Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island, Breakfast, Lunch, Open Bar

The island trip begins before breakfast. This six-hour cruise from Puerto Vallarta combines wildlife watching, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, lunch, an open bar, and music into one full day on Banderas Bay. I like the mix of active time and easy boat time, and I especially like that the crew prepares both breakfast and a hot lunch onboard.

I also like the chance to see humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds during the ride. The main caution is cost clarity: the advertised price is $128 per person, but you must also pay marina and marine park fees, and one booking reported additional charges for access to Playa del Amor and a separate island boat ride. Confirm exactly what is included before paying.

At a glance

• Six hours on Banderas Bay: The trip gives you a full half-day at sea, with food, water activities, and entertainment built into the schedule.
• Marietas snorkeling: You swim in a protected marine park with colorful fish, using the included mask, snorkel, and life jacket.
• Wildlife on the way: Humpback whales appear in season, while dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds may be seen.
• Breakfast and lunch onboard: A continental breakfast begins the outing, followed by a hot cooked lunch after the water activities.
• Several ways to enjoy the islands: You can snorkel, kayak, use a paddle board, swim, or simply remain on the boat.
• A party-style return trip: After the active portion, the crew opens the bar and adds music, dancing, karaoke, and games.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

This is not a quick boat transfer with a short photo stop. The day is built as a full marine outing, with the cruise itself taking up a large part of the experience.

You begin with a ride from Puerto Vallarta toward the Marietas Islands. A continental breakfast is served during the trip, which is useful because the morning starts with wildlife watching and open-water scenery rather than an immediate stop at the islands.

The crew may point out humpback whales when they are in season. Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds are also possible sightings. None of these animals is guaranteed, so I would treat the wildlife as a fortunate bonus rather than the main reason to book.

The boat then reaches Las Marietas, where the water activities begin. An English and Spanish-speaking guide directs you toward snorkeling areas where you can see fish in the protected marine environment.

After snorkeling, you can use the kayaks and paddle boards or simply swim. If you prefer not to get in the water, staying aboard gives you a quieter way to enjoy the islands, though the boat also becomes more social as the day continues.

The bar opens after snorkeling. A cooked lunch follows while the boat cruises around the Marietas Islands, and the guide provides information about the protected area.

On the way back to Puerto Vallarta, the tone shifts from nature outing to party cruise. Music, dancing, karaoke, and group games continue until the return. That makes this a better match for someone who enjoys a lively boat atmosphere than for someone seeking a silent nature trip.

Reaching Las Marietas by boat

The ride across Banderas Bay is part of the experience, not just transportation. You have time to settle in, eat breakfast, watch the water, and keep your camera ready for wildlife.

The provided information does not give a precise departure point, boat size, or group capacity, so you should check those details when booking. They matter here because the feel of a six-hour cruise depends heavily on how much personal space you have and how busy the onboard entertainment becomes.

Bring a camera or video camera, but protect it carefully around salt water. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel are also listed as essentials. A swimsuit is the obvious choice, since snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all part of the day.

The crew provides life jackets and snorkeling equipment. You must leave a hotel room key, identification, or 200 pesos as a security deposit for the snorkeling equipment. Keep that deposit requirement in mind before you leave your hotel.

Snorkeling in the protected marine park

The snorkeling stop is the heart of the trip. A guide helps identify the better places to look for fish, then you swim among the marine life around Las Marietas.

This is a protected area, so the value is not only the equipment or the swim. You get a chance to see a marine ecosystem where the guide can explain why certain areas matter and how visitors should behave around them.

Visibility can change. One booking gave the snorkeling a very poor rating because the water was too hard to see through. That is an important warning. Even with good equipment and a scenic location, snorkeling depends on conditions such as water clarity, weather, light, and sea movement.

I would book this as a boat day that includes snorkeling, not as a dedicated snorkel expedition. If your top priority is clear underwater viewing, ask about current conditions before departure and keep your expectations flexible.

The Blue-footed Booby is another possible highlight. This unusual bird is associated with the Galapagos Islands and Marietas Islands, but seeing one is not promised. The marine birds add interest even when underwater visibility is less than ideal.

Kayaking, paddle boards, or a swim

After snorkeling, the activity choices help make the outing work for different energy levels. You can take a kayak, use a paddle board, swim, or relax on the boat.

Kayaking and paddle boarding give you a slower way to look at the islands from the water. They also provide something to do if you have finished snorkeling but are not ready for lunch and drinks.

The listing includes both activities, along with life jackets and mask and snorkel equipment. It does not give exact time limits or explain how many kayaks and boards are available, so ask the crew about the rotation if several people want the same equipment.

If you prefer to rest, that is perfectly reasonable. A six-hour outing can feel long if you treat every activity as mandatory. The best approach is to choose one or two water activities, then save energy for the boat ride back.

Playa del Amor and the extra-cost question

The phrase secret beach can create a specific expectation, especially for people hoping to visit Playa del Amor, also called Hidden Beach. Here you need to check the details carefully.

One booking reported that access to Playa del Amor was not included and required an additional payment of about 60 euros. The same booking reported another 10 euros for a small boat ride connected with the island experience. These charges may depend on the date, operator arrangement, or current access rules, but they are significant enough to confirm before booking.

The included information lists snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boards, swimming, breakfast, lunch, and the open bar. It does not clearly list a guaranteed landing or entry to Playa del Amor. Ask this exact question: Is access to Playa del Amor included in the $128 price, and are any separate boat transfers required?

That one question can prevent disappointment. If the beach is the main reason you want to visit Marietas, do not assume that a general island cruise includes every popular site.

