Catamaran Islas Marietas – Snorkel & Open Bar

The main draw here is a full day on the Pacific, with the Marietas Islands National Park as your anchor. You sail from Puerto Vallarta, eat breakfast and lunch onboard, then use kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear around the islands. Hidden Beach, also called Playa del Amor, may be part of the day, but it is listed as optional rather than guaranteed.

I like the easy all-in-one setup: your meals, drinks, marine equipment, and onboard insurance are included. I also like the range of activities, since you can paddle near rocky arches, swim, or simply watch Banderas Bay from the deck with music playing.

The main caution is that the day may not match the sales description perfectly. The tour is advertised as a catamaran with English service and a maximum of 90 people, but one account describes a much larger boat, mostly Spanish commentary, limited snorkeling time, and a trip that ran about nine hours. I would confirm those details before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• Marietas Islands are the star of the day: Expect Pacific views, rock formations, coves, and protected marine waters rather than a long list of separate stops.
• The advertised price is $92 per person: Add the listed government charges of $3 and $10 per person, for a possible total of $105.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: The morning meal includes fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes.
• Water equipment is supplied: Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are listed as included, though equipment availability should be confirmed.
• The open bar is mainly for the return trip: Alcoholic drinks are specifically described as being served on the way back.
• Expect a long day: The published duration is about 10 hours, starting at 8:00 a.m. from Puerto Magico and ending there.

Sailing from Puerto Magico at 8:00 a.m.

You meet at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone North. The tour returns to this same point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta and can reach the marina area by public transportation.

The published start time is 8:00 a.m., and the total duration is about 10 hours. That is a substantial commitment. You are not booking a quick harbor cruise with a short swim stop. You are giving the whole day to the boat, the islands, meals, water activities, and the return ride.

I would plan to arrive early, especially since the trip has a maximum stated capacity of 90 people. A large group can take longer to board and organize around equipment. The exact vessel also deserves a quick check before departure. The experience is marketed as a catamaran, but one passenger reported that the boat did not feel like the catamaran described and that more than 100 people were onboard. That may reflect a change in operation or a different sailing, but it is worth clarifying.

Breakfast with Banderas Bay in view

The morning meal gives the day a practical start. You receive a continental breakfast with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes. This is not a formal restaurant breakfast, but it covers the basics before the active part of the outing.

I like having food included on a day that can last until late afternoon or early evening. You do not need to pack a full meal, and lunch is included later as well. Still, if you need snacks between meals, the provided information does not say that extra food is available, so bringing a small personal snack may be sensible.

The boat ride itself is part of the experience. You get open views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay as the coast falls behind you. Music is included, with dancing encouraged onboard. The atmosphere is designed to be social rather than quiet and reflective.

That matters when choosing this tour. If you want a lively boat day with music, games, and possibly karaoke on the return, the format should suit you. If you want a small, quiet sailing with long stretches of silence, a 90-person maximum may already feel too busy, and the reported larger capacity would be an even greater concern.

Arriving at the Marietas Islands National Park

The Marietas Islands are a protected marine area off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Their appeal comes from the contrast between open Pacific water and unusual volcanic rock formations, arches, and small coves.

You are not visiting a conventional beach resort. The islands are the setting for water activities and wildlife viewing. The tour highlights local wildlife while sailing and around the islands, though no particular species are promised. Keep your expectations broad: you may see marine life, seabirds, or other coastal wildlife, but the experience does not guarantee specific sightings.

The islands are also sensitive to visitor pressure. The included SEMARNAT bracelet and government fees reflect the regulated nature of access. The information lists a $3 government fee and a separate $10 SEMARNAT bracelet charge per person. Because the two charges are not explained in detail, I would ask the operator whether both are required and whether they are already included in the displayed price. Based on the supplied figures, you should budget for up to $13 beyond the $92 tour price.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding

The active part of the day is built around the water. Snorkeling, kayaks, and paddleboards are listed as included, so you do not need to rent those items separately. The boat is intended to bring you close to rocky formations and secluded coves where you can paddle and swim.

The activities give you choices. You can try snorkeling if the water conditions suit you, take a kayak around the formations, or use a paddleboard for a different view of the cliffs and arches. You can also stay on deck if you prefer not to enter the water. The tour does not require everyone to take part in every activity.

The key issue is time. One account described only about 30 minutes for snorkeling and said snorkeling equipment was not handed out, reportedly because of Covid precautions. The current information says all necessary water equipment is provided, but it does not specify how long you get in the water or how equipment is sanitized and distributed.

