Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island Adventure, Lunch & Open Bar

Exploring the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta: A Detailed Look at the Adventure

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring one of Mexico’s most stunning protected areas, the Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island Adventure might catch your eye. This six-hour trip offers a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxation with plenty of good food and drinks thrown in. It’s the kind of excursion that promises memorable views, a chance to see marine life, and access to the iconic secret beach, all from a comfortable boat.

Two things we really like about this tour? First, the opportunity to snorkel in a protected marine park, which is often teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures — a true highlight if you love underwater adventures. Second, the lunch and open bar make the experience more than just sightseeing; it turns into a proper mini vacation, ideal for unwinding after some active watersports.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s success relies a lot on weather conditions and marine life activity. If whale-watching is a big draw for you, note that humpback whales are seasonal and only appear in winter. Also, the trip lasts around six hours, so it’s a fair chunk of your day, which might be something to consider if you’re on a tight schedule.

This tour is well-suited for anyone looking to enjoy a full, fun day on the water — whether that’s couples, friends, or solo travelers. It’s particularly good if you’re keen on seeing marine wildlife and enjoying a relaxed vibe with good food and drinks in a beautiful setting.

Key Points

• Stunning Views & Marine Life: You’ll likely see dolphins, sea turtles, and in winter, humpback whales.
• Snorkeling & Kayaking: Complete gear is provided, giving you a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world.
• Access to a Secret Beach: The famous Playa Nopalera offers a unique, less crowded spot to relax.
• Good Food & Drinks: A continental breakfast and a hearty lunch, plus an open bar afterward, add to the fun.
• Ecological Focus: Guides provide insights into the importance of conserving this protected marine park.
• Flexible Cancellation & Payment: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, plus the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting off on Your Marietas Islands Adventure

The journey begins early in the morning from the Maritime Terminal at Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico, where you’ll meet with the Beach Boy company. From there, the boat, named Bora Bora, sets sail towards the northeastern side of Bahía de Banderas, heading for the Marietas Islands — a volcanic archipelago that’s been designated a National Park.

The trip is a good length, around six hours, which strikes a balance between enough time to explore and not feeling dragged out. We especially appreciated the way the guides shared their insights into the region’s ecological importance, adding a layer of educational value to the experience. You’re not just on a boat — you’re learning and enjoying at the same time.

The Morning Start: Breakfast & Setting the Scene

As soon as you step aboard, you’re served a continental breakfast. Think sweet bread, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and American-style coffee — simple, satisfying, and a nice way to fuel up before hitting the water. Light nonalcoholic drinks are available throughout, and once you’re done with water activities, the open bar opens up to serve your favorite drinks. We found this setup relaxed and perfect for kicking off the day with energy.

Exploring the Islands

The first big highlight is the chance to snorkel in the protected marine park. The waters here are clear, and the snorkeling gear is complete, so you can get right into the underwater action. Expect to see a variety of marine animals, including stingrays, Pacific ridley turtles, and possibly dolphins. Several reviews mention the quality of the snorkeling equipment and how much fun it was to explore the colorful world beneath the surface.

We loved the way the guides kept an eye on everyone, making sure even less experienced snorkelers felt safe and confident. Plus, the marine park’s status as a protected area means the ecosystem remains vibrant and relatively untouched — a big plus for nature lovers.

The Secret Beach: Playa Nopalera

Perhaps the most famous part of this trip is the secret beach, accessible only by boat or with a permit. It’s a small, secluded stretch of sand that makes for a great photo op and a peaceful place to relax. According to reviews, the beach is less crowded than what you might expect, which makes it feel like a private escape.

While some travelers mention that the beach can be crowded if you visit during peak times, most agree it’s worth the effort to see it. The boat ride itself offers excellent views of the volcanic formations and the surrounding landscape.

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Wildlife & Scenic Highlights

Throughout the journey, your guides will point out seabirds, and if you’re lucky, you might spot humpback whales in the winter months or playful dolphins throughout the year. Sea turtles and manta rays also make appearances, creating a dynamic backdrop for your day.

Many reviews praise the stunning scenery — the volcanic islands, the clear blue waters, and the lush greenery. It’s a feast for the eyes, and the boat’s vantage point offers some truly memorable photo opportunities.