Breakfast, lunch, and the open bar

Food is one of the stronger parts of this experience. A continental breakfast is served while you cruise toward the islands, so you do not have to begin the morning hungry.

Lunch is prepared on the boat and served after the water activities. This timing makes sense. You can finish snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding, then return aboard for a hot meal rather than carrying your own packed lunch.

Several positive ratings specifically praised the food, organization, and attention from the crew. One described both the breakfast and lunch as especially good, while another praised the food and staff care. That matches the structure of the outing: meals are not an afterthought but part of the schedule.

The open bar begins after snorkeling, not necessarily from the moment you board. This is useful to know if you were expecting drinks throughout the morning. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim, kayak, or paddle board before the bar opens.

The bar, music, and food make the $128 price easier to assess. You are paying for more than a ride to the islands, but the value depends on your use of the included activities and whether extra beach charges apply.

The return trip becomes a party boat

The return is designed to keep the energy up. Music, dancing, karaoke, and games begin after the nature-focused part of the outing.

Some people will love this finish. It gives the crew a chance to create a friendly, social mood, and the included karaoke can be a memorable part of the day. The positive ratings repeatedly praised the staff’s attention and the cheerful atmosphere from boarding onward.

Others may find the party element less appealing. If you want a quiet ride back, this may not be your ideal boat tour. The cruise does not present itself as a quiet small-group wildlife trip. It blends outdoor activities with entertainment, and that distinction matters.

I would recommend it most to groups of friends, couples who enjoy social activities, and families with older children who can manage a long day on the water. It may suit you less if you dislike loud music, group games, or karaoke.

What the price really includes

The listed price is $128 per person. That includes English and Spanish-speaking guides, continental breakfast, lunch prepared on the boat, an open bar after snorkeling, life jackets, mask and snorkel equipment, kayaking, paddle boards, music, dancing, karaoke, and games.

You must also budget for the marina entrance fee and the marine park conservation fee. The information gives two different figures for the conservation fee: 220 pesos, approximately $8, in one place, and 180 pesos, approximately $9, in another. The marina fee is listed as 32 or 33 pesos, approximately $1.50 to $2.

Because the figures conflict slightly, bring enough extra pesos and verify the current total at check-in. Children ages three to five pay 200 pesos directly at check-in, according to the provided details.

The extra charges are not large compared with the main price, but they affect the final total. Add possible tips, photos, and any separate Playa del Amor or small boat fees before deciding if this is good value for you.

For a package-style day with meals, equipment, guides, and entertainment, the price can be fair. It is less attractive if you only want a short snorkeling session or if the beach access you expected costs extra.

What the crew does well

The crew receives strong praise for organization, care, and attention. One high rating specifically highlighted the staff’s help with safety equipment and their care for protected areas. Another praised the organization, food, and friendly service.

That matters on a water-based outing. You want clear help with life jackets and snorkeling gear, especially if you are not a confident swimmer. The guides also help direct you toward better snorkeling spots rather than leaving you to search without guidance.

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish. If you need specific safety instructions repeated, ask early, before entering the water.

The overall rating is 4.7 from nine ratings, with several top scores and one especially low score focused on poor snorkeling visibility and unexpected extra costs. That pattern suggests a generally well-liked outing, but one with real conditions and pricing details you should understand first.

Who should book this Marietas Island cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want several experiences in one day:

• A cruise across Banderas Bay
• Possible whale and dolphin sightings
• Guided snorkeling
• Kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming
• Breakfast and a hot lunch
• Drinks after the water activities
• Music, games, dancing, and karaoke

It is also a practical choice if you like having the day organized for you. Food, gear, guides, and activities are bundled together, so you do not need to arrange each part separately.

Families should note the child pricing rule for ages three to five. The available information does not provide age limits for the included water activities, so ask about participation rules for young children before booking.

I would hesitate if you want guaranteed whale sightings, perfect snorkeling visibility, a quiet boat, or confirmed access to Playa del Amor without extra charges. Those are the areas where expectations may not match the actual day.

Practical checklist before you go

Bring the following:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunglasses and hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera or video camera
• Extra cash for tips, photos, fees, and possible add-ons
• Hotel room key, ID, or 200 pesos for the snorkeling equipment deposit

Confirm the current marine park and marina fees. The information lists slightly different amounts, so it is wise to have extra pesos available.

Also confirm the exact meaning of secret beach access. Ask if Playa del Amor is included, if a separate small boat is needed, and what the current price is. This is the most important booking question for anyone focused on the beach rather than the wider cruise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still changing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a social, all-in-one day with Marietas scenery, guided snorkeling, several water activities, meals, drinks, and a lively ride home. The food and crew care receive the strongest praise, and the schedule gives you plenty to do.

Skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed visit to Playa del Amor, crystal-clear snorkeling, or a quiet wildlife cruise. Confirm every extra charge first, especially the beach and small boat fees. With those details clear, this can be a good-value day on Banderas Bay rather than an expensive surprise.

FAQ

How long does the Marietas Island experience last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the date you want.

What languages are available?

Live guides are available in English and Spanish.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A continental breakfast is served during the cruise toward the Marietas Islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A hot lunch is prepared on the boat and served after the water activities.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes life jackets, mask and snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddle boards. You must provide a hotel room key, identification, or 200 pesos as a security deposit for the snorkeling equipment.

What extra fees should I expect?

You must pay a marine park conservation fee and a marina entrance fee. The supplied information lists the conservation fee as either 180 or 220 pesos and the marina fee as 32 or 33 pesos, so confirm the current amounts. Children ages three to five pay 200 pesos directly at check-in.