Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

The boat is part of the attraction. Chica Locca Tours turns the trip to Marietas Islands National Park into a lively day on the Bay of Banderas, with breakfast, lunch, drinks, music, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboards, waterslides, and plenty of time to relax. I like the unusually friendly crew and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds along the way. I also like the range of activities, since you can swim and snorkel while someone else settles into the shade with a cold drink.

The main caution is that this is an active boat outing, not a quiet island cruise. You may need to jump into open water, wear a life jacket during water activities, and swim to shore if you visit the beach. Hidden Beach access costs extra, requires a limited permit, and may not be possible if tides, weather, or timing work against you.

The five details that shape your day

• A six-hour ocean outing includes the cruise, island activities, meals, drinks, and the return trip.
• The all-inclusive menu is generous, with fruit, pastries, guacamole, chips, a Mexican fajita lunch, soft drinks, coffee, and brand-name alcoholic drinks.
• Water access takes effort, with swimming, jumping from the boat, and life jackets required in the water.
• Hidden Beach is not automatic, and you must arrange and pay for its limited permit separately.
• The boat can carry up to 66 people, creating a social, music-filled atmosphere rather than a small private excursion.
• Whale season runs from December through April, though dolphins, turtles, rays, tropical birds, and coastline views can appear at other times.

What you get for $110

At $110 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to eat, drink, and use the water equipment throughout the day. The price covers breakfast, lunch, snacks, a premium open bar, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, floating mattresses, water tubes, and waterslides. You are paying for an active day at sea, not simply transportation to an island.

The all-inclusive setup also keeps the day simple. You do not need to buy lunch at the marina or carry a cooler onto the boat. Drinks include water, coffee, juices, soda, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas.

There is one small wrinkle: breakfast is fairly light. Expect seasonal fruit and pastries or mini muffins, not a full hot meal with eggs and protein. A few people found themselves hungry before lunch, so I would eat something before departure if you need a substantial breakfast.

Lunch is more filling. The usual meal is Mexican fajitas with rice, beans, and tortillas, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available if you request them at booking. Guacamole and chips arrive earlier during the cruise, along with additional snacks.

The value drops if you do not drink alcohol or have little interest in water activities. In that case, a simpler sightseeing cruise might suit you better. But for a full day of food, drinks, equipment, and organized activities, the price is reasonable.

Starting across the Bay of Banderas

The trip begins at the selected meeting point, and choosing that location is required when you reserve. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, although transportation from Sayulita to the marina is available as part of some arrangements and has been described as convenient.

The boat leaves promptly and heads directly toward the islands. The first half hour is used for breakfast, drink service, and introductions to the cruise director, photographer, and crew. This is also when you learn the rhythm of the boat: music, food, water activities, and regular drink service.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names such as Raul, Alex, Saul, Luis, and Ricky have been praised for keeping the day organized and upbeat, though the specific crew can vary. The general pattern is attentive service, help with equipment, and frequent checks to make sure people are safe around the water.

The atmosphere is social. You can sit in the sun or find shade beneath the canopies, but loud music is part of the package. If you are sensitive to noise, choose a shaded seating area away from the main speakers when possible, or bring ear protection.

The cruise north to Marietas Islands

The ride to Marietas Islands takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on conditions and the day’s schedule. That is a significant part of a six-hour tour, but the boat keeps the trip active with drinks, snacks, music, and views of the northern Bay of Banderas.

From December through April, humpback whales may be in these waters. Sightings are not guaranteed, but whale watching can become an unexpected highlight. The boat crew stays alert and may pause when whales or other marine life appear.

At other times of year, you might see dolphins, sea turtles, rays, seabirds, and tropical coastline. The national park is also important as a protected marine area and bird habitat. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules and the need to protect endemic bird flight paths, so leave yours at home.

Fresh guacamole and chips are served during the cruise. This is a useful snack because the main meal comes later, after the island activities.

Reaching the national park by late morning

Once the boat reaches the national park boundaries, it anchors for the main portion of the outing. The exact order can change, but the activities usually rotate so that different groups can snorkel, paddle, swim, or spend time near the beach.

A guide leads the water portion toward Playa la Nopalera. Depending on conditions and your assigned activity, you may use a kayak, paddleboard, or snorkeling gear. The water can be clear and pleasant, but visibility is not guaranteed. One family found snorkeling murky and rushed, a reminder that ocean conditions change from day to day.

You should also understand the physical demands before booking. Some people enter the water by jumping from a smaller boat or the main vessel, even when a ladder is present. Getting back aboard involves climbing a ladder, and swimming may be required to reach shore.

A life jacket is required in the water under national park rules. Strong swimmers may find this restrictive, and poorly fitting equipment can chafe or make snorkeling awkward. Ask the crew for another size before entering the water. If you have knee, hip, shoulder, or balance concerns, discuss the entry and exit process before committing to the activity.

