Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery

Discovering the Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day soaking up the sun, snorkeling in clear waters, and enjoying good food amid stunning scenery, the Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery Tour might catch your eye. For around $90 per person, this full-day adventure promises visits to Playa Nopalera and Las Cargadas Beach, along with snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing on beaches that look like they belong in a travel magazine.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines a variety of water-based activities with comfortable onboard amenities—think an open bar, delicious BBQ lunch, and beach time in two scenic spots. Plus, the opportunity to encounter vibrant marine life while snorkeling is a definite highlight.

However, potential travelers should be aware of some drawbacks: notably, the cost of extra fees like port taxes and a conservation fee, and the fact that some guests have experienced poor communication or service issues.

This tour suits those who value flexibility in water activities, beautiful scenery, and good food, especially if you’re prepared to manage a structured schedule and extra costs. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of water fun—despite some logistical hiccups—this could be a worthwhile outing.

Key Points

• Variety of activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and lounging on beaches.
• Beautiful scenery: Marietas Islands and Las Cargadas beaches offer stunning views.
• Included amenities: BBQ lunch, open bar, and water equipment.
• Additional costs: Port taxes ($2) and conservation fee ($20) payable at check-in.
• Potential service issues: Some guests report poor communication and lack of contact.
• Best suited for: Adventure seekers who enjoy water sports and scenic beaches.

An In-Depth Look at the Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery Tour

The Essentials: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour begins early at 9:00 am from Puerto Magico, an accessible location in Puerto Vallarta. For about 8 hours, you’ll be whisked away on a boat with a maximum group size of 20 travelers, which tends to keep the experience intimate and manageable. The price of $90.09 covers snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and a BBQ lunch on Majahuitas Beach, alongside unlimited drinks from the onboard open bar.

It’s worth noting that extra costs include a port tax ($2) and a conservation fee ($20), both payable in cash at check-in. These are standard for many eco-focused tours in the area, but they can add to what you might have initially considered a good deal.

Itinerary: From Islands to Beaches

Stop 1: Islas Marietas
Here, the tour visits Playa Nopalera, with access included in your ticket. You’ll get to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life—an activity that most travelers find rewarding. There’s also an option to visit the Beach of Love for an extra fee, which might be worth it if you’re after a more secluded or iconic experience.

Homero_H’s review highlights some frustrations: he was disappointed because the operator never contacted him beforehand, and on the day, he wasn’t even present at the meeting point. Unfortunately, this kind of service inconsistency can happen, so be prepared and perhaps avoid relying on last-minute communication.

Stop 2: Bay of Banderas and Las Cargadas
The second stop offers 1.5 hours of beach and water fun. You can indulge in snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relax on a floating mat. The on-board open bar is available here, making it easy to unwind while enjoying the stunning coastal views.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the biggest highlights is the scenic beauty and the chance to see marine life up close while snorkeling. The inclusion of food and drinks makes it an all-in-one package, saving you from the hassle of organizing meals separately. The BBQ lunch on Majahuitas Beach is described as delicious, with some reviewers mentioning the fresh ceviche as a real treat.

Plus, the water activities—such as paddleboarding and kayaking—are included, giving you ample opportunity to stay active and engaged. We appreciate how these options can add variety to your day, especially if you’re traveling with a group or family with different interests.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite the tour’s strengths, some travelers have expressed frustration. The single negative review from Homero_H is quite revealing: he reports poor communication and lack of assistance from the operator, which can be discouraging. This inconsistency indicates that service quality might not be reliable all the time.

On top of that, extra fees like port taxes and conservation fees add to the overall cost, which may catch some travelers off guard if they aren’t prepared. The duration of the tour is also somewhat tight—around 8 hours—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time on each beach, this may not be ideal.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

When all goes well, you will start with a comfortable boat ride from Puerto Vallarta, enjoying views of the Bay of Banderas and the surrounding mountains. The boat itself is equipped for fun, with plenty of water toys and a bar to kick off the day.

Arriving at the Islas Marietas, you’ll have roughly 35 minutes to explore and snorkel, with some guests opting to pay extra for the Beach of Love—a small cove accessible via boat. The snorkel experience often impresses visitors with how vibrant the marine life is.

The second part of the day involves ample water activities at Playa Las Cargadas, where you’ll have around 90 minutes to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or lounge. You might find that the onboard entertainment and scenic views make this segment a highlight.

The lunch break at Majahuitas Beach features delicious BBQ—a welcome treat after a morning of water adventures. The open bar remains available, and many travelers appreciate the relaxed vibe and tasty food.

The Downside: Service and Value

While most enjoy the scenery and activities, the service quality appears to be inconsistent, with at least one traveler experiencing lack of contact and support. This could be a red flag if you’re someone who depends heavily on reliable communication and seamless organization during your trip.

Plus, the total cost can escalate once you factor in extra fees, which are not included in the initial price. For some, the $20 conservation fee and $2 port tax can seem like hidden costs that diminish the perceived value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure lovers who enjoy water sports, scenic island vistas, and lively beach atmospheres. It’s also good for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and willing to handle some logistical nuances like additional fees.

If you’re after a relaxed, hassle-free day, or if service quality is a top priority for you, you might want to explore other options or verify recent reviews before booking.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery Tour offers a lively, activity-packed day with plenty of beautiful scenery and delicious food. Its inclusion of snorkeling gear, water sports, and a BBQ lunch makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day at the beaches and islands near Puerto Vallarta.

On the flip side, service inconsistencies and extra costs mean you should go in with realistic expectations and a flexible attitude. It’s not the most luxurious or seamless experience, but if you’re prepared for some minor hiccups, you’ll likely enjoy the chance to swim, relax, and soak up impressive views.

This tour best fits those eager to combine adventure and relaxation in a scenic setting, especially if they’re comfortable managing some logistical surprises. It’s a good option for families or groups looking for active fun, provided they set realistic expectations about the service quality and additional costs.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point in Puerto Vallarta around 5 pm.

What activities are included?
You can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing on beaches. All equipment for water activities is provided.

Are meals included?
Yes, a BBQ lunch on Majahuitas Beach is included, along with an open bar for drinks onboard.

Are there extra fees I should know about?
Yes, you’ll need to pay a port tax of $2 and a conservation fee of $20 at check-in. These are payable in cash and are not included in the initial price.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, so travelers should be comfortable with some walking, swimming, or water sports.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan with some flexibility.

In summary, this adventure offers a lively day of scenic beauty, water play, and good food—perfect for those who don’t mind a few logistical bumps along the way. Keep your expectations in check, be ready for extra costs, and you’ll likely find it a memorable part of your Puerto Vallarta trip.