Islas Marietas – Incredible Tour Catamaran from Puerto Vallarta

Planning a day trip to the Marietas Islands? This full-day catamaran tour from Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery—perfect for travelers seeking a memorable experience on the water. With a well-balanced itinerary, included meals, and a lively onboard atmosphere, it’s a popular choice, especially when booked a few weeks in advance.

What draws many to this tour are the crystal-clear waters, diverse activities like snorkeling and kayaking, and the chance to see the famous Hidden Beach. We appreciate the overall value, considering the inclusive meals and open bar, but potential travelers should be aware of some limitations, like the high water levels sometimes blocking access to certain spots. This trip suits those who love water-based adventures, scenic views, and a fun, social vibe.

Two standout features are the well-organized schedule that balances active exploration with downtime, and the friendly crew that makes everyone feel comfortable. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the Hidden Beach might be inaccessible during certain conditions, so it’s worth keeping expectations flexible. Overall, it’s great for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a full-day escape with plenty of options.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure combining sightseeing, water activities, and relaxing onboard
• Includes meals and drinks, offering good value for the price
• Stunning coastal scenery only accessible by boat
• Multiple water options: snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding
• Potential to visit the famous Hidden Beach depending on water conditions
• Friendly crew and lively onboard atmosphere

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour begins early at Puerto Mágico, with a departure time of 8:00 am. The roughly 10-hour journey promises to cover plenty of ground—both on and off the water. The catamaran itself is equipped to comfortably handle up to 90 travelers, making for an energetic but manageable group setting.

The Journey Begins: Setting Sail from Puerto Vallarta

Once onboard, you’ll quickly notice the upbeat vibe with onboard music and a friendly crew. As you leave the coast behind, you’ll enjoy views of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline giving way to open ocean. The first perk of this trip is the included continental breakfast and hot cakes, which are served soon after departure. These simple but tasty offerings—fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and juice—set the tone for a day of indulgence and fun.

Discovering Marietas Islands: The Main Attraction

The Marietas Islands are part of a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary—an ecological treasure trove of seabirds, marine life, and striking rock formations. The tour’s highlight is the chance to snorkel in clear waters, where you can see an abundance of colorful fish and perhaps even some marine creatures. The equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding is provided, making it easy to try out different water-based activities without extra hassle.

A common highlight from reviews is the bird-watching opportunity. One traveler noted, “The birds with blue feet are soo very interesting,” emphasizing the unique wildlife you can observe. The islands’ rugged coastlines, caves, and arches are best appreciated from the water, with many travelers remarking on the breathtaking scenery.

The Hidden Beach and Water Conditions

One of the most talked-about parts of this tour is the visit to the famous Hidden Beach—a secluded cove accessible through a rock tunnel. However, some reviews mention that high water levels can prevent access, as Gustavo shared: “Water was high and could not go into the secret beach.” This is an important point to keep in mind; conditions on the day may affect your plans, but the crew will do their best to accommodate.

Lunch and Refreshments: Savoring the Day

Midway through the day, the onboard team serves a tasty lunch that includes a variety of options, providing the energy needed for afternoon activities. Following this, you’ll enjoy unlimited drinks and the onboard open bar on the return trip, creating a lively, social atmosphere. Many travelers appreciate the value of the included meals and drinks, considering it a fair addition to a day packed with activities.

Return Journey: Relaxation and Entertainment

As the day winds down, you’ll be able to relax on deck, sip cocktails, listen to music, and watch the coastline fade into the distance. Some reviews mention onboard entertainment like karaoke or games, which adds to the festive vibe. The lively return trip helps round out a full day of adventure and beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a comprehensive package, with the essentials covered. Included are insurance, the breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding equipment, and an open bar during the return voyage. The government fees of $13 per person are additional, which is a common practice for protected areas.

There’s no mention of strict restrictions on group size, but with a maximum of 90 travelers, it remains relatively lively but not overcrowded. The tour is suitable for most travelers, provided you are comfortable on a boat and enjoy outdoor water activities.

Insights from Reviews

Feedback is largely positive, with many praising the friendly crew and good value. Gustavo enjoyed the bird-watching aspect: “The tour was worth it if you like to see different birds.” Armando appreciated the crew’s accommodating attitude, saying, “Thanks for a good last day in PV.” Maria summed it up nicely: “Best of the best!” emphasizing the effort the staff put into making the experience special.

Some travelers, however, note the unpredictability of weather conditions affecting the Hidden Beach visit. It’s wise to be flexible and prepared for variable water levels, which is part of the adventure.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance—especially in peak season—to secure your spot.
• Bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes for water activities.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment and avoid harming marine life.
• Arrive early at Puerto Mágico to avoid missing the departure.
• Bring cash for government fees and any souvenirs or extras.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor activities and sun exposure.
• Prepare for a lively onboard atmosphere—bring a sense of fun and a camera!

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to enjoy a full day of water-based exploration without the hassle of organizing individual activities. It’s perfect for those who want a balance of adventure and relaxation, with the convenience of meals and drinks included.

If you’re interested in wildlife, scenic beauty, and trying your hand at snorkeling or kayaking, this experience ticks all those boxes. However, those expecting guaranteed access to the Hidden Beach should keep in mind that water conditions can vary, and sometimes it might be inaccessible.

The Sum Up

This catamaran trip to the Marietas Islands offers excellent value for a full day of coastal adventure, great scenery, and lively onboard entertainment. The inclusion of meals and drinks, combined with the chance to snorkel among vibrant marine life, makes it an appealing choice for many travelers. The crew’s friendly attitude and the diverse activities ensure you’ll have plenty to do and see.

While weather and water levels might influence some parts of the experience—particularly the visit to the Hidden Beach—the overall package delivers a memorable day on the water. It’s best suited for travelers who love active water pursuits and want a fun, social environment with beautiful views right off Puerto Vallarta.

If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed, and scenic day trip that combines nature, adventure, and good food, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to stay flexible and enjoy the spectacular coastline and wildlife that make this trip special.

FAQ

Is there a specific start time for the tour?
Yes, the tour departs at 8:00 am from Puerto Mágico.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers insurance, a continental breakfast, hot cakes, lunch, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard equipment, and an onboard open bar during the return trip.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families, but it’s best to check with the provider if you have very young children or special needs.

Can I visit the Hidden Beach?
You might be able to, but water levels can sometimes prevent access. The crew will inform you on the day if it’s accessible.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, from departure to return.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and your ID or government fee payment method.

Is the tour crowded?
It can handle up to 90 guests, so it tends to be lively but not overly crowded, especially with multiple activities on offer.

This water-bound adventure delivers a solid mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and fun—an authentic and lively way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s spectacular coast.