Marietas Islands can feel like a secret you earn. This 7-hour sail-and-snorkel day takes you from Paradise Village Public Pier out to Marietas, with continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch waiting onboard. I like the focus on the water time: paddle boards and well-sanitized snorkeling gear with a life vest come included, and the crew tends to stay right on top of things. One thing to keep in mind: access to the Love Beach area is optional and controlled by the marine park, so it isn’t something you can count on.

The best part of the day is the mix. You get a proper boat outing (sailing time both directions can happen), plus chances for wildlife sightings like dolphins, and even birds such as blue-footed boobies. The travel “catch” is that the $99 price doesn’t cover every required fee, and the Love Beach decision can add a little uncertainty to your plan.

Key things I’d plan for

• A small group day: max 7 travelers, which usually means less waiting around on the water.
• Snorkeling gear is included and sanitized: life vest too, so you’re not scrambling for basics.
• Open bar is after water time: alcoholic drinks only after the activities.
• You might not get Love Beach access: marine park control can limit who goes.
• Extra fees are real: expect port tax and the Marietas conservation fee on top of the tour price.

From Paradise Village Pier to Marietas: how the day flows

You start at Paradise Village Public Pier on Blvrd Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. The tour runs about 7 hours and ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a one-way transfer. What I like about this setup is that it’s simple. You show up, get on the boat, eat something decent, and spend most of the day on the water without the “tour-bus whiplash” feeling.

The heart of the schedule is the Marietas Islands stop, with about 2 hours there. That’s enough time to do what most people come for—snorkeling, a beach moment, and a paddle-board stretch—without turning the day into a marathon. Still, 2 hours goes fast once you’re suited up and the sea conditions shift, so go with the mindset of doing fewer things, better.

Marietas Islands: what you’ll notice in the first 10 minutes

Marietas Islands sit north of Vallarta, and the feeling right away is that you’re escaping the main resort coastline. It’s not about giant landmarks from shore. It’s about being surrounded by open water and getting to play in it. The whole point of the trip is activity-based: snorkeling gear and life vests are provided, paddle boards are included, and there’s time set aside for beach time depending on access.

From the island side of the experience, you might expect a mix of ocean life and bird life. One of the most memorable details people bring up is spotting birds like blue-footed boobies. That’s a strong sign you’re not just doing a quick swim and leaving—you’re arriving at a place that’s actively living, not staged.

One practical note: the itinerary includes an admission ticket that is not included, and there’s also a Marietas Islands Island Conservation Fee that is not included. Translation for your planning brain: your day might cost a bit more than you see at checkout, because there are mandatory park-related charges once you’re there.

Snorkeling at Marietas: gear is included, conditions can vary

This is a good snorkeling setup on paper. You get snorkeling gear and a life vest, and the gear is described as well sanitized. That matters, especially on a day trip when you might otherwise be stuck renting gear that feels questionable.

That said, Marietas snorkeling isn’t the same everywhere, and visibility can change. In one case, the snorkeling experience was described as more of a challenging swim than a relaxed, fish-on-the-front-of-your-mask situation. The water was clear mainly close to the rocks, which can make snorkeling feel different from places with wide-open visibility.

My advice: go in ready to swim with purpose. Don’t plan on drifting effortlessly the whole time. If you’re comfortable staying close to the rock areas and following the activity flow, you’ll likely enjoy the marine life more. And if you want extra snorkeling tubes, new tubes can be bought on board (not included), which can help if you forgot something or want an upgrade.

Love Beach access: the marine park lottery (and how to handle it)

The Love Beach part of Marietas is the headline people talk about. But it’s also where expectations can get messy. Access is described as optional and controlled by the marine park, and there’s a real chance not everyone gets in.

In real-world terms, that means two things for you:

1) Your beach time may not include Love Beach even if you arrive expecting it.

2) If access is limited, you’ll be more comfortable if you treat Love Beach as a bonus, not the core goal.

If Love Beach is your number-one reason for booking, I’d still go—but I’d plan emotionally for the possibility that you’ll end up enjoying other beach and water time instead. The trip can still be worth it because the islands are active, and the wildlife sightings and water activities don’t vanish if one access point is limited.

Paddle boards, swims, and what’s actually included

This tour is built around doing things, not just watching the boat glide. Paddle boards are included, and snorkeling gear plus a life vest are included. That matters for value: you’re not paying extra for basic water equipment after you arrive.

Another detail worth noting: the domestic open bar is onboard, but alcoholic drinks are only after water activities. I actually like that rule. It keeps the day from turning into a “party boat” vibe during the swim and snorkel portions. You can still enjoy drinks later without feeling like your judgment and balance are being tested in the water.

