Sea Mi Amor Marietas

Exploring the Marietas Islands with Sea Mi Amor

If you’re considering a day trip from Puerto Vallarta to explore the breathtaking Marietas Islands, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of natural beauty, water activities, and good food—all aboard a comfortable boat with onboard entertainment and an open bar. While it’s not a luxury experience or without its quirks, it can be a solid choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

What we appreciate about this tour is the focus on spending quality time in nature, with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding included. Plus, the breakfast and lunch offerings are a nice touch, giving you fuel for the day’s adventures. On the downside, the tour’s price of around $106 per person feels fair, but additional costs for certain attractions, like the secret Love Beach or conservation fees, can add up. Also, some reviews highlight issues with reservations and the inclusiveness of certain popular sites, so managing expectations is key.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy active water-based outings, casual group experiences, and are okay with some optional extras and potential logistical hiccups. If you’re a nature lover excited to see coastal landscapes and wildlife, and don’t mind a busy day on the water, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure: Spend approximately 8 hours exploring the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta.
• Activities included: Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are part of the package, with gear provided.
• Comfortable boat: The vessel features onboard entertainment and an open bar for relaxation after water activities.
• Food and drinks: Enjoy a hearty American breakfast and a tasty lunch, with drinks available on the boat.
• Optional extras: Access to Love Beach and souvenir photos are available on request, but come with additional costs.
• Costs to consider: There’s a port tax and an environmental conservation fee, plus optional extras that can increase the overall price.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Departure and the Boat

The tour kicks off early at 9:00 am from the Terminal Maritima API in Puerto Vallarta’s Las Glorias area. The boat itself is designed to comfortably handle up to 280 travelers, so expect a lively, social environment. We love how the vessel offers onboard entertainment—this isn’t just a boring boat ride; it’s a social experience with music, drinks, and the chance to start enjoying the sea right away.

The Marietas Islands Stop

The main event is the visit to the famous Marietas Islands, a small but strikingly beautiful island group north of Vallarta. The islands are known for their rugged landscapes, hidden coves, and abundant marine life. The tour allocates about 2 hours for this stop, enough time to take in the views, snap photos, and enjoy some of the activities.

Water Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding

Included in your ticket is access to snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. We’ve seen reviews mentioning the quality of equipment and the experience of the guides. Many travelers enjoy the chance to swim among colorful fish and explore the clear waters, but some found that the snorkel gear and life jackets could be better—one reviewer noted that the life vest was choking and felt that fins were missing, which can make a difference for confident swimmers.

Access to Love Beach—A Controversial Highlight

One of the anticipated features is Love Beach, a secluded spot that’s controlled by the marine park. Access is on request and may involve extra fees; it’s not guaranteed as part of the standard tour. Some reviews mention that travelers had difficulty securing entry or that it was not included in the initial booking, so if visiting the beach is your priority, plan ahead and confirm your request.

Food and Drink

The tour offers a hearty American-style breakfast with eggs, pancakes, toast, fruit, juice, and coffee—enough to start the day energized. For lunch, expect baguette sandwiches with cheese, ham, and salami, complemented by homemade potatoes and a tropical salad. These meals are generally well-received, especially considering the casual, group setting.

The onboard open bar is available after water activities, featuring alcoholic drinks to unwind and socialize. One review highlighted that everyone felt the experience was personal and friendly, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While the tour price is $106 per person, keep in mind there are a few extra charges:
– Port tax: MX$29 (~$1.50 USD) per person
– Conservation fee: MX$100 (~$5 USD) for the island preservation effort
– Optional extras: Access to Love Beach or souvenir photos come at extra costs, and some travelers reported paying additional fees to visit certain sites.

The Reviews—What’s Working, What’s Not

The mixed reviews give a good sense of what to expect. Some loved the stunning scenery and delicious meals—one reviewer said, “Great service & great price. Two meals, drinks, and activities all inclusive.” Others noted logistical hiccups, like reservation issues or feeling rushed.

For example, one guest mentioned, “Food was not that great, had to pay extra to go into the hidden beach,” which suggests that if visiting Love Beach is a must-have, you’ll want to make this clear when booking. Conversely, a traveler who appreciated the friendly staff said, “Everyone was extremely nice and felt like a very personal experience,” highlighting the positive social vibe.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits active travelers who want to enjoy a full day of water-based fun without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with group excursions, enjoy snorkeling and paddling, and are looking for an affordable way to see the islands with included meals and drinks. However, if visiting the secret Love Beach or kayaking with fins is a priority, prepare for possible extra charges or logistical challenges.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a reasonably priced, lively day out with plenty of water activities and opportunities to see the natural beauty of the Marietas Islands, this tour fits the bill. You’ll appreciate the comfortable boat, the casual social environment, and the good food offerings. Just keep in mind that some attractions require extra planning or fees, and the quality of equipment might vary.

For those who love engaging with nature, enjoy the sea, and want a flexible, social experience, this trip offers a lot of value. It may not be the most exclusive or luxurious option, but it’s a practical choice for adventure-minded travelers who want to make the most of their day in Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

Is transportation to the marina included?
No, transportation to and from the marina is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 9:00 am and ends back at the starting point after about 8 hours.

Are kids allowed on this tour?
Yes, children between 3 to 5 years old are free for the tour, but meals are not included for them, costing MX$100.

What’s the cost for visiting Love Beach?
Access to Love Beach is available on request and may involve an extra fee—it’s not included in the base price.

What equipment is provided?
Snorkeling gear, life vests, kayaks, and paddleboards are included, but some reviews note the equipment quality varies.

Are meals included?
Yes, you get a breakfast and lunch, both standard and satisfying, especially for a group tour.

Can I get souvenir photos?
Yes, upgrading to include souvenir photos is an option, but it will cost extra.

What are the additional costs?
Expect to pay a port tax of MX$29 and a conservation fee of MX$100, plus any extras like Love Beach access or photos.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
It can be, but you might want to confirm if equipment like life vests is comfortable enough if you’re not confident in the water.

What’s the overall value of this tour?
Considering the activities, meals, and scenery, it offers decent value, especially if you’re looking for a lively, all-in-one adventure rather than a luxury experience.

The Sea Mi Amor Marietas tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, fun water activities, and hearty meals—perfect if you’re looking for an engaging day in Puerto Vallarta with friends or family. Just plan ahead for extra costs and confirm your preferences ahead of time to make the most of it.