Whales plus national-park beaches in one trip. This Puerto Vallarta cruise pairs Islas Marietas beach time with a humpback whale search in Banderas Bay. You get a real mix of coast, swimming, and wildlife instead of just cruising in a straight line.

I can also see why it’s such an easy sell for groups: food and drinks are handled on the boat, and you’re not scrambling to rent gear. One thing to keep in mind is that wind and chop can affect how comfortable swimming and snorkeling feel, and it can change how much time you want in the water.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Pickup from Sayulita (if requested): You’ll shuttle to the Puerta Vallarta marina and return the same way.
• All-inclusive on the water: Breakfast service, snacks, plus lunch and dinner with an open bar.
• Water toys included: Snorkeling gear, water mattresses, paddle boards, and even water slides.
• Whales are the target, not the guarantee: Your crew scans for humpbacks while you enjoy the bay.
• Small-ish group size: Max 55 travelers keeps it feeling more controlled than huge cattle boats.
• Drones are a no: Federal rules keep them off this tour for bird and protected areas.

Islas Marietas and Whale Watching in One Day (Why This Mix Works)

This is built as a two-part day on the same boat: first the Marietas area with beach and swimming time, then a wildlife search in Banderas Bay. That structure matters because it reduces the risk of having a slow whale-watching day. Even when the whales are quiet, you still have water time, snorkeling opportunities, and a real “vacation” rhythm.

You start by heading toward the Marietas Islands, where you’ll get your first break on land and in the water. Then you return to boat mode—snorkeling directly from the boat, more swimming, and plenty of relaxation. Finally, the whale portion kicks in during the return stretch, when the crew scans for humpbacks and other marine life.

The Marietas part is not just sightseeing. You’ll get time at Playa La Nopalera and also have chances to swim at a scenic spot from the water. The whales part is handled with the same mindset: there’s a Cruise Director and a knowledgeable crew watching conditions and moving to the best viewing options.

Getting There From Sayulita: What the Shuttle Day Feels Like

If you request it, you’ll be picked up in Sayulita and shuttled to the Puerta Vallarta marina. In practical terms, it’s a straightforward transfer you don’t have to plan yourself, and a review mentions the ride is about 35 minutes.

You’ll board in Puerto Vallarta, not in Sayulita. That’s normal for boats running out of the marina, and it’s a good reason to arrive on time for the pickup window you’re assigned. Also note that the operator says you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation, which is one of those small steps that saves confusion later.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. It’s listed as near public transportation, which can help if you’re in the area without a hotel pickup.

One last practical note: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. So if you’re staying outside Sayulita, you’ll want to be clear about where you’re meeting and how you’re getting there.

Breakfast to Dinner: How the All-Inclusive Food and Bar Actually Pay Off

This is where the $110 price tag starts making sense. You’re not paying separately for meals, and you’re not dealing with the usual “drink menu shock” when you’re already out on the water.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Breakfast service as you approach the islands: fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices.
• A full snack setup on board: fresh guacamole with blue corn chips, ceviche, plus potato chips.
• An open bar with water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and piña colada.
• Lunch and dinner included during the cruise day.

That “meals + bar + snacks” bundle matters for whale watching days because you’re busy enough that you don’t want to stop and re-plan. It also keeps the vibe social. You can spend the time you’d normally waste on logistics just watching the horizon.

The open bar does come with a real adult focus: minimum drinking age is 18, and the tour is listed in that context.

Diet matters too. If you need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, the operator says those are available if you advise them at booking. That’s a big deal on a boat day where options can otherwise get limited.

Islas Marietas Beach Time: Playa La Nopalera and the Boat-to-Water Rhythm

Once you’re near the islands, your day shifts into beach mode. You’ll get a break at Playa La Nopalera, with time to relax, sunbathe, and swim. Then you’ll head back on board and continue.

This stop is a key reason the tour works for different travel styles:

• If you want photos and a break from the boat, the beach time gives you a land reset.
• If you want to stay active, you can go right back into the water afterward.

One consideration: the tour can involve swimming as part of getting to the beach area. A review notes this was the one downside for some people. If you know you don’t love water-based transitions, think about that before you book.

There’s also a national-park angle. A review tip calls out that sunscreen isn’t allowed at the national park, so plan sun protection accordingly. Think along the lines of rash guards or a sun shirt so you can protect your skin without needing sunscreen.

Snorkeling and Water Toys From the Boat: Fun Even Without Perfect Conditions

On paper, this tour includes swimming and snorkeling at a scenic spot, directly from the boat. Gear is provided, and the boat is set up with water toys so you’re not stuck waiting for one “official” activity.

Included equipment includes:

• Snorkeling gear
• water mattresses
• paddle boards
• water slides

The water slides and jump platform turn the cruise into something closer to a floating water park. It’s a big reason many people rate these days highly, because you can play even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler.

But weather can affect what you’ll do. One review describes a windy/choppy day where snorkeling got rough and they ended up skipping it. That’s not a failure of the tour; it’s just how open water works. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to take that seriously, because chop can make the boat ride and the water time more intense.

