Marietas is one of those days that feels like half adventure, half party. You get a full-service boat outing from Puerto Vallarta, with snorkel gear, breakfast and lunch, and an open bar timed after the water activities. The main decision is whether you’ll pay for the Hidden Beach, because your value depends on it.

I love that this tour is set up for people who want action without planning. You get paddleboard or kayak time, a structured window for photos and snorkeling, and the crew keeps the day moving so you’re not stuck waiting around.

One drawback to consider: the included snorkeling window can feel short and tight, and Hidden Beach is optional but swim-required. If you come for big snorkel time on your own schedule, this may not match your expectations.

Key things to know before you go

• Food and drinks are built into the day, with lunch plus an open bar after water activities.
• Kayak or paddleboard is included, so you’re not just waiting for a snorkel stop.
• Hidden Beach costs extra and requires good swimming, and only some people do it.
• Boat shade is limited, so pick your seat wisely if you burn easily.
• Snorkeling conditions can vary, and at least one guest reported jellyfish stings at a snorkel site.

Price and the real value of $95.64

On paper, $95.64 looks like a steal for a full day on the water. The real value comes from what is wrapped into the package: snorkeling equipment, a kayak or paddleboard, plus breakfast and lunch and an open bar after you’re done splashing around.

But you should also budget for local add-ons that aren’t included in the headline price. On day one at the meeting point, you’ll likely pay a conservation fee of 120 MXN and a port fee listed as 30 MXN (another part of the info lists a port fee of 33 MXN). If you’re offered or required to purchase the Sermarnat bracelet, that’s listed as 180 MXN and is not included.

Then there’s the optional wild card: Hidden Beach. It’s listed at 1,000 MXN, and the tour info says you need to know how to swim. If you skip this, you may feel like you’re paying for a shorter experience than you hoped.

Getting started: meeting point and how the day runs

This tour starts at 9:00 am from Puerto Magico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. You’ll meet, register, then handle the required local payments before you head out.

The total day is listed as 8 to 9 hours. In practice, the structure is: set out from the port, spend hours around the islands with active time, eat, drink, then return. A lot of that time is on the boat, so hydration and sun protection matter.

This is also a maximum 40 travelers tour. That’s not huge. It can still feel busy at check-in and when everyone is switching between snorkeling, photos, and paddling, but it’s small enough that you’re not drowning in lines.

The long boat ride: shade, sun, and possible whale sightings

You’re going to spend meaningful time on a boat heading to the Marietas area, and at least one review notes the ride out can be about 1.5 hours, with a longer return later. That’s not a small detail. How you experience this tour will depend on whether you can get comfortable in the sun.

One guest mentioned only about a quarter of the boat was shaded. If you roast easily, try to position yourself near the shade before the boat gets moving. If you don’t care about sun, you still want water and a hat, because open ocean days can feel intense.

And here’s a fun, real-world perk: one review said they spotted multiple whales along the way. You cannot count on that, but it’s the kind of bonus that makes the boat ride feel worth it.

Stop 1 in Puerto Vallarta: check-in and conservation fees

The first stop is basically your launch pad. You arrive at the meeting point, register, and make the required payments before departure.

What matters here is the conservation and port cost, which are listed as:

• 120 MXN conservation fee for the Marietas Islands
• 30 MXN port tax (and elsewhere a port fee is listed as 33 MXN)

This isn’t just “extra cost” for the sake of it. The Marietas area has strict rules around protecting the ecosystem, and these fees are tied to conservation. For me, that’s part of the value of doing a guided trip here. You’re paying to keep the site functioning as a protected destination.

Stop 2: Bahia de Banderas and breakfast while you head out

After check-in, you enjoy the ride toward the Marietas Islands and have breakfast. This portion is listed as about 3 hours.

Why I like this timing: breakfast early means you’re fueled before you’re in the sun, on the water, and doing gear changes. It also helps the day feel like a “real excursion” instead of a late-morning scramble.

You’ll be watching the coast and water as you move toward the islands. The boat time can be scenic even when it’s slow. It sets expectations: plan to be patient, because the best part is still ahead.

Stop 3: Islas Marietas, photos, and your included water activities

This is the core block of time, listed as 2 hours. The plan is built around two things: photo moments and water activities.

You can expect options like:

• Kayak or paddleboard time (included)
• Snorkeling gear use (included), with snorkeling stops set by the crew
• Scenic viewing and a chance to take pictures

Important note about Hidden Beach: the info says you must tell the tour in advance and know how to swim if you want to explore it. So your day might split. Some people do Hidden Beach, while others stay with the main itinerary and snorkel around the area.

If your dream is the Hidden Beach, don’t assume you can “decide on the spot.” Ask early, because the tour specifically calls out advance notice and swimming ability.

Hidden Beach is optional, and it changes the entire trip

This is the stop that can make or break the experience for your money.

Hidden Beach is listed at 1,000 MXN and is described as optional and requiring you to know how to swim. If you don’t do it, you’ll still have time for the main island activities, but some reviews suggest the included snorkeling can feel brief.

Here’s the trade-off I’d focus on. The Hidden Beach experience is special, but it likely consumes more time and adds swim risk. If you’re comfortable in open water and you really want that signature beach experience, it’s the add-on that gives the day its “must-do” feel.

