Some places look photoshopped, then you’re there.

This tour puts you at Islas Marietas—one of the standout nature stops near Puerto Vallarta—then stacks water time with snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard plus a beach break at Playa Nopalera.

I like that it’s built like a full day on the water: you get breakfast when you start heading out and an onboard meal after the activities. You also get the gear and a professional guide team, so you’re not stuck figuring things out.

One thing to plan for is the true cost once you add the conservation wristband requirement and the port tax. And if you’re hoping for a super fish-heavy snorkel every time, visibility can be a little hit-or-miss.

Key Things I’d Zoom In On Before You Go

• Multiple water activities in one 8-hour outing (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard).
• Playa Nopalera time for a simpler, sandy reset after the water sports.
• Onboard breakfast and meal so you’re not starving between stops.
• Open bar on the return trip, which can turn the boat ride home into a fun social scene.
• No Playa Escondida stop, even though many people book with that expectation.
• Wildlife sightings can happen, including whales and dolphins when conditions line up.

Islas Marietas Day: How an 8-Hour Tour Really Feels

This is the kind of day that starts with movement and keeps you busy, without feeling like a marathon. The core idea is simple: get out to the Islas Marietas area, split into groups for the activities, then regroup for food before heading back.

You’ll be on the water for the key moments: snorkeling in the marine area, then paddling around the coves by kayak and paddleboard. Finally, you’ll land at Playa Nopalera to slow down and enjoy the beach setting.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes variety—some action, some scenery, and a clear end point—this format works well. It’s also a good pick if you want the islands without having to coordinate multiple separate tours.

Price and Logistics: The Total Cost You Should Budget

The base price is listed at $87 per person, lasting about 8 hours. But the real number in your head should include two add-ons that are required for access.

You’ll need:

• Port tax: $32 pesos per person
• Conservation wristband: 240 pesos per person required to access the Marietas Islands

So before you even think about souvenirs or snacks, you’re already paying more than the headline tour cost. I like being upfront about this because the wristband is the main “gate” fee for the protected area, and it’s what turns the day from a regular boat trip into an actual permitted ecosystem visit.

Also note what’s not included: you do not visit Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach). If that’s the beach you pictured, you’ll want to adjust expectations before you book.

Check-In Without the Stress: Where to Meet the Right Team

The meeting point is straightforward once you know what to look for. You’ll go to the main entrance on the left side where you can pay the port fee.

Here’s the practical sequence:

1. Pay the port fee at the main entrance left side.
2. Then find the BEACHBOY team. They wear blue polo shirts with an orange logo.
3. Only the staff checks tickets. If any extra payment is needed, it’s handled directly through the company.

Why I’m emphasizing this: on tours like this, a small check-in mix-up can cause annoyances like missing meal tickets. The easiest fix is to connect early with the BEACHBOY team right after you pay, and then keep your bracelet or ticket details easy to access.

Breakfast on the Boat: A Small Thing That Changes Your Day

Most island tours either feed you late or forget that you spent your morning traveling. Here, you get breakfast onboard as you head out.

This matters because the schedule is water-heavy. If you start the snorkel/kayak portion hungry, the day feels longer and everything feels harder. With breakfast at the start, you get to use that energy while you’re moving and breathing salt air.

What you eat isn’t described in full detail in the basic info, but meals served onboard include items like chilaquiles, tostada, and hamburgers. That’s a practical mix—enough variety to please different tastes without turning lunch into a big production.

Snorkeling at Islas Marietas: Beautiful, But Conditions Matter

Snorkeling is one of the big draws, because the area is known for its marine life and the whole environment feels special.

That said, I like to calibrate expectations: the best snorkel moments depend heavily on water clarity. In one recent experience, snorkeling had limited fish activity and the water wasn’t as clear as hoped. Another upside in that same day was that wildlife sightings like whales and dolphins showed up as an added bonus.

So here’s how you should think about it:

• You’re going for the overall island-marine experience, not a guaranteed bucket-list fish show.
• Visibility can shift with the day’s conditions.
• If snorkeling doesn’t feel perfect, the rest of the tour still gives you plenty to do—kayak, paddleboard, and beach time.

