Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

If you’re thinking about exploring the famous Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta, you’re in for an adventure packed with scenic views, marine life, and plenty of activities. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, we’ve gone through the details, reviews, and what it offers to help you decide if it matches your travel style. This all-inclusive cruise promises a full day of fun aboard a lively catamaran, with snorkeling, kayaking, and plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation.

What we really like about this tour is its vibrant onboard atmosphere—music, karaoke, and a national open bar make it perfect for those who want a lively day at sea. Plus, the chance to see diverse marine animals and the iconic Playa La Nopalera adds to its appeal. However, some travelers have noted that the trip can be long and crowded, with limited snorkeling time, so it’s worth considering whether you’re after a relaxing day or a packed adventure.

This tour will suit travelers who enjoy a social atmosphere, good food, and a variety of activities. If you’re looking for a more tranquil or exclusive experience, this might feel a bit busy. Still, for those eager to tick off snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and scenic sightseeing in one go, it offers a solid value—especially with its inclusive drinks and meals.

Key Points

• Lively onboard atmosphere with music, karaoke, and dancing creates a fun, social vibe.
• All-inclusive drinks and tasty food provide good value for a day at sea.
• Multiple activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding keep travelers engaged.
• Limited snorkeling time and crowded reefs may not suit those seeking a calm, exclusive experience.
• Long boat ride (about 2 hours each way) can be tiring, especially for sensitive travelers.
• Great for groups and energetic travelers who want a full, action-packed day.

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

This Puerto Vallarta tour offers a full-day adventure that combines scenic boat rides, wildlife sightings, and water activities. Starting at 8:30 am, you’ll meet at Puerto Mágico, ready for a roughly 9-hour trip that promises plenty of entertainment. The journey begins with a beautiful catamaran ride—a relaxing way to kick off your day, surrounded by the Pacific’s breezes and views.

The Boat and Transportation

The boat itself is described as a large, lively vessel equipped with a mobile ticket system, simplifying the check-in process. Onboard, you’ll find continental breakfast—eggs with ham, fruit, and juice—offering a decent start to your day. The maritime transport is included in the price, but keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a dock tax of MXN 32 (around $1.60 USD) and Conape and Semarnat taxes totaling MXN 180 (about $9 USD).

Reviews point out that the boat’s age and comfort level might not match luxury standards. Some mention that the vessel is old and less visually appealing, but most agree that the crew’s friendliness and organization make up for it. It’s a large group experience—up to 40 people—so don’t expect quiet serenity.

Activities and Sights on the Water

Once underway, the open bar becomes available, but only after most of the travel time. Travelers note that beverages include tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, and water, making for a lively atmosphere on the return. The food served on board—including cold meat sandwiches, fries, salads, and other snacks—receives decent reviews, with many saying it’s tasty enough, especially considering the long day.

You’ll enjoy snorkeling at reef sites on the shore of Marietas Island, passing iconic landmarks like Bufadora, the caves, and the second crater. The tour includes a visit to Playa La Nopalera, often highlighted as the highlight—a gorgeous beach where you can relax, swim, or take photos. Some reviews mention the limited time at the beach, suggesting that more time here would make the experience even better.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

Snorkeling is a key feature, with equipment provided. However, some reviews express disappointment about the size and crowding of the snorkeling area. One traveler mentioned that “the snorkeling area could have been bigger,” and “it was crowded with multiple trips,” leaving little room for everyone to enjoy comfortably. Others observed that the water wasn’t particularly clear, making the aquatic experience less spectacular, but still worthwhile for the chance to see fish and coral.

Kayaks and paddleboards are also available, and even non-swimmers can participate with a life vest. One reviewer appreciated that with the provided gear, their friend who didn’t know how to swim felt safe. The availability of these activities adds a layer of fun, especially for families or groups with mixed skill levels.

The Sights and Wildlife

A memorable part of the tour, as described in glowing reviews, is seeing whales (if in season), and observing blue-footed birds on the island. The guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, and often praised for their entertainment and ecological insights.

