Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

This full-day, all-inclusive trip to the Marietas Islands National Park is done aboard a large trimaran with waterslides. Departures are listed from Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or Sayulita, and the day is about six hours long. The Marietas are one of Mexico's best-known marine reserves, and the boat is your base for the whole outing.

The day starts with breakfast on board: fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, and an all-day premium drinks service that covers water, coffee, juices and sodas as well as margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila and wine. The onboard photographer and the cruise director introduce themselves, and the crew keeps the atmosphere lively throughout.

The cruise to the islands runs along the north shore and a snack of fresh guacamole and chips is served on the way. Keep an eye on the water: humpback whales pass through from December to April, and sea turtles, rays and tropical coastline can be seen all year. By late morning you reach the national park waters and anchor for the afternoon.

With a guide you swim, kayak, paddleboard or snorkel to Playa La Nopalera, a beach reached only by water, with sea birds, tropical fish, coral and clear water. Access to the famous Hidden Beach is limited by strict park rules. It requires a special permit, paid in pesos at check-in and available for an extra fee, and the operator asks you to contact them after booking to reserve it.

Back on the boat, lunch is Mexican fajitas with rice, beans and tortillas, with the open bar still running. The afternoon leaves time for more water play: waterslides, water tubes, a floating mattress and wildlife watching. The trip back to port has music and dancing, and the boat may stop if wildlife shows up.

The tour suits all fitness levels; infants sit on an adult's lap and the minimum drinking age is 18. Choose your meeting place before booking. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food is available if you mention it at booking. Drones are prohibited, in line with federal regulations and to protect the flight path of endemic birds. Hotel pickup, gratuities and the photo package are not included.