If you do snorkel, you’ll have the advantage of convenient gear handling and the chance to do it without trekking around. You’re already set up, and the crew can help you get going.

Whale Watching in Banderas Bay: How You Actually Get the Best Shot

This part is the heart of the experience: the crew scans for humpback whales, and they steer toward the best viewing areas based on current conditions. The tour describes sailing to multiple locations within the bay while looking for fins and tails.

What I like about this approach is that it matches how whale watching really works. If you’re standing in one spot hoping for whales to appear, you’re at the mercy of chance. When the crew actively searches and moves, your odds improve.

Your whale watching scan also runs alongside the possibility of other wildlife. The tour notes you may encounter dolphins, turtles, and rays, and that’s a nice backup plan when whales are spaced out.

Also pay attention to how the crew treats wildlife. A top review specifically highlighted that the naturalists respect the ocean and keep distance while whales mate. That’s exactly what you want from an operator here: focused viewing without turning animals into entertainment props.

One more reality check: humpbacks aren’t a vending machine. You might see several whales, or you might see fewer. Either way, the day is designed so you’re not sitting idle while waiting.

The Crew and On-Board Energy: Friendly, Attentive, and Built for a Good Day

The tone on the boat comes through in the details: friendly staff, attentive service, and a fun atmosphere. Music is part of the experience too, and a review mentions the playlist on board, so you can expect upbeat vibes rather than quiet nature-study only.

Specific names pop up in the mix: Tanya and Luis are mentioned in crew contexts, and that gives you a sense that the staff is present and involved, not just there to hand out towels.

Attentiveness shows up in the way meals and drinks are served quickly after departure, and in how staff supports you with water activities. If you’re doing paddle boards or jumping off a platform, the difference between “gear is there” and “someone helps you use it safely” is huge, and the reviews point to strong hands-on support.

There’s also an extra layer for whale spotting. The tour includes an expert Cruise Director and staff informed on the latest whale-watching conditions. Translation: you’re not only looking; you’re also learning and adjusting.

Price Check: Why $110 Feels Fair for This Much Included

At $110 per person, you’re paying for a bundle. You’re getting:

• transport from Sayulita (when requested)
• Marietas beach time
• breakfast, lunch, dinner
• snacks like guacamole chips and ceviche
• an extensive open bar
• snorkeling gear and water toys
• the crew’s whale watching searching

In other words, you’re not just paying for a boat ticket. You’re paying for a day organizer that keeps you fed, watered, and entertained.

The operator also positions this as a group tour to keep costs down. That’s believable here because the boat stays capped at max 55 travelers. You get a social atmosphere, but it doesn’t sound like a school-bus circus.

Value doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Weather can limit snorkeling. A review mentions bathrooms weren’t ideal for them, and another mentions feeling disappointed with the overall communication on a different trip—so communication clarity matters. Still, the overall value case is strong because the essentials are included.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Style)

This tour fits best if you want a flexible day that combines:

• whale watching in Banderas Bay
• Marietas beach time
• real water play (slides, boards, snorkeling)
• food and drinks included

It’s also a solid choice for families with teens or adults who can handle open water. One review mentions kids ages 14 and 16 enjoying the day and trying the water toys, so older kids seem to fit the vibe.

If you prefer a quiet, nature-only boat day with minimal activity, you may find the open bar and lively music less your style. One family review specifically warned about the open bar environment around people traveling without children.

If you’re extremely sensitive to motion sickness, consider that rough/windy conditions can make swimming and snorkeling harder. That’s not avoidable on the ocean, but your tolerance is the deciding factor.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Tour?

If you want a one-ticket solution—Marietas + whales + snorkeling + meals + open bar—this is a strong match. The best sign is that the day is structured with backups: beach and water toys first, then whales when conditions allow.

Book it if:

• humpback whales in Banderas Bay are your top goal
• you’re happy to be active in the water
• you like having food and drinks handled for you
• you want a group tour with a cap around 55

Think twice if:

• you hate open-water boat days in wind
• you want a very quiet experience
• you’re picky about beach access and water-based transitions

If you go, do yourself a favor and plan sun protection without relying on sunscreen at the national park. And if the famed hidden beach access is important to you, double-check that you’re covered for any specific reservation requirements tied to the Marietas area.

FAQ

Do you pick up from Sayulita?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Sayulita is provided if requested.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is about 3 hours (approx.).

What meals and snacks are included?

Breakfast service includes fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. You’ll also have included snacks, and the tour highlights note lunch and dinner are included.

What’s included in the open bar?

The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and piña colada.

What water activities and gear are included?

Snorkeling gear is provided, and the boat includes water toys such as water mattresses and paddle boards. Water slides are also on board.

Does the tour include whale watching?

Yes. The schedule includes scanning in Banderas Bay for humpback whales, and you may also encounter dolphins, turtles, and rays.

Are drones allowed on this tour?

No. Drones are prohibited.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise at the time of booking.

Is there a free cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.