Dolphins, snorkeling, and BBQ is a strong combo. This 7-hour Puerto Vallarta boat trip mixes Islas Marietas wildlife with a shore day at Majahuitas Beach, plus time in the water with snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll also cruise the Bay of Banderas looking for dolphins, giant manta rays, and whales in season, with guide commentary along the way.

I especially like the mix of activities so you can choose what fits your energy that day, and the Majahuitas BBQ lunch with drinks, which most people rank as the best meal moment. The day also includes bird watching, like blue-footed booby and red-billed tropicbird, which adds a great bonus beyond just swimming.

One drawback to think about up front: you spend a lot of the day on the boat, so if you get seasick or you want long, uninterrupted time in the water, this may feel a bit fast.

Key things that make this tour work

• Multiple water options: snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP, with eco-guides guiding you around the habitat
• Wildlife spotting in transit: dolphins in the Bay of Banderas, plus whales in season and manta rays
• Bird protection rules: drones are prohibited to protect endemic birds and their flight paths
• Majahuitas lunch is the payoff: BBQ at a beach setting, with drinks included
• No-dock boarding: you jump in and use small metal ladders to get back on board
• Crew energy: many boats include a fun end-of-trip show with dancing and lip sync style entertainment

Start Time, Meeting Point, and the Morning Rhythm

Your day starts early, at 7:00 am, meeting at Puerto Mágico Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera Nte area. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself there and be ready to move fast once you arrive.

This tour runs about 7 hours total, and most of that time is spent on the water. That early start matters because you’re trying to reach the best wildlife windows and still fit snorkeling and beach time later.

Price and value: what $99 really buys you

At $99 per person, the price is aimed at a full, active day: boat ride, wildlife viewing, and hands-on time in the water. You also get snorkel and kayak equipment plus stand-up paddleboarding access, and you get BBQ lunch with refreshing drinks at Majahuitas.

What’s not included is where the math gets important for budgeting: you’ll pay extra port and conservation fees on top of the $99. If you’re carrying a tight vacation budget, plan for those cash costs before you show up.

Also factor in the tradeoff: this is a big “experience day,” not a slow, relaxed beach-only outing. If you like variety and movement, that’s a plus.

Extra fees you should plan for in cash

Two separate extra costs are mentioned, and both matter:

• Dock/port fee: MX$40.00 per person, paid in Mexican cash at the port
• Conservation admission fee: $20.00 per person paid at check-in

These aren’t included in the $99 base price, so treat them like part of your real trip cost. If you only carry cards or only carry US bills, you’ll want to handle currency before you get to the meeting point.

Bay of Banderas cruise: dolphins, rays, and bird watching

After you pay the small dock fee and leave Puerto Vallarta behind, the first stretch of the day is about scanning the water. Your guide looks for Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins, and gives commentary as you cruise.

The tour also leans into “more than mammals.” As you head toward the northern part of Banderas Bay, you might spot giant manta rays and seabirds such as the blue-footed booby and red-billed tropicbird. If you’re into nature spotting, this part gives you lots to watch without getting wet immediately.

Whales are listed as a seasonal possibility. Depending on conditions, your dolphin and whale windows can overlap with other marine sightings, which is one reason people often feel like the boat ride itself is part of the adventure.

Islas Marietas: how the water activities actually work

Islas Marietas is where the tour shifts from watching to doing. This is not a one-activity day, and that’s a good thing for most people: you’ll choose between snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP to explore the habitat.

Because there’s no dock at any of the locations, boarding is active. You jump off the boat, and when it’s time to return you use small metal ladders. If you have trouble with steps or you’re nervous about ladder climbs, this is the part to think through before you commit.

Timing can feel punchy here. The tour is designed so you can try more than one water option, but you should expect the sessions to be limited compared with a full-day snorkeling charter. If you want a long, slow swim and you don’t like feeling rushed, set your expectations accordingly.

Snorkeling visibility and rainy-season reality

Snorkeling conditions can vary. During rainy season, visibility can get murky, which can shrink how much you see under the surface. You’ll still get fish and marine life time, but treat the visibility as a weather-dependent variable, not a guarantee.

The good news: even when water visibility isn’t perfect, the experience still works because you’re pairing snorkeling with birds, dolphins, and other chances to see wildlife.

Majahuitas Beach BBQ: why lunch is usually the highlight

Majahuitas is where the day often turns into a relaxed reward after all the water time. You get BBQ lunch with drinks, and the beach stop is built for actual downtime.

