Clear water, wild birds, and a long sun-soaked sail. That mix is what makes the Islas Marietas day outing so interesting: you get snorkeling time in a protected marine park and an open bar on the ride back, all wrapped into a full day with food on board. One real drawback to keep in mind: the on-the-day details (like language support and what gear is actually available) can be inconsistent.

You’ll start in the morning from the Puerto Mágico area and spend hours cruising Banderas Bay. I like that the day includes proper onboard meals, including hot cakes for breakfast, plus time to paddle around rocky shapes.

Key things to know before you go

• Marietas Islands National Park: a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary just off Puerto Vallarta
• Food included on board: continental breakfast and lunch, plus fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and juice
• Water gear included: snorkeling plus paddleboard and kayak equipment
• Optional Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor): if your schedule allows
• Open bar on the return: alcoholic drinks come later, not at the start
• Big group day: up to 90 people, so expect a social, busy boat

Marietas Islands National Park: The draw is simple

If you want your Puerto Vallarta day to feel like a real ocean outing (not just a ride and a quick swim), Islas Marietas does that job. The islands sit in a protected marine area, so you’re spending time in a place that’s managed for wildlife and water quality—not a random shoreline stop.

The tour is designed around variety. You’re not stuck doing one thing the entire day. You’ll have time to snorkel, plus paddleboard and kayak time to move through calmer coves and around rocky formations from the water.

And because it’s on a boat, you also get that “Banderas Bay from the sea” viewpoint. Looking out over Puerto Vallarta’s coastline from open water feels different than from the beach or a viewpoint.

The day plan: What 10 hours usually feels like

The start is 8:00 am at Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera north area. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which is convenient after a long day.

In theory, the trip is about 10 hours. In practice, plan for a long stretch. Maritime days can shift due to timing at sea, park logistics, and how long people take for each activity. One report mentioned the day running longer than expected, so I’d mentally budget extra time instead of assuming everything will stay perfectly on a 10-hour clock.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

• Morning: sail out and get breakfast on board
• Midday: snorkeling and water activities near the islands
• Lunch on board while the boat is moving or anchored
• Later afternoon: relaxation on deck, plus more time on the water
• Return: music, games, and sometimes karaoke, plus the open bar

That late-afternoon vibe is part of what you’re paying for. You’re not just “doing the island.” You’re also getting a day at sea with food, music, and an easier return trip.

Breakfast and lunch on board: More than a snack

I like that this is not a bring-your-own-food situation. Breakfast is served on board and includes continental items plus hot cakes, plus fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and juice. That matters because early starts plus sun can hit hard. If you wait until you’re hungry on the water, you lose energy fast.

Lunch is included too. You’ll eat while the day is in motion, which keeps the schedule feeling fuller and less fragmented. For you, that means less time hanging around waiting for food, and more time using the hours for what you came for—water time and views.

A small practical note: you’ll be in swimwear at least part of the day, so bring extra clothes for the dry-off and changing moments. The tour info also encourages you to bring towels and extra clothes, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Snorkeling, paddleboard, and kayak: Nice when it’s smooth

The experience is built around water time. You’ll have snorkeling equipment, and you’ll also get paddleboard and kayak equipment included. That’s a big value point because rentals can add up fast in Mexico, especially if you’re trying to do multiple activities in one day.

Also, these activities work well together:

• Snorkeling gets you the underwater view of the marine environment
• Kayaking helps you explore near rocky areas from a calmer pace
• Paddleboarding lets you stay close to the coastline and rock lines

However, here’s the one “be ready” area I’d watch: one report mentioned snorkeling gear not being provided in a specific situation, and snorkeling time being shorter than expected. You can’t control that, but you can reduce the risk by doing two things:

1. Ask what snorkeling gear you’ll receive that day when you check in.
2. Keep your expectations flexible on how long snorkeling lasts.

If snorkeling is your top priority, having a Plan B matters. Still, the tour’s structure clearly intends for you to spend meaningful time in the water, not just dip in for a minute.

Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor): Optional, but it changes the day

Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) is listed as optional. If your day includes it, you’ll get one of the most talked-about sights around the Marietas area—an unusual beach tucked into a coastal setting.

Because it’s optional, you shouldn’t assume it will be part of your schedule. It’s the kind of stop that can depend on timing and the day’s run at sea.

My practical advice: if Hidden Beach is a must for you, ask your provider before you go what conditions affect whether it happens. That way you’re not stuck hoping for it while also planning to be happy with the rest of the island time.

Open bar on the way back: Fun, but don’t plan the whole day around it

There’s an open bar included, but it’s specifically on the return (alcoholic drinks on the way back). So the earlier parts of the day—when you’re snorkeling and paddling—are not the moment to count on drinking.

I like that structure for safety and enjoyment. You get to do the active parts with clear focus, then you can relax on deck during the ride back while the music and games kick in.

