Tour islands Marietas Snorkeling and Nopalera Beach

If you’re after an up-close experience of the Marietas Islands, this small-group snorkeling tour offers a relaxed yet enriching way to explore their most captivating features. For $65 per person, you’ll spend around 2 hours 30 minutes on a boat adventure that focuses on the islands’ natural beauty—without the crowds or the rush. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour skips the notorious Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach) but instead emphasizes more personal encounters with the islands’ geological marvels, birdlife, and underwater scenery.

What really draws us in is the small group size, limited to just 10 travelers, which means you get a more intimate experience and better chances to ask questions and enjoy personalized attention. We also appreciate that the tour visits less-visited parts of the islands, giving a more authentic feel than larger, more commercial excursions. Two things we love: first, the chance to pass through the “stone bridge” crater—a striking geological feature—and second, the opportunity for snorkeling at Nopalera Beach, where you can float above colorful fish and coral.

One potential drawback is that access to Playa del Amor isn’t included. If your dream is to lounge on that famous beach, you’ll need a different tour. But if you’re happy to focus on the islands’ natural features and enjoy quality snorkeling, this experience fits well. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic day with ample opportunities to observe wildlife, snorkel, and explore lesser-visited spots. Perfect if you love small group settings and personalized guides.

Key Points

• Small groups ensure a personal experience and flexible interactions.
• Passage through the stone bridge offers a unique geological perspective.
• Snorkeling at Nopalera Beach unveils vibrant marine life and calm waters.
• Bird watching with sightings of blue-footed boobies adds a feathered dimension.
• Limited to 10 travelers, making it ideal for those who dislike crowded tours.
• Includes snorkeling equipment—no hidden fees for gear.

Exploring the Marietas Islands: What to Expect

This tour is carefully designed to maximize your natural encounters without the chaos of larger crowds. We loved the way the itinerary balances geological sights, birdlife, and underwater exploration. Starting from the meeting point at Shark’s Tours in Punta Mita, you’ll be greeted by a friendly crew, including guides like Rudy, who earn praise for their helpfulness and good humor. The boat itself is described as clean and well-equipped, setting a reassuring tone for your adventure.

The Geological Marvels: The Stone Bridge and Crater

The first highlight is passing through the “stone bridge” crater—a striking natural arch that connects two parts of one of the islands. It’s a visual treat and a great photo opportunity, especially because you’re close enough to appreciate its rugged beauty. We found this particular stop captivating because it’s not just a scenic view but a geological feature that tells a story of volcanic activity and erosion.

Bird Watching: Blue-footed Boobies and More

Next, the tour offers bird watching, with the chance to see the elusive blue-footed booby—a rare sight outside the Galápagos, making it a special treat. Though the showier Hidden Beach is not part of this trip, the birdlife and natural scenery more than compensate, especially for nature lovers wanting a quieter, more genuine experience.

Nopalera Beach and Snorkeling

The highlight for many is the snorkeling activity at Nopalera Beach. Here, you’ll get off the boat and plunge into calm, clear waters teeming with fish. One review highlights the abundance of colorful, pretty fish and the good quantity of marine life seen during snorkeling, which suggests you’ll likely have a memorable underwater experience.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour’s limited group size and small boat mean you get plenty of space and personalized attention. Equipment is provided, removing the hassle of bringing your own gear. The duration—just under three hours—makes it a manageable half-day trip that fits well into most Puerto Vallarta itineraries.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Meeting Point and Departure

The adventure begins at Shark’s Tours, conveniently located near public transportation options, making it easy to reach. Guides like Rudy are known for their friendly and helpful demeanor, which sets a relaxed tone from the start.

Passing Through the Crater and The Stone Bridge

Once aboard, you’ll head toward the islands, passing through the crater known as the stone bridge—a geological feature that’s both impressive and photogenic. The guides often share interesting facts about the islands’ volcanic origins, making this more than just a pretty sight.

Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting

As you approach the islands, watch for bird species, especially the blue-footed booby. The guides keep an eye out and point out birds, which adds an extra layer of engagement for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nopalera Beach Snorkeling

After anchoring at Nopalera Beach, you’ll don snorkeling gear and discover a tranquil underwater landscape. Based on reviews, expect to see a variety of colorful fish and perhaps some coral formations. The guides are described as helpful and friendly, making snorkeling accessible even for beginners.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up back at the original meeting point, leaving you with plenty of time to explore more of Puerto Vallarta or unwind after the adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Guides

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Rudy and others are key to making this tour memorable. They’re praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness, which enhances the overall value. We loved the way guides share insights about the islands’ geology and wildlife, making the experience both fun and educational.

The small group size ensures that everyone can ask questions and that guides can customize parts of the experience based on the group’s interests. This personal touch distinguishes it from larger, more commercial tours that might feel rushed and impersonal.

Cost and Value

At $65 per person, this tour offers a lot of value for those interested in natural beauty, wildlife, and snorkeling. Compared to larger tours that might include the Hidden Beach, this package provides a more exclusive, less crowded experience. The snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to worry about renting or bringing your own—another added convenience.

While access to Playa del Amor isn’t part of this tour, the up-close geological formations and bird watching more than make up for it. If you value personalized attention and a relaxed pace, paying a bit less for this smaller experience makes perfect sense.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife watchers, and snorkelers seeking a quieter, more authentic encounter with the islands. It’s perfect for travelers who dislike large crowds and prefer a more intimate, informative experience. If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll find the guides helpful and accommodating, making it suitable for beginners. Since the tour does not include alcohol or private transportation, it’s straightforward and family-friendly, as long as everyone in your group is comfortable with water activities.

The Sum Up

For those wanting an authentic taste of Puerto Vallarta’s Marietas Islands, this tour delivers a balanced and personalized experience. It offers a rare chance to witness geological formations, birdlife, and marine ecosystems in a small group setting, led by guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly.

While it doesn’t visit the famous Playa del Amor, its focus on less-visited spots and underwater life makes it a perfect choice for travelers craving a more genuine adventure. It’s especially suited for nature lovers and first-time snorkelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, good value, and expert guidance.

If your goal is to escape the crowds and truly connect with nature, this tour may well be your best bet in Puerto Vallarta—and a memorable highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Does this tour include access to Playa del Amor?
No, this specific tour does not include access to Playa del Amor. It focuses on the islands’ geological features, bird watching, and snorkeling at Nopalera Beach.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers snorkeling equipment and guided visits to the islands. It does not include private transportation or alcoholic beverages.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, many reviews mention that guides are helpful, making snorkeling accessible even for first-timers.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at Shark’s Tours in Punta Mita, located at Av. Las Pangas 1, Corral del Risco.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour has a full refund if canceled due to poor weather, and you can reschedule or receive a different date.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, perhaps some sunscreen, and an appetite for underwater scenery and bird sightings. The tour provides snorkeling gear, so no need to bring your own.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, as long as they’re comfortable with water activities.

In all, this tour offers a respectful, nature-focused way to experience the Marietas Islands—ideal for those who want to explore their geological wonders, birdlife, and underwater beauty without the crowds. It’s a relaxed, friendly, and genuine slice of Puerto Vallarta’s natural landscape.