Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

Marietas Islands National Park is interesting because you get a full day where the ocean is the main event, not just the backdrop. I love the premium open bar and I also like that you’re not stuck watching from the sidelines, you’re actually on the water with activities.

My one big consideration is the water-entry rules. You’ll need a life jacket while in the water, and you may be asked to jump in for some activities. Hidden Beach is also a special case since it requires a limited permit booked in advance.

Key highlights you should care about

• Premium open bar all day with drinks that go well beyond soda and beer
• Hands-on time at Playa la Nopalera with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboards, and more
• Hidden Beach requires a limited permit and you pay for it in pesos at check-in
• Wildlife spotting can happen anytime, especially during the cruise stops
• Smallish group size with a maximum of 66 people on board
• Onboard photographer options for action and candid shots, if you want photos

A Premium All-Inclusive Boat Day to Marietas Islands National Park

This is the kind of tour that works because it saves you from a lot of “figure it out yourself” stress. You show up, step onto a boat setup for swimming and fun, and then spend the day inside Marietas Islands National Park with a structured flow: cruise out, water time, lunch, more water time, and cruise back.

What makes it feel special is the mix. You get the classic Pacific Coast scenery on the way out, then you reach a protected marine and beach reserve where you can see birds and fish, and you also have a strong chance at wildlife sightings along the route. If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta or nearby, it’s one of the easiest ways to get a national-park day without spending hours planning gear, transport, and timing.

Price and value: why $110 can actually make sense

At about $110 per person for an approximately 6-hour experience, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for in separate chunks: boat time, lunch, drinks, and water-activity equipment. Here, those basics are bundled.

You’re getting:

• Breakfast plus lunch (with tortillas, fajitas, and rice and beans on the lunch menu)
• An all-day premium beverage service (including coffee, juice, sodas, and a full bar that covers tequila, margaritas, pina coladas, beer, wine, and champagne)
• Snorkeling gear and a set of water toys such as paddleboards, kayaks, floating mattress, and water tubes
• Waterslides and onboard fun time, not just a single swim session

If you enjoy the “vacation rhythm” of being fed and watered while your day stays busy, this price often feels fair. If you’re trying to keep costs ultra-tight and you only want one short swim, it might feel like overkill. In that case, still focus on one question: do you want a full day on the water with food and drinks included, or do you just want island time?

Getting your day timing right: what the schedule feels like

Plan for a day that moves steadily, not a slow beach day.

It typically goes like this:

• You start with breakfast and an all-day drink service while cruising on the water toward Marietas Islands.
• On the way, there’s also a snack stop with guacamole and chips.
• Late morning, you arrive within the park boundaries, anchor, and then you’re off to water activities.
• After the main island time, you return to the boat for lunch.
• Then you go back out for more water play and wildlife watching, and finish with the return cruise.

One practical note: the boat ride out and back is around an hour each way. That matters because it turns the travel time into part of the experience instead of dead time. Also, you’ll want to be on time at your meeting point. The tour can feel rushed if boarding is late.

The cruise portion: breakfast, drinks, and wildlife odds

The best way to think about the cruise part is that it’s not a waiting room. It’s part of the fun.

Right away, you get breakfast: fresh fruit and pastries. You also get an ongoing beverage service, with coffee, juices, sodas, and water on rotation. Then, as you get closer to Marietas, the day builds with a snack of guacamole and chips.

This stretch is also where wildlife timing can surprise you. From December to April, these waters can have humpback whales, and even outside that season, you might see sea turtles, rays, and seabirds. The crew is also watching. The boat can stop when nature shows up, which is a nice reminder that you’re not just on a fixed itinerary, you’re responding to real ocean life.

The island anchor time: Playa la Nopalera and hands-on water activities

By late morning, you reach the park boundaries and anchor for your afternoon of swimming and exploring. The key idea here is that you’re active: you don’t just look at the beach, you move around it.

With a guide, you can swim or go out on water craft such as:

• Kayaks
• Paddleboards
• Snorkeling

A big destination is Playa la Nopalera, known for clear water and the chance to see tropical fish, coral, and lots of sea birds. Expect the beach to be pristine and worth your time, but go in knowing it’s still ocean conditions. Water clarity can change day to day, and snorkeling time can feel packed when the schedule is tight.

And yes, there’s a practical side too. Some activities may require a water entry that can be more challenging than simply stepping down. If jumping into waves is not your thing, plan accordingly.

Hidden Beach permit: worth it, but it’s not guaranteed

Hidden Beach is optional, and access is limited by the national park. If you want it, you need a limited Hidden Beach permit and you have to book it in advance. You pay for access in pesos when you check in, and you should notify the operator after booking to reserve your permit.

This permit detail is important because it changes the day from “probably works out” to “depends on access and conditions.” If weather or timing shifts, the permit may be impacted by safety rules and tide conditions, which can be frustrating if Hidden Beach is your main goal.

