Basic Marietas Islands Tour Snorkeling Playa Nopalera and more

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, secret caves, and vibrant birdlife, a boat trip to the Marietas Islands could be just what you’re looking for. This review covers a popular basic tour offered by Grimar Adventures that promises a balanced blend of snorkeling, scenic sights, and authentic encounters—without the crowds or hefty price tags. While it doesn’t include entry to the famed Hidden Beach, it offers a practical, engaging experience that’s perfect for curious travelers wanting a taste of this marine paradise.

What we love about this tour is its small-group setting, which adds a sense of intimacy and comfort, and the well-rounded itinerary that takes you beyond just snorkeling to explore caves, bird colonies, and iconic rock formations. On the downside, some travelers might find the water visibility a bit less than perfect, but that’s a minor point compared to the overall value. This tour suits those who enjoy a moderate-paced, family-friendly adventure with knowledgeable guides and a focus on natural beauty.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures more personalized attention and comfort.
• Snorkeling with colorful fish in clear waters offers memorable underwater moments.
• Multiple stops at scenic spots like Playa Nopalera, La Bufadora, and the iconic stone bridge provide diverse sights.
• Authentic encounters with local birdlife and unique geology make for an enriching trip.
• Affordable price makes this a great value compared to larger, more commercial tours.
• Weather-dependent cancellations are possible, but full refunds are available if conditions are poor.

An Authentic Look at the Marietas Islands Tour

When considering a trip to the Marietas Islands, many travelers are drawn by their reputation as a natural wonder, famous for the Hidden Beach. This tour, however, chooses not to enter the crowded, highly-visited Beach of Love—a wise move for those seeking a more relaxed, unhurried experience. Instead, it concentrates on the surrounding islands’ impressive rock formations, caves, and abundant birdlife, offering a well-rounded exploration.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the meeting point in Corral del Risco, a convenient location near Puerto Vallarta. From there, you’ll board a private collective boat—small, nimble, and designed for comfort—limiting your group to 8 people per boat. If your group is larger, the operator can arrange multiple boats to go together, ensuring everyone gets a personalized experience.

The first major stop is the Marietas Islands, where you’ll get a chance to snap photos on the famous Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge), a natural arch that provides a perfect photo op and a sense of adventure. While here, you’ll also snorkel for 25-30 minutes, swimming among schools of colorful fish and possibly spotting marine life depending on the day’s conditions. The guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, making the snorkeling experience more enjoyable and less stressful for beginners.

Next, you’ll visit Playa Nopalera, a sandy cove with caves and calm waters ideal for swimming or simply relaxing on the beach. With about 30 minutes at this spot, you can walk along the shore, explore caves, or take photos of the dramatic coastline—an Instagram-worthy setting without the crowds. The reviews highlight how friendly and informative the guides are, often sharing insights about the islands’ flora and fauna.

A standout feature is La Bufadora, the famous blowhole where water shoots high into the air when waves hit the rocks—an impressive natural spectacle. Expect some spray, and remember to keep your camera handy. The guides often point out the Blue-legged Booby Birds nesting on the rocks, adding a touch of wildlife wonder.

Finally, the tour includes a visit to various arches and caves, which are both scenic and fun to explore. Throughout the trip, the guides also take photos of the group on the iconic stone bridge—a nice souvenir from your day.

Snorkeling and Wildlife Encounters

Snorkeling is a core part of this tour, and while some reviewers noted the water can be slightly murky, most find that the colorful fish and underwater scenery make up for it. The guides recommend wearing a long-sleeve T-shirt to protect from sunscreen, as sunscreen is not allowed—an eco-friendly touch that helps preserve the natural environment.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to see Blue-legged Boobies and other seabirds nesting on the rocks. The tour’s emphasis on birdlife and geology makes it an educational as well as scenic experience.

Transportation, Group Size, and Pricing

The boat ride is included in the $66.85 per person fee, which covers lifejackets, snorkeling gear, non-alcoholic beverages, and a waterproof bag for your electronics. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a compact but fulfilling outing.

