Sea Mi Amor Marietas

Exploring the Sea Mi Amor Marietas Tour: An Honest Look at a Popular Puerto Vallarta Adventure

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring Mexico’s famous Marietas Islands, the Sea Mi Amor Marietas tour might catch your eye. Designed as a full-day shared excursion, it promises a mix of beautiful scenery, water activities, and tasty food — all from the comfort of a boat leaving Puerto Vallarta. Whether you’re after snorkeling, kayaking, or just relaxing with an open bar, this tour offers a solid way to enjoy nature and unwind.

What we particularly like about this experience is its focus on comfort and entertainment. The boat is equipped with onboard fun, from music to drinks, making it easy to relax and socialize. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards means you won’t be short of ways to stay active in the water. Plus, the chance to upgrade for access to Love Beach or purchase souvenir photos adds a personal touch.

One potential drawback is that access to Love Beach isn’t guaranteed without requesting it in advance, and it costs extra. Also, some reviews mention that the lunch and food quality aren’t the high point of the trip, so it might be better for those who prioritize the scenery and activities over gourmet dining. This tour tends to suit travelers looking for a fun, relaxed day that’s suitable for a wide age range — from families with kids to groups of friends.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure exploring the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta
• Water activities included: snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding
• Comfortable boat with onboard entertainment and open bar
• Meals included: American breakfast and a tasty lunch
• Optional access to Love Beach available on request
• Additional costs: port tax, conservation fee, optional photo upgrade

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: The Meeting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am at the Terminal Maritima API, located along the main waterfront in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a straightforward start, and most travelers find it convenient to arrive a little early to settle in and meet the crew. The boat ride is around eight hours, providing ample time to enjoy each stop and the water activities.

The Journey to the Marietas Islands

The first stop is the Marietas Islands, a small, visually stunning island just north of Vallarta. The boat ride itself often offers scenic views as you leave the busy city behind, replaced by the tranquility of these protected waters. The trip is designed to be comfortable, with onboard entertainment and an open bar (serving alcohol only after water activities). You’ll love the way the boat’s relaxed atmosphere sets the tone for the day.

Exploring the Islands: Water Activities and Snorkeling

Once at the islands, your group has the chance to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. Equipment is provided—snorkeling gear and life vests, along with kayaks and paddleboards—so you can try different ways to enjoy the water. Expect plenty of opportunities to see marine life and take in stunning views of the rugged coastline.

One reviewer mentioned, “We saw whales,” which highlights the possibility of spotting wildlife beyond just fish and coral. Expect a lively, social environment, with some guests mentioning that the crew encourages swimming and waterplay, although some found the life jackets and fins a bit restrictive or uncomfortable.

Visiting Love Beach: An Optional Adventure

Optional access to Love Beach can be requested ahead of time, but keep in mind it’s controlled by the marine park, and entry isn’t guaranteed without proper arrangements. The beach itself is known for its natural beauty and seclusion, but because access is limited, some travelers get disappointed if they can’t visit during their trip.

Lunch and Refreshments

A highlight for many is the meals included. The tour offers a delicious American-style breakfast — eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, coffee, and orange juice — ideal for fueling up before heading into the water. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a baguette with cheese, ham, and salami, accompanied by homemade potatoes and tropical salad.

However, some travelers, like Nicolas, mentioned that the food wasn’t exceptional. This is typical of many tours at this price point, where meals are functional rather than gourmet. Still, the all-inclusive drinks on board (after water activities) help keep spirits high, especially as you relax and swap stories with fellow travelers.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Before booking, note that there’s a port tax of MX$29 per person and a conservation fee of MX$100 per person. These aren’t included in the advertised price and add a modest extra expense. If you’re interested in souvenir photos, those are available for purchase as an upgrade.