Still, when you do get in, Hidden Beach is the kind of experience that people remember for a long time because it’s protected, special, and not just another beach stop. If you’re flexible about the rest of the island day, adding it can be an excellent upgrade.

Lunch and onboard downtime: fajitas, shade, and the open bar rhythm

After you finish the main island activities, you return to the boat for lunch. The meal is Mexican fajitas served with rice, beans, and tortillas. It’s a solid lunch for a day where you’re burning energy in the water.

Then the fun continues. The open bar remains active, and the day shifts into more ocean play and wildlife watching. There’s also time described as a floating fun setup, with onboard music and drinks keeping the energy high.

On the comfort side, the boat offers clean bathrooms, and there’s seating with options for sunny or shaded deck space. If you burn easily, you’ll want that shade and you’ll want it often.

Water jackets, jumping rules, and why you should plan your body for the ocean

One theme that matters a lot is safety gear. You’ll need a life jacket at all times while in the water, even for quick jumps off the boat. This is tied to park rules, so it applies no matter what day you go.

That’s a big deal for two reasons:

1. If you hate wearing life jackets, it can make you less relaxed.
2. Comfort can vary depending on fit, and you may notice chafing if the life jacket doesn’t sit right.

Also, water entry can be less “gentle ladder, no worries” and more “jump into waves, then swim.” Some boats offer a ladder, but the expectation can still be that everyone participates in the same water-entry method. If you’re bringing an older parent or anyone who needs a more gradual entry, it’s worth asking what the water-entry process will look like for your group that day.

If you’re physically capable and you’re comfortable getting wet, this part becomes much easier, and the reward is the full range of activities.

The photographer and the phone-protection tip that saves your photos

If you want pictures, the tour includes a photographer onboard. There’s also an option to pre-book a photo package, and even if you didn’t, the photographer can still capture action shots throughout the day and help you later view and purchase photos.

This matters because so much of the best moment is moving quickly: jumping in, kayaking paddle strokes, snorkeling action, and sudden wildlife stops. If you leave your camera or phone uncovered, you’ll likely lose usable shots to water.

Bring a phone waterproof case or at least keep it sealed and protected. Even if you think you’re careful, you’ll be around lots of swimming and splashing, and it only takes one moment.

Music volume, group size, and what “full day” really means

This is a busy day. Even with a maximum of 66 travelers, the boat can feel like a party atmosphere because the music runs and drinks are flowing.

If you are sensitive to loud music, bring earplugs. If you’re traveling with kids, the vibe can still work well, but plan for the fact that it’s energetic, not quiet.

Also plan your expectations for snorkeling and gear. Snorkeling gear is included, but you might want to bring your own if you have specific preferences or if you need kid-sized equipment. The tour also doesn’t present itself as a gentle, slow swim pace. It’s more like a rotating set of activities.

Who should book this tour, and who should think twice

I’d book this if you want:

• A full day on the water with a lot included
• A fun group atmosphere and a crew that runs the day with energy
• Real wildlife chances on a boat (especially if you’re in-season for humpback whales)
• A mix of activities like snorkeling plus kayaking plus paddleboarding plus waterslides

I’d think twice if:

• You can’t wear or don’t tolerate life jackets comfortably
• You need easy, step-down access into the water for swimming or floating
• You want a quiet, low-key beach day with minimal boat time
• Hidden Beach access is your absolute must, because permits are limited and conditions can affect it

The tour can work for couples, families, and even solo travelers because the crew helps keep people included. But the physical-water part is real, so match the tour to your comfort level.

Should you book this Marietas all-inclusive tour?

Yes, if you want an efficient, high-energy day where food and drinks keep coming and where you’re active in the ocean. The all-inclusive setup is the core strength, and the chance to see whales in the right season adds serious payoff.

I’d say book with a smart mindset:

• Protect your phone.
• Expect life jacket use.
• Be ready for ocean water entry during activities.
• If Hidden Beach is your priority, plan to request the permit early and accept that access can depend on conditions.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this tour is a strong fit for the Marietas experience. If you prefer a mellow shore-only plan, look for something else that matches your pace.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Marietas Islands all-inclusive tour?

It runs about 6 hours.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served on the cruise, and lunch is served after the island activities.

What beverages are included?

The tour includes a premium all-day beverage service with water, coffee, juices, sodas, and an open bar that includes options like margaritas, pina coladas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne.

What water activities and equipment are included?

Snorkeling gear is included, along with water toys such as paddleboards, kayaks, floating mattress, and water tubes. Waterslides are also part of the experience.

Do I need a permit for Hidden Beach?

Yes. Hidden Beach access requires a limited permit that must be booked in advance. You pay for it in pesos when you check in.

What about drones?

Drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations and to protect the flight path of endemic birds.

Are life jackets required?

Yes. You must wear a life jacket at all times while in the water during the activities.

Is there a minimum age for alcohol?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Is a photo package included?

A photo package is not included, but a photographer is onboard and can take action and candid photos. You can purchase photos if you want.

Are gratuities included?

No. Gratuities are not included.