Quick practical tip: bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen (it’s listed), and keep any reef-safe habits in mind. You’ll be grateful you packed for sun and salt.

Kayaking the Coves: The Slow-Sport Advantage

Kayaking is where the day feels more personal. On a boat, everything is fast and you’re mostly watching. In a kayak, you move at a slower pace and get that close-up sense of the coastline and water movement.

You’ll use the provided equipment, get grouped with your activity, and head into areas that feel calmer and more sheltered than open-water stretches. This portion is great if:

• you prefer control over floating,
• you like quiet scenery time between louder activities,
• or you get seasick easily and would rather spend more time low-stress on the water.

Even if you’re not an expert paddler, this part tends to be doable for most people because the goal is exploration, not speed.

Paddleboarding: Calm Water Time (and the Chance to Fall Gracefully)

Paddleboarding shows up after kayaking, and it’s typically the more relaxed, scenic switch for a lot of people. You’re gliding on calmer ocean surfaces, which makes it a nice contrast to snorkel time.

I don’t want to pretend every paddleboard moment is graceful—balance takes a second—but the payoff is that you get to see the shoreline and water from a higher vantage. If you like photos, this is where you’ll get angles that feel different than boat and beach shots.

You’ll also be provided with the necessary equipment, which lowers the stress level. Just bring the basics: towel, sunscreen, and wear something that dries quickly.

Playa Nopalera: The Beach Stop That Balances the Day

After the water activities, you head to Playa Nopalera. This is a real breather. You’ll get time on the sand, a break from gear, and a moment to dry off.

Why this matters: the tour stacks multiple active items in one day. A beach stop is what makes the schedule feel like a day trip instead of a workout trip. Even if you’re not the biggest beach person, having time to sit, cool down, and reset helps you enjoy the whole itinerary.

Also, Playa Nopalera is the kind of stop where you’ll likely be glad you followed the packing list. A towel is not optional if you want comfort after water time.

The Return Ride and Open Bar: When the Boat Becomes the Party

On the way back from the islands, the open bar comes into play. That changes the vibe of the trip home, from sightseeing mode to a more social, fun mood.

A few realistic notes:

• You might feel tired after snorkeling and paddling.
• With drinks available, the atmosphere can get lively.
• If you prefer quiet, you can still enjoy the ride and step away from the loudest spots.

The key point is that this isn’t just transportation back. It’s part of the experience.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

Here’s your simple packing checklist from the tour details:

• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

And what’s not allowed:

• Drones
• Vaping

That’s it. No mystery items. No special gear requirement beyond what you’re given onboard.

Who This Tour Fits Best

I think this tour is a strong match if you want a one-day nature hit near Puerto Vallarta with real variety:

• snorkel time,
• two different paddle-style activities,
• and a beach stop.

It also works well for people who like structured days. You’re grouped, guided, and guided again—so you don’t spend your precious hours “figuring out the plan.”

If you’re the kind of traveler who only wants one activity and a long, quiet beach with minimal effort, you might feel this is too action-heavy. But if you want to check off multiple water experiences in a single trip, it’s built for you.

Should You Book This Islas Marietas Tour?

If your goal is a full day mixing snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and Playa Nopalera, this is a good value-style package because you get gear, guides, and food without needing extra add-on bookings.

I’d book it if:

• you’re okay with the day being active,
• you can handle the additional required fees (port tax + conservation wristband),
• and you’re happy with snorkeling that’s dependent on water clarity rather than guaranteed.

I’d pause if:

• Playa Escondida is the specific beach you want to see (this tour does not visit it),
• you hate the idea of snorkeling when visibility isn’t great,
• or you want a super long beach hang with no water activities.

FAQ

What activities are included on this tour?

The tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a visit to Playa Nopalera, plus breakfast and a meal onboard.

Is Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) included?

No. This tour does not visit Playa Escondida.

What extra fees should I expect besides the $87 price?

You’ll need to budget for a port tax of $32 pesos per person and a conservation wristband of 240 pesos per person to access the Marietas Islands.

Does the tour include equipment and guides?

Yes. It includes the necessary equipment for the activities and professional guides.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Drones and vaping are not allowed.