I would ask two clear questions before departure: Is snorkeling equipment currently available, and how much time is scheduled for swimming and snorkeling? Those answers can make a big difference. Thirty minutes in the water feels brief if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. It may be enough if you mainly want a boat ride with a short water stop.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and extra clothes. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, along with insect repellent. That advice is practical for a long day outdoors, especially when you are moving between the boat, water, and island area.

The optional visit to Hidden Beach

The famous Hidden Beach, or Playa del Amor, is listed as an optional visit. That word matters. You should not pay for this experience assuming that you will definitely enter the beach or reach it in a particular way.

The supplied information does not explain the access rules, sea conditions, age requirements, or exact time allowed at Hidden Beach. Those details can affect the experience. Ask the crew on the day whether the beach visit is operating and what conditions apply.

Even without the beach, the Marietas Islands remain the main attraction. You still have the boat views, rock formations, water activities, meals, and wildlife viewing. Treat Playa del Amor as a possible bonus, not the entire reason to book.

Lunch, music, and the return trip

Lunch is served onboard, adding another useful break during the long day. The food is described simply as part of the package, not as a special dining event. One account found the food average, so I would value it as convenient fuel rather than a highlight.

The open bar is also worth reading carefully. Alcoholic drinks are specified for the way back, rather than throughout the entire trip. That arrangement makes sense from a safety point of view, since snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding come earlier in the day.

You may get music, games, and even karaoke on the return. The tone can be festive, with dancing encouraged. One account noted that most of the music was in Spanish. That is not necessarily a problem, especially if you want a Mexican party atmosphere, but English-speaking customers should not expect an English-only soundtrack or commentary.

English is listed as an available language, yet one account said the communication was about 90 percent Spanish. Since language can vary by crew and departure, confirm how much English guidance will be provided. If you need detailed instructions for water activities, make that clear before getting into the water.

How much value do you get for $92?

At $92 per person, the tour offers a fair amount in one package. You receive a full day on the water, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, an open bar on the return, onboard music, and insurance. The boat ride to the Marietas Islands is also built into the price.

The possible government charges change the calculation. With the listed $3 and $10 fees, your total could reach about $105 per person. Ask whether those charges are collected at booking or at the meeting point, and whether both apply.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several parts of the package. A couple who wants a full boat day, some water activity, included meals, and a social atmosphere may find the price reasonable. The value is weaker if your priority is extended snorkeling, a small group, quiet sailing, or a guaranteed Hidden Beach visit.

Group size is the biggest unknown. The stated maximum is 90 people, already large for anyone seeking personal attention. The account describing more than 100 people and a mostly Spanish experience raises a legitimate concern about crowd control and communication. I would request the current passenger limit and vessel type in writing if those details matter to you.

Who should book this island trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a convenient, active day from Puerto Vallarta and do not mind a party-boat feel. It suits couples, friends, and families who like having several activities available without arranging separate transportation, meals, and equipment.

It is also a good fit if you prefer flexibility during a group excursion. You can snorkel, paddle, watch the coast, eat, listen to music, or relax on deck. Not every moment demands physical activity.

I would be more cautious if you are a serious snorkeler. The tour does not promise a long session, and the account of a 30-minute water period is important. I would also hesitate if you strongly prefer English instruction, a quiet boat, or a small-group sailing.

Pregnant passengers are not permitted to board. The company reserves the right to refuse boarding at any stage of pregnancy because of the risks associated with maritime activities. Most other participants can take part, according to the supplied information, but you should still consider your own comfort with boat travel and water sports.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. That gives you some flexibility, but the local cutoff time applies.

Should you book the Catamaran Islas Marietas tour?

Book it if you want a busy, social full-day outing that combines the Marietas Islands with food, music, drinks, and several water activities. The included equipment and meals keep the planning easy, and the views across Banderas Bay are a strong reason to spend the day on the water.

Before booking, confirm four points: the actual vessel, current passenger limit, amount of English service, and whether snorkeling gear and Hidden Beach access are operating. I would also confirm the two government charges and the expected time in the water.

If those details match your expectations, $92 plus possible fees can be reasonable for a full package. If you want a quiet catamaran, long snorkeling time, or a carefully guided English experience, choose a smaller specialist boat instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone North. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m. The published duration is approximately 10 hours.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast includes fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes.

Are snorkeling, kayak, and paddleboard equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling, paddleboard, and kayak equipment are listed as included. One account reported that snorkeling equipment was not distributed, so confirm the current arrangement before departure.

Is Hidden Beach included?

A visit to Hidden Beach, also called Playa del Amor, is listed as optional. The provided information does not guarantee that every departure will visit it.

What extra fees should I expect?

The tour information lists government fees of $3 and $10 per person, including a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet. Ask the provider whether both fees apply and how they are collected.