Snorkel, Kayak, 6 Hours, Meal

Overview

Six hours aboard a Chica Locca boat built around water play, with waterslides, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear all part of the package. The run starts with breakfast on the way out of Banderas Bay: fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice, plus an open bar that keeps pouring for the rest of the day. Guacamole and blue corn chips come out during the crossing, and the crew watches for wildlife on the way.

The core of the day is the Marietas Islands themselves, a marine national park. With guides alongside, guests swim, snorkel, kayak or paddle over to Playa la Nopalera, a beach reachable only by boat, then return to the vessel for a fajita lunch with rice, beans and tortillas. Afternoon options include more time on the water toys or just lounging on deck while the boat heads back along the coast.

This suits travelers who want a full all-inclusive day on the water, with drinks, dancing and plenty of time in and on the sea. Reviewers often single out the crew, the plentiful drinks and the snorkeling, and several mention humpback whales seen from the boat. The listing says humpback whales are in the bay from December to April, so sightings are a realistic bonus, though never a promise. The trip runs in English and Spanish.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at chosen pointThere are two meeting point options; the one used depends on the option selected on the booking page. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Cruise across Banderas BayScenic coastal cruising with marine life and wildlife viewing. Humpback whales are in these waters in winter (the official 2025-26 season ran 8 December to 23 March), and sea turtles and rays can be seen year round. Breakfast is served on board.
3. Guacamole snack serviceFreshly made guacamole with blue corn chips is served during the crossing.
4. Islas Marietas National ParkGuided tour of the marine reserve, followed by free time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and marine life viewing.
5. Playa la NopaleraReached by swimming, kayaking, paddling or snorkeling with a guide. A beach accessible only by boat.
6. Fajita lunch on boardFreshly prepared Mexican fajitas, beef, chicken or vegetarian, with rice, beans and local corn tortillas, plus drinks.
7. Return cruiseDrinks, music and dancing on the way back, with more wildlife and scenery viewing. Drop-off is at one of two locations depending on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this day fits, and what to pack for it.

• Bring swim basics. The listing asks for swimwear and a towel.
• All-inclusive on board. Breakfast, guacamole, fajita lunch and an open bar covering everything from coffee and juice to margaritas, beer, wine and champagne are all included. Several travelers said the drinks never stopped coming. Photos and tips are the notable extras.
• Getting to the water. Reaching Playa la Nopalera means swimming, kayaking, paddling or snorkeling from the boat with guides alongside. Guests who prefer to stay on board can float on a water mattress or use the slides instead.
• Lively return leg. The listing describes drinks, dancing and ocean views on the ride back to port. Reviewers describe attentive hosts throughout the day.
• Wildlife luck varies. Whales are present in the bay in winter (the official 2025-26 season ran 8 December to 23 March), and several reviewers reported humpback sightings. Outside the whale season, expect turtles, rays and fish rather than whales.
• Photo option. A photographer rides along all day capturing candid and action shots.

Common issues. The destination beach is Playa la Nopalera, and one reviewer noted it is not the enclosed cove beach shown in some trip pictures, though they still found it a nice spot. Another reviewer wished they had been told about a Love Beach option before the day. Hotel pickup is not included, so travelers make their own way to one of two meeting points. Photos and tips are also excluded from the price.

Common Questions