Marietas Islands Seabird Watching Tour with Private Guide

Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, herons and pelicans on the cliffs. Dolphins and sea turtles in the water below

A private seabird watching tour to Marietas Islands National Park near Puerto Vallarta puts you on a 30-foot boat with a professional biologist guide for five hours among nesting marine birds and rocky volcanic islets. The tour includes snorkeling gear and binoculars on request, meals and drinks, and hotel pickup can be arranged in advance. A naturalist guide identifies species and explains the islands' ecology and conservation while you watch for boobies, frigatebirds, herons, egrets, pelicans, dolphins and sea turtles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Seabird watching at Marietas Islands

• Check in
• Watch seabirds and marine wildlife

The experience

Marietas Islands National Park sits in Banderas Bay and holds one of the best seabird watching locations on Mexico's Pacific coast. The protected volcanic islands are home to blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, herons, egrets and pelicans that nest along dramatic cliffs and rocky islets. You board a private 30-foot boat and spend the morning and early afternoon watching birds perch, dive and raise their young on the rock faces. A professional biologist guide helps you identify each species and shares insights into the islands' ecology and conservation efforts.

The five-hour tour keeps you on the water where the birds live instead of viewing them from a distance. Snorkeling gear and binoculars are available on request. Let the operator know in advance if you want them. Between birdwatching sessions, you'll keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles that often move through the same waters. Meals, snacks, sodas, water and juice are included, so you eat and drink without leaving the boat.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Nuevo Vallarta or Marina La Cruz can be arranged if you contact the operator before booking. The guide speaks English and Spanish. The Marietas Islands National Park entrance and conservation fee may be added at checkout depending on your option.

What’s included

• Professional biologist guide in English or Spanish.
• private 30-foot boat for the five-hour tour.
• snorkeling gear and binoculars available on request.
• sandwich, granola bar, fruit, sodas, water and juice throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Nuevo Vallarta or Marina La Cruz available upon advance request.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Mar 2027

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 76

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ECOTOURS VALLARTA

Is this one for you?The guide delivers commentary in English or Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers follow the bird identification and ecology without translation delays. The private boat and naturalist guide suit anyone who wants to watch nesting seabirds up close instead of from a distance, with a professional explaining what you're seeing as it happens.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What seabirds will I actually see at Marietas Islands?

Blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, herons, egrets and pelicans nest on the volcanic cliffs and rocky islets. A professional biologist guide helps you identify each species and explains their behavior and nesting patterns.

Is snorkeling included in the tour, or do I need to bring my own gear?

Snorkeling gear is available upon request. You need to let the operator know in advance if you want it included. Binoculars are also available on request for closer views of the birds.

How long is the seabird watching tour?

The tour runs five hours on a private 30-foot boat. Meals, snacks and drinks are included throughout the day on the water.

Will I see dolphins or sea turtles on this tour?

Dolphins and sea turtles are often seen in the waters around Marietas Islands, though sightings are not guaranteed. The naturalist guide will point them out when they appear.

Can the tour pick me up from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Nuevo Vallarta or Marina La Cruz can be arranged upon request. Contact the operator in advance to confirm your pickup location and time.