Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach

Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Marietas Islands with Sail, Snorkel, and Beach

Imagine setting out from Puerto Vallarta’s coast on a comfortable boat, feeling the warm breeze as you head toward the Marietas Islands. For about 7 hours, this tour offers a blend of spectacular scenery, snorkeling adventures, and relaxing beach time. At just $99, it’s a reasonably priced way to explore one of Mexico’s most photogenic natural spots, especially if you’re eager to see marine life or capture stunning photos of cliffs, caves, and coves.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure and relaxation. The opportunity to snorkel among tropical fish, octopus, rays, and even sea turtles makes it memorable for those into marine encounters. Plus, the chance to lounge on secluded beaches—like the famous Love Beach—means you can unwind amid nature’s quiet beauty. We also appreciate the delicious onboard food and the friendly crew, who make the day both fun and smooth.

However, a word of caution: the tour has a mixed review rating of around 3.5 out of 5, with some travelers experiencing issues like last-minute cancellations or confusion over reservations. It’s worth noting that the port tax (MX$35) and conservation fee (MX$85) are extra costs, and access to Love Beach is controlled by the marine park, so not everyone may get in. This tour suits those who enjoy small group adventures, wildlife sightings, and scenic boat rides, but it’s good to keep expectations realistic regarding consistency and organization.

If you’re seeking a fun, scenic day with chances to see whales (December to March) or a peaceful beach escape with snorkeling, this tour can be a great choice. Just be prepared for some variability, and consider it a balanced experience rather than a perfect one.

Key Points

• Marine Life & Snorkeling: Expect a vibrant variety of tropical fish, rays, turtles, and even octopus, thanks to well-maintained snorkeling gear.
• Stunning Landscapes: The cliffs, caves, and isolated coves provide excellent photo opportunities and a sense of natural wonder.
• Comfort & Value: For $99, you get a 7-hour trip with a continental breakfast, a deli-style lunch, and an open bar (water activities only).
• Small Group Experience: Limited to about 7 travelers, which means more personalized service but also a chance of schedule variations.
• Wildlife & Whale Watching: From December 8 to March 15, whale sightings are possible, adding a special touch to the trip.
• Variable Reviews: Some guests praise the guides and food, while others face last-minute cancellations or booking confusion.

In-depth Review of the Marietas Sail, Snorkel, and Beach Tour

What the Tour Covers and Its Setting

The Marietas Islands are a protected ecological haven, famous for their cliffs, caves, and the legendary Hidden Beach—a secret cove accessible only by boat or swimming. The tour departs from Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta, heading out on a relatively intimate boat—limited to about 7 travelers—which makes for a more relaxed, personalized experience.

The itinerary includes a stop at a small, beautiful island just north of Vallarta, where the boat anchors for around two hours. Here, you’ll find an ideal spot for snorkeling, beach lounging, or simply marveling at the spectacular cliffs and formations. The tour’s narrative emphasizes the area’s birdlife, with over 100 species, and the chance to spot whales if traveling during the season.

Snorkeling & Marine Encounters

Snorkeling is a highlight—your gear is well sanitized, and the water is famously clear, revealing a vibrant underwater world. We loved hearing from guests about the abundance of tropical fish and the possibility of spotting octopus, rays, seahorses, and turtles. One traveler praised Gustavo and the crew for providing helpful and attentive service during the snorkeling.

It’s worth noting that some reviews mention disappointment with snorkeling—either due to the size of the boat, the clarity, or the experience level of the guides. But overall, snorkelers seem to find the waters rich and rewarding, especially considering the short boat ride from the mainland.

Beaches & Landmarks

The hidden beach is the star attraction, often described as spectacular and worth the effort to visit. Access is controlled by the marine park, so not everyone can enter, but those who do often rave about the experience. The secluded coves and rock formations make for excellent photographs and peaceful downtime.

Guests have the option to sit back with a drink and enjoy the scenery or paddle on provided paddleboards—a fun addition for more active travelers. The crew’s hospitality is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, with many reviews noting their entertaining and engaging attitude.

Food, Drinks, & Extras

Included in the tour are a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch, which many guests found delicious and satisfying after some time in the sun and water. The onboard open bar offers alcoholic drinks after water activities—perfect for relaxing during the sail back.

Optional extras like new snorkeling tubes are available for purchase, and port and conservation fees are additional costs that need to be budgeted separately. It’s good to be aware of these before booking, to avoid surprises.

The Sailing & Overall Experience

The boat itself is smaller than those used in larger tours, which many guests appreciated for its intimacy. The sailing back offers a chance to enjoy the warm afternoon breeze, with some reviews mentioning whale and dolphin sightings, adding a dash of excitement.

The crew, especially Captain Luis, is described as great and attentive, making the journey enjoyable and engaging. The entertainment on the return trip and the friendly atmosphere are often highlighted as memorable parts of the day.

Addressing the Mixed Reviews

While many guests praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and tasty food, others have faced cancellations or booking issues—sometimes last-minute. One reviewer expressed frustration with late cancellations, which can be disappointing if you’re counting on this specific trip.

The small group size means fewer travelers, but it also means fewer backup options if the schedule shifts or cancellations occur. We recommend confirming your reservation and being flexible with your plans.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who value personalized service and enjoy marine wildlife, especially during whale season. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed day with opportunities for snorkeling, photography, and beach lounging.

However, if you’re highly concerned about cancellations or strict schedules, you might want to explore other options or confirm details well in advance. For those who love small, intimate tours with friendly crews and scenic landscapes, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

At $99, this tour offers a good value considering the seven hours of scenery, activities, and food. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a deli-style lunch makes it a comprehensive package. But keep in mind that extra costs like port and conservation fees add to the total expense.

The highlight for many is the chance to see marine animals, snorkel in clear waters, and relax on beautiful, quiet beaches—a great way to escape the bustling city and enjoy nature’s beauty.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, families, or couples who appreciate small-group experiences, scenic boat rides, and marine life. It’s not the most polished or trouble-free tour out there, but if you’re flexible and seek genuine, unspoiled natural beauty, it’s worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation to the marina included?
No, transportation to and from the marina is not included, so plan your arrival accordingly.

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 7 hours, including time on the water, snorkeling, and beach stops.

Are water activities included in the price?
Yes, snorkeling gear and paddleboards are provided, and water activities are included after the initial water exposure.

How much does the port tax cost?
The port tax is MX$35 per person, payable in cash at the site.

Are whales visible during the tour?
Whale sightings are possible from December 8th to March 15th, making it an exciting seasonal bonus.

Is food and drinks included?
Yes, a continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch are included, along with an open bar serving alcoholic drinks after water activities.

What about the conservation fee?
There is an additional MX$85 fee for island conservation, payable on-site.

How many people are on this tour?
The tour is limited to about 7 travelers, promoting a small-group atmosphere.

What if my reservation gets canceled last minute?
You’ll receive a full refund or can reschedule; just be aware that cancellations can happen, sometimes with short notice.

To sum it up, the Marietas Sail, Snorkel, and Beach tour offers a rewarding mix of scenic beauty, marine encounters, and relaxing beaches at a reasonable price. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate small groups, wildlife, and natural landscapes, but it’s wise to stay flexible and confirm your booking in advance. Whether you’re chasing marine life, capturing stunning photos, or simply soaking in the views, this tour can be a memorable part of your Puerto Vallarta experience.