Catamaran Islas Marietas – Snorkel & Open Bar

Marietas Islands National Park makes a fine full-day outing from Puerto Vallarta, especially if you want snorkeling, kayaking, and ocean views in one package. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, equipment, and an open bar on the return sailing, so you can leave your wallet and most of your planning behind.

I like the easy mix of active time and rest, and I like that the crew provides kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. The main caution is scale and timing: the boat may carry as many as 90 people, and one account describes a much larger-feeling group, limited snorkeling time, and a trip that lasted about nine hours rather than six. You should expect a long, social boat day, not a quiet escape.

Key points to know before booking

• The day runs about 10 hours: You leave Puerto Magico at 8:00 a.m. and return to the same meeting point.
• The Marietas Islands are the main event: You’ll spend your excursion around the national park, with time for water activities and island views.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Expect fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes in the morning, followed by lunch onboard.
• Water gear is supplied: Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment are part of the outing, though access to gear and water time can be affected by operations or conditions.
• Alcohol is mainly for the return trip: The open bar is listed as available on the way back, so do not count on cocktails during the active portion.
• Budget an extra $13 per person: A $3 government fee and a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet fee are not included in the advertised $92 price.

Sailing from Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 a.m.

Your day starts at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the North Hotel Zone. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity ends back there, which keeps the logistics simple if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta.

The advertised departure is 8:00 a.m. That early start matters because the trip is long, and you will want time for both the boat ride and the water activities. Bring your swimsuit, towel, and a full change of clothes. Comfortable clothing and shoes are sensible for a boat deck, where wet floors and sun can make dressier outfits a nuisance.

The tour is offered in English, but language balance may vary in practice. The published experience allows up to 90 people, and one account describes the day as heavily Spanish-speaking, including much of the music and onboard commentary. If you need detailed instructions in English for every activity, confirm that point before paying.

There is also a vessel question worth checking. The experience is sold as a catamaran trip, but one account says the boat did not feel like a catamaran and carried far more people than expected. That may reflect a particular departure or a change in boat assignment, but it is enough reason to confirm the boat type and expected group size directly with the operator.

Breakfast with Banderas Bay views

The first meal is a continental breakfast with hot cakes. The listed spread includes fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and juice. It is a practical start rather than a destination meal, but it saves you from arranging breakfast before an early departure.

As the boat moves across Banderas Bay, the ride itself becomes part of the experience. You’ll have broad views toward Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific coast, with plenty of time to settle into the pace of the day. Music is part of the program, and the return ride may include games, dancing, or karaoke.

That social style will suit you if you like a lively boat party. It may not suit you if you want a calm, nature-focused crossing. Music is not limited to quiet background sound, and the selection may lean heavily toward Spanish-language songs. I would treat the entertainment as a central part of the outing, not a minor extra.

Reaching the Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands sit offshore from Puerto Vallarta and are protected as a marine sanctuary. Their appeal comes from the combination of rocky formations, small coves, sea cliffs, and clear water. You are not simply taking a cruise past the islands. The main stop is designed to put you in the water and close to the rock formations.

The exact order of activities may shift, but you can expect the island stop to include snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. These options let you see the coast in different ways. Snorkeling gives you a view below the surface, while a kayak or paddleboard offers a slower look at the coves and arches from water level.

The pace is not entirely yours to control. A group this size means equipment distribution, safety instructions, and water access can take time. One account describes only about 30 minutes for snorkeling, despite the long day. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask how much dedicated water time is planned and how the operator handles equipment.

You should also bring realistic expectations about water visibility. The experience is promoted around clear water, but sea conditions can change. Weather, waves, boat traffic, and park rules may affect where you swim and how long you remain in one area.

Snorkeling, kayaks, and paddleboards

The supplied gear is a real convenience. You do not need to arrange separate rentals for a mask, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. That makes the excursion easier for families and casual swimmers who want to try several activities without committing to one specialized tour.

Still, equipment availability deserves attention. One account says snorkels were not handed out because of COVID-related procedures. That may no longer reflect current operations, but it shows why you should not assume that every activity will run exactly as described on every departure. If snorkeling is essential, ask before boarding if masks and snorkels are being distributed and if you may bring your own.

Kayaking and paddleboarding may be better choices if you prefer staying above the water. They also give you a good way to look at the arches and rocky shoreline without spending the entire island stop in a crowded swim area. You will need to follow the crew’s instructions and stay within the allowed zone.

This is not the kind of outing where you wander independently around the islands. The protected setting and boat schedule keep the group together. That structure helps with safety, but it also limits solitude.

The question of Hidden Beach

Playa del Amor, often called Hidden Beach, is presented as an optional visit rather than a guaranteed stop. That distinction matters. Access can depend on sea conditions, park rules, permits, and the day’s operating plan.

