Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

Marietas Islands are best reached by boat, and this all-inclusive cruise turns the ride into much of the day’s entertainment. You sail from the Bay of Banderas, watch for whales and dolphins, swim or snorkel near the islands, then return with lunch, music, drinks, and water toys.

I like the wide choice of activities, from kayaking and paddleboards to floating mats and a waterslide. I also like the crew’s friendly service, which comes through in details such as helping children, watching swimmers, and keeping solo passengers included.

The main catch is that this is an energetic group boat, not a quiet nature trip. The music can be loud, the water entry may require a jump from a smaller boat, and the Hidden Beach is not guaranteed even when you pay for the add-on.

Key points to know before booking

• Whale season runs from December to April: You may also see dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds at other times of year.
• The Hidden Beach is extra: Access requires a limited permit, advance notice, and an additional payment in pesos.
• Breakfast is light: Expect fresh fruit and pastries or mini muffins, so consider eating beforehand if you need a substantial morning meal.
• Water activities require confidence: You may need to swim from the boat to shore, enter through ocean waves, and wear a life jacket in the water.
• The boat holds up to 66 people: There are sunny and shaded areas, but the atmosphere is social, musical, and lively.
• The $110 price covers a lot: Food, premium drinks, equipment, activities, and about six hours on the water are included, but tips, transport, photos, and Hidden Beach access are not.

Why this six-hour cruise works best as a full day out

At $110 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to a beach. You are paying for a full package: breakfast, lunch, snacks, an open bar, crew service, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, floating equipment, and several hours on the water.

I see the value most clearly if you plan to use the boat’s many features. If you only want a calm ride and a quick look at the islands, a smaller sightseeing cruise may suit you better. If you want a social day with food, drinks, music, swimming, and plenty to do, the price is easier to justify.

The tour is listed at about six hours, with roughly an hour each way on the boat. The schedule includes about an hour and a half cruising toward the islands, around an hour at the island activity area, two hours back on the boat for lunch and water play, and an hour returning to port.

That is a long time on the water, but the crew fills it with food, drinks, music, wildlife watching, and activities. You should still bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a dry way to protect your phone.

Breakfast, drinks, and the first cruise across the bay

The day starts with fruit and pastries or mini muffins while the crew begins the premium beverage service. Coffee, juices, soda, water, and mineral water are available, along with margaritas, pina coladas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, and other drinks.

The word breakfast needs a little context. It is a light start, not a full meal with eggs or protein. A few people found the fruit and small muffins insufficient before lunch, so I would eat something beforehand if you tend to get hungry early.

The boat crew introduces the cruise director, photographer, and staff. The service has a party feel, but the crew also watches the practical details, such as helping people board, assisting children, and keeping an eye on those in the water.

The photographer follows the day and takes action and candid shots. You do not need to buy the photo package in advance to view and purchase photos later, but the package is not included in the tour price.

The ride to Marietas Islands and the chance to see wildlife

The cruise follows the north shore of the Bay of Banderas toward Marietas Islands. The ride takes about an hour or more, depending on conditions, and the scenery becomes part of the experience.

From December through April, humpback whales are commonly present in these waters. The crew keeps watch and may stop when whales or other sea life appear. Dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and seabirds can also be seen at different times of year.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, so I would treat it as a valuable bonus rather than the main reason to book. On a good day, though, whale sightings can be the most memorable part of the trip. The boat may pause long enough for you to watch, rather than simply pointing toward a distant fin and moving on.

A snack of guacamole and chips is served during the ride. Potato chips are also included, which helps bridge the gap between the light breakfast and lunch.

The group size can reach 66 people. That gives the boat a friendly, communal atmosphere, but it also means this is not an intimate wildlife outing. Music, drink service, and conversation are central to the experience.

Reaching the protected waters around Marietas Islands

By late morning, the boat enters the protected area around the islands and anchors for the main activities. Marietas Islands are known for unusual rock formations, sea birds, clear water on good days, and small beaches and caves.

The exact conditions matter. Wind, waves, tide, visibility, and timing can change what you are able to do. One delayed departure led to a high tide and the loss of beach access, while bad weather also prevented some departures from reaching the beach.

That is worth keeping in mind if the island beach is your main goal. The crew cannot control the tide or sea conditions, and access rules inside the national park are strict.

You may rotate between snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and beach time. The activities are organized so groups can use different areas and then switch. This keeps the program moving and gives you more than one way to enjoy the stop.

Playa la Nopalera, snorkeling, and water activities

With a guide, you may swim, kayak, paddle, or snorkel toward Playa la Nopalera. The beach area offers a chance to see tropical fish, coral, seabirds, and the protected marine surroundings.

The snorkeling can be enjoyable, but it is not always the star of the day. Water clarity changes, and some outings allow only a short time in the water. On a rough or murky day, you may find the wildlife less impressive than expected.

You also need to be comfortable entering the water. Some activities involve getting out of a smaller boat into ocean waves, and the process may feel awkward for anyone with limited mobility, sore joints, or a fear of jumping. A ladder is present on the boat, but some people felt they were still expected to jump rather than use it.

Life jackets are required in the water under national park rules. This applies even if you are only swimming near the boat, and it can feel restrictive if you are a strong swimmer. Check the fit before entering the water, since an uncomfortable or loose jacket can make snorkeling less pleasant.