The small group size—limited to 8 travelers—means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and your guides can give more personalized attention. If your group exceeds this, arrangements can be made to split into multiple boats, allowing flexibility.

Practical Considerations

While this tour does not include entry to the Hidden Beach, many travelers are fine with that, especially since the focus here is on the wildlife, geology, and scenic beauty of the islands. If your main goal is to visit the famous underground beach, you’ll need to look elsewhere, but for those wanting a broader experience, this trip hits many highlights.

Weather can impact the tour—poor conditions may lead to cancellations, but full refunds are offered if that happens. Be sure to confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides Johnny and Jesus, noting their friendly demeanor and helpful attitude. One reviewer mentioned the water clarity was exceptionally good, making snorkeling quite enjoyable, while another highlighted the bonus whale sightings, which are not guaranteed but add a special touch to your trip. The guides are also appreciated for their informative commentary about the islands’ flora and fauna.

Some travelers did suggest bringing a long-sleeve shirt for sun protection and to wear comfortable swimming gear. As one review pointed out, “The tour was exactly as described,” emphasizing that it offers a straightforward, honest experience.

The Value Proposition

At just under $67, this tour offers a considerable amount of natural beauty and wildlife viewing for a reasonable price. Compared to larger, more commercial excursions, the small-group setup enriches the experience, fostering interaction and comfort. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and non-alcoholic beverages adds value, and the professional guides make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one.

While it doesn’t venture into the Hidden Beach—which requires a separate trip or more advanced tour—it covers many other highlights that make the Marietas Islands a must-see. The focus on scenic vistas, wildlife, and geological features provides a well-rounded experience that won’t disappoint.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for travelers seeking a moderately active, scenic, and wildlife-rich outing without the crowds or high costs. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and expert guides. If you’re interested in snorkeling, birdwatching, or just exploring stunning coastal scenery, this trip hits all the marks.

It’s less suitable if you’re set on visiting the Hidden Beach or prefer an all-day extravaganza—this is a quick, focused experience that captures the essence of the islands’ natural highlights. Those with moderate fitness levels will find it comfortably doable, with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the views.

FAQ

• Does this tour include entry to the Hidden Beach?

No, this tour does not include entry to the Hidden Beach or Beach of Love. It focuses on the surrounding islands and their natural features.

• What is the group size?

The tour is limited to 8 travelers per boat, ensuring a personal and comfortable experience. Larger groups can be accommodated by splitting into multiple boats.

• How long does the tour last?

The total duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• What’s included in the price?

The price covers lifejackets, snorkeling gear, non-alcoholic beverages, transportation by boat, and a waterproof bag for electronics.

• Can I snorkel if I’m a beginner?

Yes, guides are helpful and provide snorkeling equipment. The water clarity varies, but most find the experience enjoyable.

• Are there any age restrictions?

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, but specific age restrictions aren’t listed.

• What should I bring?

Bring a long-sleeve T-shirt for sun protection, swimming attire, sunscreen (if allowed), and a camera or phone in the waterproof bag.

• Is the tour weather-dependent?

Yes, tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather, but full refunds are available if that occurs.

• Can I cancel my booking?

Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility for planning.

• How do I book?

Book through the provided link or contact Grimar Adventures directly via phone or email for arrangements.

Final Thoughts

This Basic Marietas Islands Tour offers a satisfying glimpse of the islands’ natural beauty at a very reasonable price, with the advantage of small-group intimacy. You’ll love the freedom to snorkel in clear waters, explore caves, and witness birdlife, all guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides. It’s a flexible, straightforward experience ideal for travelers who want a laid-back yet engaging day on the water, away from the crowds and commercialism.

While it doesn’t include entry to the famous Hidden Beach, the combination of scenic stops, wildlife sightings, and snorkeling makes this tour a smart choice for those who prefer a more authentic and relaxed adventure. If you value personal attention, natural beauty, and good value, this trip deserves a spot on your Puerto Vallarta wish list.