If you aren’t a strong swimmer, you may be happier treating the day as an active boat outing with paddling, scenic time, and a smaller snorkeling window.

Stop 4: lunch and open bar after the water

After your island time, you get lunch and the included open bar. This portion is listed as 1 hour, and it happens after the water activities.

This timing matters. You’re less likely to feel shaky or distracted while eating, because the crew is trying to sequence the fun. In plain terms: you burn energy first, then you refuel and relax.

From the reviews, the food and drink setup is a big reason people feel it’s good value. One review singled out how nice it was not to worry about food or drinks because everything was handled for the group.

If you’re drinking alcohol, keep an eye on yourself. This is still a long boat day with sun and gear handling, so pace it, hydrate, and don’t turn “open bar” into “all-day hangover.”

Stop 5: the return ride to Puerto Vallarta

You head back to Puerto Vallarta with a return drive listed as about 2 hours. This is usually where the group winds down, because the physical work is done.

One review described a slower return ride that felt uncomfortable, and another mentioned it taking a couple of hours after food and activities. The takeaway for you: expect the return to be a boat ride again, not a quick hop.

If you burn easily, use this time wisely. Reapply protection if your crew allows it, or wear a sun shirt if you have one. Keep your water bottle close.

Snorkeling reality check: small zones and changing conditions

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but the snorkeling experience depends on the day and the crew’s chosen spots.

One review described snorkeling as very limited and said the snorkeling area felt small. Another review reported jellyfish stings during snorkeling, including multiple stings across the group. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should treat snorkeling here as “adventure snorkeling,” not a calm museum-like swim.

Also pay attention to boat access. One review said there was no ladder to get back onto the boat, and getting back required help from multiple people. That’s not something to panic over, but it is useful information if you have knee or mobility concerns, or if you don’t feel great stepping out of waves.

Sunscreen policy and sun protection strategy

One review specifically mentioned the crew discouraging sunscreen use to protect the marine environment. They also said the lack of proper sunscreen application made the sun experience miserable, and they ended up sneaking sunscreen when they could.

So here’s how I’d handle it: plan your sun protection strategy before you’re on the boat. If the crew asks you to avoid sunscreen, have a backup like a hat, rash guard, or lightweight long-sleeve swim shirt. Bring whatever you need so you’re not improvising under bright sun.

This is where practical travel thinking saves your day. Water time is fun, but sun exposure can ruin your mood fast.

Service and vibe: the crew can make the difference

The most consistently praised aspect across the positive feedback was the crew. People described the team as fun, helpful, and amazing, with a focus on keeping activities flowing and making the day work for the group.

That matters because this tour has multiple moving parts: check-in, boat travel, gear changes, photo stops, snorkeling setup, lunch, and then open bar. When the crew runs the timeline smoothly, you feel like you got your money’s worth even if conditions are not perfect.

Also, one strong plus from the reviews is how friendly the team was with families, including kids around 8 to 15. If you’re traveling with young swimmers who can follow directions, this kind of organized crew can help a lot.

Who should book this Marietas islands tour

This tour fits best if you want a full-service day on the water:

• You like paddling and snorkeling as part of a bigger adventure, not as the entire plan
• You want breakfast and lunch handled, plus an included open bar
• You want a structured day with a small group size (up to 40)

It might not be ideal if:

• You’re only interested in long, relaxed snorkeling time
• You don’t want to pay extra for Hidden Beach and might feel shortchanged without it
• You hate boats and you burn easily in sun since shade can be limited

If you’re a confident swimmer and you really want the Hidden Beach experience, you’re more likely to walk away feeling the day delivered. If you aren’t, focus on the included paddling, the island scenery, and treat snorkeling as a bonus.

Should you book Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with open bar and food?

I’d book it if you’re looking for an easy day out that bundles the essentials, food, drinks, and water activities. The “value” is real when you use the paddling time, enjoy the photo and scenery stops, and take Hidden Beach seriously enough to do it (if you can swim).

I would hesitate if Hidden Beach is the only thing you care about and you’re unsure you’ll pay for it. This trip can also feel sun-heavy and boat-heavy, and snorkeling quality is not guaranteed every day. Still, with the right expectations, this tour can be a fun, well-run Marietas day.

If you want the best odds of a great experience, go early, aim for shade when you can, and bring gear that protects you if sunscreen use is discouraged.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands tour?

The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours.

Where is the meeting point and what time does it start?

You meet at Puerto Magico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time is 9:00 am.

What’s included in the price besides the boat ride?

Included items are snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), paddleboard or kayak, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar after the water activities.

Is the open bar included, and when do they serve it?

Yes. The open bar is included on the boat and is available after the water activities.

What extra fees should I expect?

On top of the tour price, plan for local fees that can include a conservation fee of 120 MXN and a port fee listed as 30 MXN or 33 MXN, plus an optional Sermarnat bracelet (180 MXN) listed as not included. Hidden Beach is also optional at 1,000 MXN.

Is Hidden Beach included, and do I need to swim?

Hidden Beach is optional and costs extra (1,000 MXN). The tour info says you need to know how to swim and tell the team in advance if you want to explore it.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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