Sailing Trip, 7 Hours, Meal

Overview

This seven hour sailing day out from Nuevo Vallarta packs breakfast, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling and paddle boards into one trip to the Marietas Islands. The boat departs from the Paradise Village Public Pier and returns there at the end of the day. GoPralia runs the experience with a listed maximum of seven travelers, though one reviewer counted more passengers on the day.

The shape of the day is simple. You sail out, spend time around the islands with snorkeling gear, life vests and paddle boards available on board, then eat a continental breakfast and a deli style lunch while the crew serves drinks from the domestic open bar. Alcohol is only poured once the water activities are done. Depending on conditions, the crew may motor out and sail back, as one reviewer described.

Wildlife is a repeated theme in the reviews. Several travelers reported whales close to the boat, dolphins alongside, and blue footed boobies on the islands. The crew gets consistent praise for being attentive and for entertaining guests on the return leg. This suits travelers who want an active water day with food and drinks included, and who are comfortable swimming. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with back problems or serious heart conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the pierCheck in at the Paradise Village Public Pier at Paradise Village Shopping Mall in Nuevo Vallarta. Transport to the marina is not included.
2. Sail to Marietas IslandsCross the bay by sailboat. Depending on wind, the crew may use the motor on the way out and sail on the return, as one reviewer experienced.
3. Marietas Islands, 2 hoursSpend two hours at the islands. The listing notes the admission ticket is not included, and access to Love Beach is controlled by the marine park and optional.
4. Water activitiesUse the paddle boards, snorkeling gear and life vests carried on board. New snorkel tubes can be bought on board if wanted.
5. Food and drinksA continental breakfast and a deli style lunch are served, with a domestic open bar. Alcoholic drinks are served only after the water activities.
6. Sail backReturn to Paradise Village Public Pier, where the tour ends. The crew typically entertains guests on the way back, according to reviewers.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this day fits, and what to sort out before you board.

• Getting there. You make your own way to the Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta. Transport to and from the marina is not included, so budget time for the trip.
• Budget for fees. Two fees are not in the ticket price: a port tax of MXN 100 per person and a Marietas Islands Conservation Fee of MXN 220 per person. Access to Love Beach is optional and controlled by the marine park.
• Swimming fitness. One reviewer found the snorkeling more of a challenging swim than expected, with fish visible mainly close to the rocks. Reviewers also described a swim to the beach as part of the day. Comfort in open water matters.
• Small boat feel. The listing caps the group at seven travelers, and one reviewer appreciated that the boat was smaller than the larger tour boats. That same reviewer counted thirteen on board on the day, so the headcount may vary.
• Food and drink. Continental breakfast and a deli style lunch are included, and several reviewers called the food excellent or delicious. The domestic open bar runs on board, with alcoholic drinks served only after water activities end.
• Wildlife luck. Reviewers repeatedly reported whales, dolphins and blue footed boobies. Sightings vary from day to day, so treat them as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

Common issues. The trip depends on good weather, and the operator offers a different date or a full refund if it is cancelled for poor conditions. One reviewer reported a late evening cancellation the night before, which left no time to rebook, and another described a reservation mix-up between the booking company and the boat operator on the day. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with back problems. One reviewer also found the water only clear enough to see fish very close to the rocks, and access to Love Beach is optional and controlled by the marine park.

Common Questions