Snorkeling From Puerto Vallarta, 5 Hours

Overview

This five-hour outing from Ecotours de México at Marina Vallarta puts you on a fast boat out to Islas Marietas National Park for a guided snorkeling session among rocky reefs. A biologist travels with the group and talks through the flora and fauna as you go, which sets it apart from a plain boat-and-mask trip. Once at the park you get up to three hours in the water and along the coast, watching for fish, turtles, rays and dolphins.

The reefs here are rocky rather than coral-heavy, and one reviewer who snorkeled both Los Arcos and the Marietas preferred the islands, while noting the corals themselves are not the main draw. King angelfish, Moorish idols and giant damselfish are the species the listing calls out, and reviewers also reported seeing eels, crabs, stingrays and, on some runs, whales and dolphin pods on the crossing.

It suits confident swimmers who want a nature-focused half day rather than a party boat. Groups are kept small, life jackets are mandatory in the water, and travel insurance is bundled in. Hotel transport is not part of the deal, so you make your own way to the marina, and alcohol is neither sold nor allowed on board.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina VallartaCheck in at Ecotours de México, Proa sn-Local 20, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta.
2. Boat ride to Islas MarietasA roughly half-hour crossing by fast boat, though one reviewer reported about an hour each way. Captains often slow or stop for dolphins, turtles and whales along the way.
3. Islas Marietas National ParkUp to 3 hours of guided snorkeling, boat cruising, sightseeing and marine life viewing around the islands. Entry to the park and conservation fees are extra.
4. Possible Hidden Beach stopAccess to Playa del Amor is limited to 116 people per day, restricted to ages 10 to 65, capped at 10 minutes, and cannot be guaranteed. Extra conditions apply.
5. Return to Marina VallartaBoat back to the starting point at Ecotours de México.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from cash fees at the dock to swim fitness requirements for the famous beach.

• Bring cash for fees. The listing lists a boarding fee of MXN 80 per person plus a national park and conservation fee of MXN 220 as not included. One reviewer was also asked for an additional 600 pesos per person to guarantee Hidden Beach access, a charge they had not seen in advance. Bring enough cash to cover these.
• Swim fitness matters. Hidden Beach visitors must be between 10 and 65 years old, able to swim about 250 meters from the boat through a rock tunnel, and able to climb a boat ladder. Life jackets and helmets are mandatory there. Snorkeling itself is along the rocky coast, and one reviewer found swimming against the waves tiring at times.
• Food and drink. Alcoholic drinks are excluded and alcohol is not allowed on board at all. Several reviewers mentioned drinks, snacks or lunch being handed out during the trip, and coffee at check-in, though the listing does not list meals as included.
• Gear and clothing. The listing asks you to bring biodegradable sunscreen and a face mask or protective covering.
• Wildlife is luck. Dolphins, turtles, rays and even whales showed up on some trips, with captains stopping to let passengers watch. None of it is guaranteed, and one reviewer found the snorkeling limited to fish along the rocks. Go expecting fish for certain and everything else as a bonus.
• Small-group feel. The listing emphasizes small groups and personal attention, and reviewers repeatedly praised guides who kept a close watch on swimmers and explained the marine life. Trips run in English or Spanish.

Common issues. Hidden Beach access is the main uncertainty: daily entry is capped at 116 people, weather can close it, and the operator states plainly that entrance cannot be guaranteed on every departure. On top of the park and boarding fees, one reviewer reported an unplanned 600-peso-per-person charge for a Hidden Beach guarantee. The crossing length varies, reported anywhere from about half an hour to an hour each way depending on conditions, and swimming through waves can be tiring. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the age band of 10 to 65 excludes some travelers from the beach portion.

Common Questions