Private Marietas Islands Tour

A Friendly Look at the Private Marietas Islands Tour in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta, a private tour to the Marietas Islands might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture. It’s tailored for those who want a flexible, intimate experience — whether that’s snorkeling, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery with your own crew.

What really catches my eye about this tour are two things: first, the fact that it’s private, meaning no crowded group scenarios, and second, the variety packed into the itinerary — a mix of relaxing, active, and scenic moments. The boat itself sounds well-equipped, providing comfort and convenience, which can turn a good day into a great one. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the additional costs for certain activities and entrance fees, which might add up if you’re not prepared.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate flexibility and personalized experiences. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to customize your day, this could be a great pick. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about snorkeling, fishing, or simply exploring the bay with a knowledgeable guide in a private setting.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored and exclusive adventure.
• Flexible Durations: Options from 4 to 8 hours mean you can choose how much time you want on the water.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Snacks, bottled water, soda, snorkeling gear, and ice are included, making it convenient.
• Additional Costs: Entrance to the Cave of Love and island access bracelets require extra fees, so plan accordingly.
• Well-Equipped Boat: The Neptune boat has shaded and sun areas, a bathroom, stereo, and ice chest, making comfort a priority.
• Professional Guides: Bilingual guides in Spanish and English help enhance your experience.
• Excellent for Relaxed Explorers: The tour balances sightseeing, relaxing, and active options like snorkeling and fishing.
• Highly Rated: Based on positive reviews, notably one describing an exceptional captain and crew, it seems to deliver on expectations.

What to Expect from the Tour

This private tour revolves around a 34-foot Neptune boat, which comfortably fits up to 14 passengers for excursions around the bay and 6 for fishing or specific activities. While the price is $850 per group — up to 4 people — that’s a decent deal if you’re sharing with friends or family because it’s a private experience, not a crowded group.

The journey begins at the Marina Vallarta meeting point, with pick-up options available, making logistics simple. Once aboard, you’ll have a boat designed with both comfort and utility in mind — shaded areas to beat the sun, a bathroom for convenience, an ice chest to keep drinks cold, and a stereo for your favorite tunes.

Snorkeling and Water Fun

Included in the package is snorkeling gear, so you can dip into the water and explore the marine life around the islands. The reviews mention that the boat crew was accommodating and showed them around the shoreline, making the journey educational and engaging. You’ll love the chance to see underwater scenery, especially since the boat provides all the gear and bottled water to stay hydrated.

Fishing and Other Activities

For those who enjoy recreational fishing, this trip offers that as an option. The boat is equipped for professional fishing, and you can do this along the way or around the islands. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just want to try your luck, the crew seems ready to help.

Visiting the Marietas Islands

Visiting the Marietas Islands themselves is a highlight, but it’s important to note that access to certain parts, like the Cave of Love, costs extra (around 900 pesos) and requires an additional bracelet fee. The cave is a popular draw, often called a “hidden gem,” but access isn’t guaranteed and depends on availability. If you want to explore this, be prepared for an extra expense and check whether it’s open during your trip.

The Experience and Reviews

One review shared a positive experience on a larger boat rented for a group of eight, calling the captain and crew “exceptional.” They enjoyed exploring the shoreline of Jalisco and the bay, highlighting how a private boat can make all the difference in enjoying a serene, personalized day. While the review doesn’t specify activities, it suggests the crew’s professionalism and the flexibility of the trip.

Analyzing the Value

At $850 for a group of up to four, the cost might seem high at first glance, but when you consider the exclusivity, the full boat amenities, and the inclusion of snacks and snorkeling gear, it’s a reasonable price for a tailored experience. If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, you might find value in splitting it with others, but it’s primarily designed for small private groups.

Additional costs like the port fee ($5 per person) and optional extras (entrance to the Cave of Love, island bracelets) can add up, so budgeting accordingly is wise. Still, these fees are transparent, and the guide’s multilingual support adds a layer of ease and understanding.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Marina Vallarta: Convenient meeting point, with optional pickup.
• Set sail around the bay: Enjoy the scenic views of Jalisco’s shoreline, with commentary from your guides.
• Snorkeling time: Gear up and dip into the water, exploring marine life around the islands.
• Fishing options: For those interested, fishing is available either recreationally or around the islands.
• Visit to the Marietas Islands: Depending on your chosen duration (6 or 8 hours), you can explore these famous islands, known for their unique formations and hidden caves.
• Optional Cave of Love visit: Extra fee applies, subject to availability.
• Return to Marina: After a full day of exploring, relaxing, and maybe catching some fish, you head back.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private tour is perfect for groups of friends or families who want to enjoy a day on the water without the chaos of larger tours. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate flexibility, personalized service, and a mix of active and relaxed activities. If snorkeling, fishing, and exploring the Marietas Islands are on your bucket list, this tour ticks a lot of boxes.

However, if you’re budget-conscious or prefer a more structured group experience, this might not be the best fit. The additional costs for certain attractions could also influence your decision if you’re trying to keep expenses low.

FAQs

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, giving you flexibility and exclusivity.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, ice, snacks (like ceviche), soda, and a bilingual guide are included, making it easy to relax and enjoy.

Are there extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, entrance to the Cave of Love costs an additional fee (around 900 pesos), and an island access bracelet costs about 120 pesos. There’s also a port fee of $5 per person.

Can I customize the duration?
Absolutely. You can choose from 4, 6, or 8-hour options, with longer trips allowing access to the islands and more activities.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, so you can explore the underwater world comfortably.

What about fishing?
Recreational fishing is available and can be done around the islands or during your trip; the boat is equipped for professional fishing.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Marina Vallarta, with pickup offered, and it is near public transportation.

What is the experience like?
Based on reviews, guests find the crew to be professional and accommodating, with one describing their experience as very positive, especially with the captain and first mate.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the boat’s amenities and activities like snorkeling and fishing are generally kid-friendly, but always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, flexible day on the water, exploring the Marietas Islands with your own group, this private tour offers a compelling mix of comfort, activities, and scenic beauty. The inclusion of snorkeling, fishing, and optional island visits makes it a versatile choice, especially for groups that value privacy and tailored experiences.

It’s best suited for travelers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate setting, possibly celebrating special occasions or simply looking for a relaxed way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s coast. The price reflects the exclusivity and quality of the service, making it a worthwhile splurge for those looking to make the most of their time on the water.

If you’re okay with extra fees for certain attractions and want an experience that’s customizable from start to finish, this tour could be your perfect ocean escape. Just remember to plan ahead, especially if you want to visit the Cave of Love, and enjoy a day that’s all about you and your favorite people.