Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

This is a full day on Pacific water. The Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour combines wildlife watching, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, an open bar, and a BBQ lunch at a beautiful beach stop. I especially like the friendly crew and the chance to see dolphins, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales. The main drawback is simple: you spend most of the seven-hour trip aboard the boat, and activity time can feel short.

I also like the excellent lunch setting at Majahuitas, where the meal is often a highlight rather than an afterthought. You should know that this is a lively group outing, not a quiet island escape. Music, dancing, drinks, and comic performances are part of the package.

Quick Points Before You Book

• Whale watching can be spectacular: Humpback whales appear in season, and sightings have included breaching whales, tail slaps, and groups swimming near the boat.
• The water activities are varied: You can choose snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, but you may need to move quickly between them.
• Majahuitas is the food highlight: The BBQ lunch includes substantial buffet-style dishes and drinks in a scenic beach setting.
• Expect a boat-heavy day: Roughly most of the experience takes place aboard the vessel, so consider seasickness carefully.
• Bring a towel and Mexican pesos: Towels are not supplied, and you need cash for the MX$40 port fee, plus the MX$20 conservation fee.
• This does not visit Hidden Beach: The Marietas Islands stop focuses on rock formations, birds, and water activities.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta at 7:00 a.m.

The tour begins at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. You arrange your own way to the meeting point because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The early start matters. You are on the water for about seven hours, and the best wildlife watching often happens during the ride toward the Marietas Islands. Arrive ready for a full morning rather than expecting a short transfer followed by hours on shore.

At the port, budget for two extra fees paid in Mexican cash:

• MX$40 per person for the port fee
• MX$20 per person for the conservation fee

That adds MX$60 per person beyond the advertised price. The tour costs $99 per person, so your real cost includes those fees, tips if you choose to give them, and anything else you buy at the port.

The boat is designed for a social day. It has shaded areas, an onboard bar, music, and room for a large group, with a maximum of 100 people. Some departures feel comfortably managed, while a full boat will not provide a private experience. If you prefer calm, small-group outings, this is probably not your best fit.

The Bay of Banderas Wildlife Watch

The first part of the trip is not wasted time. The boat crosses the Bay of Banderas while the crew watches for marine life. You might see Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins moving through the bay.

Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, but this is one of the tour’s strongest possibilities. Some outings have produced large groups of dolphins, while others have included only brief sightings. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole ride staring at your phone. The crew will point out animals when they appear.

Humpback whales are the big seasonal prize. Whale season can bring close views of whales surfacing, slapping their fins, or breaching near the boat. One outing included a humpback repeatedly breaching while the vessel slowed so everyone could watch. Another family counted more than a dozen whales.

These encounters depend on nature, weather, and luck. You should book this as a marine-wildlife outing, not as a guaranteed whale show. The possibility adds real value, especially during whale season, but the tour remains worthwhile only if you are also happy with the boat ride and beach activities.

The crew provides commentary about the animals and the area. The strongest guides make the ride feel active rather than like a long transfer. Guides named Dani, Pancho, and Poncho have received particular praise for their energy, care, and ability to keep the group involved.

Reaching the Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands are known for rough volcanic rock formations, seabirds, and clear water on favorable days. Look toward the rocks for blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds, along with other native birds.

This visit is not a tour of Hidden Beach. You do not enter the famous enclosed beach on this itinerary, so do not book it expecting that specific sight. The focus here is the marine setting around the islands, bird watching, and time in the water.

There is no dock at the stops. You jump from the boat into the water and climb back aboard using small metal ladders. That detail affects the entire experience. You need enough comfort in open water to enter and exit without a normal beach or pier.

The crew and eco-guides provide safety support, but you should still feel reasonably confident in the water. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. If ladders, jumping from a boat, or swimming in open water sound stressful, choose a more land-based excursion.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding

At the Marietas Islands, you choose among snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Snorkel equipment and kayaks are provided, and SUP use is included.

