A catamaran trip to a world-famous hidden beach. This full-day Isla Marietas tour from Puerto Vallarta rolls into marine-life snorkeling time and includes snorkeling equipment and an open bar on the boat. I like that the tour takes care of the basics (gear is included), and I also like that this area can be spectacular in season, including humpback whales near the islands in December through March.

You’ll start at the pier area, check in at Beach Boy Agency (2nd floor), and head out around 8:15am. If you have questions before you go, you may run into correspondence with Guido tied to ParaViajantes Tours.

Here’s the main catch, the best part involves a swim and limited beach access. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you’ll likely feel it, and even when you can do it, the time on the sand can be brief depending on conditions and access rules for the hidden beach area.

Isla Marietas tour in plain terms: what you’re really buying

This tour is designed as a full day on and near Isla Marietas, with one big theme: water time. You’ll ride a catamaran, then do snorkeling plus “on-water” extras like paddleboard and kayak. Meals are included, and the boat has an open bar.

The “headline” feature is the hidden beach experience in Marietas National Natural Park. That part is where rules matter. The protected area is conservation-focused, and there are extra costs you should expect at the pier, including a conservation bracelet fee and a national park admission fee.

What makes it appealing

• Marine life in one day, dolphins, and (seasonally) humpback whales
• Included snorkeling gear, so you’re not stuck hunting for rentals last minute
• A full itinerary that uses the whole day, not a short “pop over and go” style trip

One important consideration

• The hidden beach option is swim-dependent and access is limited, with short beach time for those who do it

Key points before you book (read these first)

• Included gear saves hassle: fins, vest, and snorkel come with the tour, so you just show up with your swimwear.
• Hidden beach often means extra money: you may need to pay an additional fee for access, and the number of people is limited.
• Open bar may not feel like a constant party: the bar setup can be more limited than the wording suggests, and alcohol is commonly handled after aquatic activities.
• Sea conditions control the vibe: reviews point to choppy water, long boat legs, and short time windows once you reach the island area.
• Plan for extra pier fees: conservation bracelet plus park admission are not included, and some people report additional port or reserve-type fees.

From the pier to open water: meeting point and start time

Your day starts at Terminal Maritima, with the address listed as Blv. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Check-in is at Beach Boy Agency on the 2nd floor, and the tour start time is 8:15am.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket. That’s helpful if you like to keep everything on your phone, but it also means you should have service or an offline copy ready, just in case.

One practical note: this is a shared tour with a maximum of 80 travelers. That size is big enough that you’ll want to be ready when the group moves, because delays can happen when people arrive late.

The catamaran ride: how long it feels and what you can spot

You’re out on the water for a good chunk of the day. The exact “how long each leg” can vary depending on what the crew has to work around, but multiple accounts call out that the boat ride can feel long, especially on the way in and out.

That matters because your energy is limited. If you’re planning this as a beach day first and a snorkel day second, it might disappoint you. If you’re happy spending time on the water and letting the sea set the schedule, you’ll probably enjoy it more.

What you’re there to see:

• dolphins are part of the area’s reputation
• humpback whales are possible in December through March
• lots of colorful fish around the snorkeling areas

Some people also mention spotting birds like blue-footed boobies. You can’t count on that, but it’s a good reminder that the island region isn’t only about underwater life.

Open bar timing reality check

The tour includes an open bar on the boat, but reviews suggest the “open bar feel” may be strongest on the return leg, not as a constant all-day service. Also, one provider clarification says open bar items include soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee, and that alcohol is offered after aquatic activities.

So set expectations accordingly:

• expect drinks with your day, but don’t treat it like you’ll be handed cocktails the whole time
• take a look at the day as water activities first, social time second

On the water: snorkeling, paddleboard, and kayak rules that affect comfort

This is not a “stand on the deck and watch fish” tour. Snorkeling equipment is included, with fins, a vest, and a snorkel. Paddleboard and kayak time are included too.

Here’s the part that can make or break it for some people: you need a comfort level in open water. One positive account praises a hidden beach swim that involves swimming through a cave, calling it cool and worth the effort. Other comments stress that the swim and currents can be intense, and getting to shore can be hard when conditions are choppy.

Practical do’s based on what’s been enforced:

• follow the crew’s instructions on what you can wear or bring into the water
• don’t assume you can bring everything to the beach area and back to the water, because protected-area rules can be strict
• expect gear checks and “no problem, only the right setup” moments

Also pay attention to sunscreen rules. One account says you’re not allowed to put sunscreen on 30 minutes before arriving for water activities. That’s the kind of rule that sounds annoying until you realize it’s about protecting the area.

If you get sun fast, this is a strong reason to plan your routine early in the day, before you’re told the clock starts.

Isla Marietas highlights: the hidden beach (La Playa del Amor) and access limits

The hidden beach experience is the big reason many people book. But it’s also where the tour gets strict.

What to know before you buy:

• access to the hidden beach can cost extra
• the number of people allowed per day is limited
• the beach time can be brief once you get there

Some accounts mention the hidden beach availability is limited to Wednesday through Sunday, while others emphasize that you only get a short slot. Another clue is that people describe needing to swim from a smaller boat to the shoreline, with the final approach taking real effort.

