Private Snorkel, 2 Hours 20 Minutes

Overview

This is a short, private boat trip out of Punta de Mita to the Marietas Islands, built around snorkeling and whatever the bay offers on the way. The whole outing runs 2 hours 20 minutes and ends back where it started.

The run out to the islands regularly turns into wildlife watching even though this is billed as a snorkeling tour. Reviewers again and again describe humpback whales and dolphins alongside the boat, and one reviewer mentions blue-footed boobies as a bonus sighting. Once at the islands, the crew hands out snorkeling gear, which is included, and one reviewer describes the small boat passing close enough to caves and the blow hole to get wet.

It suits families with school-age children and anyone staying near Punta de Mita, Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta who prefers a shorter day on the water. Food and alcoholic drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after. Several travelers said the length was just right for their kids, long enough for a real adventure without eating the whole day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the officeMeet at the tourism cooperative office at Av. Las Pangas 1, Corral del Risco, at the fence at the crossroads of Anclote and Las Pangas streets. The tour starts and ends here.
2. Boat ride to the islandsRide out toward the Marietas Islands. Reviews describe frequent whale and dolphin sightings along this stretch, plus close passes by caves and the island's blow hole.
3. Snorkeling at MarietasSnorkel with provided gear near the islands. Some reviewers also mention time on or near an island beach.
4. Return by boatCruise back to the meeting point, often with more wildlife on the way. Total duration is 2 hours 20 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip.

• Getting there. The office is in Corral del Risco near the Anclote crossroads, and the listing describes it as near public transportation. One reviewer found the company hard to locate, so save the address before you go.
• Getting wet. Plan on spray and splashes even if you never swim. One reviewer put it plainly: expect to get splashed whether you want to or not.
• Bring your own food. Snorkeling equipment is included, but breakfast and alcoholic beverages are not.
• Kids and pace. Families with children from around age seven up have taken this tour and reported a fun, not scary, ride. Reviewers with kids said the time in the water was the right amount for their family. Infants must sit on laps.
• Wildlife luck varies. Whale and dolphin sightings come up in many reviews, but conditions change. One reviewer noted slower snorkeling visibility on their trip and still had a good time.
• Small boat, private trip. The listing confirms this is a private activity, only your group. Reviewers liked that the small boat could get close to the islands and that their party had the vessel to themselves.

Common issues. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and good weather is required, with a different date or a full refund offered if the operator cancels for weather. Cancel less than 24 hours before start time and no refund is given. One reviewer reported water conditions that affected visibility, and another complained about the difficulty of finding the office, limited English, and safety concerns, so confirm the meeting address in advance. Food and alcoholic drinks are excluded.

Common Questions