For families, the crew’s attention is a real benefit. Children have been helped with activities and offered nonalcoholic drinks such as kid-friendly pina coladas. Still, the tour does not provide kid-size snorkeling equipment, so bring your own if that matters to your family.

The Hidden Beach permit requires advance planning

The famous Hidden Beach is not an automatic stop. Entry is limited by the national park, and a special permit must be reserved ahead of time and paid for separately in pesos.

You should request the permit after booking and before the trip. Even with a permit, access can depend on sea conditions, tide, timing, and park rules. A delay or rough water can make entry impossible.

Reaching the beach means swimming through an opening, so you need to be comfortable in ocean water and able to follow the crew’s instructions. This is not a walk-off-the-boat beach visit.

If you get in, the experience can be the highlight of the day. The cave and small beach are unusual and photogenic, and the swim gives the visit a sense of adventure. If you prefer easy access, dry seating, or a broad sandy beach, do not book this tour solely for Hidden Beach.

Lunch, shade, music, and the floating fun area

After the island activities, you return to the main boat for Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them when booking.

The food is one of the better parts of the package, though expectations should stay reasonable. It is a boat lunch designed for a group, not a restaurant meal. Portions and quality can vary with the day, but the fajitas provide a proper meal after swimming and kayaking.

The open bar continues through lunch and the return ride. You can order water, coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, pina coladas, or other listed drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18.

After eating, you have time to use the waterslides, jump from the boat, paddle, snorkel, float, or sit under the canopy. The shaded areas matter in the strong Mexican sun, especially on a long day when you may want a break from swimming.

Music is part of the design. Some people enjoy the party atmosphere, while others find the volume tiring. If you are sensitive to loud music, choose a shaded or quieter place on the boat when possible and bring realistic expectations about the mood.

Bathrooms are available and described as clean, an important detail on a boat that keeps you onboard for most of the day.

The return ride turns into a floating party

The cruise back to port is not just a transfer. The drinks continue, the music gets more social, and the cruise director leads dancing and group entertainment.

Crew members keep looking for whales and other wildlife on the way home. If nature provides another show, the boat may stop so you can watch. This adds a pleasant surprise to the final hour, though you should not count on a second wildlife encounter.

The crew names that come up in connection with the experience include Raul, Alex, and Saul, with different staff members praised for keeping the mood upbeat and looking after people. The names may vary by departure, but the broader point is useful: the service is a major part of the tour, not an afterthought.

Solo travelers can fit in well because the boat creates an easy social setting. Couples and families also have enough room to find shade, sit together, or join activities. If you want silence and personal space, this is probably not your ideal boat day.

Transport, meeting points, and what to bring

You must select your meeting place before completing the reservation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic tour details.

Some departures connected with Sayulita involve a bus ride to the marina of about 50 minutes, with possible traffic on the return. Confirm the meeting point and transport arrangements carefully, especially if you are staying outside Puerto Vallarta.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen if available
• Hat and sunglasses
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Comfortable shoes for the boat
• Extra cash for the Hidden Beach permit and optional gratuity
• Any child-size snorkeling gear your family needs

Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations and the flight paths of endemic birds. The tour may operate with a multilingual guide, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would choose this tour if you want a social, activity-filled day and like having choices. It suits couples, families with children who can manage ocean activities, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people.

It is also a good fit if you want food and drinks included rather than arranging every part of the day yourself. The crew handles the equipment, meal service, safety instructions, and timing.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet nature outing, dislike loud music, need gentle water access, or expect the Hidden Beach as a guaranteed feature. The required life jacket and boat entry can be real drawbacks for older adults or anyone with physical limitations.

The tour is recommended by 96 percent of customers and has a 4.8 rating from 690 reviews, which matches the strongest pattern in the feedback: the crew, food, drinks, and overall energy receive the most praise. The weaker points are also consistent: light breakfast, crowded or loud conditions for some people, variable snorkeling, and beach access that depends on nature and permits.

Should you book the Marietas Islands all-inclusive tour?

Book it if you want the islands wrapped inside a lively day on the water, with lunch, an open bar, wildlife watching, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, floating equipment, and a waterslide. At $110, the package offers solid value when you use several of those inclusions.

Before paying, decide how important Hidden Beach is to you. Reserve the permit early, but understand that tides and weather can still change the plan.

My practical verdict: choose this for fun, variety, and friendly service, not for quiet sightseeing or guaranteed beach access. Bring breakfast insurance, protect your phone, check your life jacket, and expect to get wet. Do that, and this can be one of the more memorable full days you spend around Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long does the Marietas Islands tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. The schedule includes the cruise to the islands, island activities, lunch and water time, and the return trip.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit and pastries or mini muffins. Guacamole and chips are served during the cruise, and lunch includes Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. The premium open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, pina coladas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, and other drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is Hidden Beach included in the price?

No. Hidden Beach requires a separate permit and extra fee. Access is limited, must be arranged in advance, and can still depend on tides, weather, and park conditions.

What water activities are available?

The tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboards, floating mattresses, water tubes, and waterslides. Swimming and beach activities are also part of the island stop when conditions allow.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, but you should advise the operator when booking.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed tour package. You must choose a meeting place before submitting your reservation.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour can have a maximum of 66 travelers. It is a group experience with music, shared activities, and social time onboard.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations and the flight paths of endemic birds.