Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

There’s no shortage of great ways to explore the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta, but a day at the Marietas Islands is among the most memorable. This tour, offered by Traveler Tiger, gives you a chance to enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing with good food and drinks—all within a stunning setting full of marine life. We’ve looked into what makes this experience special, along with some practical considerations to help you decide if it’s the right trip for you.

What we appreciate most about this tour is how it combines adventure and relaxation, with plenty of activities packed into a full day. The delicious meals and open bar also stand out, offering great value for a relatively affordable price. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found the boat ride to the islands a bit lengthy and sun exposure a concern on the open deck.

This experience suits families, couples, and solo travelers eager to see the area’s natural wonders and enjoy some fun in the water. If you’re comfortable with a full day of activities and appreciate good food and scenic views, this trip could be a highlight of your stay in Puerto Vallarta.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming
• Includes food and open bar, making it a great all-in-one experience
• Visiting the Marietas Islands offers unique wildlife and scenic photo opportunities
• Optional visit to Playa Escondida for those wanting a more exclusive beach experience
• Cost-effective at around $89 per person, with many reviews praising the value
• Slightly lengthy boat ride and sun exposure are considerations for comfort

Introduction: The Tour in a Nutshell

Our review of this tour highlights an experience that appeals to travelers who love ecotourism and outdoor activities. For those seeking a chance to explore natural beauty while enjoying good food and drinks, this trip hits many marks. We love how the tour combines adventure with comfort, offering a mix of water sports and relaxing moments with a meal and open bar.

One of the standout features is the access to the Marietas Islands, a protected marine area known for its vibrant underwater landscapes. The chance to see whales during the season adds an extra layer of excitement to the trip, making it not just a sightseeing tour but a genuine wildlife encounter.

A potential drawback is the boat ride duration—it can be about an hour and a half each way—and the fact that only a portion of the boat has shade, which could mean sunburn risk if you’re not prepared. Despite this, the overall experience offers fantastic value and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and water fun. Ideal for active travelers looking for a mix of scenery, wildlife, and leisure, this tour is especially good for those who enjoy organized but authentic experiences.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Meeting in Puerto Vallarta

The adventure begins at Puerto Mágico, the designated meeting point. Here, you’ll check in, make a small conservation fee payment of $120 MXN, and cover a $30 MXN port tax—a small price to support the protection of this beautiful area. The total fee of about 150 MXN (roughly $8 USD) is quite reasonable considering what’s included.

This initial phase is straightforward, with a brief 30-minute window to get everything sorted before heading out. It’s an early start—your day begins at 9:00 am—but it’s well worth the effort for the adventures ahead.

Stop 2: Coastal Scenic Drive & Breakfast

As the boat departs, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise across Bahia de Banderas, with gorgeous views of the coastline. This part of the trip offers time to settle in and soak up the vistas. According to reviews, the crew is cheerful and attentive, helping make the journey enjoyable.

You’ll also get a delicious breakfast to fuel up before water activities. It’s a simple but appreciated touch, especially considering the long day ahead.

Stop 3: The Marietas Islands & Water Activities

The main event is at the Islas Marietas, a protected area famous for its hidden beaches, vibrant marine life, and dramatic rock formations. Here, you’ll have about two hours to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or swim. The water gear is provided, and many travelers mention how lively the underwater scene is, full of colorful fish and corals.

One of the most popular highlights is the opportunity to snorkel around coral reefs and swim in calm waters, with some reviews noting the abundance of marine life. A few adventurous souls also venture to Playa Escondida, accessible only by swimming through a tunnel from the boat, and a smaller boat will drop you close to its rocky entrance. Expect about 30 minutes at this secluded beach, which is a fantastic photo op.

Stop 4: Lunch and Open Bar

After water fun, it’s time to relax. The tour includes a delicious lunch with local flavors, served while you enjoy the open bar. Many reviewers mention the quality of the food, which includes “good food and tapas,” along with drinks that flow freely. It’s a great way to socialize, share stories, and soak in the stunning beach views.

