Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

This day trip from Puerto Vallarta takes you by boat to the Marietas Islands, aimed at travellers who enjoy ecotourism, whether they come as a family, a couple or alone. The operator lists snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming among the activities, along with time simply looking at the underwater scenery, which it describes as full of life and colour. Breakfast, lunch and an open bar are part of the package.

The itinerary starts at the meeting point, where you register, introduce yourself and pay the port fees; this step is listed at 30 minutes. You then sail towards the islands while having breakfast, a leg listed at 180 minutes. Once there, the next block of about 120 minutes is for the water: you can take a kayak or a paddleboard, or put on the snorkeling gear and explore the marine life around the islands. The open bar opens after the water activities, together with lunch, for about 60 minutes of socialising on board. The last 120 minutes are the return trip to Puerto Vallarta.

During whale watching season, the operator says you may see whales swimming and surfacing very close to the boat. This depends on the season and on the animals, so treat it as a possibility rather than a promise.

Playa Escondida, the Hidden Beach, is an optional extra. A smaller boat leaves you a few metres from the rocky access, and you reach the beach by swimming through a marine tunnel, which is the only way in. You can stay about 30 minutes. It costs 1,000 MXN, you must know how to swim, and you should tell the crew in advance.

Be aware that the fee information is not consistent. The itinerary mentions 120 MXN for the conservation of the islands plus a 30 MXN port tax, 150 MXN in total, while the exclusions list a port fee of 33 MXN and a Sermarnat conservation bracelet at 180 MXN. Confirm the exact amounts when you book and carry cash. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but is not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with poor cardiovascular health.