Marietas is a wildlife show with fins. This full-day tour from Puerto Vallarta pairs a catamaran ride with snorkeling gear, paddleboard/kayak time, and meals—set up for people who want an action day on the water. You’ll also be in the right place for marine life that ranges from dolphins to humpback whales in winter.

What I really like is how much is packed into the day: breakfast and lunch plus an open bar on the boat means you’re not stuck hungry or thirsty between activities. I also like that they limit group size (up to 80), so the day doesn’t feel like a floating stadium.

The main catch: this is not a lazy beach-and-sip situation. To reach the famous swimming spots, you may need strong swimming skills, and the time on the sand can be short once you factor in travel time and water activities.

Key things to know before you go

• Swim requirement can be serious: Some of the best experiences involve swimming from a boat to shore and even entering caves.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You get fins, a vest, and a snorkel—helpful if you don’t want to rent gear separately.
• Time is the trade-off: A long ride to the islands can mean limited minutes once you’re there.
• Extra conservation/park fees are real: You’ll pay the Sermarnat conservation bracelet and Marietas National Park admission.
• Open bar timing may not be immediate: Plan around a setup that can start after the aquatic portion.
• You can’t buy everything with the package: Photographic services aren’t included, and some add-ons may be offered.

First You Board: The Port, the Clock, and What You’re Actually Paying

This tour leaves from Terminal Maritima in Puerto Vallarta, starting at 8:15 am. You meet at the port address, and the agency is on the 2nd floor (Beach Boy Agency). It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated drop-off.

The price is $115 per person for about 6 to 7 hours. In return, you’re getting a lot of the “day on the water” essentials already included: the catamaran trip, snorkeling equipment, breakfast and lunch, and an open bar. That said, you still need to budget for add-on fees once you’re there.

A quick value reality check: if your priority is hours of beach time, you might feel disappointed because the schedule is built around moving water activities in the middle of a full day. If your priority is wildlife and a multi-activity outing, it’s a pretty good match for the money.

Catamaran Time and Swim Rules: Snorkeling, Kayak, and Paddleboard

The “workhorse” of the day is the water time. You get snorkeling equipment (fins, snorkel, and a vest), and the tour includes paddleboard and kayak. That combination is great if you like switching between floating, swimming, and gliding instead of doing one activity for hours.

The snorkeling portion is often short in practice. Even when the plan sounds like a full aquatic block, the schedule can compress once you’re dealing with travel, boat docking, and transferring in and out of the water. I’d treat snorkeling time as “quick and memorable,” not “all afternoon.”

And here’s the part that matters most: parts of the experience are for confident swimmers. One common theme is that you may need to swim from a smaller boat to the shore, and the conditions can be rougher than you’d expect. If you’re not comfortable with that, consider how much effort you want to spend just to reach the beach.

Also be ready for rules around water safety and equipment. You may be told not to bring certain items into the water (for example, things like hats and glasses), and you might have to follow restrictions about sunscreen right before getting into the protected areas. It’s not personal—it’s about contamination risk and protected-ocean rules.

Marietas Marine Life: Dolphins, Fish Color, and Winter Whales

This is where the day earns its reputation. The Marietas Islands are known for a dense mix of sea life—colorful fish and other wildlife that makes snorkeling feel like you’re swimming through a living mural. If you’re the type who gets excited by a sudden dart of silver fish or a quick dolphin appearance, you’ll likely have a great time.

Humpback whales are a big draw in season, especially between December and March. Even outside of peak whale months, dolphins are often part of the day’s sightings, and the islands’ ecosystem can feel genuinely alive once you’re out there.

One of my favorite ways to think about tours like this is simple: the marine life is the “destination,” not just the shore. The better you are at staying relaxed in the water—breathe, float, look around—the more you’ll get out of the snorkel and the transfers.

The Hidden Beach Reality: Limited Access, Extra Cost, and Cave Swimming

If you’re hoping for the classic postcard experience at Playa del Amor (the Hidden Beach), pay close attention to how access works. The core tour includes the islands and marine activities, but hidden beach access can require an additional fee and is limited by daily capacity.

You should also plan around the fact that reaching the best spots isn’t about walking down stairs. It’s commonly about swimming—sometimes a decent swim—from the watercraft to shore. If the water is choppy, the effort feels real, and you may have to get through cave-like sections if access includes the swim route near those formations.

The upside is that this is exactly why people come. The caves, the tight water channels, and the sense of being in a protected natural space can be unforgettable. The downside is that this is not ideal for anyone who wants a “sit on the sand for a long time” day.