One word of caution from real-world feedback: at least one recent experience didn’t feel like strong alcohol was included. You can’t guarantee your drink strength, so I’d treat the open bar as a perk, not a guaranteed party.

If you do want to drink, pace yourself. It’s a long day in the sun, and you’ll still need your energy for getting on and off the boat comfortably.

Views from deck: Why being on the water matters

Even if you’re not the type who lives for water sports, there’s plenty to enjoy from the catamaran’s deck. You’ll take in Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta views as you sail around the islands.

This is also where the “day sail” feeling kicks in. The ocean air, the shifting angle of coastline views, and the fact you’re moving from one activity to another makes the day feel fuller than a single stop.

If you get seasick easily, the planning choice is yours: bring what you need. The tour info doesn’t list medication or medical gear, so come prepared like you would for any boat day.

Group size and language: Plan for a social, mixed-day vibe

This is a maximum of 90 travelers. That size can be great for meeting people, but it also means you’ll be part of a larger flow on board during check-ins and activity changes.

One report mentioned the tour’s English was limited and that Spanish was more dominant. Even though the offering is in English, it’s still smart to assume you may hear mostly Spanish at times—especially for safety instructions and music-related moments.

Here’s what to do:

• If you rely on English for guidance, ask the staff during check-in about where English support will be most helpful.
• Use your own curiosity. Even with some language gaps, the water activities are pretty visual.

Staff friendliness matters on tours like this, and at least one experience highlighted that the crew felt kind and helpful. That’s worth taking seriously because a good crew can turn a chaotic schedule into a smooth day.

What to pack for a long sea day in the sun

You’ll have sun, water, and changing needs. The tour info spells out several helpful reminders—follow them.

Bring:

• Your swimsuit and a towel
• Extra clothes for changing later
• Comfortable clothes and shoes (you’ll want something you can wear around the boat and dock areas)
• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
• Anything personal you need for sun comfort

If you have sensitive skin, biodegradable sunscreen is a good baseline. And yes, insect repellent is worth it even near water—don’t wait until you’re already annoyed.

If you’re bringing a phone or camera, keep it in a waterproof bag or sealed container. You’ll be near water constantly, and a phone mishap can ruin the whole mood.

Price value: What $92 really covers (and what costs extra)

At $92 per person, this day trip is built to bundle a lot together: breakfast, lunch, snorkeling plus paddleboard/kayak equipment, onboard insurance, and a return open bar.

Then there are extra government fees. The information lists:

• $3.00 per person (government fees)
• $10.00 per person (SEMARNAT bracelet)

So you should budget roughly $105 total before any personal extras. That’s still not bad if you want a full-day schedule with meals and multiple activities.

Where this price makes the most sense for you:

• You want a one-day “Marietas experience” without arranging separate snorkeling and gear rentals
• You like structured time on the water with food handled for you
• You’re okay with a group boat day (up to 90 people)

Where it may disappoint:

• If you expect a smaller, quieter boat experience
• If you’re extremely sensitive about English instruction and want it guaranteed
• If you’re counting on snorkeling gear and long snorkeling sessions with zero variation

Safety and boarding limits you should know up front

There is a pregnancy boarding restriction. The company reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger who is pregnant due to safety and the inherent risks associated with maritime activities and vessel navigation.

Also, the tour includes insurance on board, which is good to see. And there’s a SEMARNAT bracelet requirement listed with a $10 USD fee.

If you have any medical concerns that affect boat travel, check with the provider before you buy, or right after booking so you’re not stuck on arrival.

Should you book this Islas Marietas snorkel and open bar tour?

I’d book it if you want:

• A full-day outing from Puerto Vallarta with meals included
• Multiple water activities (snorkeling plus kayak and paddleboard time)
• A lively return with music and games

I’d think twice if:

• You need guaranteed English guidance the whole time
• You’re very strict about snorkeling gear availability and duration
• You want a smaller group or a more controlled, quiet pace

If you do book, go in with the right expectations: it’s a big boat day with lots of moving parts, and the best value comes when you’re flexible and focus on being out on the water at Marietas.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s included in the breakfast and lunch?

The tour includes a continental breakfast with hot cakes, plus fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and juice. Lunch is also included onboard.

Do I get snorkel, paddleboard, and kayak equipment?

Yes. Snorkel, paddleboard, and kayak equipment are included with the tour.

Is the open bar during the whole trip?

No. Alcoholic drinks are included on the way back.

Is Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) guaranteed?

It’s listed as optional, so it depends on the day’s schedule.

How much are the government fees?

The information lists $3.00 per person plus a $10.00 per person SEMARNAT bracelet fee. Budget for both.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., Puerto Vallarta, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Is there a pregnancy boarding restriction?

Yes. The company may refuse boarding to pregnant passengers due to safety risks related to maritime activities and vessel navigation.

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