You’ll likely feel a rhythm to the day: gear up, get your water time, then eat and relax on board. That sequence makes the whole outing feel smoother—especially if you’re not the type who wants to spend the entire day hunting for the perfect photo spot.

Food, drinks, and the crew you’ll remember

Food on the boat is included: continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch. For a $99 day trip, having proper food (not just snacks) is a big part of the value. It also helps you enjoy the water time more, because you’re not doing a half-empty stomach sprint from pier to island.

People also mention the crew as helpful and attentive. In at least one case, the captain and crew were specifically praised, including a captain named Luis. Another highlight was entertainment during the ride back—getting everyone involved, not leaving you staring at the horizon in silence the whole way.

This is the kind of crew effect that actually changes the trip. When someone is organized with gear, timing, and the flow back to the boat, your snorkeling and paddle-board time feel less chaotic. And when the mood on board is upbeat, you remember the day as a fun outing rather than a checklist.

Dolphins, whales, and birds: what you might see from the boat

One of the best surprises on sea days is wildlife timing. Some people reported seeing dolphins on the way back, and at least one person described whales seen close enough to feel startling—almost like they were part of the scenery rather than a distant dot.

You also have a strong chance of bird sightings. Blue-footed boobies came up, along with other bird variety. That’s a nice reminder that Marietas isn’t only about underwater life. Even if you’re not the world’s most confident swimmer, bird time can still make the outing feel full.

Just keep expectations flexible. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and conditions can shift. But if you like the idea of “maybe today is the day,” this tour matches that vibe well.

Price and extra fees: is $99 worth it?

At $99 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain for what’s included: breakfast, deli-style lunch, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and a life vest. It also includes an onboard open bar (with the after-water-only alcohol rule). For many day trips, that package alone is where the value lives.

The key is budgeting for what’s not included:

• Port tax: MX$35 per person
• Marietas Islands Island Conservation Fee: MX$85 per person
• Admission ticket: not included for the Marietas Islands stop
• Access to Love Beach: optional, controlled by the marine park
• Transportation to and from the marina: not included
• New snorkeling tubes: available to buy onboard (not included)

Those charges can be the difference between “good deal” and “just okay.” So here’s how I’d decide: if you’re already planning to spend money on boat time plus snorkeling gear plus food, the $99 price is competitive. If you’re trying to keep costs extremely tight, you’ll want to mentally add the port tax and conservation fee up front.

Booking stress: a practical warning about reservation mismatches

A low rating doesn’t always mean a bad tour day—sometimes it means the plan falls apart before you even leave the pier. I saw reports of real problems tied to reservation handling. In one situation, the booking company name didn’t match what the boat operator had in their registry. Another issue involved a cancellation the night before.

So I’d handle this like a grown-up: after you book, save your confirmation and double-check it the day before and the day of. Arrive early enough to get straight answers from the crew/desk on-site. If anything feels off, you’ll have time to sort it before your departure window.

Weather also matters. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who this Marietas sail is best for

You’ll likely enjoy this tour most if you:

• Want a small group outing rather than a big crowd on a large boat.
• Like doing more than one water activity (snorkeling plus paddle boarding).
• Care about solid onboard food and a crew that stays attentive.
• Are excited about wildlife and birds as part of the day, not just underwater time.

You might want to think twice if:

• You need guaranteed access to Love Beach. Marine park control can limit who goes.
• You expect crystal-clear snorkeling the whole time. Visibility can be limited to areas close to rock features.
• You strongly dislike any chance of last-minute plan changes. Even though weather cancellations are handled, some guests reported late cancellations and booking confusion.

Should you book Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a friendly, active Marietas day with included food and water gear, and you’re comfortable treating Love Beach as a bonus instead of a promise. The small group setup, sanitized snorkeling gear, and after-water open bar combine into a day that feels like a real vacation outing, not a rushed sightseeing shift.

But book smart. Add the conservation fee and port tax into your budget, arrive early, and keep your confirmation handy. If you’re the type who needs everything to go exactly as planned, you might prefer an operator with a smoother reservation record. If you can roll with the marine park rules and changing sea visibility, this tour can absolutely deliver a memorable Puerto Vallarta day on the water.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach tour?

You’ll meet at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours. There’s a stop at Marietas Islands for about 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are a domestic open bar onboard (alcoholic drinks only after water activities), continental breakfast and deli-style lunch, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear with a life vest that’s described as well sanitized.

What fees should I expect that are not included?

You should budget for a port tax of MX$35 per person and a Marietas Islands Island Conservation Fee of MX$85 per person. An admission ticket for the Marietas Islands stop is not included, and Love Beach access is optional.

Is transportation to and from the marina included?

No. Transportation to and from the marina is not included.

What are the tour language and ticket type?

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. You should receive confirmation at the time of booking.