Marietas caves, boat drinks, and a time crunch. The big appeal here is the combo: snorkeling around the islands plus paddle time, with breakfast and lunch handled for you and an open bar after the water fun. I like that the day is built around doing stuff (snorkel, kayak/SUP, photos) rather than just sitting on a bus, and that the group stays small. The main drawback to plan for is that the snorkeling window can feel short if you’re not going all-in on the optional hidden beach.

Here’s the reality check: you’re on the water for a lot of the day, and comfort depends on whether you can snag shade on the boat. If you want the hidden beach, you’ll need to swim and you should say so ahead of time, since it’s not automatic. If jellyfish show up (they can), you’ll want to be ready for that possibility and follow the crew’s safety rules.

Key points before you go

• Snorkel from the boat: you jump in with provided fins, vest, and snorkel gear.
• Kayak or paddleboard is included: choose your pace—calm water time plus scenery.
• Breakfast + lunch + open bar: food is covered, and drinks come after the water activities.
• Hidden beach costs extra ($1,000 MXN) and requires swimming: tell them in advance.
• Bring sun-smart gear: shade can be limited on the long ride out and back.

Marietas Islands: what you’ll actually experience

The Marietas Islands trip from Puerto Vallarta is all about the water-side version of this famous place. You’re out on the ocean and doing the core activities—snorkeling, plus kayak or paddleboard—while you enjoy the scenery and caves in the area.

One important expectation to set: you may not step onto the island itself. In practice, this kind of setup usually means you experience the island by swimming and snorkeling nearby, and you can also take an added option (an extra eco-style boat activity) if you want more time exploring by water.

That’s why this tour works best for people who are active and flexible. If you’re picturing a long beach walk with tons of time in the water, you might feel rushed. If you want a well-fed, good-time day on the sea with multiple activity stops, it’s a strong match.

Price and logistics: what’s included vs what’s extra

At $95.64 per person, the value looks solid on paper because key comfort pieces are bundled in: snorkeling gear (fins, vest, snorkel), paddleboard or kayak, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar after the water activities.

But Marietas-style tours often add a few conservation and port-related items on top. At the meeting/register stage, the tour lists:

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

That’s $150 MXN total paid during the start process.

Separately, the not-included list also mentions:

• Port fee: $33 MXN
• Sermarnat bracelet for conservation: $180 MXN

And then there’s the optional big one:

• Hidden beach: $1,000 MXN (optional, and swimming is required)

My practical advice: when you budget, treat the advertised $95.64 as the base price, and plan for “day-of fees” and optional upgrades.

Your day starts at Puerto Mágico (and it runs long)

You meet at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico with a start time of 9:00 am. The tour ends back at that same meeting point.

The total day runs about 8 to 9 hours. There’s also a hard truth about timing: you spend a lot of that time on the boat heading to and from the islands. On some departures, the rides are long enough that you’ll want to plan your sun strategy like it’s part of the itinerary, not an afterthought.

This is also a small-group tour, with a maximum of 40 travelers. That size is a big deal. Smaller groups typically move more smoothly when it’s time to hand out gear and get everyone into the water (or back onto the boat).

The boat ride: shade is scarce, so choose smart

A theme that comes up fast is that the boat ride can be hot and bright. Even though you’re going to see dolphins/whales at times on the route (one review notes whales spotted along the way), the physical experience can still feel like a sun test—especially if you’re not in the shade.

One reviewer specifically pointed out that only about a quarter of the boat was shaded. So if shade matters to you, treat seat choice seriously.

What I’d do:

• Arrive early enough to get a good pick before the boat settles.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses. Even with cloud cover, the water glare can hit hard.
• If you’re sensitive to sun, consider a light long-sleeve swim shirt. It’s often easier than trying to reapply sunscreen under changing conditions.

Stop: Bahía de Banderas break for breakfast and views

Before you reach the islands, you get a “road-to-reality” moment: you head toward the Marietas area and enjoy breakfast while taking in the scenery.

This stop is where the tour turns from travel mode into activity mode. You’ll be fed, which matters because once you start paddling or snorkeling, energy disappears fast—especially when sun and saltwater are in the mix.

The pace is also a reminder: you’re not just paying for one swim. You’re paying for the whole day structure—meals, gear, and multiple chances to enjoy the water.

Islas Marietas: photos, snorkeling, and the active part

This is the heart of the experience. You get time for photos and scenery, plus you can choose from water activities. The tour includes:

• Snorkeling gear (fins, vest, snorkel)
• Paddleboard or kayak

What that means on the water:

• You’re likely snorkeling by getting in from the boat and swimming/snorkeling around the area rather than doing a long guided reef loop.
• The snorkeling area can be limited, and conditions vary. If the water is murky, you may see less than you hoped.

Safety and comfort notes I’d take seriously:

• Jellyfish stings are possible. One review described multiple stings to the entire boat group that jumped in. That’s not something you can control, but you can reduce panic: keep calm, follow the crew’s directions, and don’t ignore warnings.
• Getting back onto the boat can be tricky. One review mentioned there’s no ladder, and people needed help to pull themselves aboard. If you’re not comfortable with repeated climbing/hoisting, this is a real consideration.

Also, there’s an eco-minded element around sun products. The tour crew may ask you to avoid sunscreen to protect marine life. One reviewer said the crew pushed hard on this point, and they had to sneak sunscreen to stay safe from sunburn. I can’t tell you what products you personally should use, but you should plan for sun protection in clothes/hat first, and then follow whatever guidance the crew gives on the day.

Hidden beach ($1,000 MXN): worth it, or skip?

The hidden beach option is the big “make or break” choice for many people. It’s listed as:

• Optional
• $1,000 MXN
• Requires you to know how to swim
• You should tell them in advance so they can plan it

This is why some reviews are glowing and some are disappointed. If you’re the type who came specifically for the hidden beach experience, you’ll feel like this tour delivers—because otherwise it’s more about caves and snorkeling near the area.

If you don’t do hidden beach, you might feel the trip is too boat-heavy for the amount of time spent in the water. In that case, ask yourself a simple question before booking: do you want the extra swim-based adventure, or are you happy with caves + snorkeling + paddling from the boat?

Lunch and open bar: when the day turns social

After water activities, you get a reset with lunch and a drink option. The plan includes:

• Lunch (described as sandwiches and pasta in one review)
• An open bar on the boat after the water activities
• About an hour to relax, socialize, and take photos

This is a good moment to slow down. You’re done with the most physically demanding parts, so it becomes a “chat and enjoy the return” phase rather than a constant gear-and-water cycle.

If you’re with kids or a group with mixed comfort levels, this timing can also help. Not everyone will love long swims, but most people can enjoy food, drinks, and scenic views while the boat heads back.

Who this Marietas tour suits best

This is best for you if:

• You want a mix of activities (snorkel + kayak/paddleboard + photos).
• You like day trips that manage food for you (breakfast and lunch included).
• You’re comfortable spending hours on the boat and dealing with sun, even if shade is limited.
• You’re a decent swimmer if you might add the hidden beach.

It’s not the best fit if:

• You’re expecting lots of time ashore or a relaxed beach day.
• You hate the idea of potentially short snorkeling windows or variable water clarity.
• You’re not comfortable with getting back onto a boat without a ladder.
• You’re prone to jellyfish stings or panic in open water conditions.

One reviewer said this worked well for kids ages 8 to 15, especially because gear and food were handled and the crew was helpful. That’s a useful sign: the tour seems set up to keep the experience moving and covered.

Tips to make the day smoother (and less sun-baked)

A few practical moves can upgrade the tour from “fine” to “great”:

• Pick shade early. Only part of the boat may be shaded, so go for it at the start.
• Bring sun protection that doesn’t rely only on sunscreen. A hat and swim shirt can help if the crew asks you to limit sunscreen.
• Treat hidden beach as a commitment. If you want it, say so ahead of time and be honest about your swimming comfort.
• Plan for short snorkeling time. Come for the overall island scenery and caves experience, not a long reef session.
• Use the provided vest and fins correctly. It’s part of the safety design.
• Stay flexible about water conditions. Murky water means fewer fish close by; clear water means better visibility, but you can’t guarantee either.

Value check: is $95.64 a good deal?

For many people, the price feels fair because you’re not just buying transportation to a spot. You’re paying for a packaged water day:

• snorkeling gear (fins, vest, snorkel)
• kayak or paddleboard
• breakfast + lunch
• open bar after the water activities
• a small group cap of 40

Where the value can drop is if your main goal is the hidden beach photo moment, and you don’t add the $1,000 MXN option. In that scenario, you may feel like you paid for boat time plus smaller snorkeling windows.

So the real value question is: will you use what’s included, and do you want hidden beach? If yes, the $95.64 base plus your planned add-ons can feel like a good trade. If no, you might compare alternatives and choose a shorter or more shore-focused activity.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta Marietas tour?

Book this tour if you want an active, well-fed day on the water with real extras—snorkeling gear, kayak/paddleboard, lunch, and an open bar. It’s also a great fit if you’re flexible about conditions and you’re okay being on the boat for hours.

Think twice if you’re set on extensive snorkeling time, you dislike long sun exposure, or you’re not comfortable swimming and climbing back onto a boat. And if hidden beach is your top priority, treat it as the core decision—because skipping it can make the rest of the day feel less satisfying.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves caves, photos, and water activities more than “staying dry and relaxed,” this is a strong Puerto Vallarta classic to put on your list.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Marietas Islands tour?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours total.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same place.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 40 travelers.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included for water activities?

You get snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel) and paddleboard or kayak.

Is food included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is an open bar on the boat after the water activities.

Do I need to swim for the hidden beach?

Yes. The hidden beach is optional, costs extra, and knowing how to swim is required.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

Gourmet Brunch with Chef: Unlimited Drinks & Stunning River ViewsFull Day ATV Experience and Booze Cruise with Open BarHip Hop Adult Only Party Boat with Unlimited drinks & Sandba stopZagreb: Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry