Reef Snorkeling, 8 Hours, Meal

Overview

A full day on the water with marine biologists is the draw here. This eight-hour trip from Puerto Vallarta runs to the Marietas Islands, a UNESCO-protected marine park, and spends its time between reef snorkeling, beach visits, and long stretches of eating and drinking on the boat. The operator, Puerto Vallarta Net, runs the tour in English and Spanish.

The shape of the day is simple. Breakfast is served on the way out across Banderas Bay, where whales, dolphins, and other wildlife may appear. At the islands you snorkel over reef with guides, and the trip also calls at Playa La Nopalera, where you can swim, use the kayak and paddleboard, or lie on the sand. Snacks, an open bar, and a Mexican-style grilled lunch are all part of the day.

It suits travelers who want a boat day built around snorkeling, beaches, and plenty of included food and drink. The one reviewer quoted for this tour enjoyed the activities and the food, though they noted they did not see many fish, which is worth holding in mind if marine life is your main reason for booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the marinaThe meeting point is Terminal Marítima Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Fco. Medina Ascencio km 4.5, Puerto Vallarta. Pickup is not included, so you make your own way there.
2. Cruise Banderas BayEat a continental breakfast on board while the boat crosses the bay toward the islands. Whales, dolphins, and other wildlife may appear on the way.
3. Snorkel the reefsArrive at the Marietas Islands and snorkel in the protected marine park with guides, swimming among fish and coral. The Blue-Footed Booby is sometimes spotted here.
4. Visit Playa La NopaleraStop at the beach to relax on the sand or swim. Kayak, paddleboard, and floating mat are available.
5. Lunch and returnA Mexican-style grilled lunch is served, with drinks from the open bar, on board.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day easier, from what to pack to which fees you pay at the dock.

• Bring your own kit. The listing asks for sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash. Biodegradable sunscreen is on the list.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. You meet the boat at Terminal Marítima Puerto Mágico on Blvd. Fco. Medina Ascencio, so budget time for the ride to the marina.
• Eat and drink. Breakfast, snacks including aguachiles and ceviches, a grilled lunch, and an open bar are all included, so there is little reason to bring food. One reviewer singled out the food as a highlight of the day.
• Water clarity, not fish. The single review on record praised the clear water but saw few fish. Keep that in mind when weighing the snorkeling.
• Cash at the marina. Two fees are paid in person on arrival: a marina access fee and a marine park conservation fee, both in Mexican pesos. Bring enough cash to cover them, plus gratuities, which are not included.
• A full day out. The tour runs eight hours, covering the cruise out, snorkeling, a beach stop, and meals on board. One reviewer found the crew very helpful.

Common issues. The listing sets out extra costs that catch some travelers off guard: a per-person marina access fee and a per-person marine park conservation fee, both payable at the dock in pesos, plus gratuities. One reviewer reported seeing few fish despite very clear water. Wildlife sightings such as whales, dolphins, and the Blue-Footed Booby are possible but never promised. There is no hotel pickup, so transport to the marina is on you.

Common Questions