Breakfast, Lunch, Open Bar, 8 Hours

Overview

Eight hours on the water, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar: this cruise from Puerto Vallarta heads out to the Marietas Islands with food served almost from the moment the boat leaves the marina. Continental breakfast comes first, with scrambled eggs and ham, pancakes, fresh fruit, coffee, pastries and juices, eaten while the boat crosses Banderas Bay. On the crossing, in season, humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays are all possibilities the operator flags, along with marine birds.

At the islands the day slows down. Snorkeling happens inside the protected marine park, where a bilingual guide points out the reef and its fish, and kayaks, paddleboards and a floating mat are available too. The Blue Footed Booby lives here and in the Galapagos, so keep an eye out. After the water activities the bar opens, and a hot cooked lunch of grilled beef, chicken and chorizo with sides is served while the boat circles the islands and the guide talks about the UNESCO protected area. There is also a stop at Playa La Nopalera.

The ride back is a party: dance floor, music, karaoke and games run by the crew. Guides work in English and Spanish. Breakfast, snacks, lunch and drinks are all part of the package, along with snorkeling gear, kayaks, a paddleboard and a floating mat.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at the marinaMeet at Islas Marietas Grupo Naviero By Bahía Alegre, H. Escuela Naval Militar 9, Puerto Vallarta. Hotel pickup is not included, so travelers make their own way to the marina and should carry cash for the park and marina fees.
2. Breakfast cruise to the islandsContinental breakfast is served on the crossing. In season, humpbacks, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and marine birds may appear along the way.
3. Snorkeling and water activitiesAt Las Marietas, snorkel the protected reef with a guide pointing out marine life, then use the kayaks, paddleboard or floating mat. The Blue Footed Booby is sometimes spotted here.
4. Stop at Playa La NopaleraThe tour includes a visit to this beach on the islands.
5. Lunch and island cruiseBack on board the bar opens, and a hot Mexican style lunch of grilled meats with sides is served while the boat cruises around the islands and the guide explains the UNESCO protected area.
6. Return party to Puerto VallartaOn the way back the dance floor opens, with music, karaoke and crew led games until docking.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, from cash fees at check in to what the pace actually feels like.

• Bring cash. Two fees are paid on site: a marine park conservation fee and a marina entrance fee, both quoted in pesos per person in the listing. The listing also recommends extra cash for tips and photos.
• Pack for sun and sea. The listing recommends a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, biodegradable considerations aside, simply sunscreen, and a camera or video camera. A security deposit is required for snorkeling gear, payable with a hotel room key, an ID, or pesos.
• Group energy. This is a lively boat day, not a quiet nature cruise. The listing promises karaoke, dancing and games on the return leg, and reviewers describe good vibes and a great atmosphere with attentive staff.
• Food all day. Breakfast, snacks and a cooked lunch are all included, plus an open bar after the water activities. Several reviewers singled out the food and snacks as a highlight of the day.
• Kids at check in. The listing notes that children ages 3 to 5 pay a peso fee directly at check in, so have that amount ready in cash. The crew also runs games on the return trip.
• Snorkel reports vary. One reviewer reported poor visibility while snorkeling on this tour. Kayaks, a paddleboard and a floating mat are included as other ways to spend time in the water.

Common issues. A few costs land outside the headline price. The marine park conservation fee and the marina entrance fee are paid per person on site, and children ages 3 to 5 pay a separate peso amount at check in. One reviewer was unhappy that Playa de Amor was not part of the base itinerary and could be added only as a paid extra, which pushed the day's total cost up. The same reviewer reported poor snorkeling visibility. Wildlife sightings, including humpback whales, are seasonal and never certain. No hotel pickup is included, so travelers need to arrange their own transport to the marina.

Common Questions