Full Day Tour Isla Marietas with Meals and Open Bar

The Marietas Islands day tour is interesting because it mixes serious marine-life viewing with the chance to reach the famous Hidden Beach area, where the swim includes caves. If conditions line up, you can see dolphins and multicolored fish, and during whale season humpback whales may be in the mix too, especially between December and March.

I like how the tour gives you real water time with snorkeling gear plus paddleboard and kayak. I also like that you get breakfast and lunch, and an open bar on the boat so the day is not just rinse, repeat, and line up. One drawback to plan for is that Hidden Beach access can be physically demanding, and you should expect extra fees on arrival for conservation and park entry.

Key things to know before you go

• Marine wildlife focus: dolphins and colorful fish are the main attraction, with humpback whales possible December to March
• Hands-on water time: snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel) plus paddleboard and kayak
• Meals and drinks are included: breakfast and lunch are part of the package, and an open bar is offered on the boat
• You pay key fees at the pier: Sermarnat conservation bracelet (220 MXN) and Marietas National Natural Park admission (33 MXN)
• Hidden Beach is not casual: you may need strong swimming skills and time on shore can be short

Marietas Islands: the wow factor you’re paying for

This is not a stay-on-the-boat sightseeing cruise. The point is the water world around the Marietas, with snorkeling and other time in the sea. When the group hits the right spots, you trade city noise for fish, dolphins, and that “how is this real” feeling you get when wildlife is close enough to watch instead of just admire from far away.

You also get a chance at the area people come for: Hidden Beach. The access is different from a normal beach stop. Expect rules, limits, and a swim that can include caves, so you cannot treat it like a relaxed stroll.

Even if Hidden Beach access does not land perfectly for everyone in your group, the tour still aims to be an all-around marine day. You’re getting snorkeling plus other activities, so there is more than one way to enjoy the islands.

Price and value: what the $115 covers, and what costs extra

The headline price is $115 USD per person, and the inclusions are solid for a full-day catamaran outing: snorkeling equipment, breakfast and lunch, open bar on the boat, and paddleboard and kayak, plus the catamaran trip to the islands.

Still, the “what’s not included” list matters. Plan to budget extra for:

• Sermarnat bracelet for conservation: 220 MXN, paid when boarding at the pier
• Marietas National Natural Park admission: 33 MXN per person
• Tips (always a factor in Mexico if the service is good)

On top of that, a couple of real-world notes you should take seriously from past departures: some groups reported additional pier fees such as a port fee and a reserve fee, collected on the way to go. Those amounts were described as around 34 pesos and 150 pesos per person. Since this is not part of the core stated inclusions, I recommend you carry extra cash, just in case the pier has more than one line item to cover.

Now for value. If you want one organized day that combines transport, gear, meals, and multiple water activities, this pricing can make sense. If you mainly want to snorkel somewhere by the hour and keep everything else simple, you may end up feeling the price more than you planned. The tour is built around the islands, not around land comfort.

Meeting point and timing: the easiest way to start off wrong

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

This matters because arriving late can snowball. One issue that shows up repeatedly for group boat tours is confusion about the correct address and where to check in. I’d rather you arrive early, scan for the right office, and get your mobile ticket sorted in minutes.

The duration is listed as about 6 to 7 hours, but real departures can stretch. Build your day around an early start and a return that may run later than you expect, especially if sea conditions or docking timing slow things down. If you’re trying to catch an evening flight or a tight dinner plan, leave a big buffer.

Group size caps at 80 travelers, which usually means you will share the day with a decent mix of people. That can be great for energy, but it also means you should listen carefully when the crew explains what is allowed in the water.

Getting on the boat: gear, rules, and how to avoid the day getting harder

Snorkeling equipment is included: fins, vest, and snorkel. Having the basic gear solves a lot of headache, especially if you do not want to rent and haul things across town. You will still want to come with your own sense of comfort in open water, since currents can be a reality around offshore areas.

A few rule details you should treat as “plan for the strict version,” even if you do not get every rule the same way:

• Some groups said they could not bring items like hats, glasses, or water shoes into the water, since loose items can end up where they should not.
• Some groups also reported guidance about sunscreen, including not applying it right before certain water activities.

That means you should pack smart. Bring a simple swim setup, a rash guard if you have one, and water-friendly clothing you can handle without fuss. If you use sunscreen, apply it ahead of time according to whatever guidance the crew gives you at check-in. The goal is to comply, not argue.

The cruise day rhythm: open bar and meals without surprises

Breakfast and lunch are included, and an open bar is offered on the boat. Here’s the practical part: the tour is structured around water time, so the best way to enjoy the alcohol is to keep your expectations aligned with the schedule.

Several past groups reported that open bar access can be delayed, with alcohol mainly starting during the return portion of the day. The tour does not spell out exact bar timing, so I recommend you assume alcohol may not be the first thing you get. If you want a drink with your earliest downtime, eat breakfast and stay patient.

Food can be basic for a full-day boat plan, and that can be fine if you go in hungry and flexible. Breakfast was described as simple fare such as eggs and items like chilaquiles for some groups. Lunch was described as a sandwich plus salad-style options in at least one account. I’d treat the meals as fuel, not a food tour.

