Marietas days feel like a movie set. This tour turns the famous Islas Marietas area into a full day with open-bar time on the boat and meals built in, so you’re not scrambling around town. I like how the schedule is structured from pick-up to return, which makes the day feel easy even if you’re new to Puerto Vallarta.

I also like the hands-on water time: you get snorkeling gear plus kayak or paddleboard options. The main consideration is that the best snorkeling and caves time can feel rushed depending on conditions, and the optional Hidden Beach add-on is extra and requires swimming.

You’ll spend a big chunk of the day on the water, usually with limited shade on the boat, so plan for sun and wear gear you can keep comfortable all day.

Key things to know before you go

• Open bar is served after the water activities, not from the start.
• Snorkeling gear is included (fins, vest, snorkel), plus paddleboard or kayak.
• Hidden Beach costs extra (1,000 MXN) and needs advance notice and swimming ability.
• Local fees are due at the beginning (120 MXN conservation + port tax; other port/bracelet charges may also apply).
• Small-boat reality: shade can be limited, and getting in and out can be a bit physical.
• Food is part of the rhythm: breakfast on the way, lunch later with drinks.

Puerto Vallarta Marietas: what this day-trip is really about

This isn’t just a sightseeing cruise. The point is to spend real time in the water around the Marietas area—snorkel, paddle, and take in the caves and rock formations from close range. If you like tours that give you something to do every stretch of the day, this one fits.

The day is built around the islands’ “wow factor,” but it’s also practical: breakfast and lunch are included, and you’re not stuck buying snacks at random stops. And the crew keeps the pace moving, which helps on a trip that’s roughly 8 to 9 hours.

The highlight for many people is that you can still enjoy the marine scenery even if access is limited to the main island area. You’ll be in the water off the boat and often have options to explore nearby formations around the caves.

Price and what you actually pay in the real world

The advertised price is $95.64 per person, which is pretty reasonable for a day that includes snorkeling equipment, paddleboard or kayak time, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar after activities. That’s the value part.

But you should budget for on-the-day extras. At the start, you’ll pay a 120 MXN conservation fee and a 30 MXN port tax, for 150 MXN total. The extra charges also list a Sermarnat bracelet for conservation at 180 MXN, and a port fee listed as 33 MXN. That means the true total can climb, depending on which charges apply to you that day.

Then there’s the optional splurge: Hidden Beach is 1,000 MXN and requires you to know how to swim. If you’re the type who wants the Hidden Beach moment, you’ll want to factor that into your planning from day one.

Getting started at Puerto Mágico: meeting point, timing, and fees

Your day begins at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, with a 9:00 am start. You’ll show up to register, introduce yourself, and pay the local fees before heading out.

That first stop is where you’ll handle things like:

• 120 MXN conservation fee
• 30 MXN port tax
• and potentially other conservation/port-related items tied to island rules

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English. Confirmation comes at booking time, and the group size stays capped at 40 travelers, which helps keep the boat from turning into a crowd.

The long boat ride to the Marietas area (and how to enjoy it)

You’re out on the water for a while, and that matters for comfort. One review experience described the ride to the island as roughly an hour and a half to two hours each way, which matches the overall day timing.

Shade can be limited, so I’d aim for a spot near whatever cover is available early on. If you burn easily, think about sun protection that doesn’t rely entirely on sunscreen—because you may hear guidance about minimizing sunscreen impact on the marine environment.

The upside? You may get wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes up: there have been reports of whales during the ride, and that’s the kind of bonus that turns a travel day into a memory.

Breakfast at sea: why this break actually helps

You’ll enjoy breakfast as you head toward the Marietas area. This is more than a snack stop. It reduces the chance you’ll feel shaky or distracted mid-boat day, especially since the schedule front-loads activities.

It also saves time. Without breakfast included, you’d be managing food logistics while trying to hit the water activities, and that’s a classic way tours feel stressful. Here, the meal is simply part of the flow.

Islas Marietas water time: photos, snorkeling, and paddle options

Once you’re at the islands, you get about 2 hours focused on the fun part: scenery, photos, and time in the water. This is when the included gear matters most.

You can typically choose among:

• Snorkeling using the included fins, vest, and snorkel
• Kayak or paddleboard time using the included equipment
• and, if offered that day, an additional option like an eco tour for extra cost

A key detail: you may not be on the main island like you would on a typical beach visit. Access can be restricted, so your experience is often from the boat and from the water around the caves and rock areas. That still works if you’re in it for marine life and scenery you can see up close.

