From Puerto Vallarta: Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip

The Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip from Puerto Vallarta offers an exciting opportunity to explore the remote and scenic Marietas National Park. This guided tour takes visitors on a boat cruise to the islands, where they can enjoy the vibrant marine ecosystem and witness a diverse array of colorful fish. While the experience may not be suitable for all, it promises an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders that lie just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. What secrets might these uninhabited islands hold, and what surprises await those brave enough to venture beneath the waves?

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Snorkeling Experiences In Puerto Vallarta.

Key Points

• A 4.5-hour guided tour from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands National Park for snorkeling and observing diverse marine life.
• Small group size of up to 10 participants with a scenic 40-minute boat ride to the remote volcanic islands.
• Opportunities to view seabirds, giant damselfish, and other captivating creatures while snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
• Accessibility restrictions for children under 8, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues due to the challenging terrain.
• Additional fees for park entrance and conservation, along with a weight limit of 287 lbs due to boat capacity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip

This Marieta Islands snorkeling trip from Puerto Vallarta offers an engaging 4.5-hour experience for a small group of up to 10 participants.

The guided tour includes a boat cruise to the Marietas Islands National Park, where guests can snorkel and observe an array of marine life, including king angelfish, Moorish idol, giant damselfish, and more.

The tour also provides stunning scenic views and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Included in the trip are a boat ride, snorkeling gear, and travel insurance, while the entrance fee to the national park and conservation fee are additional costs.

Certain restrictions apply, such as age and weight limits, making this activity unsuitable for some travelers.

Activity Details and Inclusions

The Marieta Islands snorkeling trip from Puerto Vallarta includes a guided tour, boat cruise, sightseeing, snorkeling, and opportunities to view diverse marine life and scenic landscapes within the Marietas Islands National Park.

Participants can expect to see a variety of species like king angelfish, Moorish idol, giant damselfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and balloon fish, as well as corals, sponges, tunicates, starfish, and sea urchins.

The tour provides a life jacket and travel insurance, and lasts up to 3 hours within the national park.

However, there are additional fees for the boarding, park entrance, and conservation that aren’t included in the tour price.

Restrictions and Accessibility

Due to safety and accessibility concerns, the Marieta Islands snorkeling trip has several restrictions on who can participate. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, people over 287 lbs, people prone to seasickness, those with recent surgeries, or individuals over 70 years of age. Plus, access to Playa del Amor, also known as the Hidden Beach, is highly limited, with only 116 persons per day allowed and a 10-minute visit duration.

Restriction	Rationale
Age	Safety concerns for young children and older adults
Mobility	Challenging terrain and water entry/exit
Health	Potential safety risks for certain medical conditions
Weight	Boat capacity and stability limitations

Boat Ride to Islas Marietas

After being picked up, participants embark on a boat ride to the remote Islas Marietas, located just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.

During the journey, they’ll enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastal landscape. The boat ride takes approximately 40 minutes, allowing ample time to admire the rugged, volcanic islands that make up the Marietas National Park.

As the boat approaches, you will catch their first glimpse of the lush, green landscapes and dramatic cliffs that characterize this unique ecosystem. The crew provides safety briefings and ensures everyone is equipped with life jackets before arriving at the islands, preparing participants for the snorkeling adventure ahead.

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Exploring the National Park

Upon arriving at Islas Marietas, participants explore the National Park, taking in the stunning natural landscapes that have earned the islands protected status.

They follow their guide through the rugged terrain, marveling at the towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and diverse array of marine life that call this unique ecosystem home.

The group snorkels in the crystal-clear waters, spotting vibrant king angelfish, Moorish idols, giant damselfish, and other captivating creatures.

They also have the opportunity to observe seabirds like frigatebirds and boobies soaring overhead.

Throughout the experience, the guide shares insights about the islands’ rich history and the conservation efforts in place to preserve this natural wonder for generations to come.

Snorkeling and Marine Life Viewing

One of the highlights of the Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip is the opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world and observe the diverse marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters.

During the snorkeling portion of the tour, visitors can expect to see:

• Colorful schools of king angelfish, Moorish idol, and giant damselfish darting through the clear waters.
• Parrotfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish grazing on the vibrant coral formations and sponges.
• Starfish, sea urchins, and other fascinating invertebrates clinging to the rocky seafloor.

The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the ecosystem and point out the various species, ensuring a truly immersive and educational snorkeling experience.

Scenic Views and Wildlife

The Marieta Islands themselves offer a captivating array of scenic vistas, with rugged cliffs, hidden sea caves, and pristine beaches that captivate visitors. Wildlife sightings are also common, as the national park is home to a variety of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and magnificent frigatebirds.

Seabirds	Habitat	Behavior
Blue-footed Boobies	Cliff ledges and rocky outcroppings	Graceful diving for fish
Brown Pelicans	Coastal areas and beaches	Soaring over the water, plunge-diving for prey
Magnificent Frigatebirds	Cliffs and trees	Skilled aerial acrobats, often seen soaring and gliding

These diverse species add to the overall experience, making the Marieta Islands a true natural wonder to behold.

Fees and Exclusions

Aside from the cost of the boat ride, visitors to the Marieta Islands National Park must also pay an entrance and conservation fee totaling MX$120.

Plus, any alcoholic drinks and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Some other exclusions to be aware of include:

1. Boarding fee of MX$50
2. No hotel pickup or drop-off provided
3. Certain restrictions apply for those under 8, pregnant, with mobility issues, or prone to seasickness

While the tour covers a guided boat cruise, snorkeling, and marine life viewing, travelers should budget for these additional fees and limitations when planning their Marieta Islands adventure from Puerto Vallarta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Level of Swimming Skills Is Required for This Trip?

The activity requires basic swimming skills. Participants don’t need to be expert swimmers, but they should be comfortable in the water and able to use a snorkel and life jacket. Non-swimmers are not permitted on this excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Is It Provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on the tour, though participants can bring their own gear if they prefer. The tour company ensures proper-fitting life jackets and snorkeling equipment for all participants.

Are Gopros or Other Cameras Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?

Guests are generally allowed to bring GoPros or other cameras during the snorkeling activity. However, they should take care not to damage the delicate marine life or environment. Guests may need to sign a waiver regarding use of cameras.

Is There an Opportunity to See the Playa Del Amor (Hidden Beach)?

Visitors can see the Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach) on the Marietas Islands, but access is restricted to only 116 persons per day with a 10-minute visit duration. The tour may not include this, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.

What Types of Marine Life Can I Expect to See While Snorkeling?

Snorkelers can expect to see a diverse array of marine life, including king angelfish, Moorish idol, giant damselfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, balloon fish, as well as corals, sponges, tunicates, starfish, and sea urchins in the Marietas Islands National Park.

Recap

The Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip offers a chance to discover the remote Marietas National Park near Puerto Vallarta.

Participants can enjoy a boat ride, snorkel among diverse marine life, and take in the scenic views of the islands.

However, the tour may not be suitable for all visitors due to safety and accessibility concerns.

The experience provides an opportunity to explore this unique natural wonder.

You can check availability for your dates here: