Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

Exploring the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta: A Balanced Review

If you’re considering a day trip to the Marietas Islands, this tour offers a lively, well-rounded experience combining nature, adventure, and culinary delights. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a popular choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike – especially those who value ecotourism and fun water activities.

We’re particularly drawn to how this tour balances adventure and relaxation—you get to snorkel among vibrant marine life, paddle around in kayaks, and enjoy a delicious meal and open bar, all in one day. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found the boat ride long and the sun exposure intense, so packing sunscreen and planning for comfort are key considerations.

This experience suits those who want an active, engaging day in nature but also appreciate good food and drinks. If your ideal trip involves spotting whales (during season), exploring secluded beaches, and capturing stunning photos, this tour might be perfect for you.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure blending water activities, sightseeing, and relaxation
• Includes snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and optional visit to Playa Escondida
• Delicious breakfast and lunch with an open bar—great for socializing
• Good value considering food, drinks, equipment, and boat transfers included
• Some travelers mention a long boat ride and sun exposure—pack sunscreen
• Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who love outdoor adventures and scenic views

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early, with travelers gathering at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta around 9:00 am. A quick registration process involves paying a modest conservation fee (120 MXN) and a port tax (30 MXN)—these are standard for visiting protected marine areas and contribute to preservation efforts. The total extra cost (~$7.50 USD) is reasonable considering the overall experience.

After settling in, you’ll enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive as the boat heads towards the Bahia de Banderas. Here, an appetizing breakfast is served, giving you a chance to fuel up while taking in the views of the coast. This initial segment helps set a relaxed tone for the day, and many reviews highlight how pleasant the landscape is on the way.

The Heart of the Tour: Islas Marietas

Once you arrive at the Marietas Islands, the real fun begins. You’ll have approximately two hours to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or simply soak in the scenery. The waters here are known for their vivid marine life—bright fish, coral, and sometimes even sea turtles. If you’re keen on photography, this is your moment to capture those spectacular underwater landscapes and the iconic Hidden Beach (accessible only by boat and snorkeling).

Some guests, like one reviewer, mention the opportunity to snorkel near the island even if they didn’t venture onto the actual island. The crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems make it a highlight, with many noting how colorful and lively the underwater world is. The tour includes snorkel gear, so no need to bring your own unless you prefer.

Visiting Playa Escondida and Marine Tunnels

An optional stop is Playa Escondida, a tiny, secluded beach accessible only via a marine tunnel. A smaller boat transports you close enough to swim through the tunnel for an extra 30 minutes of exploration. The experience of swimming through the natural rock formation offers a sense of adventure but requires good swimming skills and comfort in the water. Some travelers found this highlight worthwhile, while others didn’t opt for it.

Food, Drinks, and Socializing

The lunch served mid-afternoon is well-received, with many reviews praising the quality of the food. After water activities, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, socialize, and enjoy the open bar—a generous feature that adds camaraderie and fun to the day. The drinks flow freely, and many mention how the lively atmosphere makes for a memorable experience.

Return Journey and Reflection

The tour wraps up after about two hours back in Puerto Vallarta, giving you a leisurely return trip that allows for more scenic views and photo opportunities. Many reviews emphasize how smooth and organized the trip is, with attentive staff making the journey enjoyable.

Practical Details and Considerations

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers all water sports equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), kayaks, paddleboards, breakfast and lunch, and the open bar. It’s a generous offering considering the price of around $89 USD per person, which includes adventure, food, drinks, and transportation.

Extras to keep in mind: There’s an optional fee of 1,000 MXN if you want to visit the hidden beach (knowledge of swimming required), and a conservation bracelet for 150 MXN per person. Plus, there’s a small port fee of 30 MXN.

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts about 8 to 9 hours, making it a full-day activity. The group size is capped at 40 travelers, offering a good balance between social energy and personal space.

What to Bring

Given the long boat ride—sometimes noted to be around an hour and a half—it’s wise to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The boat offers limited shaded seating, so expect some direct sun. Also, pack a dry bag for your valuables, and bring a towel and swimwear if you plan to snorkel or swim.

Weather and Cancellation

The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or alternative dates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds a layer of security.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

The reviews reflect a generally positive consensus. One traveler called it a “great experience” with “amazing crew and good food”, noting how the nature of the island is simply spectacular. Others appreciated the well-organized nature of the trip, emphasizing the value for money given the inclusive food and drinks.

Of course, some found the boat ride a bit long or the sun exposure challenging. For instance, Randy_F mentioned that only a quarter of the boat is shaded, so being prepared for the sun is essential. Even so, their overall experience was not ruined, suggesting that with some planning, most travelers find this trip worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day tour to the Marietas Islands offers a solid blend of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation. It’s ideal for families with kids, couples seeking a fun outing, or solo travelers wanting to meet others in a lively environment. If you love snorkeling and kayaking, enjoy delicious local food, and appreciate spectacular scenery, this tour is likely to satisfy.

However, if you’re sensitive to long boat rides or intense sun, it’s worth considering your comfort beforehand. Those looking for a more secluded, relaxed beach day might prefer quieter options. Still, the value—including food, drinks, water sports, and scenic cruising—is hard to beat at this price point.

In short, this tour is a fun, engaging way to explore the beautiful marine environment of Puerto Vallarta, with plenty of photo opportunities, adventure, and good food that make it a memorable day out.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The boat ride typically lasts around an hour and a half, with some reviews noting it can be a bit warm in the sun. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.

What activities are included during the tour?
You’ll have access to snorkeling gear, paddleboarding, and kayaks. These are included in the tour price, so you can enjoy the water without extra costs.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour provides breakfast and lunch, both of which are generally well-liked. The open bar is available after water activities, offering a variety of drinks.

Can I visit Playa Escondida?
Yes, an optional visit to Playa Escondida can be arranged for an additional fee of about 1,000 MXN. A smaller boat will take you close to the rocky access, and swimming through a marine tunnel leads to the beach.

Are there any hidden costs?
A port fee of 30 MXN is payable on-site. You might also choose to purchase a conservation bracelet for 150 MXN.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour limits participation to 40 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable environment.

What should I wear or bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. A dry bag for your valuables and sunglasses can make the day more comfortable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say yes, especially with children aged 8-15, as the crew is accommodating and the water activities are generally safe with supervision.

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

When should I book?
The tour is usually booked about 29 days in advance, so planning ahead helps secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

This Marietas Islands tour offers an engaging day immersed in nature, lively water fun, and good eats, all wrapped into a well-organized package. Whether you’re after snorkeling amid vibrant marine life or simply want to relax with a cold drink in hand, it’s a day that can tick many boxes for a memorable Puerto Vallarta adventure.