Snorkeling reality check: small zones, jellyfish risk, and reboarding

This is where expectations need calibration. Some people come away thrilled, while others feel snorkeling time or fish visibility wasn’t what they hoped for. Water conditions can change, and even in good conditions, the snorkeling area may be limited.

One concern that stands out: jellyfish stings can happen. It’s not something you can control, so I’d plan for the possibility. Pack a small first-aid mindset—think rinse and calm-down measures if you get stung.

Another practical item: reboarding from the water isn’t always effortless. One account noted that there wasn’t a ladder and getting back onto the boat could take help from crew and others. If you’re not comfortable with that kind of movement, it’s worth asking how the team handles reboarding that day.

Also, if you’re thinking about sun protection, remember that you may get guidance to avoid sunscreen to protect the marine environment. Bring gear that covers you well—like swimwear that you’re comfortable wearing for the whole day—so you’re not stuck trying to apply sunscreen at awkward moments.

Hidden Beach: the optional add-on that can change your whole day

The Hidden Beach is a separate add-on at 1,000 MXN, and it requires you to know how to swim. The tour also notes that you should tell them in advance if you want to explore that area.

This is worth emphasizing because Hidden Beach seems to be the deciding factor for many people. If that’s the main thing you came for, the optional fee can make the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling like you paid for the wrong version of the day.

If you’re not doing Hidden Beach, you’ll still have a great time in the water and around the caves, but you should accept that the day may feel more like a water-adventure cruise than a long beach visit.

Lunch and open bar: when the relaxation kicks in

Lunch happens on the later portion of the day, around the time you’re winding down from water activities. You’ll also have a drink included via the open bar setup on the boat, once you’re done with snorkeling and paddle time.

This is a nice break. Not because you’re suddenly drinking on vacation, but because it gives your body a reset after being in the sun and water. The included meal helps you avoid the late-day crash that can happen when you’ve been active all morning.

And yes, it’s social time. You’ll likely have fellow snorkelers and paddlers to chat with, which can make the ride feel faster when you’ve already gotten your photos and swims done.

Getting back to Puerto Vallarta: the end of the adventure

The return trip takes about 2 hours, and it’s usually the final stretch of the schedule. This is when you’ll be most tired, especially if you spent the earlier hours in and out of the water.

If sunscreen guidance came up earlier, plan ahead so you don’t feel stuck later with sunburn regret. Dry off when you can, drink water, and give yourself a few minutes of calm before you head back out into Puerto Vallarta’s evening scene.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, so there’s no complicated transit maze to solve.

Who should book this Marietas with open bar day trip

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want snorkeling plus paddle options in one day
• like tours where breakfast and lunch remove meal stress
• enjoy a crew-led schedule with a capped group size (40 max)
• want the added comfort of open bar after you get wet

It can also be good for families with kids, including ages like 8 to 15, if the kids handle water activities comfortably and parents stay aware of sun and reboarding steps.

You should think twice if you:

• are relying on getting lots of long, calm snorkeling time in clear conditions every minute
• are uncomfortable with reboarding from the water
• really need Hidden Beach as a non-negotiable highlight (because it costs extra)

Should you book Puerto Vallarta Marietas with Open Bar and Food?

I’d book it if you want a full, structured Marietas day that covers the basics well: gear, meals, time on the water, and a party-ready open bar moment once you’re done. The base price has solid value when you’re using the included snorkeling and paddle activities.

Just go in with the right expectation: conditions and snorkeling area can vary, and the Hidden Beach experience is an optional upgrade that isn’t included. If you’re excited by caves, sea life, and being active all day, this is a practical way to see the Marietas without spending extra energy on logistics.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Marietas tour?

The total duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), paddleboard or kayak, breakfast and lunch, and an open bar on the boat after the water activities.

What extra fees should I expect on the day?

At check-in you’ll pay a 120 MXN conservation fee plus a 30 MXN port tax. The add-on charges listed also include a Sermarnat bracelet (180 MXN) and a port fee (33 MXN), so it’s smart to budget for local charges beyond the base price.

Is the Hidden Beach included?

No. The Hidden Beach is optional and costs 1,000 MXN. It also requires swimming ability, and you should tell the team in advance if you want to do it.

What water activities can I do at the islands?

You can do snorkeling and use the included kayak or paddleboard. There is also mention of an eco tour option that costs extra.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How big is the group?

This tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.