If you book this, I’d do it with the mindset of an adventure snorkel day, not a casual beach excursion.

Meals and Drinks on a Boat: What Breakfast, Lunch, and the Open Bar Feel Like

Meals are included: breakfast and lunch. In practice, breakfasts tend to be light—think eggs or eggs-style items plus something like chilaquiles in many cases—so it helps if you arrive ready to eat and not already running on travel-snack crumbs. Lunch is generally simple: often a mix of sandwich-style meals and salads.

The open bar is included, but timing can matter. Alcohol service may not start immediately, and it may kick in after the aquatic activities in order to keep everyone safe while they’re swimming. Non-alcohol options (like soft drinks, juices, water, and coffee) are part of what’s offered, and the overall selection may feel basic rather than fancy-cocktail level.

My practical tip: if you have a delicate stomach or you’re sensitive to alcohol at sea, don’t assume the open bar will be the same at every moment. Eat your included meal calmly, then enjoy the drinks when you’re done with the water part.

Fees You Should Budget For: Conservation Bracelet, Park Admission, and Possible Add-ons

Even though the tour price includes a lot, you should expect extra costs tied to protecting the islands.

You’ll need:

• Sermarnat conservation bracelet: $220 MXN, paid when boarding at the pier
• Marietas National Natural Park admission: MX$33 per person

Tips aren’t included either. If you plan to tip (and most people do in Mexico, especially for boat crews), build it into your total budget.

On top of that, some departures can involve other “on the ground” fees that aren’t obvious until you’re at the pier. A common example people run into is port-related charges and a reserve fee. I can’t promise exactly what you’ll be asked for on your date, but it’s smart to bring some extra cash in pesos so you’re not scrambling.

This is also why I like to do the math before booking: yes, you’re paying $115, but your “real total” usually includes the conservation bracelet, park admission, and whatever tipping and optional add-ons you choose.

Group Size, Boat Comfort, and the Pace of the Day

The tour has a maximum of 80 travelers, which is fairly substantial. That affects pacing. When you add everyone’s transfers, gear checks, bathroom breaks, and getting back on schedule, you’ll feel how the day is managed like a flow rather than a custom experience.

Boat condition can vary by day. People describe the catamaran as dated in some cases, but also note that the staff can be energetic and helpful. The key is to focus on what you came for: water time and wildlife.

This is also a day where you might wish you could speed up the travel segments. The ride out can take a while, and that’s where some people feel the “short time at the beach” disappointment. If you’re prone to impatience, bring snacks, water, and a good attitude for the sea-to-islands rhythm.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Pick Something Different)

This tour is best for you if:

• You’re a strong swimmer or at least comfortable with water transfers from a boat
• You want wildlife (fish, dolphins, and possibly whales) more than a long lounge on sand
• You like multiple activities in one day: snorkeling plus paddleboard/kayak
• You don’t mind extra fees and following rules in protected areas

It’s probably not your best choice if:

• You want lots of guaranteed beach time
• You need a very gentle pace with minimal physical effort
• You’re uncomfortable swimming in choppy conditions
• Your priority is a wide-open, premium-food-and-drink experience

If you’re unsure about hidden beach effort, you could also consider a more flexible option (like a private plan) so your swim and beach time match your comfort level.

Should You Book This Isla Marietas Tour?

Book it if you want an active day with real marine life, included snorkeling gear, and meals that keep you going. It’s especially worth it when wildlife is in season (humpback whales are a major perk in winter months), and when you’re excited by the challenge of reaching the best swimming spots.

Skip or switch to a different plan if you’re hoping for a long, easy beach experience with minimal swimming. In that case, the short time on shore plus the swim demands can feel like you spent more time traveling than enjoying.

If you do book, go in with the right mindset: this is a marine-life day, not just a beach day. Bring extra pesos for fees and tips, eat before you get too far into the day, and be ready to follow safety rules so you can enjoy the islands without stress.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The meeting point is Terminal Maritima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The agency is on the 2nd floor (Beach Boy Agency) and the start time is 8:15 am.

How long is the Isla Marietas full-day tour?

The tour is listed as about 6 to 7 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), breakfast and lunch, an open bar on the boat, paddleboard and kayak, and the catamaran trip to Islas Marietas.

Do I need to pay any entrance or conservation fees?

Yes. The Sermarnat bracelet for island conservation costs $220 MXN, and Marietas National Natural Park admission is MX$33 per person. Tips are also not included.

Is the hidden beach included?

Hidden beach access is not described as included in the base price, and it may require an additional fee with limited daily access.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:15 am.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.