For food, this is not a sad side item. Lunch gets repeatedly described as very good, and it’s served in a beach setting that makes it feel like you’ve switched from tour mode to vacation mode.

There’s also practical value here. A beach meal helps you recover from cold water, choppy boat rides, and the energy it takes to coordinate snorkeling and paddle time. If you’ve ever done water tours that end with snacks and a handshake, Majahuitas is the opposite.

The end-of-trip entertainment

Several departures include an onboard or end-of-trip show with dancing and lip sync style performances. It’s one of those “optional in concept, memorable in practice” additions, especially if you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with kids who like silly fun.

Alcohol timing is not fixed in the tour description, but one common pattern you may see is that alcohol can be served after snorkeling. If alcohol is a big motivator for your day, keep this in mind and don’t assume it happens immediately at the start.

Boat comfort: shade, choppy rides, and seasickness risk

The boat experience is a major factor here because the tour spends most of the duration on the boat. If you get seasick, you’ll want to plan for it. Bring any motion-sickness help you normally rely on, and consider sitting where you feel steadier.

The ride can also be choppy in the morning. That’s normal for open-water travel, but it matters for comfort. If you prefer smooth rides and low motion, you might find this tour less satisfying.

On the positive side, shade on board is mentioned as a real comfort point on many outings, and the vibe is often kept lively by the crew. Also, the tour has a maximum group size of 100 travelers, which helps keep it from becoming a total cattle-car situation.

Equipment and what you should bring yourself

You’re provided snorkel and kayak equipment, and you also have access to stand-up paddleboarding. That’s a big time-saver because you don’t have to shop and pack gear.

Still, you should bring the basics that matter in real life:

• A towel, since nothing is guaranteed for drying off
• Water and any personal snacks you like
• Cash in pesos for tips and the dock fee
• Clothes and footwear you don’t mind getting wet

Snorkeling gear is included, but you’ll feel more comfortable if you show up prepared for chilly water and quick transitions. One traveler tip that comes up often is to think about timing on the beach so you don’t miss extra paddleboarding or other activities while you wait in food lines.

Safety rules you should respect before you go

This tour has some clear rules, and following them protects the birds and also keeps your day from getting shut down.

• Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations meant to protect endemic birds’ flight paths
• No-drug policy is strict, including electronic cigarettes, vapers, and all kinds of drugs

If security denies access, refunds or changes can’t be offered. Translation: keep your bag clean, leave vapes and questionable items at home, and follow the rules even if it seems like a hassle.

The tour also says it’s not suitable for cruise ship passengers because the schedule doesn’t line up with local timing. If you’re on a cruise, plan another option that matches your ship’s return constraints.

Who should book this tour, and who should choose differently

This tour fits best if you like active water time and wildlife watching. It’s especially good for people who want options, because you can choose snorkeling, kayaking, or SUP instead of being locked into just one thing.

It also works well for families when kids are comfortable in the water and the day’s pacing feels fun rather than stressful. Several reviews mention children enjoying it, and the crew tends to keep energy up.

Consider another option if any of these are you:

• You get seasick easily and don’t want to risk a long boat day
• You want long snorkeling time and very unhurried beach time
• You’re hoping for a hidden beach stop, because this trip does not include it
• You prefer a more private, less group-oriented day

Also remember: while you can do multiple water activities, the schedule can feel rushed to people who want more time per stop. If you’re the type who hates moving from one thing to the next, you may feel time pressure here.

Should you book this Islas Marietas and Majahuitas day?

If you want one of the best “do-it-all” days from Puerto Vallarta, I think this is a solid pick. You get wildlife cruising, hands-on water time with included gear, and a beach BBQ that usually lands as the memorable meal moment.

Book it if you’re flexible, you can handle choppy open water, and you like the idea of choosing between snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP. Bring cash, bring a towel, and plan for early hours.

Skip it if you want a calm, unstructured beach day, if seasickness is a deal-breaker, or if hidden-beach access is a must for your trip planning. In those cases, you’ll likely be happier with a different style of tour that matches your pace.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour?

You meet at Puerto Mágico Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What extra fees do I pay at the port?

You’ll pay a port dock fee of MX$40.00 per person in cash at the port, and you’ll also pay a $20.00 per person conservation admission fee at check-in.

What snorkeling and water equipment is included?

You get snorkel and kayak equipment. The tour also includes stand-up paddleboarding.

Do any activities require special mobility since there is no dock?

Yes. The locations you visit do not have docks, so you jump off the boat and use small metal ladders to get back on board.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations protecting endemic birds.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. It is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to time conflicts with the local schedule.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.