Marietas feels like a secret coast. A shared catamaran day trip from Puerto Vallarta brings you to the Marietas Islands National Park marine zone, where the sea does the talking. You’re not just riding along the shoreline—you’re out on the water with time for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking, plus the option of Playa del Amor.

I really like the way the day is paced for real humans: you get breakfast and lunch onboard, then you’re free to focus on the water. The open bar on the way back turns the return ride into a proper unwind, especially with the onboard music and games.

One consideration: depending on how the water activities are scheduled that day, you may feel the pace shift toward the end, and the hands-on stations can be a bit tight. If you’re sensitive to crowd energy, you’ll want to plan for some limited elbow room during kayak or paddleboard moments.

Key highlights at a glance

• Catamaran time on a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary off Puerto Vallarta
• Onboard breakfast and hot cakes, plus lunch, so you’re not hunting for food
• Snorkel + paddleboard + kayaks as a full water lineup (not just one activity)
• Optional Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) add-on that’s part of the day’s plan
• Open bar on the return along with music, games, and karaoke

Why Islas Marietas on a shared catamaran feels different

There’s a big difference between seeing Marietas from the shore and getting time out on the water around it. This area is protected as a marine sanctuary, and that status matters because the goal is to experience the coast and wildlife without turning the visit into a chaotic land tour.

A shared catamaran also keeps the vibe relaxed. You’re in good company, but you’re still spending most of your time outside on deck or in the water, which is what makes this kind of day trip click.

Getting there: Puerto Mágico pick-up and an 8:00 am start

Your day begins at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera Norte area, with departure at 8:00 am. That early start is a good thing here because it helps you get daylight hours for snorkeling and the paddle/kayak part of the day.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re not taking a taxi everywhere. Plan to arrive a little early so you can check in, get settled, and be ready to go before the boat pushes off.

Marietas Islands National Park: what you’re really visiting

This is a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, and that’s the core reason this tour is so popular. You’re going to see coastal scenery that you simply can’t access by foot, because the action is along the waterline and in the protected marine area.

In practical terms, it’s a spot built for water time: snorkeling in clear water, plus paddling near rock formations and cove-like areas. That’s also why the tour includes equipment—this isn’t the kind of day where you show up and hope you can improvise.

Breakfast, hot cakes, lunch, and the return open bar

Food on a day like this isn’t a minor detail. It’s what keeps you comfortable through the morning cruise and gives you the energy you need for the water activities.

You’ll start with continental breakfast plus hot cakes, along with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, and juice. Later, you’ll get lunch onboard, so you’re not timing your day around restaurants or snack hunts.

On the drinks side, the open bar runs on the way back to Puerto Vallarta. That means you can enjoy the shift into relaxation without worrying about feeling pressured to drink during the active part of the day. If you’re driving tomorrow or just prefer a lighter day, it’s easy to treat the bar as part of the fun rather than the main event.

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking: making the most of the water time

This tour gives you a trio of water experiences: snorkeling, plus paddleboards and kayaks. In theory, that’s the dream combo. In real life, the best results come when you keep your expectations flexible about timing and station flow.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• Snorkeling is the easiest way to get into the marine experience fast.
• Paddleboarding and kayaking are more about movement and viewpoint—slower, steadier, and very much about the scenery and coves you can reach by water.

The equipment is included, so you won’t have to rent gear separately. Still, keep in mind that a shared boat means the water activities have to be managed in a rotating way, and that can affect comfort if you’re hoping for wide-open space for every session.

One small caution from experience with the setup: if you dislike tight logistics, you might want to mentally prepare for times when activity areas feel crowded. You’ll still get your turn, but the “space to spare” factor may not be what you’re imagining.

The optional Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor)

One of the biggest question marks people ask is whether you’ll make it to Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor). This stop is listed as optional, which means your day might include it depending on conditions and the flow of the tour.

If you’re hoping for this specific landmark, treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed win. That mindset keeps the day enjoyable even if the plan shifts.

What you can count on is that the tour is built around accessing coastal spots by water. Whether Hidden Beach happens or not, the rest of the day is still designed to show you why Marietas is considered special.

Onboard entertainment on the return: music, games, and karaoke

The return trip is where the tour leans into fun. You’ll have music to dance, plus entertainment that can include games or karaoke on the way back.