Also, check how water is served. One review mentioned that water was not bottled. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it is another reason to be ready for the boat’s basic setup.

Isla Marietas stop: snorkel time, paddling, and wildlife potential

This is the heart of the day: time at the Marietas Islands followed by water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The included snorkeling equipment suggests you will spend meaningful time in the water, but be aware that the exact snorkeling window can feel short if conditions or group flow slow the schedule.

When conditions are good, this is where you get the wildlife payoff. The tour’s description highlights multicolored fish and dolphins, and mentions humpback whales during December through March. Some groups also described seeing blue-footed boobies, plus whales and dolphins in the same day, which is the kind of combo that makes the effort feel worth it.

Paddleboard and kayak are included too. The catch is that these activities often come with boundaries. You may be limited to certain zones near the boat, and you should follow crew instructions on where it is safe to paddle.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, be extra cautious. Access related to Hidden Beach is where the physical demands show up most. You should be comfortable getting into the water with currents and swimming in open sea conditions.

Hidden Beach access: the swim, the cave part, and the time factor

Hidden Beach is the headline moment, but it is not the same as a standard beach stop. Multiple past experiences described reaching it via a swim route that includes caves. One account said the swim required strong swimming skills but was cool and worth the effort once you got there.

Time on shore can also be limited. Some groups reported as little as around 20 to 30 minutes on the beach area. That makes it feel like a quick hit, not a long lounge day. If your dream is to spend an hour on sand, you may end up frustrated.

Hidden Beach access can also be tied to additional costs and limited availability. The tour does not include the park admission ticket, and it also requires the Sermarnat conservation bracelet at the pier. In practice, some groups felt that Hidden Beach access involves extra paid steps beyond the base package. Either way, do not assume everything is included in the $115.

Bottom line: if Hidden Beach is your main goal, show up ready. Bring a swim-focused mindset, understand you may have a short window, and plan around extra fees for conservation and park entry.

Catamaran comfort and crew experience: friendly, but expect boat age

This tour earns points for staff energy. Even when people were unhappy with timing or fees, they often praised the crew as friendly and fun, and efficient at moving the group.

Comfort can be a mixed bag. Some descriptions say the boat is dated, even “shabby,” while others still call the ride beautiful. If you are sensitive to boat conditions, bring a positive attitude and accept that this is an adventure-style vessel, not a luxury charter.

The experience will feel smoother if you understand basic boat-tour etiquette. Listen during the briefings, keep your personal items organized, and ask questions early when you still have time.

Extras sold on board: what to say yes to and what to skip

Like many marine day trips, you may be offered add-ons during the day. One past group mentioned an ecological tour option connected with Isla de Amor, sold on the boat for an extra fee.

My advice is simple: treat those offers as optional. If you are already stretched on time and want to focus on snorkeling and beach access, you might skip the add-on and save your money for tips or for the fees you already know you must pay. If you love guided marine explanations, and you still have energy after the main activities, then an extra loop could be a good use of time.

Who should book this Marietas day tour

This tour fits best if you want an organized, active day focused on snorkeling and marine wildlife and you are comfortable in the water. You’ll enjoy it most if you:

• Want snorkeling gear handled for you
• Like the idea of doing more than one water activity (snorkel, paddleboard, kayak)
• Are happy with simple meals and drinks that function as part of an outdoor schedule
• Can handle the Hidden Beach swim concept if access is available

It may not be the right fit if you:

• Want a fully relaxed beach day with lots of shore time
• Prefer a detailed land-based itinerary and long meal service breaks
• Struggle with swimming or do not want to risk a cave swim challenge

The tour is offered in English, which helps, and it caps at 80 travelers, so it’s not a tiny private trip, but it is also not a massive floating city.

Should you book this Marietas tour?

I’d book if your top priority is a well-organized marine day from Puerto Vallarta with gear, meals, and multiple time-on-the-water activities. The value is strongest when you want the full package and plan for extra fees at the pier for conservation and park entry.

I would hold off or compare options if you hate uncertainty, really care about food quality, or mainly want Hidden Beach as a guaranteed experience with long beach time. If you book, do it with the right expectations: this is an active day, the water drives the schedule, and strong swimming matters more than you might think.

If you want, tell me your group (couple, family, ages) and your swimming comfort level, and I’ll suggest whether this one lines up with your exact priorities or if another Marietas-style option might match better.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long does it take?

The tour starts at 8:15 am. It is listed as about 6 to 7 hours, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Terminal Maritima API Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The agency is on the 2nd floor at Beach Boy Agency.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items 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.

What extra fees should we expect to pay at the pier?

You should plan to pay the Sermarnat bracelet for conservation (220 MXN) when boarding, and the Marietas National Natural Park admission fee (33 MXN per person). Tips are also not included.

Is there a hidden beach or beach activity included?

The included items specify time in the Islas Marietas area with water activities, and the tour does not include the park admission ticket. Some access to beach areas tied to this region may involve additional paid steps, so be prepared for extra costs if you specifically want the well-known Hidden Beach experience.

Do they offer photographic services?

No. Photographic services are not offered and any photo service would be extra and handled by a separate seller.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 80 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if it is canceled due to poor weather.