Secret beaches and sea time, all in one pass. This full-day outing takes you from Puerto Vallarta to Marietas Islands National Park, where you’ll get active with kayaks, snorkeling gear, and paddle boards. You’ll also eat well for a boat day, with breakfast and lunch served on board.

I like the clear “what you get” value: meals are included, equipment is provided, and the open bar runs on the ship with alcohol served only after water time. The main thing to think through is the Love Beach option, because access is limited by the marine park and is not included—so you’ll want to plan your upgrade request carefully.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• Active water time included: kayaks, snorkeling gear + life vest, and paddle boards
• Meals on board: American breakfast plus a full lunch (not snack-only)
• Open bar timing rules: alcohol is only after the water activities
• Marietas Islands time is focused: about 2 hours at the park area
• Love Beach is optional: controlled access, request-based, and can cost extra

Marietas Islands: What You’re Really Paying For

The Marietas Islands are famous for one thing: getting to see sea-life and dramatic coastline right off the Puerto Vallarta area. This tour’s best part is that it doesn’t feel like a sit-and-watch boat ride. You’re given the tools to get into the action—kayaking for a slower look around the water, paddle boards if you like balance and a bit of a workout, and snorkeling gear to keep things close to the surface.

You also get a practical rhythm: breakfast first, then water time, then lunch. That matters because you’ll be out for roughly 8 hours, and you don’t want to spend the day hungry or scrambling for food.

One more reality check: Marietas access comes with rules tied to conservation. That’s why fees exist and why Love Beach is not a simple add-on. If you go in expecting everything to be automatic, you can get frustrated fast.

Getting There: The Marina Meet-Up and Real Timing

The meeting point is Terminal Maritima, on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time is 9:00 am, and the tour returns to the same meeting point.

For a day like this, timing is everything. Your day will feel smooth if you show up early, get checked in, and then settle in for the first portion of the trip. A big boat with a maximum of 280 travelers means lines can form at peak moments—especially if people are also trying to confirm add-ons like Love Beach.

Plan for sun, wind, and boat movement. Even if the water looks calm, you’ll still be on a cruise for hours. If you’re prone to seasickness, have your plan ready before you board.

On Board: Breakfast, Open Bar, and the Pace of the Day

The included American breakfast is the kind of boat breakfast that actually helps you start strong: eggs, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, and fruit. It’s not fancy, but it’s a solid carb-and-protein base for kayaking and snorkeling.

Then comes the bar policy. You get an open bar on board, but alcoholic drinks are only after the water activities. Translation: expect the first part of the day to be more active and a bit more focused, and then the ship relaxes after you’ve done your sea time. This is a good setup for safety and for keeping your energy up.

You’ll also notice the pace is “everyone does water time,” which is fun, but it can feel busy at the water gear stage. You may have to move with the flow—life jackets, gear check, and then pairing up for the activities.

Stop at Marietas: 2 Hours That Go Fast

The main park stop is about 2 hours at Marietas Islands. That’s enough time to do more than one activity, but not enough time to wander slowly all day. If you want both snorkeling and a board or kayak session, you’ll be happier if you keep an eye on timing and don’t overthink gear.

Here’s what you can expect with the included equipment:

• Snorkeling gear + life vest are provided
• Kayaks are available so you can get around the water at a more relaxed pace
• Paddle boards are included for anyone who wants a steadier, more open-water view

One practical note from how these activities are commonly run on boats: you’ll be wearing a life vest while snorkeling, and some people find that changes their feel in the water. If you already know you hate anything restricting your movement, consider that before booking. For most people, the vest is simply part of the day and helps everyone stay safe.

Also, expect that snorkeling time can get “production-line” energy. If you want a calmer feel, focus on your own pace rather than trying to match someone else’s. You’ll have more fun staying relaxed than rushing.

Love Beach Access: Optional, Controlled, and Easy to Misunderstand

Love Beach, the famous beach tucked inside the islands, is where many people’s attention goes—and it can be worth it if you get access. But here’s the key: Love Beach access is not included. It’s available on request, and it’s controlled by the marine park.