This part matters because it turns the day from “activity, rinse, repeat” into a more social wrap-up. If you like a lively group mood, you’ll probably enjoy the energy and the chance to relax without thinking about the schedule every five minutes.

If you’re more of a quiet-boat person, it’s still not a problem—you can usually find calmer pockets on deck—but the music is part of the tour’s identity. One piece of feedback to keep in mind: if you’re expecting long stretches of one-on-one calm time, the entertainment format can feel louder or less synchronized with activity transitions.

Crew energy and the names to remember

The crew is a big part of why this kind of shared cruise feels smooth. One standout is the way the team handles the day with a friendly, accommodating tone, which is exactly what you want when you’re switching between boat, water, and changing weather light.

In particular, David, Charly, and Alan have been credited for working hard to keep things moving and fun. Even if you don’t have a long conversation with the staff, you’ll feel the difference when the crew is organized and upbeat.

Price and value: what you get for $92, plus the government fees

At $92 per person, this tour sits in the “worth it if you’ll actually use the included activities” category. The value comes from the bundle:

• breakfast with hot cakes
• lunch
• snorkeling equipment
• paddleboard and kayak equipment
• music onboard
• insurance on board
• an open bar on the way back

That’s a lot of costs bundled into one price, especially the gear and the onboard meals.

Two government fees are listed as not included: $10 USD per person for the SEMARNAT bracelet and another $3 USD per person fee. So the total you budget is closer to $105 per person before any optional spending.

If you compare that to doing snorkeling gear rental plus a private boat or separate activity bookings, the shared catamaran model can be a strong deal—especially when you want multiple water activities in one day.

How long it really feels: planning for a full 10 hours

The duration is listed at about 10 hours, which is a full day even if you’re on vacation-mode. You’ll be moving through multiple phases: boarding and breakfast, cruise time to the islands, water activities, lunch, then the return with entertainment and the open bar.

This is great if you want a complete day, not just a quick splash-and-go. It’s less ideal if your energy is low or you’re prone to motion sickness. If you fall into that category, I’d plan extra rest before this one day and keep your packing and timing simple.

Who should book this catamaran day trip?

This tour fits best when you want:

• a full-day water experience (snorkel + kayak + paddleboard)
• onboard food so you don’t juggle meals
• an easy Puerto Vallarta base with a straightforward return

It’s also a good pick for couples and groups who like a social vibe. The maximum group size is up to 90 travelers, so you won’t be in a tiny boat, but you also won’t feel like you’re stuck in a stadium crowd the whole time.

One suitability note: pregnancy is restricted. The company reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger who is pregnant, regardless of stage, for safety due to maritime activity and vessel navigation.

What to pack so your day stays comfortable

You’ll enjoy this much more if you come prepared for being in and out of the water. The essentials are clearly listed:

• swimsuit
• towels
• extra clothes
• comfortable clothes and shoes for getting around
• biodegradable sunscreen
• insect repellent

Bring what you can handle wet. Also plan for the fact that you’ll likely be spending time both on deck and in the water, so having a change of clothes isn’t a luxury—it’s comfort.

Should you book Islas Marietas on this catamaran?

I’d book this if you want a one-day trip that checks the big boxes: real time at a protected marine destination, multiple water activities with included gear, and a return ride that feels fun instead of just “back to the hotel.” The combination of breakfast, lunch, insurance on board, and the return open bar is what makes the price feel reasonable.

I’d hesitate if you hate crowding during activity rotations or if you prefer a quieter boat vibe, since the entertainment and music are part of the experience’s shape. Also, if Playa del Amor is your must-do, remember Hidden Beach is optional—so go in excited, not relying on it.

If you’re in the “I want my day planned for me, and I’ll use the water time” mindset, this is a strong Puerto Vallarta choice.

FAQ

How long is the Islas Marietas catamaran tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

What’s included in the $92 price?

Included are onboard insurance, continental breakfast with hot cakes, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard and kayak equipment, music to dance, and an open bar on the way back (alcoholic drinks are included only on the return).

What government fees do I need to budget for?

Government fees are not included and are listed as $10 USD per person (SEMARNAT bracelet) plus an additional $3 USD per person.

Is Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) part of the day?

Hidden Beach is listed as an optional visit.

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

The start time is 8:00 am at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Do I need a printed ticket?

You’ll use a mobile ticket.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund.