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

A Detailed Look at the Half-Day Speedboat Tour to the Marietas Islands & Nopalera Beach

If you’re craving a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and good food, this half-day tour from Puerto Vallarta might catch your eye. For around $99 per person, you’ll spend roughly 6 to 7 hours exploring the spectacular Marietas Islands by speedboat, with stops that promise crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and opportunities to see diverse bird and marine life. The trip also includes visits to Nopalera Beach, along with snorkeling, kayaking, and a hearty American breakfast and lunch.

What we really like about this tour is how well it balances scenic vistas with fun activities—a combination perfect for those who want more than just a boat ride. The onboard meals are another highlight, giving you a chance to relax and savor fresh food in a stunning setting. Plus, the inclusion of drinks and port fees simplifies the experience, making it more about enjoying the moment rather than worrying about extras.

One potential drawback to keep in mind is the duration of the boat ride itself. The trip can feel quite long—up to six hours—so comfort during transit is worth considering, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer shorter outings. Also, it’s important to note that the tour does not include access to the Hidden Beach, which is often a big draw in the area but is not part of this itinerary.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty, active pursuits, and value for money. If you’re comfortable on boats, enjoy exploring marine environments, and want a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation, this experience might fit perfectly into your Puerto Vallarta itinerary. Families with kids who can swim might find it especially appealing.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery of the Marietas Islands with reefs and diverse birdlife.
• Includes meals and drinks, making it a convenient all-in-one day trip.
• Activities like snorkeling and kayaking offer a hands-on experience of the waters.
• Visit to Nopalera Beach offers a more secluded, natural setting.
• Duration might be long for some, with a total of 6-7 hours including transit.
• No access to Hidden Beach—a popular but not included feature of the area.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting at Puerto Mágico: The Gateway to Adventure

The tour begins at Puerto Mágico, a lively marina area in the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll check in here, where the process is straightforward, and pass through a safety filter before boarding your boat. The initial departure at 8:30 am, with registration at 8:10 am, ensures you beat the crowds and get a head start on the day’s adventures.

Cruising the Bay of Banderas: Scenic Views and Breakfast

The first part of the journey involves a scenic cruise across Banderas Bay, an iconic stretch of water known for its picturesque coastline. The 120-minute cruise is your chance to soak in the views of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline, lush mountains, and ocean. It’s also when you’ll enjoy an included American breakfast—think bread, fruit, coffee, and juice—perfect for fueling up before the activities.

Many reviews praise the onboard meals. Loni_P mentions that having breakfast and lunch on the boat was a highlight, emphasizing that the staff made the experience extra special. She found the crew’s service to be the best part of her day, which speaks well of the level of hospitality you can expect.

The Marietas Islands: The Heart of the Tour

Upon reaching the Marietas Islands, the real adventure begins. The islands are known for their spectacular landscapes, including reefs and vibrant waters that lend themselves well to snorkeling. You’ll start with a snorkeling session, swimming alongside colorful fish and exploring coral formations. Many guests, including Javier_C, mention the value of the visit, especially highlighting that knowing how to swim adds to the fun and safety—“You need to know how to swim!!!”

The ecological significance of the islands is also explained during the tour, with guides providing info on flora, fauna, and how to respect the protected environment. It’s an eco-conscious experience, reminding visitors to minimize their impact on this delicate ecosystem.

For those opting for the ecotour upgrade at an extra cost, there’s a boat tour around the islands, which adds another layer of exploration. However, keep in mind this costs an additional MX$200 and is not included in the base price.

Nopalera Beach: A Secluded Spot

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop at Nopalera Beach. Unlike the more famous Hidden Beach, Nopalera offers a more natural, less crowded setting. It’s an excellent place for relaxing, swimming, or just soaking up sun. According to reviews, this stop adds a peaceful, scenic element to the day.

Return Trip: Festive Atmosphere and Final Fun

After exploring, it’s time to head back to Puerto Vallarta. The return cruise lasts about 90 minutes, during which the crew creates a lively, party-like atmosphere with food, drinks, and music. You’ll enjoy a shrimp aguachile, fish ceviche, and chicken salad for lunch, accompanied by soft drinks, beers, whiskey, or tequila—ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Reviews like Loni_P’s highlight that the onboard staff’s friendliness and the casual vibe made the return trip memorable. However, a few travelers, like Joanne_T, mention some disappointment with food options and interaction during the return, so managing expectations around the service is wise.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are most of the essentials: access to Nopalera Beach, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, meals, drinks, port fees, and the use of onboard toilets. The tour explicitly states it does not include access to the Hidden Beach, which is often the main attraction, so don’t expect to visit it unless you choose a different tour.

The optional ecotour is available but at an extra cost, and photographs, tips, or vegan/vegetarian options are not included. Drones are forbidden, but GoPro cameras and smartphones are permitted—perfect for capturing your experience.

Group Size and Logistics

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group feels intimate enough for personalized attention but still lively. The meeting point at Puerto Mágico is near public transportation, making it accessible.

Analyzing the Value

At $99.16 per person, you’re paying for a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty, active fun, and good food. Given the reviews, many guests found it to be good value for money, especially considering the inclusions and the scenic setting. The meals, drinks, and activities are thoughtfully included, making this a convenient package.

However, the long transit time might be a consideration for those who prefer shorter boat trips or are sensitive to seasickness. Some reviews mention that the duration feels long, but most find the experience worthwhile, especially given the stunning environment and assistance of friendly staff.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling and kayaking, are okay with boat rides, and want to see Puerto Vallarta from the water. It appeals most to those who appreciate nature and wildlife, as the islands are a protected ecological refuge. Families with older children who can swim might find this a memorable day out. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and activity-filled tour that offers good value, this will likely meet your expectations.

The Sum Up

This Half-Day Tour to the Marietas Islands and Nopalera Beach offers a nicely balanced mix of gorgeous scenery, engaging activities, and hearty meals at a reasonable price. You’ll love the chance to snorkel around vibrant reefs, kayak in tranquil waters, and relax on a less crowded beach. The onboard food and drinks, combined with friendly staff, create a welcoming atmosphere that turns a sightseeing trip into a fun day out.

It’s not a perfect tour—long transit times and the absence of Hidden Beach access might be downsides for some. But if your priority is natural beauty, active exploration, and value for money, this tour delivers in spades. Ideal for those who want a full, memorable day with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of the local marine environment.

FAQ

Does this tour visit Hidden Beach?
No, it does not include access to Hidden Beach. The tour focuses on the other parts of the Marietas Islands and Nopalera Beach.

How long is the entire trip?
The total duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and activities.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can swim around the islands’ reefs. Knowing how to swim is recommended, as per reviews.

Are drinks and meals included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and drinks—beers, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, and bottled water.

What if I want to do the ecotour?
The ecotour is an optional upgrade costing MX$200, and it involves a boat tour around the islands. It’s not part of the standard package.

Can kids participate?
Minors aged 0-2 are not allowed, but older children who can swim and enjoy water activities should find this experience suitable.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited physical fitness?
Moderate physical activity is involved, especially with swimming and kayaking, so travelers should be comfortable with that level of activity.

This tour provides a well-rounded, scenic adventure that captures the beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s marine environment, with enough activities and good food to keep everyone engaged. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, it’s a lively, scenic day out—one that reminds you why this part of Mexico is so captivating.