What you might do once you arrive:

• you swim close enough to the rocky edges that you’re effectively in a protected, cave-like setting
• there can be cave passages involved depending on your route and conditions
• you may get a helmet for the swim experience

If you’re not comfortable with swimming over a distance in open water, or you get anxious in currents, this part is risky. It’s not “sit at a pier while someone explains the view.” It’s active.

If you’re chasing whales and dolphins, this is still a good match

Even if you don’t do the hidden beach, you’re still going for the water and marine life. In season, humpback whales can appear, and dolphins also fit the region’s wildlife profile. So if your goal is marine-life time more than beach selfies, you may still feel like you got your money’s worth.

Meals and drinks: what “breakfast and lunch” looks like on this tour

Breakfast and lunch are included, and reviews describe the food as basic but filling enough if you’re not picky.

What people report:

• breakfast is often like a continental style plate, with items such as eggs and chilaquiles
• lunch is described as a sandwich plus some salad cups (like pasta salad and chicken salad)
• there are complaints in some cases where food supply ran low, leaving some people without lunch

Drinks:

• soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are mentioned as part of the open bar
• alcohol service seems to be handled after aquatic activities in the way it’s described

My practical advice for the food part

Eat something before you board if you can. Not because you’re guaranteed to starve, but because multiple reviews paint lunch as “simple and sometimes limited,” not a full sit-down meal.

Also, if you’re a picky eater, bring patience. This isn’t a gourmet day. It’s a logistics-heavy day where the focus is water activities.

Price and logistics: value versus the add-ons you must budget

At $115 per person, you get a lot of included pieces for a day tour:

• snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel)
• breakfast and lunch
• open bar on the boat
• paddleboard and kayak
• catamaran trip to Islas Marietas

But the effective cost can climb once you factor in fees you pay on site.

Fees you should expect at the pier

From the tour details, two specific charges are listed as not included:

• Sermarnat conservation bracelet: 220 MXN, paid when boarding at the pier
• Marietas National Natural Park admission: 33 MXN per person

On top of that, several reviews mention extra port and reserve-type fees that were not obvious until day-of. Those aren’t listed in the core inclusions you were given, so treat them as “possible,” not guaranteed.

Tips are separate

Tips are not included. That’s standard for Mexico tours, but it still matters for value math.

When the price feels fair

This price makes sense if you:

• want a single-day “water-focused” Marietas experience with gear included
• like the idea of marine life plus paddle and snorkel time
• don’t mind that the schedule is shared and controlled by weather and park rules

When it can feel overpriced

The tour can feel pricey if your expectations are:

• long beach time on the main hidden beach without a strong swim
• consistently available cocktails all day
• a big meal, like a resort buffet

Several critical comments point to short snorkeling windows and brief beach access. That doesn’t mean the island isn’t worth it, but it does mean your day is more “experience snapshots” than “hang out for hours.”

Who should book this Isla Marietas full-day tour

This tour fits best if you’re:

• a confident swimmer, or at least comfortable getting in open water
• excited by marine life, dolphins, and possible whales in season
• ready for a schedule built around water windows, not slow beach time
• fine with basic meals and a “good enough” drink setup

It’s a weaker fit if you:

• need a lot of beach time without swimming
• hate choppy water or get uncomfortable in currents
• want a tight, no-surprises service style (fees and park rules are part of the day)
• are expecting a private pacing, since it’s a shared tour with up to 80 people

My booking verdict: should you choose this one?

I’d book this tour if your top priority is getting to Isla Marietas for the marine-life experience, and you’re comfortable with an active, swim-based day. The included snorkeling gear and the mix of paddle time plus meals make it a decent value on paper, and when whales and dolphins line up, it can feel like a real wildlife day, not just a checklist stop.

I’d think twice if you’re mainly chasing the hidden beach and assume you’ll spend a long, relaxed stretch there. The swim requirement, limited access, and short time windows are the defining facts. Also, budget for the conservation bracelet and park admission, and be prepared for the idea that additional pier fees can pop up.

If you want a stress-free day, you’ll do best by going in with the right mindset: water activities first, island rules always, and keep your expectations matched to a shared tour.

FAQ

How long is the Isla Marietas full-day tour?

The tour runs about 6 to 7 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 8:15am. The meeting point is Terminal Maritima on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta, and check-in is at Beach Boy Agency on the 2nd floor.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. You get snorkeling equipment including fins, a vest, and a snorkel.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included, and there is an open bar on the boat.

What extra fees should I budget for?

You should plan for the Sermarnat conservation bracelet (220 MXN) and the Marietas National Natural Park admission fee (33 MXN). Tips are also not included.

Is the hidden beach included in the tour?

Hidden beach access is not included as part of the main description and may require an additional fee with limited access.

Is the open bar available the whole day?

The tour includes an open bar on the boat, but the alcohol and service may be timed around the aquatic activities. Soft drinks, water, juices, and coffee are part of the open bar.

What is the cancellation cutoff?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.