Snorkeling in Marietas Islands and BBQ in Playa Majahuitas

Planning a day in Puerto Vallarta that blends adventure with relaxation? This tour offers a chance to explore the famous Marietas Islands, snorkel in clear waters, and unwind on the idyllic sands of Majahuitas beach—all with a delicious BBQ and open bar included. It’s a balanced mix of nature, water sports, and laid-back leisure that appeals to families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.

What we love about this experience? First, the stunning scenery that greets you on the boat rides and during the water activities. Second, the variety of activities—snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding—that make the day feel active yet rewarding. One possible consideration: the price includes some extra fees like conservation bracelets and taxes, which can come to around $20 USD, so budget accordingly. This tour works best for those who want a well-rounded outdoor day in a beautiful setting without spending too much time on logistics.

If you’re after a day that combines eco-exploration with beachside indulgence, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for those craving a mix of adventure and downtime, and it offers enough flexibility for families and couples to enjoy at a comfortable pace.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery and panoramic views from boat rides and throughout the day.
• Variety of water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatable banana rides.
• Relaxed beachside experience with a BBQ buffet in Majahuitas, including open bar.
• Eco-conscious experience with optional conservation fees and regulations to protect local wildlife.
• Approximate 7-hour day—balanced to give you adventure without feeling rushed.
• Group size capped at 100 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour to the Marietas Islands and Majahuitas offers an engaging way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty in one day. It’s a 7-hour excursion that appeals to those interested in ecological wonders and relaxing coastal scenery, bundled with fun water activities and a tasty beachside meal. With a price tag of about $144.13 per person, it balances affordability with a broad range of memorable experiences.

The trip is led by Monkey Adventures México, known for organizing active, nature-focused outings. The day is structured in a way that maximizes your time on the water and at the beach without feeling overly packed. Plus, since it’s a mobile ticket experience, there’s no need to worry about complicated check-ins—just arrive on time and be ready for a fun-filled day.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Bay of Banderas: The Scenic Kickoff

Your day begins early, with a pickup or meeting point near public transportation options. At 8:00 am, you set sail from the Bay of Banderas, with the boat ride itself becoming a highlight. Expect breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, perfect for snapping photos of lush mountains, shimmering water, and distant islands. The boat’s open deck allows you to take in the scenery from all angles, making it a scenic prelude to your water-based adventure.

Marietas Islands: The Eco-Highlight

After about an hour, you arrive at the Islas Marietas National Park, a volcanic archipelago famous for its hidden beaches and unique wildlife. The water here is crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, or bird watching. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the islands’ volcanic origin and ecological importance.

You’ll enjoy two hours exploring the islands with water activities included—snorkeling in the calm, transparent water is a real treat, as you’ll see colorful fish and perhaps some sea turtles. Kayaking and paddleboarding add variety, making it an engaging, active experience. Reviewers highlight how the guides make the water activities accessible for all skill levels, and many mention the stunning underwater visibility.

Transition Back to Relaxation

Following the water adventures, you’ll take a boat back from the islands, enjoying more incredible views of the coast and the ocean. This segment lasts about an hour and provides a soothing transition from the active water sports to leisure time.

Majahuitas: Beachside Bliss

Your next stop is Majahuitas, a secluded, picture-perfect beach. This part of the day is all about unwinding. The beach is known for its natural beauty, with soft sands and clear waters. Here, a BBQ buffet awaits, featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients. The open bar offers non-alcoholic drinks and, for those over 18, a selection of beverages to toast the day.

You’ll have around two hours to soak up the sun, enjoy the BBQ, or try your hand at paddleboarding and floating on an inflatable banana. Many travelers mention how peaceful and uncrowded Majahuitas feels—an ideal spot to relax after water activities. The guided free time allows everyone to choose their pace, whether it’s lounging under a palm or splashing in the surf.

Return Journey and Entertainment

The final hour is a laid-back cruise back to the Puerto Vallarta port, with soft music and light entertainment onboard. It’s a nice way to wind down, reflect on the day, and enjoy a few laughs or conversations with fellow travelers.

Analyzing the Value

The $144.13 price point includes all the key water activities, a guided exploration, an open bar, and a BBQ feast—pretty generous for a day packed with such diverse experiences. The admission to the Marietas Islands isn’t included in the ticket, but the conservation bracelet and environmental tax are additional fees, totaling about $20 USD. While these are extra costs, they support protection efforts for this environmentally sensitive area.

Trip reviews suggest the tour offers excellent value—you’re getting a full day of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty—without the hassle of planning multiple steps yourself. Plus, with small group sizes (max 100), the experience remains lively but manageable, ensuring you get attention from guides and the opportunity to ask questions.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the stunning views both from the boat and during water activities. One reviewer appreciated the “beautiful seascape” during the transition from the islands to Majahuitas, highlighting the peacefulness of the journey. Others valued the friendly guides and the informative commentary, which enhanced their appreciation of the natural surroundings.

A few travelers mentioned that the extra fees for conservation bracelets and taxes feel a bit unexpected at booking, so it’s worth budgeting a little extra. Some also noted that the group size can be up to 100 travelers, but the tour feels intimate enough thanks to the engaging guides.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurers and laid-back travelers alike. If you love being on the water, with opportunities to snorkel or paddleboard, you’ll appreciate how the water activities are accessible yet lively. Those seeking a relaxing day on a beautiful beach will find Majahuitas a perfect spot to unwind with good food and drinks.

It’s also ideal for families looking to combine fun and education, or couples wanting a romantic day surrounded by nature. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a less active trip, some parts of the tour might require moderate physical effort, especially in water sports.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 8:00 am departure to check in smoothly.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring a towel for beach relaxation.
• Pack cash or cards for the optional conservation fees and taxes.
• Use the provided life jackets during water activities—safety is taken seriously.
• For those interested in photography, the boat rides offer fantastic scenic opportunities.
• The tour is suitable for moderate physical fitness levels but not necessarily for those with mobility limitations.
• Remember that drones are prohibited to protect local bird flight paths.

FAQs

Is there a limit to how many people can join this tour?
Yes, a maximum of 100 travelers can participate, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

What is included in the tour?
Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided exploration, free time at Majahuitas, BBQ buffet, open bar, and onboard entertainment.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the SEMARNAT conservation bracelet costs 180 MXN, and there is a tax for conservation and environmental protection of 20 USD. Also, a 33 MXN dock tax applies per person.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and cash for optional fees. Also, consider bringing your camera for scenic shots.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to swim?
Water activities are guided and safety gear like life jackets are provided, but comfort in water varies. Moderate swimming ability is recommended.

Is food included?
Yes, a BBQ buffet is served on Majahuitas, with an open bar for beverages over 18.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it suits families with children old enough for water sports, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for most ages.

What about the weather?
Since the tour is primarily water-based, check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. The trip can be canceled or rescheduled in case of severe weather.

Final Thoughts

This tour to the Marietas Islands and Majahuitas offers a well-rounded day of outdoor fun, scenic beauty, and relaxed beachside enjoyment. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of adventure and leisure without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. The stunning views, engaging water sports, and delicious BBQ make it a memorable Puerto Vallarta experience, especially suited for those who appreciate nature’s splendor and a laid-back atmosphere.

If you’re looking to explore the natural wonders of the area while enjoying some seaside indulgence, this tour delivers solid value and a day packed with highlights. It’s a flexible, enjoyable way to experience the best of Puerto Vallarta’s coast, perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends eager to soak up sun, sea, and scenic views.

Note: Always double-check current details and availability before booking, as tour specifics and prices may vary.