If reaching Hidden Beach is your top goal, ask whether it is included on your date and what conditions could prevent the visit. Do not book this day assuming that a Hidden Beach landing is certain. The broader Marietas experience remains the main product, with water sports and views around the islands.

The optional wording is also a reminder that the protected park is not a theme-park attraction with a fixed script. Access rules can shape the day. You may spend more time snorkeling or paddling instead of visiting the famous beach.

Lunch, music, and the return open bar

Lunch is served onboard, which keeps the schedule moving and means you do not need to leave the boat to eat. The exact menu is not specified, so you should think of it as a convenient included meal rather than a reason to choose this tour over another.

The open bar is listed for alcoholic drinks on the way back. That timing is sensible from a safety point of view, since the active water portion comes first. It also means the advertised bar should not be read as an all-day drinking service.

One account found the drinks light on alcohol and the food only average. I would set expectations accordingly. The value here is the convenience of having meals and drinks included during a long excursion, not a gourmet menu or craft-cocktail program.

The return sailing appears to be the liveliest part of the day. Music, dancing, games, and possibly karaoke can turn the boat into a party. The crew received positive marks for being friendly and pleasant, so the social atmosphere may be a strong point even if the food and drinks are basic.

What $92 really buys you

At $92 per person, the price is reasonable only if you plan to use several parts of the package. You are paying for a full-day boat outing, transport across the bay, breakfast, lunch, equipment, insurance onboard, island access as arranged by the operator, and an open bar on the return.

The value drops if you mainly want a short snorkeling session. One account describes roughly 30 minutes in the water, followed by a much longer total day. In that case, much of your payment goes toward the boat ride, meals, entertainment, and group setting rather than extended snorkeling.

Add the $3 government fee and the $10 SEMARNAT bracelet fee. Your practical total is about $105 per person before any other personal spending. Those fees should be part of your budget from the start.

The tour can make financial sense for you if you want one booking that combines transport, food, equipment, and entertainment. It is less appealing if you prefer a small group, quiet sailing, strong English-language guiding, or complete control over your time in the water.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would recommend this experience to active couples, groups of friends, and families who like a full schedule and do not mind being around a large crowd. It also suits anyone who wants to sample several activities rather than spend the whole day on one dedicated snorkel session.

The tour may work well for first-time visitors who want to see the Marietas Islands without arranging separate boat transport, meals, and rentals. The included gear removes several small decisions, and the return to the same meeting point keeps the day easy to manage.

I would be more cautious if you are seeking peace and quiet. The possible 90-person capacity, loud music, Spanish-heavy entertainment, and shared equipment can make the day feel more like a party cruise than a small marine excursion.

Pregnant passengers cannot board under the company’s stated policy, regardless of stage of pregnancy. Most other participants can take part, but you should be comfortable with boat travel, swimming or paddling, and a long day away from shore.

Practical packing advice

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and extra clothes. A waterproof bag is useful for keeping dry items separate, though one is not listed as included.

Use biodegradable sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent. The islands are a protected marine area, so reef-conscious products are the responsible choice. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes rather than anything that becomes difficult when wet.

Eat a light snack before departure if you normally need more than a continental breakfast. Breakfast and lunch are included, but the food is described only in general terms, and the day lasts close to 10 hours.

If you care strongly about snorkeling, ask about current gear procedures before the morning of departure. Also confirm the expected vessel, group size, language support, and whether Hidden Beach is operating on your date.

Should you book Catamaran Islas Marietas?

Book it if you want an all-in-one day with island scenery, several water activities, meals, and a party-style ride home. The friendly crew, included equipment, and simple meeting point add real convenience.

Skip it if you want a quiet small-boat trip, a guaranteed Hidden Beach visit, or a long uninterrupted snorkeling session. The low overall rating and specific complaints about group size, language balance, drinks, and timing make it wise to confirm the current setup before booking.

The best way to judge the $92 price is to count the whole day, not just the minutes spent snorkeling. If you will enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, music, food, and the open bar as much as the islands, it can be a useful Puerto Vallarta day trip. If snorkeling is the only goal, look for a more focused outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s North Hotel Zone.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is approximately 10 hours, and the activity ends back at the original meeting point.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice, and hot cakes. Lunch is also included, though no specific lunch menu is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are listed as included. Current equipment procedures should be confirmed if snorkeling is especially important to you.

Are government fees included in the price?

No. The listed extra charges are a $3 government fee and a $10 SEMARNAT bracelet fee per person.

Can pregnant passengers join the tour?

No. The company states that it may refuse boarding to anyone who is pregnant, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.