Islas Marietas: Snorkel, Kayak, Paddle, and Playa Nopalera

If you’re considering a day trip to Islas Marietas near Puerto Vallarta, this tour offers a packed itinerary designed to showcase some of the area’s most captivating natural sights. From vibrant underwater life to peaceful beaches, it promises a balance of activity and relaxation. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on reviews and the detailed description, it looks like a solid choice for travelers looking to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors.

What catches our eye are the well-organized activities—snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding—all included, with a comfortable boat ride and good food. Also, the fact that it’s a full 8-hour day means you’ll have plenty of time to explore and soak in the scenery. The friendly guides and the inclusion of breakfast and a meal onboard add to its appeal.

However, there’s a note of caution: some travelers have expressed frustration over certain limitations, like not being able to visit Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach), which is probably the most famous spot at the islands. If a dip at Playa Escondida is your dream, this might not be the right fit. Otherwise, for those who want a taste of Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty with a variety of activities, this tour seems worth considering.

This experience is best suited for active travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys water sports. If you’re traveling with kids or aren’t confident swimmers, you’ll want to weigh the lack of detailed info on age restrictions and swimming ability, as reviews hint that snorkeling might not be ideal for all kids or less experienced swimmers.

Key Points

• Well-rounded day trip with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach time
• Includes breakfast and a meal onboard, offering good value
• Guides are friendly and professional, helping keep the day smooth
• No visit to Playa Escondida, which might disappoint those eager for that iconic spot
• Port tax and conservation wristband fees are extra costs to budget for
• Tour duration of about 8 hours provides a full-day experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Day: Easy Check-in and Breakfast

Your adventure kicks off at the main entrance where you’ll pay the port fee of about $32 pesos, then meet the Beachboy team wearing blue shirts with orange logos. The process is straightforward and designed to get you on your way quickly. After that, you’re welcomed aboard a comfortable boat—think of it as your floating base for the day.

As the boat departs, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast—a nice way to fuel up before a day of activity. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, offering views of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and an anticipation of the scenic islands ahead.

Arrival and First Activities: Snorkeling and Kayaking

Once at Islas Marietas, activities are organized into groups, giving everyone a chance to participate in different water adventures. The standout here is snorkeling—a chance to see marine life, although some reviews mention that visibility can vary, and the experience might not be as spectacular as hoped. Still, you’ll probably see a few sea urchins or similar marine creatures, and guides are there to support you.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are also options, offering a chance to explore the calm waters and hidden coves at your own pace. We loved the way the tour includes these options, making it flexible for different preferences. If you’re not into snorkeling, you can still enjoy paddling or kayaking, which some guests found to be more rewarding, especially if snorkeling wasn’t ideal due to visibility.

Nopalera Beach: Relaxing and Scenery

After a series of water activities, the group heads to Nopalera Beach. This is where you can relax, sunbathe, or take in the spectacular surroundings. The beach isn’t large, but it’s picturesque and a peaceful spot to unwind. Keep in mind, you won’t be able to visit Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach), which is a bit of a bummer for some, but the beach at Nopalera offers its own charm.

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Lunch and Social Time: A Delicious Meal

Following the beach visit, everyone reconvenes on the boat for a local-style meal. The included lunch is appreciated by guests, with some calling it “awesome,” and it’s a good opportunity to chat with fellow travelers and relax after a morning of activity.

The Return Trip: Open Bar and Fun Vibe

As the tour winds down, the boat transitions into a lively atmosphere with an open bar on the way back. Expect some fun, music, and the chance to toast your day of adventure. It’s a great way to end the trip, although if you’re not into that kind of lively scene, you can opt to relax with a drink or take in the views.

What the Tour Doesn’t Include

There are some extra costs to keep in mind. The port tax of 32 pesos per person and the conservation wristband fee of 180 pesos are additional, so your total cost is slightly higher than the ticket price. These are standard for visiting protected areas in Mexico, but worth budgeting for.

Most notably, while the tour promises a comprehensive experience, it does not include a visit to Playa Escondida, the famous Hidden Beach. This is a common point of disappointment, as many travelers expect to see that iconic spot, but it’s not part of this itinerary.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

From reviews, we can see that guides are highly praised for their friendliness and support. For example, Jasmine highlighted: “Thank you to Joaquin and his team. I missed my departure time and he contacted another group to let me go, which shows how accommodating they are.” That kind of responsiveness makes a difference.

On the flip side, some guests felt that not everyone was engaged during the time on the boat—particularly those who opted out of snorkeling or activities, who sometimes ended up waiting around. If you prefer a fully active day, this might be a minor annoyance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurers and water lovers who want a full day of exploring, with multiple activities included. It’s also good if you enjoy guided experiences with friendly staff, value good food, and appreciate scenic boat rides.

If you’re traveling with folks who don’t swim well or are hesitant about water activities, you might want to double-check the safety details or consider other options. The tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, but reviews imply that snorkeling may not be suitable for small children or weak swimmers.

Final Thoughts

All told, this tour offers a solid mix of adventure, scenery, and relaxation for a reasonable price. The inclusion of breakfast and a meal, along with the open bar, makes it a good value when compared to more limited excursions. The guides’ friendliness and support make the day more enjoyable, especially if you’re new to water activities.

The main downsides are the lack of access to Playa Escondida and variable snorkeling conditions, which might disappoint those hoping for that famous beach or vibrant underwater scenes. Still, if you’re eager to explore the islands, paddle around, and just enjoy a day on the water, it’s a trip that can deliver memorable moments.

This experience is a great pick for travelers who want a well-organized, activity-filled day with lovely views and friendly guides. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a mix of land and sea adventures but aren’t overly fixated on seeing every iconic spot.

FAQ

Is there a need to pay the port tax in advance?
No, you pay the port tax of 32 pesos per person at the main entrance before meeting the staff.

What should I bring?
A towel and biodegradable sunscreen are recommended, plus any personal items like water, snacks, or a camera.

Are the activities suitable for non-swimmers?
The tour includes snorkeling, which may not be ideal for those who don’t swim well. It’s best to check your comfort level with water activities.

Will I get to visit Playa Escondida?
No, this tour does not include a visit to Playa Escondida, which is a common point of disappointment.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 8 hours, usually starting in the morning, providing a full day of activities and scenery.

Is the meal onboard included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast at the start and a local meal after the activities.

Can I do paddleboarding instead of snorkeling?
Yes, paddleboarding is one of the activities available, and it might be preferable if snorkeling isn’t appealing.

Are children allowed?
The tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, but based on reviews, snorkeling might not be suitable for very young children or those uncomfortable in the water.

Is there an open bar?
Yes, on the return trip, the boat offers an open bar, adding a fun touch to the experience.

What is the total cost?
The base price is $71 per person, but you’ll need to budget for the additional port tax and conservation wristband fees.

This tour is a solid option if you’re looking for a full day of water-based fun with friendly guides and scenic views. Just keep in mind what’s included and what’s not to set the right expectations. If you’re after a straightforward, active, and scenic adventure, it’s likely to serve you well.

You can check availability for your dates here: