Marietas Islands Snorkeling Adventure with Open Bar and Lunch

Discovering the Marietas Islands: A Snorkeler’s Dream Just Off Puerto Vallarta

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining water-based adventure with stunning scenery, this Marietas Islands Snorkeling Adventure offers just that. Starting in Puerto Vallarta, this approximately 8-hour tour ($114.40 per person) takes you across Banderas Bay to one of Mexico’s most treasured protected marine parks. Led by friendly, bilingual guides, you’ll get to see an array of dolphins, sea turtles, and possibly even humpback whales (seasonal), all while enjoying refreshing drinks, delicious food, and crisp snorkel gear.

What we really love about this experience is the carefully balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. The cruise across scenic waters with a light continental breakfast sets a relaxed tone, while the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters among colorful fish and coral reefs keeps the energy up. Plus, the option to visit the Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida)—a natural marvel accessible through a rocky tunnel—adds a touch of exclusivity and wow factor.

A slight consideration is the limited access to Hidden Beach, which depends on availability and park permits, so it’s not guaranteed. This is an important point for travelers seeking a guaranteed picture-perfect moment.

This tour suits families, nature lovers, and anyone eager for a flexible, fun-filled day exploring Mexico’s stunning marine environment. If you enjoy snorkeling, scenic boat rides, and a lively social atmosphere, this adventure could very well be your next highlight of Puerto Vallarta.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and relaxing onboard with an open bar and lunch.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales (seasonal) with knowledgeable guides sharing insights.
• Optional Hidden Beach: Limited access, but a unique chance to swim through a rocky tunnel to reach a secluded sandy spot.
• Comfort & Convenience: Comfortable boat, included snorkeling gear, life jackets, and friendly bilingual guides.
• Value for Money: For $114.40, you get a full day of activities, food, drinks, and scenic views—hard to beat in this price range.
• Weather Dependence: The tour requires good weather; cancellations for poor conditions are fully refundable or rescheduled.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect on Your Day

Departure and Early Morning: Setting Sail with a Continental Breakfast

Your adventure begins at the Puerto Magico meeting point near Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio. The tour kicks off at 9:00 am with a smooth check-in and a friendly crew welcoming you aboard a comfortable boat. As the engine hums to life, you’ll enjoy a light continental breakfast—think fresh bread, seasonal fruit, yogurt, granola, and coffee—to fuel up before the day’s aquatic pursuits. It’s a relaxed start that lets you soak in the scenic views of Banderas Bay.

Wildlife Watching: Dolphins, Turtles, and Possibly Whales

While cruising toward the islands, the crew keeps a lookout for dolphins playing in the wake or sea turtles gliding nearby. Depending on the season, humpback whales may make an appearance, especially during the migration months, which adds an exciting element to the journey. The guides share tidbits about the region’s ecosystem, making the experience both fun and educational.

Arriving at the Marietas Islands: The Snorkeling Adventure

Once at the Marietas Islands, the focus shifts to water activities. You’ll have access to snorkel gear—included in your package—and the clarity of the water allows for superb views of vibrant coral formations and tropical fish species. The ecosystem here is well-protected, so the marine life feels unthreatened and lively.

We loved the way guides explained the significance of the park’s conservation efforts, giving us a better appreciation for the environment we were exploring. The colorful underwater scenery is truly a highlight, with many travelers noting how “beautiful and vibrant” the fish and coral are.

The Optional Hidden Beach: A Natural Wonder

One of the most talked-about features of this tour is the visit to Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida). Access is limited and requires a swim through a natural rock tunnel, which adds an element of adventure. It’s worth noting that permits are limited, and your ability to visit depends on availability. This makes it a bit of a lottery—sometimes you see it, sometimes you don’t— but many say it’s “absolutely worth the effort” if you get the chance.

Relaxing on the Boat: Food, Drinks, and Scenic Views

After your snorkel session (or if you prefer to relax instead), you can unwind onboard. The open bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze and snapping photos of the striking island scenery. The included lunch—featuring aguachiles, ceviches, and chicken salad—is fresh and flavorful, providing a satisfying end to the water-based activities.

Learning & Reflection: Guides Share Insights

Throughout the trip, guides provide fascinating insights into the islands’ ecosystems, their bird populations, and conservation challenges. The bilingual guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories that help you connect more deeply with the environment.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s included amenities make it very appealing:
– A continental breakfast to start your day
– Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
– An open bar with a variety of beverages
– Delicious lunch options
– Friendly English-speaking guides

However, there are a couple of additional fees to keep in mind:
– The port fee of MX$33 per person
– The marine park conservation fee of MX$220**, which is standard for protected parks in Mexico

These costs are fairly typical and are paid at the entrance, so plan for them accordingly.

The Practicalities: Timing, Transportation, and Group Size

Starting at 9:00 am from Puerto Magico, the tour lasts roughly 8 hours. That includes the boat ride, water activities, and some downtime onboard. The group size is capped at 100 travelers, ensuring the experience isn’t too crowded but still lively enough to foster a convivial atmosphere.

The boat is near public transportation, making it accessible. Be sure to wear sun protection—a hat, sunscreen—and bring your waterproof camera to capture those underwater moments and stunning views.

Authenticity and Value: Why This Tour Works

This experience offers a genuinely local feel, with guides sharing insights in fluent English and an emphasis on ecosystem preservation. The delicious food and refreshing drinks elevate the day beyond a simple tour, creating a relaxed social vibe that appeals to families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Given the price point, the combination of snorkeling, wildlife spotting, scenic cruising, and food/drinks offers good value—especially considering the number of hours spent exploring and relaxing on the water.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you love snorkeling, wildlife, scenic boat rides, and a lively social atmosphere, this tour is a solid choice. It’s ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a full-day adventure with plenty of comfort and entertainment. Those eager to see Hidden Beach should be aware that access isn’t guaranteed, but the journey itself remains hugely enjoyable.

Travelers seeking a relaxed yet active day immersed in nature and culture will find this experience both memorable and worthwhile.

The Sum Up: The Bottom Line

This Marietas Islands snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed day exploring one of Mexico’s most beautiful marine parks. The blend of wildlife encounters, snorkeling in clear waters, scenic cruising, and delicious local cuisine makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the best of Puerto Vallarta’s natural environment.

The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and authentic touches like the optional Hidden Beach add depth and excitement. It’s a great way to break from the usual and enjoy a day full of adventure and relaxation amid Mexico’s striking coastal landscape.

While the availability of Hidden Beach isn’t guaranteed, the trip itself remains full of memorable moments—and the social vibe onboard makes it even more enjoyable. It’s a tour that suits adventurous families, curious nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the sea in a lively, friendly setting.

FAQs about the Marietas Islands Snorkeling Adventure

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the experience is generally family-friendly, especially with the included snorkeling gear and calm waters.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and possibly a towel. Everything else, like snorkeling gear and life jackets, is provided.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire tour lasts about 8 hours, with the boat ride taking a significant part of the day but designed for comfort and scenic enjoyment.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Whale sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed, but dolphins and sea turtles are more commonly spotted.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there extra fees?
Yes, the port fee of MX$33 and marine park conservation fee of MX$220 are paid at the entrance.

Is Hidden Beach guaranteed?
No, access depends on availability and permits—sometimes you might visit, sometimes not.

How lively is the group?
With a maximum of 100 travelers, the group size strikes a balance between social atmosphere and personal space.

In all, the Marietas Islands Snorkeling Adventure offers an engaging, scenic, and well-rounded day out for travelers eager to explore Mexico’s underwater and coastal beauty.