End of the Day and Return

The tour concludes back at the starting point around 5 pm, giving you a comfortable window to unwind after an active day. The group size can be up to 280 travelers, but most days feel intimate enough to enjoy the scenery and water activities without feeling overwhelmed.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The reviews paint a realistic picture of what to expect. For example, Nicolas expressed disappointment with the quality of the food and mentioned needing to pay extra for the hidden beach entry, which isn’t included in the standard ticket. This is an important detail if your goal is to visit the famous Love Beach or Hidden Beach — these require advance requests and extra fees.

Jose’s feedback was more critical, highlighting issues with snorkeling gear and safety. He felt that the fins and life jackets could be better suited to individual swimmers, and the crew’s directions weren’t always helpful. If you’re a confident swimmer, you might find these restrictions frustrating, but if you prefer guided water activities, it’s worth noting.

On the positive side, Sarina mentioned the friendly staff, good value, and memorable experiences. She appreciated the two meals, drinks, and activities that made the day feel full and satisfying. Her review underscores that, despite some minor inconveniences, many travelers find the tour enjoyable and worthwhile.

Practical Details That Matter

• Price vs. Value: At $106 per person, this tour offers a solid package with meals, activities, and a full day on the water. While it’s not a luxury experience, it’s designed to be an accessible way to see the islands without breaking the bank.
• Group Size: Up to 280 travelers, which can feel large but usually disperses into smaller groups once water activities start.
• Booking in Advance: Most bookings are made about 59 days ahead, especially if you want to secure Love Beach access or souvenir photos.
• Weather Considerations: The tour is dependent on good weather — cancellations are possible, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, but if you have mobility limitations or specific needs, check with the provider beforehand.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy being on the water and want a relaxed, fun-filled day. It’s ideal if your main priority is snorkeling, scenic views, and a lively social atmosphere. If pristine beaches and gourmet meals are your focus, you might find this tour a bit basic.

If you’re comfortable with some extra expenses — like the conservation fee or optional photos — and don’t mind larger groups, this tour offers good value. Conversely, if you’re seeking a more exclusive or private experience, consider other options or private tours.

The Sum Up

The Sea Mi Amor Marietas tour offers an accessible, enjoyable way to explore one of Mexico’s most famous natural landmarks. Its strengths lie in beautiful scenery, water activities, and a lively onboard atmosphere. However, travelers should be aware of the extra costs for beach access and conservation fees and temper expectations about food quality.

For those who prioritize seeing wildlife, snorkeling, and relaxing in a social setting, this tour can deliver a memorable day. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a full, active day with good value, rather than a luxurious or secluded escape.

If your travel style leans toward fun, sun, and water-based adventures, the Sea Mi Amor Marietas could be a good fit. Just remember to plan for the extra fees, and consider whether the large group size and safety restrictions match your preferences.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children between 3 and 5 years old can join for free, though they are not included in meal counts. Keep in mind, water activities and safety gear may require adult supervision.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire tour lasts about eight hours, with the boat trip to and from the islands included.

Does the tour include access to Love Beach?
Access to Love Beach is available on request and at an extra cost. It’s controlled by the marine park, so it’s not guaranteed unless you plan ahead.

What meals are included?
You’ll enjoy an American-style breakfast with eggs, pancakes, fruit, coffee, and orange juice, plus a lunch of baguette with cheese, ham, and salami, along with homemade potatoes and tropical salad.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an open bar, but alcoholic drinks are served only after water activities for safety reasons.

What equipment do I get for water activities?
Snorkeling gear, life vests, kayaks, and paddleboards are provided. The gear is included to enhance your water fun.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to pay a port tax of MX$29 and a conservation fee of MX$100 per person, both payable on the day of the tour. Souvenir photos are an optional upgrade.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is transportation to the marina included?
No, transportation to and from the marina is not included. You should arrange your own transfer or plan to arrive at the meeting point.

Whether you’re after a lively day with friends, family, or a partner, the Sea Mi Amor Marietas tour offers a straightforward way to experience the beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s waters, with plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and photo-worthy moments.