Lunch & Relaxation

After some active snorkeling and exploring, it’s time to refuel. The included lunch is a hearty affair, with options that cater to most tastes. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed, with your crew serving up the food and drinks with a friendly attitude.

Once back on the boat, the open bar kicks in, providing a great way to unwind and toast to a successful day. Whether you prefer a cold beer, a refreshing cocktail, or a soft drink, there’s something for all.

Additional Activities: Kayaking

If you’re feeling energetic, you can try kayaking around the islands. It’s included in the package, and many travelers enjoy paddling close to the cliffs and exploring the coastline at their own pace. It’s a fun way to see more of the scenery and get a little exercise.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation & Meeting Point: The tour departs from the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico. Meeting with the Beach Boy company, you’ll board the Bora Bora, a comfortable vessel designed for sightseeing and water activities.

Duration & Timing: The full experience lasts around six hours, generally scheduled in the morning to take advantage of good weather and marine activity. This means you’ll likely be back by early afternoon, leaving your afternoon free for other pursuits.

Group Size & Guide: The description mentions a live tour guide speaking both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication. While the exact size of groups isn’t specified, tours like this tend to be comfortably paced, with enough people to keep it lively but not crowded.

Price & Value: At $106 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, including snorkeling gear, kayaks, meals, and drinks. Considering the full day of activity and the access to a protected marine park, most travelers find it to be a good value. Plus, the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Accessibility & Suitability: While not explicitly mentioning family-friendliness, the trip involves water activities like snorkeling and kayaking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with the water. The tour is ideal for anyone wanting to combine adventure, nature, and relaxation in a single day.

Authentic Traveler Insights & What to Expect

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the crew and guides. One reviewer noted, “The crew was attentive and made sure everyone was comfortable,” which really speaks to the overall quality of the experience. Others appreciated the stunning views and the chance to see marine wildlife — a highlight for nature lovers.

Some travelers mentioned the quality of the snorkeling gear and how they enjoyed the ability to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem. It’s clear that this tour prioritizes safety and enjoyment, making it suitable even for less experienced snorkelers.

A few reviews mentioned the crowds at the secret beach, so visiting early or during less busy times might enhance your experience. Also, if whale-watching is a priority, plan your trip during the winter months when humpback whales are more likely to be visible.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour offers a well-rounded balance of adventure, scenic beauty, and relaxation. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, exploring marine ecosystems, and having a good time with food and drinks included. If you’re looking for a way to see the highlights of Bahía de Banderas with the convenience of organized logistics, this is a solid choice.

It’s particularly appealing for those who want to experience a mix of active and leisure activities within a manageable timeframe. Families with older kids might find it enjoyable, especially if everyone loves snorkel adventures. Solo travelers and couples will also appreciate the social, laid-back vibe.

In short, if you’re after a lively, scenic day that combines wildlife, beautiful scenery, and good food, this trip hits the mark. Just keep in mind the weather and seasonal wildlife activity, and you’re in for a memorable ride.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour provides a continental breakfast, lunch, an open bar after water activities, complete snorkeling equipment, and kayaks.

• Where do I meet for the tour?
  You meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico with the Beach Boy company.

• How long is the tour?
  The entire experience lasts about six hours, usually scheduled in the morning.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  While not explicitly stated, the water activities like snorkeling and kayaking suggest it’s better suited for older kids or those comfortable in the water.

• Can I cancel the booking?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is humpback whale-watching guaranteed?
  No, humpback whales are seasonal and only appear in winter; sightings depend on marine conditions.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The tour provides all necessary snorkeling gear.

• Are there any restrictions?
  It’s not specified, but since water activities are involved, good swimming ability is recommended.

• How crowded does it get?
  Some reviews mention crowds at the secret beach, so arriving early can help avoid peak times.

• Is the tour eco-friendly?
  Guides provide insights into conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting the marine park.

This experience offers a balanced mix of adventure and leisure in one of Mexico’s most beautiful settings. Whether you’re into snorkeling, wildlife, or just soaking up stunning views with good food and drinks, it’s a package worth considering for a memorable day in Puerto Vallarta.

You can check availability for your dates here: