Waterslides on a whale safari. The Marietas Islands day trip is equal parts wildlife and full-on boat fun, with unlimited water toys plus serious time for snorkeling and kayaking. I also like that you get a real schedule (breakfast, guided time on the reserve, lunch, then more play) without feeling rushed.

One heads-up: this is not a gentle walk-on experience. Getting to the snorkeling/shore areas can involve a wet landing and moving between boats, and the tour is also listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Sea conditions can also affect snorkeling quality, so build in flexibility if you’re coming mainly for fish time.

Key things that make this tour worth your day

• Humpback whale season on the route (Dec–Apr), with year-round sea turtles and rays as possible sightings
• All-day open bar plus breakfast, guacamole chips, and a filling fajitas lunch
• Unlimited water gear included: snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, water mattress, plus guided supervision
• Playa La Nopalera access by boat at one of Mexico’s most famous marine reserves
• Onboard photographer for action shots, while the photos are not included in the price

A floating fun factory headed for Marietas

This tour is built like a day at sea with structure. You start on a cruise-style boat, spend the middle of the day in the Islas Marietas National Park area, and end with more ocean play on the way back. The vibe is upbeat, but it’s still a nature outing, not a party-only cruise.

What makes it work for real people is the balance of activities. You’re not stuck choosing between “sit and watch” and “risk your goggles.” The boat is set up with water features (including waterslides) and a whole menu of gear so you can rotate between swimming, paddling, and snorkeling whenever you feel like it.

One more practical win: you’re not paying for the basics separately. The ticket bundles food, drinks, and the water equipment, which is a big deal in this area where add-ons add up fast.

Cruising Bahía de Banderas: where whales show up (sometimes)

The trip moves along the north shore of Bahía de Banderas toward the islands. This matters because it gives you time for wildlife viewing without it feeling like a nonstop bus ride to a dock.

If you’re traveling from December to April, you have a real shot at humpback whales while you’re on the water. Even outside that window, the area can still deliver wildlife sightings. You can also expect opportunities to see sea turtles and rays, plus plenty of coastline scenery as the boat cruises.

Tip for your experience: if you spot whales, don’t waste time searching for the best angle. Position yourself where you can see the waterline clearly, then settle in. On this kind of cruise, the best viewing often comes from being ready when sightings happen.

Breakfast, guacamole chips, and an open bar that actually lasts

This tour starts the day with breakfast on the boat: fresh fruit in season, pastries, and coffee. Then the food keeps coming. You’ll get fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips during the cruise, and you’ll have a proper Mexican fajitas lunch later with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Now for the drinks. The “open bar” part is not vague. It’s described as brand-name and all day, including water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, plus mixes like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, champagne, and more.

In practice, the service style seems designed around keeping you from waiting. Some guests specifically praised crew members for offering another drink quickly, with names like Saul and Kano coming up. So if you like the idea of spending the day on the water and not thinking about logistics, this is the kind of tour that supports that.

Islas Marietas National Park: guided time that keeps you on track

Once you’re in the park area, you get guided help. The tour includes a guided tour and time to swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle, or float your way around, with supervision and water guides.

Why this is valuable: Marietas isn’t just one random beach. It’s a marine reserve with fragile ecosystems and very specific access. Having a guide helps you focus on what matters (wildlife, safe water movement, where to go) instead of just chasing views.

Also, guides reduce decision fatigue. When you have options on a boat like this, it’s easy to overcommit. With a guide shaping the plan, you can pick what fits you in that moment and still make the most of the day.

Playa La Nopalera: the highlight, with a wet-landing reality

The big destination is Playa La Nopalera, described as a natural paradise only accessible by boat. This is the moment many people book for: calm, clear water, volcanic formations, and tropical wildlife in a protected setting.

One thing to know before you go: the landing experience can be wet. In at least one case, guests described that getting to the island and the snorkel area involved jumping off a smaller boat and swimming in, then swimming back into the smaller boat again. That means you should pack confidence in your water comfort.

What I’d do in your shoes:

• Treat the shore time as an active experience, not a beach-lounge guarantee.
• If you’re bringing a camera, plan around the water. One guest pointed out that cameras can be tricky at a wet landing unless you have a waterproof case that wraps around your neck. The photographer can also help by taking pictures on shore.

Time on the island can be short. One guest described around 20 minutes to see what you wanted, then returning. That’s enough time to explore volcanic rock edges, look for birds, and get in the water—if you move with purpose and keep an eye on your group.

Important detail to consider: some people expected a specific “enclosed cove” look shown in promotional images and found the exact spot differed from what they had in mind. The tour focuses on Playa La Nopalera, so if a particular photo is the reason you’re booking, it’s smart to confirm which beach angle you’ll experience before you go.