One reviewer fondly recalled their whale sightings and described the ride as “amazing,” emphasizing that the scenery, wildlife, and crew’s friendliness made a positive impression. Many noted the beautiful views and the chance to see the stone arches and caves up close, which are photo-worthy and memorable.

Food and Drinks

This tour includes a continental breakfast, with eggs and fruit, along with cold sandwiches or burgers later in the day. The food is considered decent, especially given the context of a long boat trip. The open bar offers soft drinks, beers, tequila, rum, and whiskey—perfect for those who enjoy a drink with their adventure. However, a few guests have mentioned the limited bar choices, and some noted that drinks are only available after most activities are completed, which might be a letdown if you’re expecting to sip on a cold beverage as you explore.

The Overall Value

At around $102 per person, the price includes round-trip boat transport, meals, activities, and most gear. Considering the included activities, drinks, and the chance to see whales and marine wildlife, many travelers agree it’s an acceptable value—though some feel the crowd size and limited snorkeling reduce its appeal slightly for those seeking a more tranquil or exclusive experience.

The Crowds and Seasonality

Reviews make it clear that this is a popular tour, often booked well in advance (about 12 days on average). With a maximum group size of 40, it’s lively and social but can feel crowded, especially at the snorkeling sites and on the beach.

The long boat ride (about 2 hours each way) is noted as a bit exhausting, so travelers prone to seasickness or seeking a shorter trip might consider other options. A common tip from reviews is to consider taking a tour from a closer point like Sayulita or Punta de Mita to avoid the lengthy voyage from Puerto Vallarta marina.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This all-inclusive, action-packed cruise is ideal for travelers who enjoy a party atmosphere, are eager to socialize, and want a full day of activities. It suits those who appreciate good value for money, with plentiful food and drinks, and don’t mind a crowded, energetic environment. If you’re passionate about snorkeling, wildlife, and scenic views, and don’t mind long boat rides, this tour will likely satisfy.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, quiet experience with lots of solitude, or prefer smaller groups, this might not be your best choice. Be aware that snorkeling time can be limited and the crowd density might diminish the serenity of the experience.

Final Thoughts

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta offers a fun-filled day with plenty of water activities, wildlife sightings, and scenic vistas. The friendly guides, tasty food, and lively atmosphere elevate the experience for many, making it a good pick for groups of friends or active travelers eager for a full day of entertainment.

While the crowd levels and long travel time might be drawbacks for some, the overall value, diversity of activities, and chance to see whales and birdlife make it worth considering. If you’re after a day of socializing, adventure, and scenic beauty, this tour delivers.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more tranquil, less crowded trip with more snorkeling time or a shorter travel distance, exploring other options or smaller tours might suit you better. Either way, this cruise offers a lively, engaging way to experience the famous Marietas Islands and their marine treasures.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip maritime transport is included, starting from Puerto Mágico. However, you’ll need to pay a small dock tax of MXN 32 and additional taxes (MXN 180).

What’s the start time?
The tour starts at 8:30 am from Puerto Mágico and lasts about 9 hours, ending back at the meeting point.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how to swim?
Yes, snorkel equipment is provided, and with a life vest, even non-swimmers can enjoy the water safely.

Are drinks and food unlimited?
The open bar is available, but only after most activities. Food includes a continental breakfast and a lunch or snack during the day, which many find tasty and adequate.

How crowded are the snorkeling sites?
Some reviews mention that the snorkeling area can get crowded because multiple trips go out simultaneously, which might limit your time and comfort.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say it’s suitable for most ages, especially since kayaks and paddleboards are available, but always check the specific age restrictions and consider the long boat ride.

What about the wildlife sightings?
Many have enjoyed whale sightings and birdwatching, especially blue-footed birds on the islands, adding a special touch to the trip.

What are the main drawbacks?
Long boat rides, limited snorkeling time, crowded reefs, and some concerns about the boat’s age or comfort level. Some also noted that the snorkeling water isn’t always clear, and the beach time is brief.

In essence, this tour is a lively, activity-rich way to see the Marietas Islands with plenty of social fun and scenic beauty. If that matches your travel vibe, it’s likely worth the price. For those after quiet, relaxed moments, you might want to look elsewhere.