Puerto Vallarta Marietas Islands Tour: Honest Review 2024

If you’re like planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and those gorgeous Marietas Islands have caught your eye, it’s almost certain you’re wondering if one of the many tours out there is, in fact, worth it. I get it; there are usually a ton of options, each promising something slightly different. Well, I took the plunge with one that included an open bar and lunch, and I’m here to share every little detail, you know, the good, the not-so-good, and whether I thought it delivered on the hype. Let’s get to the meat of this; should you drop your vacation dollars on this tour?

Booking and Getting There

Okay, so let’s talk about snagging your spot and getting to the departure point. This might be the first step, right? Usually, booking online is fairly simple. You’ll find lots of tour operators listing pretty identical excursions across different platforms. What usually matters is the price, reviews, and what feels like a user-friendly booking process. I chose a tour mainly because of a deal I spotted online, too it’s good practice to look around, right? The confirmation process needs to be smooth. You don’t want to be left guessing if your reservation went through.

Now, here is the slightly tricky part, the logistics of getting to the marina, that can often depend on where you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re in the Hotel Zone, the marina might be fairly close, but if you are nestled down in Old Town, that may involve a taxi or Uber ride, which is often pretty reasonable. Pay attention to the instructions about which dock or meeting point, alright? Some of these marinas can be quite sizable. Giving yourself extra time, arguably, could be a good move to dodge any pre-tour stress.

The Boat and Crew

The boat itself, you know, it’s often your home for a solid chunk of the day, that is typically pretty vital. What you might expect is that most tours operate on decent-sized catamarans. They are usually stable, have plenty of space to stretch out, and also, importantly, some shade. The cleanliness and upkeep is seemingly something to pay attention to. Nobody likes a boat that feels like it hasn’t been cleaned since last Tuesday, right?

The crew can completely make or break a tour. Ideally, what you’re hoping for is that they’re friendly, engaging, and also, informed about the islands and local sea life. A good crew always makes sure everybody on board is seemingly having a nice time, answers all your questions, and prioritizes your safety. They’re frequently the ones who set the tone for the day, very often adding to the overall enjoyment factor.

Open Bar and Lunch: Hitting the Spot?

Okay, so let’s get real about what usually matters to some folks: the open bar and lunch, usually highlights for many. The open bar, depending on the tour, varies, it might be the quality and selection of drinks that’s provided. Most offer the standards – beer, rum punch, margaritas – and it is pretty decent if they’re using quality ingredients and aren’t skimping on the booze.

Food is equally important, right? You’re probably going to be ravenous after all that sun and swimming. Lunch can really run the gamut. It could be simple sandwiches and salads, or, in some instances, a full-on buffet with things like grilled fish, chicken, rice, and veggies. A good tour always caters to different dietary needs. Having vegetarian or vegan options, might be important and if you have allergies, you might check beforehand, and it’s pretty good to do so.

Snorkeling and Wildlife Encounters

Now, what you will do at the islands themselves? Snorkeling, arguably, is one of the biggest draws. What usually happens, the tour company provides the gear, and they will take you to a spot that is suitable for snorkeling, typically with calm waters and hopefully lots to see. Visibility can vary based on the time of year and the weather conditions, and a very amazing tour usually briefs you on the best spots and what sea life you may see.

Of course, the Marietas Islands are celebrated for their abundant wildlife. Besides snorkeling, you might keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and different species of birds, including the iconic blue-footed boobies. The crew, in general, will point out any interesting wildlife, and what is actually a responsible tour will also emphasize respecting the animals and their habitat, and it’s pretty neat when they do that. That can elevate the whole experience so, too.

The Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida)

Let’s talk about the main attraction, that famed Hidden Beach, also, Playa Escondida. This, arguably, is the postcard-perfect image that draws folks to the Marietas Islands, too it’s usually quite memorable. Access, generally, is pretty restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem, and the tour companies all operate within guidelines set by environmental authorities. This means that you’re allocated a specific time slot and usually, you need to swim through a narrow tunnel to reach the beach, arguably, a very cool experience.

Bear in mind that it can get crowded. Since it’s super popular, expect there to be other tour groups visiting at the same time. The time you get on the beach, in many instances, is typically limited to maybe half an hour. Despite this, walking on that unique beach and taking photos in that surreal spot is an unforgettable highlight for pretty much everyone, so it is really.

Things to Consider Before You Book

Alright, what to think about before clicking “book?” I suggest that if you’re prone to seasickness, you probably want to take motion sickness medicine before the tour. The ride out to the islands could be a little bumpy, right?

• Always confirm exactly what is included in the tour price. What seems important, does that include the marine park fee? Snorkeling gear? Hotel pickup?
• What also seems vital, is to check the cancellation policy, just in case your plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
• Reading recent reviews is helpful so, too. You can usually get a sense of the current tour experience from other travelers.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

So, after everything, did this Marietas Islands tour with an open bar and lunch measure up? In general, it can be pretty amazing. The stunning beauty of the islands alone is worth the trip, really. Spotting wildlife, snorkeling in clear waters, and chilling on the Hidden Beach all make for a super memorable day.

However, manage those expectations, okay? What is, it’s probably not going to be a private, secluded paradise. These tours, generally, can be very touristy. If you appreciate some organization, decent food and drinks, and a way to see these protected islands without all the logistical headache, and then, absolutely, it is, in fact, a decent option, or even very.

FAQs About Marietas Islands Tours

What is the best time of year to visit the Marietas Islands?

The cooler, drier months between November and May are often considered the best time, providing you with calmer seas and nicer visibility for snorkeling.

Are there any age restrictions for the tour?

What can happen, age restrictions could vary between tour operators, yet typically, kids over five years can participate. The swim to Hidden Beach can be pretty strenuous so, too, it’s not really suitable for very young kids or anyone with mobility issues.

What should I bring on the tour?

Basically, remember to bring sunscreen, a towel, a swimsuit, a hat, and also, sunglasses. A waterproof camera can be good if you’re looking to capture those amazing underwater moments. A little extra cash for tipping the crew, is sometimes a great idea, too it’s amazing.

How long is the boat ride to the Marietas Islands?

The boat ride usually takes somewhere around one hour to one hour and a half, it almost varies depending on the departure point and sea conditions.