 had a great time with kids ages 8-15,” which shows that the tour is family-friendly, provided your kids can swim and are comfortable in water. Others appreciated the stunning scenery and good food, with comments like “The Island is spectacular” and “I also recommend the Eco tour—it was totally worth it.”

However, not all reviews are glowing. One review pointed out that only a quarter of the boat is shaded, so if you’re prone to sunburn or heat exhaustion, you’ll want to come prepared.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Marietas Islands tour is best suited for travelers who love water-based activities, nature, and socializing over good food. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks makes it a versatile experience, perfect if you enjoy exploring the underwater world or simply relaxing on the water.

If you’re someone who values scenic beauty combined with comfort and convenience, this tour delivers. The food and beverages are a definite plus, and the opportunity to see whales during the season (if lucky) adds a special touch.

On the downside, the long boat ride and sun exposure could be drawbacks. If you’re sensitive to heat or prefer a shorter journey, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re keen on visiting Playa Escondida via swimming, keep in mind that knowing how to swim is essential.

This experience offers a great balance of adventure, relaxation, and good eats, making it an appealing choice for those looking to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s marine beauty in a lively, engaging way.

FAQs

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The boat ride lasts about an hour and a half each way. It’s a scenic trip across Banderas Bay, but only about a quarter of the boat is shaded, so bring sun protection if you’re prone to sunburn.

What water activities are included?
You’ll get snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks to explore the waters around the islands at your own pace. No additional costs for these activities, though you should know how to swim if you want to visit Playa Escondida.

Is food provided during the tour?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a breakfast at the start and a delicious lunch later, both included in the tour price. There’s also an open bar after water activities, offering drinks to keep you refreshed.

Can I visit Playa Escondida?
Yes, but only by swimming through a marine tunnel. It’s a quick 30-minute stop, and knowing how to swim is a requirement. This optional visit costs an additional 1,000 MXN.

What is the conservation fee?
The tour includes a 120 MXN fee for the conservation of the Marietas Islands, plus a 30 MXN port tax. You’ll also be asked to contribute 150 MXN for a “Sermarnat bracelet” supporting conservation efforts.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, especially for older kids who can swim and are comfortable in water. The review mentions a family of six with children aged 8 to 15 enjoying the day, so it’s family-friendly with some basic water safety considerations.

If you’re after a full day of water fun, scenic vistas, and good food, this tour to the Marietas Islands could be just what you need. Just pack your sun gear, bring your swimming spirit, and get ready to enjoy one of Puerto Vallarta’s most memorable marine experiences.