Snorkeling and kayaking: great gear, but sea conditions matter

Your water menu here is the reason this tour feels worth the money. You get unlimited use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mattresses. You also get guidance from the crew, which helps you feel more comfortable in the water.

What you’re likely to see is tropical marine life, and snorkeling can be a standout. Multiple guests described outstanding snorkeling and plenty of fish around the area. That’s the payoff for being at Marietas, where the water life is part of the point.

But you should also understand a practical risk: if conditions aren’t good—like high swells—snorkeling can be less impressive than you hoped. One guest said snorkeling was disappointing due to conditions that kept them from the usual spot, even though the equipment itself was high quality.

So here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Go in expecting an adventure day, not a guaranteed perfect snorkeling stop.
• If you arrive and the water looks rough, accept that the crew may adjust where you snorkel. The tour still includes other water activities, so you won’t lose the entire day.

Lunch on the return: fajitas, more drinks, and a deck that keeps moving

After your main island time, you head back for lunch. The meal is Mexican fajitas (beef, chicken, or vegetarian) with rice, beans, and local corn tortillas. It’s the kind of food that hits after time in sun and saltwater: filling, simple, and easy to eat while you’re still in vacation mode.

Then comes the slower part of the day—plus the party energy for those who want it. The tour includes time on the return cruise with beer and cocktails, and it’s described as a chance to dance and enjoy rolling views and ocean breeze as you please.

If you’re the type who wants downtime, this is where it happens. If you’re the type who wants constant activity, you can still use the water toys and keep the day rolling.

Photos onboard: action shots, and how to get the ones you’ll want

There’s a professional photographer onboard capturing candid and action moments. Photos are not included in the price, but you’ll have the chance to view and purchase them later.

This is a nice compromise for people who don’t want to lug gear through a wet landing. You get action coverage while you focus on doing the snorkeling and kayaking stuff.

One guest shared that the photographer even came to shore and took photos they wanted to post. If you want control over your own shots, bring a waterproof phone case or a waterproof camera setup. If not, let the photographer do the heavy lifting.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is best for active vacationers who want a full-day mix of nature and boat fun. You’ll probably love it if:

• You want snorkel + kayak + paddleboard time with equipment included
• You enjoy cruises with good food and an all-day drink setup
• You’re okay with a wet landing and getting around with other people on a schedule

You should consider skipping if:

• You have mobility limitations. The tour is explicitly not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• You’re expecting a gentle, fully dry, easy beach visit with no boat transfers.
• Snorkeling is your only goal. Sea conditions can change what’s possible.

Price and value: what $131 really buys you

At about $131 per person for a 6-hour day, the value is strong because the ticket bundles the biggest costs:

• Food all day: breakfast, guacamole chips, and fajitas lunch
• An all-day open bar with a long list of drinks
• Unlimited access to water equipment: snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and more
• Guided time in the marine reserve
• Boat features like waterslides

The two cost “gotchas” to keep in mind are:

• Photos are not included. The photographer is part of the experience, but you may pay extra for the images you like.
• If there’s a very specific beach cove look you’re chasing from ads, be sure it matches what this tour actually delivers for your date.

If you want a single paid package that covers your day at sea without nickel-and-diming your snacks and activities, this one does that.

Should you book the Marietas Islands boat tour with Chica Locca Tours?

Book it if you want a high-energy Marietas day that mixes wildlife with real time in the water. The combination of Playa La Nopalera access, included gear, waterslides, and an all-day drink setup is exactly what makes this tour feel like more than “just another excursion.”

Skip it or choose carefully if you need accessibility-friendly shore access or if you’re coming with a hard requirement for perfect snorkeling conditions every time. If you can handle a wet landing and you’re flexible about sea conditions, you’ll likely leave happy.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands Boat Tour?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

What’s included in the ticket?

It includes food and beverage, an open bar, breakfast, fresh guacamole with blue corn chips, lunch (fajitas with rice, beans, and tortillas), unlimited water equipment (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, water mattress, and swim), and activities with water guides and supervision.

What drinks are available on the open bar?

The tour lists a premium open bar that includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, piña coladas, margaritas, beer, tequila, wine, champagne, and more.

What water activities and equipment can I use?

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and float, with unlimited use of the included water equipment such as snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mattresses.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. The listed options include Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier and Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y usa.

When can I expect humpback whales?

From December to April, the waters on the way to the islands are inhabited by humpback whales. Sea turtles and rays are possible all year.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Are the photographer photos included, and can I cancel or pay later?

Photos are not included, though a photographer is onboard and you can view and purchase shots. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also offers reserve now & pay later.