Families can enjoy the day, and the crew has been praised for helping children, including a five-year-old. Still, children need to be comfortable around open water, and kid-size snorkeling equipment may not be available. Bring your own if a child needs a smaller fit.

Hidden Beach requires a separate decision

The famous Hidden Beach is the most misunderstood part of this outing. It is not included automatically, and access is strictly limited by the national park. You need a special permit, an additional fee paid in pesos, and advance arrangements through the operator.

Even with a permit, entrance depends on conditions. Tides, weather, timing, and park rules can prevent access. One late-running trip missed the beach because the tide had become too high, while another could not visit because of weather.

If Hidden Beach is your main reason for booking, contact Chica Locca after reserving and ask about available permit dates. Do not treat it as guaranteed. The swim through the opening can be beautiful and rewarding, but it is not suitable for anyone who cannot comfortably swim in open water.

This point matters when comparing the tour with photographs online. The dramatic round cave and beach may appear in promotional material, but your actual day could focus on Playa la Nopalera, snorkeling, wildlife, and boat-based activities instead.

Lunch, slides, and the floating fun factory

After the island activities, you return to the main boat for fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas. The bar stays open, and there is time to settle into a shaded seat, eat, and watch the water.

The second half of the stop is less structured. You can use the waterslides, jump into the sea, paddle, float on a mattress, or relax with music and a drink. This is where the tour feels more like a floating beach club than a formal national park excursion.

That mix works well for groups with different interests. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay aboard in the shade. The crew organizes rotations during the island portion, then leaves more room for personal choice after lunch.

The boat has clean bathrooms, which matters on a six-hour outing. Seating includes sunny and covered areas, though comfort depends on how full the boat is. The maximum group size is 66 people, and the experience can feel busy when most people are moving between the water and the deck.

The ride home keeps the party going

The return cruise takes about an hour. The cruise director acts as master of ceremonies, with dancing, music, drinks, and views across the bay.

The crew continues watching for marine life, so the return trip may include stops for whales or dolphins. If you are tired after the water activities, you can simply sit back and enjoy the breeze. If you want more energy, the boat provides room to dance and socialize.

An onboard photographer takes candid and action photos in and out of the water. You can buy the photo package separately, but it is not included in the $110 price. If you want your own phone pictures, use a waterproof case or pouch. You will be swimming, splashed, or climbing in and out of the water, and a loose phone is an easy casualty.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this tour for couples, families with water-ready children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and groups of friends looking for a lively day. Solo participants can expect an inclusive social setting rather than a formal guided tour.

It is a particularly good fit if you want several activities in one booking. You can combine wildlife watching, snorkeling, kayaking, a beach visit if conditions allow, food, music, and an open bar without arranging separate excursions.

I would be more cautious if you want silence, a small boat, guaranteed Hidden Beach access, or a serious snorkeling program. The boat is relatively large, the music can be loud, and the snorkeling time may feel short or less impressive when visibility is poor.

You should also be comfortable with the physical side of the outing. Swimming, jumping into the sea, wearing a life jacket, climbing a ladder, and getting back aboard are central parts of the day. A family member who cannot safely manage those movements may enjoy the boat and food but miss much of the island activity.

Practical advice before you go

Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a waterproof phone case. Comfortable water shoes may help with footing, though the provided information does not specify that they are required.

Eat a little before departure if a light breakfast will not hold you until lunch. Tell the operator at booking about vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs.

Select your meeting place carefully, and allow extra time if you are coming from Sayulita. The transfer can take about 50 minutes each way, and traffic can make the return longer.

The minimum drinking age is 18. The tour may use a multilingual guide, and the stated maximum is 66 participants. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Marietas Islands tour?

Book it if you want an energetic, social day where the boat itself is part of the fun. The crew service, food, drinks, family-friendly attitude, and choice of water activities are the strongest reasons to go. Whale and dolphin sightings can add a wonderful surprise, especially from December through April.

Do not book it solely for Hidden Beach. Permit limits, tides, weather, and timing can take that stop off the schedule. Book it for the broader experience: a well-fed day on the bay, marine life, a protected island setting, and a floating party with real chances to swim and play.

At $110, I think it offers good value for active visitors who will use the all-inclusive food, bar, and equipment. Just arrive ready for open-water activity, a lively soundtrack, and a little saltwater in places you did not expect.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands tour?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including the cruise to the islands, activities, lunch, free time on the boat, and the return trip.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit and pastries or mini muffins. Guacamole and chips are served during the cruise, and lunch includes Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if requested when booking.

What drinks are included?

The premium open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other available drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is Hidden Beach included in the price?

No. Hidden Beach requires a separate permit and extra fee. Access is very limited and depends on permits, weather, tides, timing, and national park rules.

What water activities are available?

Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, floating on mattresses and tubes, and using the waterslides. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but kid-size gear may not be available.

Is hotel transportation included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must choose your meeting place when making the reservation. Transportation from Sayulita to the marina may be available through the tour arrangements.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.