Marietas Islands

If you’re heading to Puerto Vallarta and considering a day on the water, the Marietas Islands tour promises a blend of scenic beauty, marine wildlife, and fun water activities. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, based on the gathered reviews and detailed tour info, it offers a pretty enticing way to spend a day out in nature.

What we genuinely like about this experience is its focus on comfort and variety—imagine cruising in a well-equipped catamaran with an attentive crew, then enjoying multiple ways to explore the water. The other highlight? The delicious, hearty food and open bar that keep spirits high.

On the flip side, some travelers have pointed out issues, like check-in confusion and the cost of certain extras, which could impact your overall experience. Still, for those who love outdoor adventures with a social vibe and are okay with a bit of logistical patience, this tour fits the bill.

If you’re someone who enjoys marine wildlife, water sports, and a relaxed day on the water, this tour could be just right—especially if you appreciate good food and a lively atmosphere. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, all-in-one day trip without too much hassle.

Key Points

• Comfortable Catamaran Ride: Enjoy a smooth, scenic crossing to the islands with an experienced crew guiding the way.
• Variety of Water Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding—your choice to explore the marine life up close.
• Inclusive Food & Drinks: Deli-style breakfast and an open bar make for a relaxed, social environment onboard.
• Wildlife & Marine Life: Witness dolphins, tropical fish, and the diverse aquatic fauna native to the region.
• Day Trip Convenience: Departing from Puerto Mágico, the tour is a full 7-hour adventure perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Pricing & Extras: The base price is $125 per person, but be aware of additional costs like entrance to Playa Escondida or port fees.

An In-Depth Look at the Marietas Islands Tour

An Easy Start at Puerto Mágico

Your adventure kicks off early, with check-in at the Puerto Vallarta maritime terminal, Puerto Mágico. Arriving an hour early is essential—this helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you’re onboard on time. The meeting point is straightforward, near public transportation, which is a plus if you’re staying nearby or using transit.

Once everyone is gathered, you’ll board a comfortable catamaran. The ride across the bay is about an hour and a half, so bring some water or a light snack if you’re prone to seasickness or just want to stay hydrated. The crew is described as professional and attentive, which makes all the difference in setting a relaxed tone for the day.

The Journey to Marietas Islands

As the catamaran sails toward the Islas Marietas, you’ll get to enjoy the views and perhaps spot some dolphins if you’re lucky—many reviews mention seeing these playful creatures along the way. The boat itself is equipped for comfort, and the crew is known for their attentiveness, making sure everyone feels safe and taken care of.

The crossing itself is a highlight for many, as it offers sweeping coastal vistas. It’s a gentle reminder of just how beautiful this stretch of Mexico’s coastline can be, with distant mountains framing the horizon.

First stop: Snorkeling and Marine Life

Once you arrive at the Marietas Islands, your adventure begins with a dip in the water. The guides will provide snorkeling gear—masks, snorkels, and life jackets—to help you explore the underwater world safely. Expect to see tropical fish, and possibly more marine creatures that call this protected park home.

In one review, a traveler noted that snorkeling should have been more extensive, which suggests that the experience can be a little hit-or-miss depending on conditions and expectations. Still, the opportunity to observe marine life up close is a major draw.

Kayaking, Paddleboarding, or Just Relaxing

After snorkeling, you have a choice: you can hop into a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or simply relax on the boat. The guides are there to help with equipment and safety, so even beginners can feel comfortable trying out these activities. It’s a flexible part of the tour that caters to different energy levels and interests.

Lunch and Refreshments

Back onboard, you’ll enjoy a hearty deli-style breakfast—think yogurt, fresh fruit, and hot options like kales or chilaquiles with eggs, all served with juice. This sets a satisfying tone for the rest of the day.

Of course, the open bar is a big part of the experience. Many travelers mention enjoying drinks while soaking in the scenery or chatting with fellow adventurers. Just a heads-up—some additional costs may apply if you want to visit specific sites like Playa Escondida or buy a special bracelet, so budget accordingly.

