Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery

If you’re considering spending a day exploring the stunning waters and islands near Puerto Vallarta, the Islas Marietas Eco Discovery Tour promises a full-day adventure packed with snorkeling, beach lounging, and water-based fun. As someone who has studied many tours in the region, I’ll give you a clear, balanced look at what you can expect from this experience—highlighting both its highlights and possible pitfalls.

This particular trip offers beautiful ocean vistas and delicious food, which many travelers love. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks adds to its appeal, especially if you’re eager to enjoy a variety of water activities in a single day. On the downside, the price of around $90 per person might seem steep for some, especially considering the mixed reviews about service.

If you’re into nature, active water fun, and scenic viewpoints, this tour could suit you perfectly. However, if you value seamless organization and attentive service, you might want to explore other options. Let’s break down what makes this tour tick, and whether it’s a good fit for your Puerto Vallarta adventure.

• Stunning landscapes and ocean views make this a photo-worthy experience.
• All-in-one water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding keep the day lively.
• Includes a delicious BBQ lunch with options like ceviche and beef burgers—great value for food lovers.
• Potential organizational issues have been noted, so manage expectations around service.
• Additional fees for conservation and port taxes add to the overall cost.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy outdoor activities.

What the Tour Offers: An Overview

The Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery tour is designed as an 8-hour journey that combines natural beauty with active fun. Priced at roughly $90.09 per person, it offers a comprehensive experience that includes transportation, meals, drinks, and water activities. The tour is operated by Gray Line Puerto Vallarta and starts bright and early at 9:00 am from the Puerto Magico meeting point.

While the itinerary is straightforward—visiting the Marietas Islands and the beaches nearby—the experience aims to balance adventure with relaxation, making it a good choice for those wanting a full day of sea and sand. The tour’s highlights include snorkeling in clear waters, relaxing on pristine beaches, and enjoying a hearty BBQ lunch.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Islas Marietas and Playa Nopalera

The journey begins with a roughly 35-minute boat ride to the Islas Marietas, famed for their stunning cliffs, hidden beaches, and abundant marine life. You’ll visit Playa Nopalera, a small beach area where you can snorkel and explore the vibrant underwater world.

Highlights:

• Snorkeling gear is provided, and the waters are known for their clarity and lively sea creatures.
• If you choose to, you can pay extra for a visit to the Beach of Love or explore the ecotour—these extras can add a special touch but come at additional costs.
• The admission ticket to the islands is included, but you’ll need to pay a $20 conservation fee at check-in.

Authentic insight: One traveler noted that the operator never contacted them beforehand, and on the day of the trip, they found the organizer absent at the meeting point—this hints at some logistical issues that could affect your experience.

Stop 2: Bay of Banderas at La Cargada Beaches

The second major stop is at La Cargada beaches, where you’ll have about 1.5 hours to enjoy water activities. The waters here are calm and perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding—all equipment is included, which means you can try different modes of water exploration without extra expense.

Highlights:

• The setting offers beautiful scenery and a relaxed vibe.
• You can relax on a water mat or just soak up the sun, making this a good spot for unwinding.

Food and Drinks:

• Between activities, you can visit the onboard open bar, which offers beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks—an attractive feature for those wanting to sip while enjoying the views.

Traveler feedback: Many find the water activities fun and a highlight, especially appreciating the opportunity to try paddleboarding and kayaking in such a scenic environment.

Food, Drinks, and Extras: What’s Included?

One of the tour’s selling points is the lunch—a delicious BBQ served at Majahuitas Beach. Expect beef burgers with fries and fresh ceviche, providing a satisfying meal after hours of water fun. The all-day open bar is another highlight, with beverages flowing freely, making for a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Other inclusions:

• Use of snorkel equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks
• Guided commentary and onboard entertainment

What’s not included:

• Photos of your experience (can be purchased separately)
• Port taxes ($2 per person, payable in cash)
• Conservation fee ($20 per person, payable at check-in)

What Travelers Are Saying: The Good and the Bad

The most common praise centers around the stunning scenery and delicious food options. “They suck,” one review bluntly states, referencing poor organization and lack of communication from the operator. This is something to consider—if smooth logistics are essential for you, this might be a red flag.

Another reviewer appreciated the beautiful views and fun water activities, but noted that the service on the day was lacking, with some feeling left out or ignored. It’s clear that experience quality can vary, and organizational hiccups might affect your overall enjoyment.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just over $90 per person, you’re paying for an all-inclusive day of sea exploration, with food, drinks, and equipment included. While the value for money can depend heavily on your expectations and the quality of service, many will find the scenic beauty, variety of activities, and good food make it a worthwhile day trip.

However, travelers should be aware that the organization might not be flawless, and extra costs for conservation and port fees add to the overall expense. If you’re looking for a well-organized, seamless experience, it’s worth considering whether this tour fits your style.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy water-based activities and scenic beaches. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and want a day blending adventure with relaxation. Couples, groups of friends, or families with older children will likely find plenty to enjoy here.

However, if your priority is smooth service and personalized attention, or if you prefer a more structured experience, you might want to look elsewhere. The tour’s mixed reviews on organization suggest that flexibility and patience could be needed.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Fit for Your Puerto Vallarta Trip?

In summary, the Puerto Vallarta Islas Marietas Eco Discovery tour offers a beautiful blend of scenery, activities, and food for those eager to spend a whole day on the water. The stunning cliffs, clear waters, and beaches are genuinely impressive, making it worth considering if you enjoy outdoor adventure and photography.

The lively water activities and delicious BBQ are definite perks, but potential travelers should be prepared for possible organizational quirks. The additional fees can add up, so budget accordingly.

It’s a good choice if you’re after a full, active day with plenty of water fun and beautiful vistas, especially if you’re comfortable with some unpredictability in service. For those craving a more polished, seamless experience, exploring other options might be prudent.

FAQs

Is transportation provided to the start point?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from the meeting point at Puerto Magico, starting at 9:00 am.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, ending back at the original meeting point.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, extra cash for port and conservation fees, and your camera. Snorkeling gear and water equipment are provided.

Can I book the tour with little physical effort?
Yes, but some water activities might require moderate physical activity. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, a BBQ lunch and an open bar with beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a limit on the group size?
Yes, the tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.

In the end, this tour offers a lively, scenic day in Puerto Vallarta’s waters—perfect for those who value adventure and good food but are okay with some organizational quirks.