Half Day, Playa Nopalera, Food

Overview

This Monkey Adventures México trip leaves from the Puerto Mágico terminal in Puerto Vallarta, with check-in at 8:10 am and departure at 9:00 am. From there the boat crosses the Bay of Banderas to the Marietas Islands, where most of the day is spent: about four hours at the islands, with time at Nopalera Beach plus snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and a floating mat. Hidden Beach is not part of this tour, so travelers hoping for that beach should pick a different product.

Food is a big part of the package. Breakfast on board means hot cakes, eggs with ham and juice, and lunch is a cooked spread of roast beef, chicken, chorizo, potato puree, tortillas, salad and sauces. A national open bar and a fish ceviche snack run alongside, and the boat has toilets. Note that no vegetarian or vegan options are offered, which the listing states plainly.

It suits confident swimmers who want an active water day without organising gear themselves, since snorkel equipment is included. The group is capped at 30 travelers. Anyone with back problems, pregnant travelers, and those after wheelchair access are advised by the operator to look elsewhere.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Puerto MágicoArrive at the sea terminal at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta and go to the Beach Boy module on the second floor. Check-in is at 8:10 am, with the tour departing at 9:00 am.
2. Cross the Bay of BanderasThe boat spends about 1 hour 30 minutes crossing the bay toward the islands, with admission included.
3. Marietas IslandsRoughly 4 hours at the islands, with Nopalera Beach, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and the floating mat. Admission is not included: a port fee and a Semarnat bracelet are listed as separate charges.
4. Return to Puerto MágicoAbout 1 hour 30 minutes back across the bay, with admission included. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape whether this tour works for you, from swimming ability to cash for island fees.

• Swimming ability. The listing recommends a moderate level of physical fitness, and the activities at Nopalera Beach are all in the water: snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and the floating mat. One reviewer put it bluntly: you need to know how to swim.
• Separate fees. Two charges are not covered by the booking price: a port fee of MXN 35 per person and a Semarnat bracelet at MXN 220 per person. Budget for those, and more if you want the MXN 200 Ecotour add-on.
• No veggie menu. The operator states that no vegan or vegetarian food is available, and one reviewer reported that a requested vegetarian meal was not provided. Meat features heavily in both breakfast and lunch, so plan accordingly.
• Hidden Beach excluded. This tour does not include Hidden Beach, and the listing repeats the point twice. A Spanish-language reviewer also noted the islands' main attraction is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Camera rules. GoPros and cell phones are permitted, but at your own risk around the water.
• Timing and pace. Check-in is 8:10 am for a 9:00 am departure, and the operator stresses punctuality, along with Puerto Vallarta being on GMT-6. A moderate fitness level is recommended.

Common issues. The feedback on this tour splits sharply. Several travelers praised the crew, the mix of activities and having two meals on board, while others described disappointing food, a boat that did not match the description, and an open bar that fell short of expectations. One reviewer was asked about dietary needs but still received no vegetarian option, consistent with the operator's stated policy. Extra local fees apply, Hidden Beach is excluded, the boat is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers with back problems or pregnancy are advised against it. One reviewer also noted the boat lacked side tarps.

Common Questions