Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour: Kayak, Snorkel, Eat

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.50 (6 reviews)

Free cancellation

1/8

Duration7h–8h

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Snorkel and kayak the Marietas Islands in one morning, then eat and drink on the boat ride back

A half-day snorkeling and kayaking tour from Puerto Vallarta takes you by boat to the Marietas Islands in Banderas Bay, where you swim the reefs, paddle a kayak around the islands, and explore Playa Nopalera before returning to the boat for lunch and an open bar. The tour includes breakfast before departure, snorkeling gear, and a guide in English or Spanish; children from age 3 are welcome, and the whole experience runs about 7 to 8 hours from check-in to return.

7h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Marietas Islands half-day tour

Check in at Maritime Terminal
Board boat and start tour
Enjoy breakfast and Banderas Bay views
Snorkel around Marietas Islands
Optional boat ride with biologist
Kayak around the islands
Explore Playa Nopalera
Return to boat for food and drinks
Enjoy music and open bar sailing back

The Experience

You check in at the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Vallarta at 8:10 am and board by 9:00 am. The boat ride out to the Marietas Islands takes about two hours, and breakfast — hot cakes, eggs with ham and juice — is served while you're crossing Banderas Bay. The crossing itself is part of the tour: you'll see the bay open up as you approach the islands, and the crew keeps the pace relaxed so you can settle in before the water activities begin.

Once you reach the Marietas Islands, you start with snorkeling. The reefs around the islands host colored fish and marine life; the water is clear enough to see the bottom in most spots. Snorkeling equipment is provided. After snorkeling, you can kayak around the islands — the paddle and floating mat are included — and then move on to Playa Nopalera, a rocky beach where you can explore the shoreline and swim. An optional ecotour (extra cost, paid on board) adds a boat ride around the islands with a biologist guide who explains how the islands formed and points out the birds and species that live there. This is not the hidden beach tour — that's a separate, more expensive excursion and is not part of this package.

The return journey takes about 90 minutes, and this is when the boat becomes the focus. Food comes out — roast beef, chicken, chorizo, potatoes, tortillas, salad and sauces — along with a national open bar (beer, soft drinks, water) and fish ceviche as a snack. The crew plays music and keeps the energy high. You sail back into Puerto Vallarta with views of Banderas Bay the whole way. Toilets are on board, and the boat has all the safety equipment required.

What’s included

American breakfast with hot cakes, eggs and juice.
snorkeling equipment and kayak with paddle and floating mat.
lunch with roast beef, chicken, chorizo, potatoes, tortillas and salad.
national open bar with beer, soft drinks and water.
fish ceviche snack.
access to Playa Nopalera beach.
on-board toilets.
guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Monkey Adventures

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Puerto Vallarta's Maritime Terminal with no car needed — check in at 8:10 am and board by 9:00 am — so it works whether you're staying in town, at a resort nearby, or without wheels. Breakfast and lunch are both on the boat, which means you're not hunting for food between activities or paying restaurant prices; the open bar and music on the return make the ride back as much a part of the day as the snorkeling itself.