Exploring the Islands

The main attraction at the islands is Playa Escondida, famous for its hidden location and unique beauty. However, entrance to this beach isn’t included in the base price—it costs MX$1,000 per person. If you decide to go, you’ll want to weigh whether the extra expense is worth it for your personal experience.

Along With relaxing on the beaches or shells, you might also have the opportunity to kayak or paddleboard around the islands, depending on your group’s interests and the guide’s schedule.

Returning and Reflection

The tour wraps up with a scenic return trip back to Puerto Vallarta, generally around 4-5 pm. Many travelers find this a relaxing way to wind down, perhaps reflecting on the marine wildlife they saw or the fun water sports they tried.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation & Timing

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Puerto Mágico, with check-in an hour prior. Given the crossing takes about 1.5 hours, you’ll get plenty of time at the islands for snorkeling and other activities.

Group Size & Atmosphere

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the experience maintains a cozy, social vibe without feeling crowded. This size also means the crew can give more personalized attention, which many reviews appreciate.

Cost Breakdown & Extras

The base price of $125 per person covers the boat ride, equipment for water activities, breakfast, and drinks. However, additional expenses include Mx$1,000 for Playa Escondida, Mx$33 port fee, and Mx$180 for the Semarnat bracelet. These extras are optional but worth considering if you’re planning to visit specific sites or want the full experience.

Physical Fitness & Age

The tour suggests a moderate physical fitness level, mainly because of the water activities and walking around the islands. If you’re comfortable in water and moderate activity, you’ll probably enjoy this. There’s no specific mention of family-friendliness, but generally, active water tours tend to suit teenagers and older kids rather than very young children.

What Real Travelers Say

One traveler expressed disappointment at the check-in process, stating, “No one at the port could figure out what tour we were supposed to be on, almost missed the boat completely.” This highlights the importance of arriving early and confirming your booking ahead of time.

On the flip side, many appreciated the good value for money and the opportunity to see diverse marine life. The food was frequently praised for being hearty and satisfying, especially the hot breakfast options.

Final thoughts from reviews

• Wildlife & scenery are often highlighted as the main attractions.
• The water activities are fun but can be hit or miss depending on conditions.
• The food and drinks onboard are a highlight for many, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Some issues with organization or extra costs can affect the overall experience, so plan accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you crave a comfortable boat ride with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and water fun, this tour hits the right notes. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, especially if you’re okay with an active day that includes some extra expenses for specific sites.

While not explicitly tailored for families with young children, active older kids or teenagers who enjoy water sports should find this trip enjoyable. The focus on marine wildlife and the chance for social interaction make it a good pick for groups or couples seeking a lively day out.

FAQs – Your Questions Answered

Is there a minimum age for participating?
There’s no specific mention, but given the water-based activities, children should be comfortable in water and have a moderate physical fitness level.

How long is the boat ride?
The crossing to the islands takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and possibly spot dolphins.

What’s included in the price?
The $125 ticket covers the boat ride, all water activity equipment, breakfast, and an open bar.

Are the water activities safe?
Yes, all equipment is provided, including life jackets, and guides are there to assist. Safety is a priority.

Can I visit Playa Escondida?
Yes, but entrance costs MX$1,000 per person and is not included in the base price.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and perhaps a hat. Clothing suitable for water activities is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate physical activity involved suggests it’s better suited for those with good mobility.

What is the group size?
Up to 25 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, less crowded environment.

What if I want to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Marietas Islands tour in Puerto Vallarta offers a lively, scenic, and activity-packed day in a beautiful setting. The highlight is the chance to explore marine environments, see dolphins and tropical fish, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere onboard with good food and drinks. While there are some logistical kinks to watch out for, like check-in confusion or extra costs, most travelers find it to be a worthwhile experience if you’re looking for a fun, social day out on the water.

This tour is best suited for those who love outdoor adventures, marine wildlife, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for site-specific visits like Playa Escondida. If you’re seeking a lively, well-rounded water excursion—this could be a solid choice for your Puerto Vallarta trip.

Remember: Always check the latest reviews and confirm details before booking, as tours can change. Enjoy your adventure and soak up those stunning views!