Half-Day Tour to Marietas Islands, Playa Nopalera by Speedboat

Discovering the Marietas Islands: A Practical Review of the Half-Day Speedboat Tour

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed way to see some of Puerto Vallarta’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, the Half-Day Tour to the Marietas Islands might catch your eye. This tour promises a taste of natural beauty, wildlife, and water activities—all wrapped into about 6 to 7 hours of fun. While it’s not a perfect experience for everyone, it offers a solid mix of sights and activity at a reasonable price.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the spectacular views of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding reefs, and the delicious onboard meals—a welcome bonus after a morning of exploring. However, potential travelers should be aware that some reviews indicate discrepancies between the description and actual amenities, like the boat type or included activities, which can be a bit frustrating. This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy boat rides and outdoor adventures, and who appreciate good value for sightseeing and food.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and wildlife on the protected Marietas Islands.
• Includes meals and drinks, adding to the overall value.
• Snorkeling and kayaking available for active participants.
• Some reviews highlight inconsistencies in advertised activities and amenities.
• Duration is about 6 to 7 hours, including travel and activities.
• Limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly atmosphere.

An Introduction to the Tour

Our review revolves around a popular half-day speedboat trip that departs from Puerto Vallarta, offering an energetic mix of natural sights, water activities, and onboard meals. This tour aims to give travelers a broad taste of the Marietas Islands’ ecological richness—a protected area teeming with birdlife and marine species—without the need to commit to a full-day excursion.

What we love about this experience is how it combines breathtaking landscapes with practical amenities. The included breakfast and lunch, featuring local flavors like fish ceviche and shrimp aguachile, make it feel like a true treat rather than just a sightseeing tour. Plus, the option to snorkel and kayak amplifies the sense of adventure. On the flip side, certain reviews reveal that some aspects may not quite match the promotional descriptions, such as changes in boat type or activity options, which could disappoint those hoping for a fully advertised experience.

This tour is a good fit for travelers who want a value-oriented day trip with plenty of opportunities for photos, water fun, and relaxation. It’s especially suitable if you have a moderate physical fitness level, enjoy meeting new people, and want to see iconic sights without fuss.

What You’ll Experience: A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Puerto Mágico — The Starting Point

Your adventure kicks off at Puerto Mágico, where you’ll check in and board the speedboat. The check-in process is straightforward, and the meeting point is conveniently near public transportation. Expect to arrive around 8:10 am for registration before the 9:00 am departure. The boat ride begins here, setting the tone for a lively, scenic day.

Stop 2: Bay of Banderas — The Scenic Drive

For about 1.5 hours, you’ll cruise along the Bay of Banderas, soaking in the views of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline. This is a chance to relax, enjoy a continental breakfast—bread, fruit, coffee, and juice—and get excited about the day ahead. The cruise offers a pleasant way to unwind and appreciate the city’s skyline and the vast bay area, which many reviews praise for its picturesque vistas.

Stop 3: The Marietas Islands — The Heart of the Tour

The main event is at the Marietas Islands, a UNESCO-protected ecological site. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel around vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. The waters are clear, and the colorful fish create a natural spectacle. Some guests mention that the snorkeling gear is provided, and the experience is enjoyable, especially if you love swimming among marine creatures.

Notably, there’s an optional Ecotour around the islands, which costs extra (MX$200), offering a boat ride around the area. This can be quite worthwhile if you’re keen on seeing more of the surroundings, but be aware that the “Hidden Beach”—one of the most famous spots—is not included in this tour. Several reviews point out that the tour does not visit the hidden beach, which can be disappointing if that was your main goal.

Stop 4: Nopalera Beach — Relax and Recharge

Access to Nopalera Beach is included, allowing some time to relax, swim, or explore. It’s a quieter spot, perfect for unwinding after snorkeling. The area is known for its natural beauty, with lush surroundings and peaceful waters.

Return to Puerto Mágico — Fun on the Sea

The last 90-minute leg involves returning to port with food and drinks on board, creating a festive atmosphere. Expect beers, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, and bottled water, along with a lively crew that aims to make the trip memorable. Several guests have praised the onboard meals, describing the breakfast and lunch as tasty and satisfying, which adds significant value to the overall experience.

The Realities of the Experience

While the tour is advertised as offering activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, actual experiences can vary. Some reviews highlight that the activities did not always match the promotional description; for example, some reported that the “wrong boat” was used or that certain amenities, like the open bar, were not as promised.

One reviewer pointed out that “nothing was accurate in the description, including activities,” which underscores the importance of keeping expectations flexible. However, many still enjoyed the delicious meals and the stunning scenery, which are consistent highlights.

The tour’s group size of up to 30 people helps keep things friendly and manageable, but it also means that during peak times, some might find the boat crowded, especially during activities like snorkeling. Booking about two weeks in advance, on average, is recommended to secure a spot.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $99.16 per person, the tour offers a combination of scenic views, water activities, and meals that many travelers find reasonable. The inclusion of port fees and access to Nopalera Beach, plus the meals and drinks, means you’re paying for a complete experience, not just a boat ride.

However, some reviews suggest that if you’re expecting a highly luxurious or all-inclusive experience, you might be disappointed because certain amenities—like the “hidden beach” visit or the open bar—are not included or sometimes not as described. Still, for the price, most visitors agree that the value is fair, especially considering the natural beauty and variety of activities.

Who Will This Tour Suit Best?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who are comfortable on boats and enjoy outdoor water activities. If you love snorkeling, relaxing on beaches, and appreciate great food along the way, you’ll likely find this experience worth your time. It’s also suitable for those wanting a quick but rich exposure to the Marietas Islands’ scenery without committing to a full-day tour.

That said, if your main goal is to visit the hidden beach or enjoy guaranteed amenities, you might need to look at other options. The tour is best enjoyed by those who are flexible, open-minded, and eager to experience Mexico’s coastal beauty in a lively environment.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

For travelers seeking a lively, scenic day with good food and water fun, this tour offers solid value. It’s perfect for those who want to see the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of the Marietas Islands without a hefty price tag. The onboard meals and drinks make it feel like a floating fiesta, and snorkeling around the reefs will leave you with memorable images.

However, this isn’t a luxury cruise or a carefully curated wildlife expedition. It’s a high-energy, lively trip that emphasizes fun and scenery over exclusive access or premium amenities. If you’re comfortable with some variability in the experience and enjoy meeting fellow travelers, this could be a great way to spend part of your Puerto Vallarta adventure.

In short, if you value authentic natural beauty, tasty food, and water activities at a fair price, this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check regarding some of the advertised features, and you’re likely to come away satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include the Hidden Beach?
No, the tour does not include a visit to the Hidden Beach, despite its popularity. It focuses on the islands and Nopalera Beach.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling and kayaking are included, and some reviews mention paddleboarding. However, some guests report that certain activities might not always be as advertised.

Is transportation provided to and from the port?
The meeting point is at Puerto Mágico, near public transportation. The tour starts there, and no additional transport is specified.

How long is the entire tour?
Expect about 6 to 7 hours total, including check-in, travel, activities, and return.

What is the price point for this tour?
It costs approximately $99.16 per person, which includes meals, port fees, and access to Nopalera Beach.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, minors aged 0-2 years are not allowed to participate in this activity.

Can I bring my GoPro or phone?
Yes, GoPro cameras and smartphones are allowed under your responsibility.

This tour offers an engaging way to experience some of Mexico’s most iconic coastal sights, with the bonus of good food and water fun—perfect for travelers who like a lively, scenic day with some flexibility.