Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour

Nestled off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, the Marietas Islands offer a unique snorkeling adventure that showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors can embark on a boat tour to these protected islands, where they’ll have the chance to glide through crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Beyond the opportunity to spot diverse species, the tour also grants access to a hidden beach that’s accessible to the public for the majority of the year. With its combination of diverse wildlife and secluded landscapes, this excursion promises an unforgettable exploration of one of Mexico’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• The Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour offers a 5-hour excursion from Marina Vallarta to explore the crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life of the Marietas Islands.

• Snorkelers can observe a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and potentially encounter dolphins, whales, or manta rays in the islands’ thriving ecosystem.

• The tour includes a visit to the hidden beach, a secluded gem accessible 97% of the time, with stunning geological formations and tranquil surroundings.

• The boat ride to the islands takes 45 minutes and covers a distance of 15 km, with a capacity of 20 people and a shaded seating area.

• The tour provides snorkeling gear and includes conservation fees, but there are additional fees for the hidden beach access and a boarding fee per person.

Overview of the Tour

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour typically begins with a boat ride from Marina Vallarta to the Marietas Islands, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters and encounter a variety of marine life.

During the 5-hour excursion, guests will have the chance to snorkel and spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and even whales.

The tour also includes a visit to the hidden beach, which is accessible 97% of the time.

Participants will receive snorkeling equipment, life vests, water, and light snacks, as well as the necessary permits and conservation fees.

However, there are a few restrictions, as the tour isn’t suitable for young children, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 65 years old.

Highlights of the Excursion

During the Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour, visitors can expect to enjoy crystal-clear waters and encounter a variety of captivating marine life. Snorkeling allows them to observe dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and even whales up close, providing a truly awe-inspiring experience.

The highlight of the tour is the chance to explore the hidden beach, which is accessible 97% of the time. This secluded gem offers a unique opportunity to step onto a pristine, untouched stretch of sand, surrounded by the vibrant natural beauty of the Marietas Islands.

From the boat ride to the snorkeling and beach exploration, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure in Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coastal environment.

Boat Ride to the Islands

Visitors embark on a scenic boat ride from Marina Vallarta to the Marietas Islands, anticipating the start of their snorkeling adventure. The boat journey takes approximately 45 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the open ocean. During the voyage, tour guides provide information about the Marietas Islands, their unique ecosystem, and the wildlife that can be encountered.

Boat Details	Duration	Distance	Capacity
Fiberglass Hull	45 mins	15 km	20 people
Twin Outboard Engines
Life Jackets Provided
Shaded Seating Area

Guests enjoy the scenic ride, getting ready to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and discover the hidden wonders of the Marietas Islands.

Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Waters

Upon reaching the islands, guests don snorkeling gear and eagerly descend into the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life.

Guided by knowledgeable tour leaders, they glide effortlessly through the underwater paradise, marveling at the diverse array of tropical fish, coral formations, and occasional sightings of sea turtles or manta rays.

The snorkeling experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the Marietas Islands’ natural beauty and observe its thriving ecosystem up close.

Guests can expect to encounter a kaleidoscope of colorful marine creatures and gain a deeper appreciation for the ecological importance of this protected marine reserve.

Exploring the Hidden Beach

After the snorkeling adventure, guests embark on an exclusive journey to the Marietas Islands’ hidden beach, a natural wonder accessible to only a select few.

This secluded gem, nestled within a protected cove, offers a rare opportunity to witness the islands’ breathtaking geological formations and explore a pristine, untouched slice of paradise.

Visitors can marvel at the towering rock arches, caves, and sea stacks that characterize this unique landscape. With a 97% access chance, the hidden beach experience is a highlight of the tour, providing a peaceful and awe-inspiring encounter with the region’s unspoiled natural beauty.

Guests can relax on the soft sand, take photos, and soak in the tranquility of this extraordinary destination.

Encountering Marine Life

Often, the Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour presents the remarkable opportunity to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including vibrant fish, graceful sea turtles, and the occasional sighting of majestic whales or manta rays.

As you glide through the crystal-clear waters, you may spot schools of colorful tropical fish darting among the coral reefs. With a keen eye, you might even catch a glimpse of a curious sea turtle as it surfaces for air.

If you’re particularly lucky, the tour may coincide with the migration of whales or the presence of manta rays, offering a breathtaking encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.

The Marietas Islands truly teem with a rich marine ecosystem waiting to be discovered.

Included in the Tour

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour includes a boat ride from Marina Vallarta to the islands, where participants are provided with snorkeling equipment and life vests.

The tour also includes water and light snacks, as well as the necessary conservation fees and permits.

This ensures that visitors can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Marietas Islands without having to worry about additional costs or logistical concerns.

The inclusions make the tour a convenient and hassle-free experience, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the crystal-clear waters, exploring the hidden beach, and hopefully encountering a variety of marine life during their snorkeling adventure.

Restrictions and Fees

While the Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour offers a wealth of natural wonders, it does come with a few important restrictions and fees that visitors should be aware of.

Firstly, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 65 years of age.

Plus, there’s a boarding fee of MNX$50 (approximately USD$3) per person, which must be paid in cash upon arrival at the marina.

Visitors will also need to purchase a separate ticket for access to the hidden beach, costing USD$25 (MNX$550), again payable in cash only.

It’s important to keep these restrictions and fees in mind when planning your Marietas Islands adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. However, it’s worth noting that the tour provides snorkeling equipment, so you don’t necessarily need to bring your own unless you have a preference for your personal gear.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour does not provide restroom facilities on the islands. Participants should plan accordingly before the boat ride. There are no restrooms available during the snorkeling and exploration portions of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes light snacks and water, but outside food and beverages are not permitted. This policy helps maintain the cleanliness and safety of the tour experience.

Is the Tour Operated in Multiple Languages?

The tour is typically conducted in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, to accommodate the diverse nationalities of the participants. The guides are bilingual and can provide explanations and instructions in both languages during the snorkeling excursion.

What Should I Bring to Prepare for the Tour?

To prepare for the snorkel tour, visitors should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring cash for the boarding and hidden beach fees. Staying hydrated is essential during the tour.

Recap

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the region’s unspoiled natural beauty and thriving ecosystem.

Visitors can enjoy a boat ride, snorkel among tropical fish and coral, and witness the breathtaking hidden beach.

With the chance to encounter dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales, this 5-hour excursion is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Vallarta.