Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island, Breakfast, Lunch, Open Bar

If you’re dreaming of a day exploring one of Mexico’s most treasured marine parks, this tour to Marietas Island offers a compelling mix of wildlife, stunning scenery, and relaxing water activities. While it’s not perfect — like all experiences — it provides enough highlights to make it worthwhile for most travelers. Think of it as a well-rounded adventure that combines nature, good food, and some fun social time on the boat.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances wildlife viewing—from humpback whales (when in season) to dolphins and sea turtles—and immersive activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Plus, the included meals and open bar add a layer of convenience and value that makes the experience feel complete. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the snorkeling can be disappointing if visibility isn’t great, and that additional costs for certain attractions may surprise those who aren’t prepared.

This tour appeals most to those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, appreciate good organization, and aren’t shy about spending a little extra for a memorable day out. If you’re eager to see marine life, swim in a secret beach, and enjoy local flavors, this trip could fit the bill perfectly. Just keep in mind the potential extra costs and variable conditions for wildlife sightings.

Key Points

• Wildlife and Marine Life: Expect to see humpback whales (seasonal), dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays, along with a variety of marine birds.
• Snorkeling and Water Activities: The protected marine park provides vibrant underwater scenery, with chances to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard.
• Food and Drinks: The tour offers a continental breakfast, a hot cooked lunch, and an open bar for drinks—great for relaxing between activities.
• Guided Experience: Friendly English-speaking guides are available to point out wildlife and share insights about the area, making the trip educational as well as fun.
• Cost and Value: At around $100 per person, it’s a good value considering the included activities, meals, and drinks—though some extras like the Marine Park Conservation Fee are additional.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most ages, but keep in mind young children pay a small fee and may be less interested in wildlife or water activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Comfortable Transport and a Friendly Vibe

Most tours are typically available in the morning, with a pickup from your Puerto Vallarta hotel. Once on board, you’ll be greeted by a lively crew and guides ready to make your day both relaxing and engaging. The atmosphere is often described as fun and welcoming, with a focus on making sure everyone feels comfortable.

The boat itself is equipped with life jackets, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards, which means you can jump straight into water activities once in the marine park. The cruise to Marietas Island takes about an hour, during which you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast as you cruise along the beautiful Banderas Bay.

Wildlife Watching: Expect the Marvels of Nature

One of the most exciting aspects of this tour is the chance to spot humpback whales, but only in season — generally from December to April. Many reviews highlight the thrill of seeing these giants breach or tail slap, making it one of the highlights for whale watchers. Dolphins are almost guaranteed, often seen playing alongside the boat or jumping out of the water.

Sea turtles and manta rays are also spotted in the protected waters, though sightings can depend on the day’s conditions. Several reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, eager to point out wildlife and share interesting facts.

Exploring Las Marietas: Snorkeling and Beach Adventures

Once at Las Marietas, the star attraction is the secret beach, a small, sun-drenched cove hidden inside the island’s crater. Swimming and snorkeling in the marine park is the main activity here. The waters are generally calm and clear enough to see colorful fish and coral, but visibility can vary, affecting the snorkeling experience.

Our sources note that the guide will highlight hotspots where marine ecosystems thrive, and lucky snorkelers might spot the rare Blue Footed Booby, a bird exclusive to here and the Galápagos Islands.

Beyond snorkeling, many guests enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding, which are included. The opportunity to relax, swim, and take photos of this unique landscape keeps visitors busy and engaged.

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Lunch and Relaxation

Midday, a hot cooked lunch is served aboard the boat. Expect local flavors, fresh ingredients, and a casual, friendly atmosphere. Some reviews rave about the quality of the food, describing it as delicious and filling — perfect fuel after some aquatic activities.

The open bar opens after snorkeling, allowing guests to unwind with a cold beverage while cruising around the islands. The bar typically includes soft drinks, spirits, and sometimes local beer.

Wrapping Up: Music, Games, and Return Trip

On the journey back, the lively crew often encourage fun with karaoke, music, and games, transforming what could be a quiet return into a party. Many reviews mention the friendly, attentive staff who go out of their way to ensure everyone has a good time.

The marina entrance fee of about $32 Pesos (~$1.50 USD) and a $180 Pesos (~$9 USD) conservation fee are paid at check-in, so budget accordingly. For families with small children, note that kids aged 3-5 pay a small fee and may have different water activity interests.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback from past travelers paints a balanced picture. One reviewer praised the “good vibes” and excellent organization, emphasizing the quality of the food and staff. Conversely, a less satisfied guest from France criticized the snorkeling, citing poor visibility and additional costs for beach access and eco-experiences, which made the overall day more expensive than expected.

Most reviews, however, lean toward positive, highlighting wildlife sightings, delicious meals, and friendly guides as major pluses. Many feel the tour offers great value for money, especially considering the included activities and food.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a full day of marine wildlife, relaxing water activities, and social fun. It suits families, couples, and groups who enjoy outdoor adventure and good food. If you’re eager to see whales or dolphins, this is a good choice during season. But if underwater visibility is a prime concern, keep in mind that snorkeling conditions can vary.

Those who prefer a more exclusive or secluded experience might find this tour a bit crowded or commercial — but for most, it hits a healthy balance of adventure, comfort, and value.

Final Thoughts

This tour to Marietas Island offers a well-rounded glimpse of biodiversity, stunning scenery, and Mexican hospitality. It’s priced reasonably for what you get — wildlife sightings, water fun, meals, and drinks — making it a solid choice for most travelers wanting to pack a lot into a single day.

The friendly guides and lively atmosphere elevate the experience, though it’s worth noting that weather and wildlife visibility can influence the day’s highlights. For those who love a mix of nature, good food, and a relaxed social vibe, this trip is likely to satisfy.

On the other hand, if underwater visibility or additional costs are a concern, you might want to explore other options or plan for some extra budget. Still, if you’re after a memorable aquatic adventure with a dash of fun, this tour delivers.

FAQ

Is there a dress code for this tour?
Wear a swimsuit underneath your clothes, bring a towel, sunglasses, and a hat. Don’t forget sunscreen — the sun in Mexico is strong.

Are water activities included?
Yes, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are included in the tour.

What is the duration of the trip?
It lasts about 6 hours, mostly in the morning, including travel, activities, and meals.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, snorkel masks, life jackets, and paddleboards are provided — but you can bring your own gear if you prefer.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-5 pay a small fee, but check with your provider about specific age restrictions or suitability for young kids.

What extra fees should I expect?
The Marine Park Conservation Fee (~$9 USD) is paid upon check-in. There’s also a marina entrance fee (~$1.50 USD), and some extras like additional boat tours or eco-experiences cost more.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

How do I book?
You can reserve in advance through GetYourGuide or similar platforms, with the option to pay later.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

Will I see whales during the tour?
Whale sightings depend on the season — generally December to April — but dolphins and other wildlife are more consistent.

In sum, this Puerto Vallarta tour offers an engaging mix of marine adventure, scenic beauty, and lively social fun. It’s well-suited for those eager to explore, relax, and indulge in some Mexican hospitality — all within a day’s outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: