Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island, Breakfast, Lunch, Open Bar

The best part of this six-hour outing is the mix of wildlife watching and water time around the Marietas Islands. You may spot humpback whales in season, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds before swimming among colorful fish in a protected marine park. I like the cooked lunch and the fact that kayaking and paddle boards are included, not sold as costly extras.

I also like the friendly, upbeat boat setting, with music, karaoke, and games on the way home. The important catch is cost and access: the listed price is $128, but marine-park and marina fees are extra, and access to Playa del Amor, also called the secret beach, may require another fee and separate boat arrangements.

Key points at a glance

• Wildlife comes before the islands: Look for humpback whales in season, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds during the cruise.
• Snorkeling is weather dependent: Visibility can be poor, so do not book this only for underwater scenery.
• The secret beach may cost extra: Playa del Amor is not clearly included in the basic outing and may require separate payment and transport.
• Food is a real part of the day: You get continental breakfast first, then a hot lunch prepared on the boat.
• Water gear is included: Masks, snorkels, life jackets, kayaks, and paddle boards are provided.
• The return trip turns social: The open bar starts after snorkeling, followed by music, dancing, karaoke, and games.

Setting out across Banderas Bay

You begin with a cruise from Puerto Vallarta toward the Marietas Islands, a group of protected islands at the mouth of Banderas Bay. The ride is not simply transportation. It is the first wildlife-watching portion of the day, and you can keep watch for humpback whales when they are in season.

Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds are also possible sightings. The tour does not promise a particular animal, so think of this as a chance to observe local wildlife rather than a guaranteed whale-watching trip. Bring a camera, but keep it protected from spray and ready to use quickly.

A continental breakfast is served during the outward cruise. That is useful because the first part of the morning includes time on the water, and you will want something in your stomach before snorkeling and paddling. The exact breakfast menu is not provided, so do not book this expecting a large buffet.

The guides speak English and Spanish. Their role matters here because they point out good snorkeling areas and explain the protected marine zone. The crew is also described as attentive with safety equipment and passenger care, which is particularly helpful when a boat combines swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and social activities in one day.

Reaching the protected Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands are known for their unusual rock formations, marine life, and protected status. The boat circles and visits the island area rather than treating it like a simple beach stop. Your guide explains more about the conservation area as you cruise around the islands during lunch.

The protected setting is valuable for two reasons. First, it helps preserve fish, birds, and other marine life. Second, it gives you a chance to see a natural area without the usual beach-town development around you. You should still expect a popular excursion environment, not a private island escape.

One special possibility is the blue-footed booby. This bird is associated with the Galapagos Islands and the Marietas Islands, but sightings are not guaranteed. Keep your expectations sensible and your camera handy. Marine birds can be easier to spot than a particular species, especially while the boat is moving.

The phrase secret beach needs a careful explanation. Playa del Amor, the island’s famous beach inside a rock opening, is not clearly part of the standard experience described here. One account of the outing reports that access required an additional payment of about 60 euros, plus another boat fee for an island eco-experience.

That is a major point when comparing this tour with other Marietas Island trips. The headline price does not necessarily buy you time on Playa del Amor. Ask before booking exactly what access is included, how much it costs, and if the beach is open on your date. Island conditions and conservation rules can affect what you are allowed to visit.

Snorkeling among colorful fish

After the cruise, you get time to snorkel in the protected marine park. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included, and the guide points out areas where marine life is more likely to gather.

This is a good arrangement for first-time snorkelers. You do not have to bring your own equipment, and a guide can help direct you toward the more interesting sections rather than leaving you to search at random. The safety equipment is also useful because conditions on open water can change.

Still, snorkeling quality is the biggest uncertainty. One person described visibility as extremely poor, making the activity disappointing. Water clarity can vary with weather, current, and season. If you are mainly paying for excellent underwater viewing, this tour carries some risk.

I would treat snorkeling as one part of a broader day, not the sole reason to book. The cruise, island scenery, wildlife possibilities, lunch, and other water activities give the outing more value if visibility is weak. If clear water is your top priority, ask about recent conditions before committing.

The staff provides equipment, but you should bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. A camera or video camera is also listed as useful. Use reef-conscious sunscreen if possible, and follow all instructions in the protected area.

Kayaking, paddle boarding, or a quiet swim

Once you finish snorkeling, you can choose another way to enjoy the water. Kayaks and paddle boards are included, or you can simply swim and cool off.

This choice makes the tour more flexible than a trip built around one fixed activity. You can paddle if you want something active, swim if you want a simple break, or stay on the boat if you have had enough time in the water. That matters for groups with mixed interests, since not everyone wants the same pace.

You should bring enough energy for the whole morning. The schedule includes cruising, snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding, and swimming before lunch and the afternoon entertainment. There is no need to do every activity. A relaxed swim can be a better choice than rushing from one option to the next.

Life jackets are included, and the crew provides support with the safety equipment. A hotel room key, identification, or a 200-peso security deposit may be required for the snorkeling equipment. Bring one of those options, along with extra cash for tips, photos, and other purchases.

Boat-cooked lunch with the bar opening afterward

After the water activities, you return to the boat. This is when the open bar begins, so the timing is worth noting. Drinks are not the focus during snorkeling, and you should not expect the bar to be open from the first moment you board.

A hot lunch is prepared on the boat while you cruise around the Marietas Islands. The food receives some of the strongest praise connected with this outing, with particular approval for the breakfast, snacks, and cooked meal. That makes the tour feel like a full day on the water rather than a basic transfer with a short swim stop.

The menu is not specified, so anyone with strict dietary needs should ask before booking. The information only confirms that lunch is prepared on board, not which dishes are served or whether special diets can be handled.

The lunch cruise also gives you a chance to dry off and take in the islands from the deck. Your guide shares information about the protected area while you eat. This is a calmer part of the day and a useful pause before the music begins.

The open bar adds value, but only if you plan to use it responsibly. You still have a boat ride back to Puerto Vallarta, and the trip includes music, dancing, and karaoke. Water and sensible pacing are wise, especially after time in the sun.

Music, karaoke, and games on the ride home

On the return to Puerto Vallarta, the boat shifts from nature outing to party cruise. The dance floor opens, music plays, and you can sing karaoke or join crew-led games.

This atmosphere is a strength for some people and a drawback for others. If you like a social boat ride with a lively crew, the final stretch gives the day a clear finish. If you want a quiet trip back, this may feel noisy or over-programmed.

The experience is not presented as a small, silent nature trip. It combines wildlife, snorkeling, food, drinks, and entertainment. I would choose it for a group of friends, couples who enjoy casual social activities, or families with older children who want several choices in one outing.

It may be less suitable if you want long, peaceful time on an uncrowded beach. The tour’s appeal comes from variety and atmosphere. You get more activities than on a simple island transfer, but less control over your own pace.

What the $128 price really covers

At $128 per person, the tour includes a lot: breakfast, a hot lunch, English or Spanish guides, life jackets, snorkeling gear, kayaking, paddle boards, the open bar after snorkeling, and the return entertainment.

The value is strongest when you would otherwise pay separately for several of those pieces. Food and drinks can quickly increase the cost of a boat day, and included kayaks and paddle boards mean you are not being asked to pay for every extra activity once you are on board.

The advertised price is not the final cost. A marine-park conservation fee is listed as 220 Mexican pesos, about $8, while the practical information also cites 180 pesos, about $9. The marina entrance fee is listed as 33 pesos in one place and 32 pesos elsewhere, about $1.50 to $2.

Because the amounts conflict, confirm the current charges before you go. You should also budget for tips, photos, and possible equipment deposits. Most importantly, ask about Playa del Amor. An extra beach charge and separate boat cost can change the value calculation by a great deal.

One account found the total too expensive after adding taxes, the beach, and an additional island boat experience. That concern is fair. At the basic price, the tour offers a full day of food, activities, and entertainment. With every optional island add-on, it may no longer be a bargain.

Who will enjoy this six-hour outing

I would recommend this tour to you if you want one organized day that covers many bases. It works well when your group includes people who want snorkeling, paddling, sightseeing, food, drinks, and music rather than one single activity.

It is also a practical choice for first-time visitors who prefer a guided plan. You do not need to arrange separate equipment rentals or find lunch after returning from the water. The bilingual guide support adds comfort for English- and Spanish-speaking passengers.

Families should check the age details before booking. Children aged 3 to 5 pay 200 pesos directly at check-in. The information does not give a minimum age for every water activity, so ask how young children can take part safely.

I would be cautious about booking if your main goal is Playa del Amor or superb snorkeling visibility. The beach may be extra, and underwater conditions can be poor. In that case, confirm both points in writing before paying.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The full outing lasts about six hours, which is long enough to fill a major part of your day.

What to pack for Marietas Island

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera or video camera. You should also carry extra cash for tips, photos, fees, and any optional beach or boat arrangements.

For the snorkeling deposit, bring your hotel room key, identification, or 200 pesos. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you will be moving between the boat, water, and activity equipment.

Wear something comfortable for the cruise and bring a dry layer if you dislike wind after swimming. The official information does not specify storage arrangements, so keep personal items compact and protected from water.

Should you book this Marietas Island tour?

Book it if you want a busy, social boat day with meals, equipment, wildlife watching, a protected marine park, and music on the way home. The strongest parts are the attentive crew, good food, included water activities, and broad range of things to do.

Think twice if you are paying mainly for the secret beach or perfect snorkeling. Playa del Amor may require extra payment and transport, while water visibility is not guaranteed. Before booking, confirm the current conservation and marina fees, ask whether the beach is included, and decide if the party-style return trip suits you.

For a group that values variety, the $128 base price can be reasonable. For a quiet nature outing or a low-cost visit to Playa del Amor, another option may offer better value.

FAQ

How long does the Marietas Island tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Spanish.

Are meals included?

Yes. The tour includes a continental breakfast and a hot lunch prepared on the boat.

Is the open bar available all day?

No. The open bar opens after the snorkeling and other water activities.

Are snorkeling and paddling equipment included?

Yes. Life jackets, masks, snorkels, kayaks, and paddle boards are included.

What extra fees should I expect?

You need to pay a marine-park conservation fee and a marina entrance fee. The supplied details list slightly different amounts, so confirm the current prices before departure. Children aged 3 to 5 pay 200 pesos directly at check-in.