Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

Planning a trip to the Pacific Coast of Mexico often means considering a day out on the water, and the Marietas Islands are among the top highlights. This popular tour offers a full day of fun, food, and nature, and it’s garnered rave reviews for good reason. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone who appreciates a well-organized outing with plenty of amenities, this trip has something to offer.

What sets this experience apart? First, the all-inclusive setup means you don’t worry about additional costs for food or drinks—everything you need is covered. Second, the variety of water activities, from snorkeling to kayaking, ensures every moment stays lively. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite social and lively, which might not suit those looking for a tranquil, eco-focused experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a balance of relaxation, adventure, and camaraderie.

In this review, we’ll walk you through what to expect on the tour, why it’s such a favorite among visitors, and some helpful tips so you can get the most out of your day on the water.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Comfort: Food, drinks, water sports, and amenities are included, making for a hassle-free day.
• Variety of Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, waterslides, and swimming options keep the adventure lively.
• Flexible Schedule: The tour is around six hours, with plenty of time for activities and relaxation, and the rest of your day is free.
• Family Friendly: The crew is attentive to all ages, making it suitable for families and groups.
• Spectacular Wildlife: Expect to see sea turtles, rays, and in season, humpback whales—especially between December and April.
• Highly Rated: With a perfect 5.0 rating from hundreds of reviews, it’s a well-loved choice for visitors.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Dawn to Dusk

Starting in the Bay of Banderas

The tour kicks off early in the Bay of Banderas, with a prompt departure on a comfortable boat. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring fresh, seasonal fruit and pastries, along with an all-day premium beverage service. This includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, and alcohol—think pina coladas, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne—giving you the ultimate floating bar experience.

This setup is appreciated in reviews—“Raul kept the vibes and the drinks flowing,” one guest noted—and it sets a lively tone for the day. The boat itself offers both sunny and shaded decks, giving you options for basking in the sun or staying cool in the shade.

Cruising Along the North Shore

The cruise is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to the islands, passing through waters that are often teeming with marine life. From December to April, you might spot humpback whales, which adds a layer of magic to the journey. Throughout the year, sea turtles, rays, and other sea creatures make appearances, making the cruise itself more than just transportation—it’s part of the adventure.

Exploring the Marietas Islands

Upon arrival, you’ll anchor within the National Park boundaries—ready to explore one of Mexico’s most captivating protected areas. With a guide, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides for their safety-first attitude and their ability to enhance your experience—“Our crew, led by Alex, were fantastic and provided everything we needed.”

While the island’s secret beach is a highlight, note that visiting it involves an extra fee and limited access. If you’re keen, ask about it in advance.

Lunch and Relaxation

Midday features a tasty Mexican meal of fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas, served aboard the boat. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food—“the food was very good” and “the fajita lunch with rice and beans was delicious.” The open bar continues through lunch and beyond, so you can enjoy drinks and snacks at your leisure.

Post-lunch, the water sports resume—snorkeling, floating mattresses, water tubes, or just relaxing on deck. Guests often comment on the abundance of space and the relaxed vibe—“there was lots of room on the boat and it was not overly crowded.”

Return Journey and Celebrations

On the way back, there’s time to enjoy more drinks, dance, or simply soak in the ocean breeze. The cruise director often takes on a role as master of ceremonies, creating a festive atmosphere. One reviewer appreciated Casper’s “great energy,” making the journey as memorable as the destination.

The Experience: What Makes It Special

Water Sports Galore

The tour doesn’t just let you look at the water—it encourages active participation. Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, water slides, and floating mattresses are all included, providing countless ways to keep the fun going. Several guests mention how these features keep the trip lively and engaging for all ages.

Food and Drinks: A Highlight

One consistent praise from reviews is the quality and generosity of the catering and beverages. The vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options cater to dietary needs, a thoughtful touch that doesn’t go unnoticed. As one guest remarked, “the food was excellent,” and the open bar means you can indulge without worry.

Wildlife and Nature

Even though this is a lively tour, the natural setting of the islands offers a chance to witness sea turtles, rays, and, seasonally, whales. For birdwatchers, drones are prohibited—both to protect the endemic birds and comply with federal regulations—so don’t expect drone footage here.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

The crew’s attentiveness and the variety of activities make this a good choice for families. One review noted how kids enjoyed their own version of a piñata game, which kept the younger crowd entertained while adults relaxed.

The Practical Details: What You Should Know

Duration and Group Size

At roughly six hours, this tour strikes a balance—long enough to enjoy the islands and water sports but not so long that it drags. The maximum group size is 64 travelers, which helps maintain a lively but not overcrowded environment.

Transportation and Convenience

The tour includes easy transportation from Sayulita to the marina, which many reviews praise for its convenience. However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan for your own transportation if you’re staying outside the designated meeting point.

Pricing and Value

At $135 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package—meals, drinks, water sports, and guided exploration. Considering the all-inclusive nature, many guests feel it offers excellent value. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the experience, especially given the quality of food, drinks, and activities.

Important Precautions

• Pre-select your meeting point to avoid any last-minute confusion.
• Minimum drinking age is 18.
• Reef-safe sunblock is recommended to help preserve the coral reefs.
• Drones are not permitted—this is a strict regulation to protect wildlife.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and lively crew, with many noting that their staff made the experience memorable. For example, “the crew makes it so much fun and takes very good care of your needs.” Wildlife sightings, especially whales and turtles, are frequent highlights, and many reviews describe the experience as “amazing from start to finish.”

Some critical points include the loud music, which might not suit travelers seeking a peaceful retreat, and the limited access to the Hidden Beach, which involves an extra fee and limited spots. One reviewer expressed concern about the environmental impact, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone looking for a fun-filled day with plenty of water activities, great food, and a lively atmosphere, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples wanting a social and active day on the water. The inclusion of wildlife sightings and the scenic cruise also appeals to nature lovers.

Travelers who appreciate good value for money and don’t mind a bustling, party-like environment will find this tour a worthwhile splurge. However, those seeking a serene, eco-focused experience might prefer a quieter, more educational trip.

Final Thoughts

This full-day all-inclusive Marietas Islands tour offers a lively, well-organized way to experience one of Mexico’s most beautiful natural spots. You’ll love the combination of delicious food, premium drinks, water sports, and scenic cruising, all delivered with friendly service. The affordability and inclusiveness make it a standout option for anyone wanting to maximize their time and fun on the water.

Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, the dynamic atmosphere, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery promise a day packed with memorable moments. Just remember, if you’re after tranquility or environmental education, you might want to explore other options. But for a lively, activity-packed adventure, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Transportation from Sayulita to the marina is included and praised for its ease. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this package, so plan accordingly.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about six hours, giving plenty of time for water activities, meals, and relaxation.

Are water sports equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, water tubes, and floating mattresses are included, allowing you to stay active and enjoy the water.

Is food and drinks included?
Absolutely. The tour features all-day premium beverages, including alcoholic drinks, and a Mexican lunch of fajitas, rice, and beans. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if booked in advance.

Can I visit the Hidden Beach?
Access to Hidden Beach is available for an extra fee and is limited. It’s highly recommended to ask about it if you’re interested.

What wildlife might I see?
Guests often report sightings of sea turtles, rays, and humpback whales (December to April). The islands are a protected habitat, so wildlife encounters add a special touch.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with attentive crew and activities suitable for all ages. Kids particularly enjoy the piñata game and water fun.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 64 travelers, ensuring a lively but not overcrowded experience.

Are there any environmental considerations?
Drones are prohibited to protect local wildlife, and reef-safe sunblock is recommended to help preserve the coral ecosystem.