That means two things for you:

1. If you want it, treat it like an add-on with real limits—not like an included bonus.
2. You may also see extra charges related to conservation and/or the Love Beach experience setup, plus souvenir photos are mentioned as part of the upgrade.

Since access is limited, you’ll do best by confirming the Love Beach request at booking time and checking again when you’re in touch with the provider. If you arrive hoping it’s automatic, you could end up disappointed—especially if your request wasn’t properly attached to your reservation.

Food at Sea: What’s Included (and What to Budget For)

This is a solid part of the value equation. The included lunch is more than a bag sandwich: a baguette with cheese, ham, and salami, plus homemade potatoes and a tropical salad.

That said, the lunch is served on the boat after the day’s activities get rolling. If you’re the type who gets hangry when plans shift, keep snacks in mind as a backup—even though lunch is included. The best boat days run smoothly, but marine conditions can affect timing.

Also pay attention to what’s not covered:

• Port tax: MX$29.00 per person
• Marietas Island Conservation Fee: MX$100.00 per person
• Optional add-ons like Love Beach access and photo upgrades

So your $99 price is the base tour. Your final spend may be higher once those park fees and any optional beach access are included.

Price and Value: The $99 Base vs the Real Total

At $99 per person, this tour is priced for affordability compared with private charters or smaller-group boat days. The main reason it feels good value is that it bundles several expensive “extras” for you:

• gear (snorkeling set, life vest, paddle boards, kayaks)
• meals (breakfast + lunch)
• open bar (with a safety-friendly alcohol timing rule)

But the fees aren’t imaginary. Once you add port tax (MX$29) and the Marietas conservation fee (MX$100), you’re already above the base tour price. And if you choose Love Beach, expect additional costs because access is controlled.

Here’s how I’d frame the value for you:

• If you want active water time and a full meal day, the base price is a good deal.
• If Love Beach is a must-do, your value depends on whether you’ve handled the request properly and whether you’re okay paying extra for access and photos.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• a single day plan from Puerto Vallarta that includes water activities
• included gear, so you don’t have to shop or pack snorkeling equipment
• a boat day with real meals, not just drinks and chips

It’s also a good fit if you’re traveling in a group style. The max size is 280 travelers, which usually means you’ll share the experience with a lot of people—more social energy, less quiet.

You might want a different option if:

• you need Love Beach access to be 100% guaranteed (it’s request-based and controlled)
• you prefer snorkeling without a life vest or without group pacing
• you’re very sensitive to schedule changes or long waits on board

Kids ages 3 to 5 are free for the tour, but not for meals (meals are MX$100 per person). That makes it potentially reasonable for small families, as long as the day’s meal plan works for your child.

Should You Book Sea Mi Amor Marietas?

I’d book this if your goal is a fun, active day on the water with meals and basic gear handled. The $99 base price is attractive because it doesn’t ask you to bring everything yourself, and the open bar rule keeps the vibe lively once you’ve finished the water time.

I’d think twice (or plan harder) if Love Beach is your top priority. Since access is optional, request-based, and controlled by the marine park, your outcome depends on confirmation and timing. If you can’t afford disappointment, double-check your Love Beach request before you ever show up at the terminal.

If you do book, go with a simple mindset: enjoy the kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling time, and treat the special beach as a bonus you’re requesting—not a sure thing.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Mi Amor Marietas tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Terminal Maritima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, and fruit. Lunch includes a baguette with cheese, ham, and salami, homemade potatoes, and tropical salad.

Is the open bar included?

Yes, there is an open bar on board, and alcoholic drinks are only available after the water activities.

What equipment is included for the water activities?

Kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear with a life vest are included.

Is Love Beach included?

No. Love Beach access is available only on request and is controlled by the marine park. It can also be an upgrade, and souvenir photos may be included with the upgrade.

What fees are not included in the price?

Port tax is MX$29.00 per person, and the Marietas Island Conservation Fee is MX$100.00 per person.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t get a refund. The tour also depends on good weather, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.