Catamaran Islas Marietas – Snorkel & Open Bar

If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and looking for a day filled with sun, sea, and fun, the Catamaran Islas Marietas tour is one adventure you might be considering. While some travelers have raved about the stunning scenery and tasty food, others have found it a bit more crowded and less personalized than expected. It’s worth taking a close look at what this experience offers before booking.

What we like about this tour? First, the beautiful views of Banderas Bay and the Marietas Islands make for perfect photo ops. Second, the all-day food and drinks onboard give you a relaxed, carefree vibe without constantly having to hunt for places to eat or drink. But one potential downside is the crowd level—with over 100 people on some trips, it may not feel as intimate as a smaller vessel. This tour suits travelers who enjoy social environments, lively atmospheres, and are keen on making the most of their day at sea.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and wildlife around the Marietas Islands make for memorable views.
• The full-day itinerary includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the beach.
• Food and drinks are included, with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar, adding good value for the price.
• Expect a large group with over 100 participants, which may impact the intimacy of the experience.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers but check for those sensitive to crowds or language barriers.
• The famous Hidden Beach is optional, but access depends on conditions and group size.

What to Expect on the Tour

This day trip on a catamaran takes you from Puerto Vallarta to the breathtaking Marietas Islands, a protected marine park with pristine waters and interesting rock formations. The journey starts early, with a departure at 8:00 am from the Puerto Mágico meeting point, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views and get excited for the day ahead.

The Journey to the Islands

On the way out, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and fresh juice. We loved the way the crew kept the vibe lively with music and games, making it a relaxing start. The scenery of Banderas Bay from the deck is impressive, and you’re likely to see local wildlife along the way.

Exploring the Islands

Once at the Marietas, the main activities revolve around snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. All necessary equipment is provided, so you can jump right into the water and explore vibrant coral and fish. We’ve heard from past travelers that the crystal-clear waters are truly a highlight, perfect for snapping photos and spotting marine life.

The Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) is a major attraction, but access is often limited and dependent on conditions and group size. Some reviews mention that the visit to this famous spot is optional, and it can be crowded if you do go.

Relaxation and Entertainment

After water activities, you can simply relax on the deck or on the beach, soaking up the sun. The open bar service kicks in on the way back, featuring a selection of alcoholic drinks, which many guests find adds to the festive atmosphere. Expect music, games, and often karaoke, especially on the return trip, making it a lively journey back to Puerto Vallarta.

Food and Drinks

One of the tour’s biggest selling points is the all-day food and beverage package. The onboard breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, with options like hot cakes, fruits, yogurt, and granola in the morning, and a hearty lunch later on. The open bar includes spirits and cocktails, though some reviews point out that the quality and quantity of drinks can vary.

In one review, a guest noted that the drinks “hardly had any alcohol”, which might be worth considering if you’re hoping for a stronger cocktail. Still, having unlimited drinks included makes the price of $92 per person quite reasonable for a full-day excursion.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The trip can host up to 90 travelers, meaning it’s quite a sizable group. Past reviews mention that the overcrowding can impact the experience, especially during popular activities like visiting the Hidden Beach or during water sports. If you’re someone who prefers a more intimate setting, this might be a caveat.

The language of the tour guide is also worth noting. While the description states the guide should be in English, one reviewer mentioned that it was mostly in Spanish (90%), which could be a concern for non-Spanish speakers. Be prepared for a lively, multilingual environment.

Price and Value

At $92 per person, this tour offers a lot: scenic sailing, multiple water activities, food, drinks, and entertainment. However, there are additional government fees ($3 and $10), bringing the total closer to around $105, which is still reasonable if you’re looking for a full-day outing.

Given the inclusion of breakfast, lunch, open bar, and all the equipment, we think the price is acceptable, especially for travelers wanting a lively, all-in experience. But if you’re seeking a more exclusive and quiet day at sea, this tour might feel a little crowded.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is well-suited for groups of friends, couples, or young travelers who love social environments, music, and lively activities. It’s also ideal if you want to maximize your time exploring the islands, snorkeling, and enjoying good food and drinks all from one package.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, quiet experience, or are easily overwhelmed by crowds, you might want to explore smaller tours or private charters. Also, travelers with limited mobility may find some water activities challenging, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Catamaran Islas Marietas tour delivers a fun, energetic way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s marine beauty. The stunning views, combined with the included food and drinks, make it a strong value, especially if you enjoy lively atmospheres. The water-based activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding are the true highlights, immersing you directly into the vibrant underwater world.

That said, the size of the group and potential language barriers are factors to consider. While the crowd may mean a more social experience, it might also detract from intimacy or tranquility if that’s what you’re after.

If you’re someone who loves a busy, fun-filled day on the water and doesn’t mind sharing the space, this tour could be a great fit. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the crowd and the variability in service, especially the drinks.

FAQs

Is this a boat or a catamaran?
While the tour describes itself as a catamaran trip, some reviews suggest it’s not a true catamaran and can be quite crowded, with over 100 people sometimes aboard.

What’s included in the price?
You get breakfast, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaks, and all necessary equipment, plus insurance onboard. Additional government fees apply.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the evening.

Can I visit the Hidden Beach?
Yes, visiting the Hidden Beach is an option, but access depends on conditions and group size. It’s often a popular but crowded spot.

Is this suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, most travelers can participate. Just be mindful of the crowd levels and water activity requirements.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?
The guide is supposed to be in English, but some reviews mention that most of the commentary may be in Spanish. Be prepared for a lively, possibly multilingual environment.

All in all, the Catamaran Islas Marietas tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-rounded day out. Whether it’s the stunning vistas, the water activities, or the social atmosphere, it’s worth considering if that matches what you’re looking for in your Puerto Vallarta adventure.