This downtime is also when you can simply lounge, take photos, or chat with fellow travelers. The 1-hour window is perfect for unwinding before heading back.

Stop 5: Return to Puerto Vallarta

The trip back offers more scenic views of the coastline, giving you a chance to reflect on the day. The return journey lasts about two hours, and most travelers agree it’s a pleasant ending to a packed day. The group size is capped at 40, ensuring a more personal vibe.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Vibrant Underwater Life & Water Sports
Snorkeling and kayaking are the core activities here, and many reviews highlight how lively and colorful the marine environment is. Divers and non-divers alike can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, with gear provided, making it accessible for most.

Incredible Scenery & Wildlife
The Marietas Islands are famous for their dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and the chance to see whales during the season. The views are stunning, and the photo opportunities plentiful. For wildlife lovers, the chance to see marine animals up close makes this a rewarding trip.

Great Food & Drinks
The inclusion of breakfast, a hearty lunch, and unlimited drinks at the open bar keeps everyone energized and happy. Many reviews mention the quality of the food and the convivial atmosphere during the meal.

Reasonable Pricing & Value
At just over $89 USD, this tour offers a lot: water activities, meals, drinks, and stunning scenery. The reviews consistently praise the value for money, especially given the all-inclusive nature of the tour.

Practical Considerations

Duration & Timing

The full experience lasts about 8 to 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am. The boat ride itself is around an hour and a half each way, and the time on the islands is just enough to enjoy activities without feeling rushed. Be prepared for a full day.

Group Size & Atmosphere

Limited to 40 travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, lively environment. Expect a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers. The crew is described as fun and helpful, adding to the overall positive vibe.

Sun & Comfort

Given that only part of the boat is shaded, sun protection is a must. Some travelers mention feeling the heat during the ride, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a parasol. The boat ride can be a bit tiring if you’re sensitive to sun or motion, but the water activities and food help balance that out.

Cost Breakdown & Additional Fees

The main extra costs are the $120 MXN conservation fee and the $30 MXN port tax—small prices for supporting local conservation efforts. Optional extras like the hidden beach visit cost $1,000 MXN, but knowing how to swim is required for this.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Reviewers consistently mention the welcoming crew, good food, and spectacular scenery. One reviewer noted, “The staff was great and the food was good! The Island is spectacular,” highlighting the overall satisfaction. Another appreciated the value for money, emphasizing how everything was taken care of, so they could just enjoy.

On the flip side, a less positive review mentioned a lengthy boat ride and limited shaded seating—reminding us that comfort can vary depending on weather and personal preferences.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Marietas Islands tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for families with kids, couples, or solo travelers who want a full day of water-based fun with excellent food and drinks included. The natural landscapes and marine life are truly impressive, and the value is hard to beat, especially considering all the activities and meals.

However, those sensitive to long boat rides or sun exposure should prepare accordingly. The tour’s timing and group size make it ideal for travelers who enjoy organized excursions with a lively, friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking to tick off a must-see natural wonder while enjoying good company and delicious local cuisine, this trip ticks many boxes.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
It typically lasts about an hour and a half each way, so be prepared for a longer boat journey.

Is there shade on the boat?
Only about a quarter of the boat’s seats are shaded, so sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing are recommended.

What water activities are included?
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all included, with equipment provided. You can choose what suits you best.

Can I visit Playa Escondida?
Yes, a smaller boat will take you close to the rocky access point, and you can swim through a tunnel to reach the secluded beach for about 30 minutes.

What is the cost of the conservation fee and port tax?
The conservation fee is $120 MXN, and the port tax is $30 MXN—small costs that support local efforts.

Is food and drinks included?
Yes, a breakfast and lunch are provided, along with an open bar for the water activities part of the day.

Are there any optional extras I should know about?
The hidden beach visit costs $1,000 MXN and requires swimming skills.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 40 travelers, making for a more comfortable and less crowded experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This full-day adventure to the Marietas Islands provides a wonderful blend of stunning scenery, marine life encounters, and good food, making it a well-rounded choice for most types of travelers seeking an authentic, memorable experience in Puerto Vallarta.