Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island, Breakfast, Lunch, Open Bar

If you’re considering a day trip to the famous Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta, you’re probably wondering what it’s like — and whether it’s worth your time and money. We’ve gathered the details about this 6-hour adventure, which promises a mix of wildlife sightings, snorkeling, tasty meals, and fun on the water.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see humpback whales (if you’re visiting in season) and dive into the protected marine park for snorkeling. Second, the inclusive vibe — with breakfast, lunch, an open bar, and lively entertainment — offers a pretty complete experience for a good price. But no experience is perfect. Some may find the snorkeling underwhelming or wish for more time at the beaches.

This trip is ideal if you’re into marine wildlife, enjoy social water activities, or want a lively, all-inclusive day out. If you’re traveling with a group or family that appreciates good food and drinks, it’s a solid pick. Just keep in mind that if your main focus is snorkeling or exploring the beaches in depth, you might want to explore other options too.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see humpback whales (seasonal), dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds.
• Snorkeling & Water Activities: The protected marine park offers vibrant underwater life, along with kayaking and paddleboarding.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Continental breakfast, cooked lunch, open bar, and entertainment, including karaoke and music.
• Scenic Views & Unique Spots: Visit the famous secret beach and explore the natural beauty of the UNESCO-protected Marietas Islands.
• Group Size & Guides: Friendly English-speaking guides lead the tour, ensuring safety and local insights.
• Cost & Value: At $100 per person, it’s a well-priced way to experience a variety of activities without worrying about extra costs — though some reviews mention additional fees for specific areas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

Morning Departure and Continental Breakfast

The tour kicks off with a morning departure, usually around 8 or 9 AM. As you set sail from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll be treated to a continental breakfast served on the boat — think fresh pastries, fruits, and coffee. This is a nice touch, especially if you’re not a big breakfast eater early in the day, but it sets a relaxed tone for the journey ahead.

Watching Marine Wildlife on the Way

One of the highlights is the chance to see humpback whales (in season), along with dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. The open waters around Banderas Bay are rich in marine life, and the guides are usually pretty good at pointing out what’s visible.

A reviewer from Mexico mentioned, “From the moment you step onto the boat, you can feel the good vibes,” which hints at the friendly atmosphere and engaging guides who make wildlife spotting fun.

Arrival at Las Marietas and Snorkeling

Once you arrive at the Marietas Islands, the main attraction is the protected marine park. Here, you’ll be encouraged to snorkel around vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. The guides will point out the best spots for viewing marine creatures, and you’ll be supplied with masks and snorkels.

However, a review from France pointed out that the snorkeling experience may not be ideal for everyone, stating, “We couldn’t see anything,” which is worth considering if snorkeling is your main goal. Some also mentioned that the famous Playa de Amor beach isn’t included in the tour and requires extra payment, which might surprise those expecting it to be part of the package.

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Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Swimming

After snorkeling, you can choose to kayak or paddleboard around the islands, or simply relax and swim. The calm waters and protected environment make it suitable for all skill levels, and it’s a good way to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

Lunch and Relaxation

Back on the boat, the hot cooked lunch is served as you cruise around the islands. The food has earned praise for being delicious and well-prepared, which adds value for the price. The crew shares insights about the UNESCO-protected status of the area, making the meal both relaxing and educational.

Afternoon Fun and Entertainment

As the day winds down, the open bar kicks in — offering drinks to unwind after your water activities. The boat’s crew keeps the energy lively with music, games, and even karaoke, making this a fun, social experience. One reviewer highlighted how the staff ensures safety and creates a cheerful environment, which is always appreciated.

Return to Puerto Vallarta

On the way back, the party continues with music and dancing, giving you a chance to reflect on the day and share laughs. The relaxed, festive atmosphere is a big part of why many find this trip enjoyable.

The Real Deal — What We Think

Pros

• The wildlife sightings make this a potential highlight, especially in season when humpback whales are around.
• The variety of activities — snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, plus relaxing with drinks — keep everyone engaged.
• The meals and drinks are decent, making the price of $100 feel like good value, especially since it includes food, drinks, and entertainment.
• The friendly guides and crew contribute significantly to a smooth, enjoyable experience, and their local insights are a bonus.

Cons

• Snorkeling might not meet everyone’s expectations; some reviews note disappointing visibility or limited marine life.
• The extra fees (for the Playa de Amor or additional boat trips) could add up, making the total cost higher than initially anticipated.
• It’s a longer tour for those who prefer more secluded or relaxed beach days — this isn’t a quiet escape but a lively day out.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys marine life, social water activities, and lively atmospheres, you’ll likely enjoy this trip. It’s especially suitable for groups or families who appreciate good food, drinks, and entertainment as part of their adventure. If snorkeling or beach lounging in solitude is your preference, you might find some parts of the experience less satisfying.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a lively, well-rounded day on the water with plenty of wildlife watching, fun activities, and good food. It balances adventure with comfort, making it a solid choice for those who want a bit of everything in one trip. It’s not a quiet, secluded experience, but it’s a fun, social outing that gets you out on the water and into nature.

For the price, you’re getting a lot — from the scenic cruise to the snorkeling, kayaking, and tasty meals. The energy on the boat, the friendly guides, and the chance to see marine animals make it a memorable day. Just keep in mind that snorkeling quality can vary, and some additional costs may come into play if you want to explore certain areas more deeply.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, lively adventure in Puerto Vallarta with plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun, this tour has a lot to offer.

FAQ

Is there a minimum age for this tour?
The tour generally welcomes all ages, but children aged 3-5 pay a small fee at check-in. It’s best for kids who enjoy water activities and are comfortable on a boat.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and extra cash for tips or photos. Don’t forget your ID or hotel key for the snorkeling gear deposit.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides a continental breakfast in the morning and a cooked lunch onboard.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, after snorkeling, the open bar opens, offering drinks and a lively atmosphere.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 6 hours, typically starting in the morning.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, the guides speak both English and Spanish.

Do I need to pay extra for the marine park?
Yes, there’s a $180 Pesos fee (about $9 USD) per person for marine park conservation, payable on the day.

Can I visit Playa de Amor?
That beach isn’t included in the tour — you’d need to pay extra or arrange your own trip if you want to see it.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The lively atmosphere, entertainment, and social vibe make it friendly for solo travelers as well as groups.

If you’re after a day packed with wildlife, water fun, tasty food, and lively entertainment, this Puerto Vallarta Marietas Islands tour could be just what you need. It’s a good way to spend a day out, especially if you enjoy a bit of socializing and don’t mind the occasional extra fee for certain areas.

You can check availability for your dates here: