Marietas is postcard-perfect, but the details matter. This is an all-in-one boat day to Islas Marietas with breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and an open bar after the water activities—exactly the kind of trip that feels easy on paper and specific in real life.

I especially like that they set you up for time in the water. You get snorkeling equipment plus a kayak or paddleboard, so you’re not stuck only watching from the deck.

One thing to weigh: if you don’t do the optional Hidden Beach, the snorkeling time can feel limited and you may spend a lot of the day on a small boat. And if you do plan to swim there, you’ll need real comfort in the water.

Quick highlights

• Open bar after you’re done getting wet so the timing feels like a reward, not a distraction
• Snorkeling gear is included (fins, vest, snorkel), plus time to kayak or paddleboard
• Islas Marietas is the main event with photo time and marine scenery
• Hidden Beach is optional and costs extra and it requires knowing how to swim
• Max group size is 40 which helps on a day spent mostly on one boat
• Budget for conservation and port charges that pop up at the start (and sometimes more line items)

Getting to Puerto Vallarta: the meet-up and first fees

This tour runs out of Puerto Vallarta, starting at 9:00 am. The meeting point is Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the day ends back at the same spot.

Your morning starts with check-in: you register, introduce yourself to the team, and make the required port-related payments before you head out. There’s a specific on-the-spot charge listed as:

• $120 MXN conservation fee for the Marietas Islands
• $30 MXN port tax

Total shown there: $150 MXN

Separately, the “not included” list also mentions additional possible charges like a Sermarnat bracelet ($180 MXN) and a port fee ($33 MXN). The amounts can vary by how your booking is set up, but the big idea is simple: don’t show up assuming the tour price covers every local fee.

Practical take: bring cash just in case you’re asked to pay in person for the local charges.

The boat day vibe: timing, group size, and what 8-9 hours really feels like

Plan for a long, full day: about 8 to 9 hours total. The itinerary is paced around travel time plus two main activity blocks on the water.

Also, this is a maximum 40-person trip. That’s not huge for a boat day, but it’s still “one ship, one schedule.” If you’re the type who gets cranky when you’re waiting around for the next wave of instructions, you’ll want to bring patience (and snacks for your brain, like a good camera).

One more realism check: multiple reviews point out that the ride can be long, and shade is limited. If you burn easily, your comfort on the return trip can depend heavily on where you sit.

Stop 1 in Puerto Vallarta: register, pay, and get oriented fast

Before you go anywhere, you’ll arrive at the meeting point and do the quick stuff:

• register
• introduce yourself
• pay the port/conservation items needed to start the tour

This is also when you should pay attention to how they handle safety and water activities, especially if you’re thinking about the optional Hidden Beach later.

Stop 2 in Bahia de Banderas: breakfast and the morning move toward Marietas

Once you’re out on the water, the day settles into a steady rhythm. The next major chunk is about 3 hours heading toward the Marietas region, with breakfast included.

This is one of those segments where you’re not doing a new activity every 15 minutes. Instead, you’re traveling, enjoying the time on the sea, and getting fed before the main water block.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is the part where you should have already planned for it. (A small boat day plus waves can change the mood fast, and this trip is exactly that kind of outing.)

Islas Marietas: snorkeling, kayak or paddleboard, and photo time

Now you hit the heart of it: Islas Marietas. You get about 2 hours here, and it’s built around marine scenery plus short, active windows.

What’s included at the island

• Snorkeling equipment: fins, vest, snorkel
• Kayak or paddleboard
• Time for photos

You’ll be able to get out there and move around rather than just standing on the deck. That matters, because the islands are known for dramatic-looking coastline and interesting water features, and time on the water helps you actually see it.

Where Hidden Beach fits (and why it changes the trip)

Hidden Beach is listed as:

• Optional
• Not included
• $1,000 MXN
• Requires that you know how to swim

This is the biggest fork in the road for how the day feels. If you do Hidden Beach, you’ll get an extra perspective on the islands. If you skip it, you may feel like the main snorkeling stops are brief and the best moments are concentrated in shorter time windows.

One review experience described Hidden Beach as being offered to only a few people and noted that the snorkeling stop afterward was rushed. Another review highlighted how the “cave island” parts felt fun, even when the snorkeling itself wasn’t great.

Safety reality: jellyfish and getting back on the boat

Snorkeling isn’t always the same every day. One review includes reports of multiple jellyfish stings, even for people who jumped in. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should take the water seriously and follow crew advice about where to enter.

Also, pay attention to how you board back onto the boat. One review specifically said there is no ladder and that reboarding required help from multiple people. If you’re unsure about climbing/hoisting steps, it’s worth telling the crew early how you’d like assistance handled.

My practical advice: if you’re considering Hidden Beach, treat the swim requirement as a real gate, not a suggestion. If you’re not confident in the water, you’ll likely have a better day choosing the included activities.

Stop 4 back in Bahia de Banderas: lunch plus open bar

After the water time, you get a solid reset: about 1 hour of lunch plus a drink break.

This is also when the tour’s included open bar kicks in—so it’s after snorkeling/kayak/paddleboard time, not during. That sequencing works. You’re not mixing alcohol with active water movement, and it feels like you earned it.

The vibe here is social. If you’re traveling with family or friends, this part is where you can compare what you saw and traded the day’s best photo angles.

Stop 5 return to Puerto Vallarta: longer ride, limited shade, sunscreen rules

The return trip takes about 2 hours and can be a slog if you end up in the sun. One review noted that only a portion of the boat was shaded, and if you miss shade, you can feel like you’re getting cooked. So: pick your seat with intention early.

There’s also a specific sunscreen wrinkle. The crew is said to ask passengers to not use sunscreen to protect the marine environment. In one case, someone reported needing to find ways to protect their skin anyway. I’d treat this as a real instruction you should plan around.

What to do with that:

• dress for sun (hat, rash-guard style clothing)
• bring sun protection you can use without relying entirely on sunscreen
• if you do need sunscreen for health reasons, ask the crew what’s allowed for your specific skin needs

Even without perfect conditions, the return ride can still be part of the fun. One review said they saw whales on the way out and back—so keep your eyes up whenever the sea is calm enough.

Price and value: what $95.64 buys you, plus the extras

The tour price is listed at $95.64 per person and the duration is 8 to 9 hours. On a straight comparison, that’s decent value because the big comforts are included:

• snorkeling gear
• kayak or paddleboard
• breakfast and lunch
• open bar on the boat after the water activities

A lot of tours nickel-and-dime you after you buy the ticket. Here, at least the essentials for enjoying the island water time are bundled.

But you should budget for add-ons and local fees, because the day can get more expensive than the headline price:

• Hidden Beach (optional): $1,000 MXN
• Local conservation/port charges at start: $120 MXN + $30 MXN shown
• “Not included” items also list: Sermarnat bracelet ($180 MXN) and port fee ($33 MXN)

So is it worth it?

If you want an active day—snorkel + kayak/paddleboard + meals + drinks—then yes, the included package is strong for the price. If your main goal is long, uninterrupted snorkeling with zero fuss, you’ll want to know that the time on the water at the snorkeling spots can feel short and variable.

Who this tour fits best (and who may be disappointed)

This is best for:

• people who want a full day plan without micromanaging food and gear
• swimmers who can handle getting in and out of the water comfortably
• families who want activities packaged together (one review mentioned a family with kids ages 8-15 had a great time)

It’s not ideal if:

• you hate boat rides and want lots of time off the water
• you’re expecting the kind of snorkeling where everyone stays in the water for a long stretch
• you need easy ladder-style boarding back onto the boat
• you want Hidden Beach included automatically (it’s optional and costs extra)

Tips so the day goes smoother

A few things can make this trip feel smoother fast:

• Sit smart for shade. The boat may not have much cover, especially on the return.
• Bring a water-ready setup: the day centers on water time, gear use, and then food/drinks after.
• Take the swim requirement seriously if you’re even thinking about Hidden Beach.
• Be ready for variable water life. Jellyfish reports show it’s not a guaranteed “safe for everyone” moment every time.
• Use photos early. The island portion includes scenic time for photos, and once the schedule moves, it moves.

If you’re going with friends, agree on what matters most: the marine time, the caves/rocks vibe, or specifically the Hidden Beach.

Should you book this Marietas Islands tour?

If your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes a real water focus—snorkeling gear, plus kayak or paddleboard—and you like the idea of breakfast, lunch, and drinks handled for you, this tour is a solid pick. The value comes from the bundled activities and the fact that the day is organized around getting you to the right place without extra planning.

Book with extra caution if Hidden Beach is your must-do. It’s optional, it costs extra, and it requires swimming comfort. Also go in knowing the snorkeling experience can be hit-or-miss, and the boat ride is long enough that shade and sun protection matter.

Overall: this is a good “one-ticket” way to experience Islas Marietas, as long as you match your expectations to how the day is timed.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

The tour meets at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta and starts at 9:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Marietas trip?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), paddleboard or kayak, breakfast and lunch, and an open bar on the boat after the water activities.

Is Hidden Beach included?

No. Hidden Beach is optional, costs $1,000 MXN, and you must know how to swim.

Are there extra fees I should plan for?

Yes. You pay a conservation fee and port tax at the start (shown as $120 MXN and $30 MXN total $150 MXN). The not-included list also mentions a Sermarnat bracelet ($180 MXN) and a port fee ($33 MXN), so you should expect additional charges beyond the headline tour price.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.