If you’re eyeing a day out on the water near Puerto Vallarta, the Marietas Islands & Beach BBQ at Majahuitas tour offers a mix of scenic views, water fun, and a good dose of relaxation. This 7-hour adventure on a comfortable catamaran takes you through some of the most striking parts of the Jalisco coast, especially if you love being active or simply soaking up tropical beauty.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard in clear waters, paired with the visual treat of exploring rocky caverns and archways. Plus, the visit to Majahuitas Beach—a secluded stretch of soft white sand—is a highlight, especially if you’re craving quiet, unspoiled beaches far from the crowd. On the flip side, a lot of reviews mention that the experience can feel crowded and a bit rushed, which is something to consider if you’re after a more peaceful, less commercialized day.
This tour tends to suit travelers who appreciate lively boat atmospheres, enjoy a bit of water-based activity, and are looking for a full-day outing that combines natural beauty with some fun. It’s especially good for those who want a balance of adventure and relaxation but may not be ideal if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path, tranquil experience or have mobility issues.
Key Points
- Great for water lovers: Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are included, so expect plenty of time on the water.
- Secluded beach experience: Majahuitas Beach offers a peaceful spot for swimming and relaxing.
- Crowd considerations: The tour can be busy, with many people on board, which might limit access to water gear.
- Tour pace: Roughly 4-4.5 hours are spent traveling between locations, including significant transit time.
- Cost analysis: At $89 per person, it’s a decent value considering the activities and food, but some reviews mention it feels overpriced given the crowd and limited activities.
- Guides and safety: Tour guides are praised for their knowledge and the crew’s friendliness, making the journey enjoyable despite some organizational hiccups.
The Experience in Detail
Starting from Vallarta, you’ll board a comfortable catamaran that takes you out into the bay. The vessel is usually well-rated for its stability and spaciousness, making the trip more enjoyable. Once underway, you’ll quickly realize that the scenery from the boat is stunning—waves lapping against the hull, lush hills in the distance, and the possibility of spotting whales or dolphins along the way. Several reviews note whale sightings, which can be a real bonus if you’re lucky.
Exploring the Marietas Islands
The main attraction is the Marietas Islands, a protected national park known for their unique rock formations and abundant marine life. You’ll get the chance to explore some of these features by kayak or paddleboard, which is perfect for those who want to get closer to the natural surroundings. The guides tend to be knowledgeable, pointing out interesting birds, marine creatures, and the blue-footed boobies that sometimes stay in the area.
However, some travelers, like Benjamin from Canada, found the snorkeling experience underwhelming. He mentioned the waters were turbid and difficult to see much beyond a few fish, noting that the group snorkeling was quite large. This is a common complaint—if you’re expecting a vibrant coral reef with colorful fish, you might be disappointed, especially given the brief and crowded nature of the activity.
Rocky Caverns and Archways
One of the trip’s highlights is viewing the rocky caverns and archways. These formations are impressive and provide excellent photo opportunities. Kayaking and paddleboarding around these features allow for a more intimate encounter with the scenery, though accessibility might be limited during busy times.
Majahuitas Beach & Lunch
From the islands, the tour continues to Majahuitas Beach, often described as one of Mexico’s most secluded and beautiful beaches. The white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush backdrop make it a perfect spot to unwind. The beach BBQ is a major part of the day—tasty grilled options and refreshing drinks are included, and many guests say the food is decent, if not gourmet.
On the beach, you’ll find a handful of kayaks and paddleboards, but as some reviews point out, access can be limited when the boat is crowded—imagine only two kayaks and two paddleboards for a large group. Still, the opportunity to swim, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings makes up for this. It’s a good spot for a leisurely swim or just lounging on the sand.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Return Journey
The journey back to Vallarta is relaxed, with the crew often offering drinks from the open bar. Many travelers enjoy this part, appreciating the laid-back atmosphere and the views of the coast as the sun starts to set. However, some reviews mention that a lot of the time on the boat is spent transiting between points, leaving less time for water activities or beach relaxation.
Value and Practical Considerations
At $89 per person, this tour offers a decent package of activities, food, and scenery. You get snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and a beach BBQ—all of which add up in value. However, some reviews argue that the crowd size and limited activity time make it feel overpriced. If you’re someone who values quiet, unhurried experiences, this might not be your best pick, especially considering the large capacity of the boat (up to 180 people, though not explicitly advertised).
The additional fees—a USD$20 conservation fee, MXN$40 port fee, and gratuities—are extra costs to keep in mind, adding to the overall expense. Also, note that the Hidden Beach is not part of this tour, which is a common highlight for many visitors but requires a different booking.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy being active on the water and want a full day of exploration with some downtime. If you’re traveling with a group or family that enjoys social, lively atmospheres, you’ll likely find it fun. The guides and crew are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the trip more engaging.
However, if you’re after a serene escape, this might feel a bit crowded and rushed. The limited time at each stop could be frustrating for those wanting to linger longer in peaceful surroundings. It’s also less ideal for anyone with mobility issues, as the activities and boat setup aren’t designed for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.
Final Thoughts
This Vallarta tour delivers a lively, activity-packed day on the water, with plenty of scenic views and fun water sports. It’s especially good if you’re looking for an energetic, social outing with friends or family who enjoy being in the ocean. The guides are knowledgeable, and the views of the rocky formations and marine life can be quite memorable.
That said, the experience can be hampered by crowds, limited activity time, and a focus on the party atmosphere. If you’re seeking a quieter, more exclusive day exploring nature or a slow-paced beach day, this might not be the best fit.
Overall, if you’re comfortable with a lively, slightly crowded experience and want to combine water activities with good food and spectacular scenery, this tour offers a worthwhile option—just keep expectations in check about the serene, tranquil parts of the trip.
From Vallarta: Marietas Islands & Beach BBQ at Majahuitas
FAQ
Does the tour include visiting the Hidden Beach?
No, this tour does not visit the Hidden Beach. It focuses on exploring the ocean, wildlife, and rock formations around the Marieta Islands.
What water activities are included?
Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding equipment are provided as part of the tour. However, access to some gear may be limited during busy times.
How long is the boat transit?
Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of the 7-hour tour are spent traveling between the marina, islands, and beach, so be prepared for some time on the water.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 4 to 11 pay a different rate, and the tour is generally suitable for families with children who are comfortable with water activities and boat trips.
Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an open bar on the way back to Vallarta, and a beach BBQ with drinks is included at Majahuitas Beach.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a jacket are recommended.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, a USD$20 conservation fee and MXN$40 port fee are payable at check-in. Gratuities are also not included.
Is this a good tour for serious snorkelers?
Not necessarily. Some reviews mention that the waters are turbid and snorkeling is brief, so if vibrant coral and long snorkeling sessions are your priority, you might want to explore other options.
In the end, this tour offers a lively taste of the Marietas Islands and Majahuitas Beach, packed with water fun and scenic views. It’s a good pick for those who enjoy social atmospheres and active participation, but if you’re after tranquility or a more exclusive experience, you might want to look elsewhere.
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