Snorkeling is the most popular choice, but the water conditions can change the experience. In clear, calm conditions, you might see schools of fish and enjoy a pleasant look below the surface. Rainy-season water can become murky, and some outings have found the visibility poor. The Pacific water can also feel cold, especially outside the warmest months.

Do not compare this automatically with Hawaii or the Caribbean. The snorkeling here can be enjoyable, but it is not guaranteed to match the visibility or coral life of those destinations. The islands, wildlife, and boat day are the main attractions, with snorkeling as one part of the mix.

The chief issue is time. The boat visits three areas, and the water activities must fit into a busy schedule. You may have around half an hour for snorkeling on some departures, with less time for kayaking or paddleboarding. If you want to try all three, you will need to organize yourself quickly.

I would pick one activity as your priority. Choose snorkeling if fish and underwater views matter most. Pick kayaking or SUP if you would rather see the rock formations from the surface. Trying to do everything can leave you feeling rushed.

The crew stays nearby and helps with equipment and safety. That support is valuable for families and first-time participants, though the experience still works best when you can follow instructions, enter the water promptly, and manage a metal ladder.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ Lunch

Majahuitas is the most relaxing stop, though the schedule may still feel tight. The beach setting gives you a welcome change from the boat, with time for food, scenery, and some shore-based activities.

The included BBQ lunch is one of the tour’s best features. The meal has included sandwich bread with fillings, potato salad, pasta salad, and a range of drinks. Several people have found it better than expected, with some calling it the best meal of their Puerto Vallarta stay.

The food service can create a bottleneck. When many people line up at once, you may spend much of the beach stop eating. If kayaking or paddleboarding is important to you, keep an eye on the schedule and consider doing your activity before joining the buffet line.

The beach itself is attractive and gives the day a proper destination rather than making it one long swim from a boat. Still, do not expect a long, empty afternoon. The stop may last about an hour, and that time includes disembarking, eating, walking, and getting back aboard.

Bring shoes and clothing you do not mind getting wet. You may be wet from the water activities, and there is no dock at the beach stop. A towel is not provided, so pack one from your hotel.

Drinks, Music, and the Crew’s Show

The open onboard bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Alcohol is reportedly held until after the water activities, a sensible safety choice. You can enjoy the bar during the ride and return trip, but the strongest part of the service is the crew’s attention.

The staff work as guides, safety monitors, servers, and entertainers. They keep drinks moving, help with equipment, and try to make the ride feel festive. Their warmth is a major reason this tour earns strong marks despite its rushed activity schedule.

Expect music and a party mood. On the way back, the crew may perform choreographed dances, lip-sync numbers, or a comic cabaret-style show. It is silly and intentionally theatrical, not a formal cultural performance. Some people consider it the funniest part of the day. Others find the music too loud or would rather have more quiet time.

That contrast helps you decide. If you want a lively boat party with swimming attached, the entertainment adds value. If you want naturalist commentary, silence, and long stretches of peaceful scenery, the music and performances may wear thin.

How Much Time Is Really Spent on the Boat?

The tour lasts about seven hours, but only part of that time is spent swimming or on the beach. You can expect most of the day aboard the vessel, traveling between the Bay of Banderas, the Marietas Islands, and Majahuitas Beach.

This is not necessarily a flaw. The boat ride provides the best chance for dolphin and whale sightings, and the open bar and crew performances make the transit part of the experience. Still, the advertising emphasis on snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding can lead you to expect more active time than you actually receive.

The three-stop plan spreads the day across several settings, but it also divides your time. A shorter itinerary with fewer stops might allow longer water sessions. If your top goal is serious snorkeling, look for a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

The vessel offers shade, which is important during a long day in the sun. Bring sun protection, but avoid bringing a drone. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight paths of endemic birds.

Sea Conditions, Weather, and Family Fit

This trip requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Conditions can also affect the quality of the day without causing a cancellation. Rain may reduce visibility, and choppy water can make the ride uncomfortable.

Seasickness is the biggest practical concern. The boat spends much of the day at sea, and the ride out can be rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask the tour provider for advice before booking and plan accordingly.

Families can enjoy this excursion. A seven-year-old has had a great time on the trip, though the water can feel chilly. Wetsuits have helped in colder conditions. Children should be comfortable around water and able to manage the pace of boarding and water activities.

The tour is offered in English. It is not suitable for cruise ship passengers because the schedule conflicts with typical port call times.

Also follow the port’s strict no-drug policy. Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and all types of drugs are prohibited. Security can deny access, with no refund or date change in that situation.

Is $99 a Fair Price?

At $99 per person, this is a solid value if you want several experiences in one day. The price covers boat transportation, crew service, drinks, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaking, and SUP access. Add the MX$60 in port and conservation fees, and you still receive a full day of activities and food for a reasonable package price.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book separate whale watching, snorkeling, and beach outings. You also receive entertainment and an open bar, which can make the trip feel like a celebration rather than a simple nature excursion.

The value is weaker if you want long stretches in the water. You may feel you paid for three activities but had time to use only one or two. The large-group format also means you are paying for convenience and variety, not privacy.

I would call it a good all-around Puerto Vallarta day trip, with the greatest value during whale season and good weather. It is less compelling for serious snorkelers or anyone seeking a quiet, small-boat experience.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack light, but bring the items that matter:

• A towel, since none is provided
• Mexican cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 conservation fee
• Swimsuit and clothing that can get wet
• Water-resistant shoes or secure sandals
• Sun protection
• Extra pesos for tips
• Motion-sickness supplies if needed

Do not count on a full breakfast before the boat leaves. Some departures have provided coffee, juice, fruit, and small pastries, while other information indicates that breakfast is not included. Eat beforehand if you need a substantial morning meal.

Keep your gear organized. Since you may jump into the water, climb a ladder, eat lunch, and return to the boat on a fixed schedule, loose belongings can become a nuisance. You will enjoy the day more if your towel, cash, and dry clothes are easy to reach.

The activity ends back at the meeting point, though one departure created confusion because the boat returned near Nuevo Vallarta and some people needed a water taxi back to Puerto Magico. Before leaving the boat, confirm exactly where your return transfer ends and listen carefully to the crew’s instructions.

Who Should Book This Puerto Vallarta Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a social, active day with several elements: dolphins, possible whales, island scenery, water sports, a good lunch, drinks, and a playful crew show. Families, couples, and friends who enjoy being on the water will find plenty to like.

It is especially appealing if you value service. The crew members have been praised for being attentive, funny, helpful, and willing to assist throughout the day. Guides such as Dani and Poncho have helped turn a standard boat ride into a memorable outing.

Think twice if you suffer from seasickness, dislike loud music, or need generous time for snorkeling. You should also skip it if your main goal is Hidden Beach, since this itinerary does not include that stop.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, in Puerto Vallarta’s northern hotel zone. The activity is scheduled to end back at the meeting point, but you should confirm the exact return instructions with the crew before leaving the boat.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours. It begins at 7:00 a.m.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas and refreshing drinks are included. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic options are available, with alcohol served after the water activities.

What extra fees must I pay?

You must pay a MX$40 port fee per person in Mexican cash. A MX$20 conservation fee per person is also due at check-in.

Is Hidden Beach part of the tour?

No. The itinerary visits the Marietas Islands for rock formations, wildlife, and water activities, but it does not visit Hidden Beach.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Should You Book It?

I would book this tour for a fun, varied day on the Pacific, especially during whale season. The crew, lunch, wildlife potential, and beach setting give it plenty of appeal for a first Puerto Vallarta boat excursion.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a lively group cruise with several short activity windows, not a focused snorkeling expedition or a private island trip. Bring a towel, carry Mexican cash, prepare for a long boat ride, and choose one main water activity. With that approach, the $99 price offers a generous day out and a good taste of the bay, islands, and beaches south of Puerto Vallarta.