From Vallarta: Marietas Islands & Beach BBQ at Majahuitas

Catamaran days in Puerto Vallarta can be a blur, but this one has real scenery built in. You’ll cruise to Islas Marietas National Park for rocky seawater caverns and archways, then spend time at Majahuitas Beach, one of the more secluded stretches on the Pacific side.

I especially like the mix of water activities. Instead of one thing for one hour, you get complimentary snorkeling gear plus time on the kayak and paddleboard—so you can choose how active you want to be.

One consideration: the day can feel crowded and schedule-heavy, meaning your best water time may be split into short windows rather than long, relaxed sessions.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Majahuitas is the main beach stop: white sand, swimming time, and a beach BBQ lunch setup.
• You won’t visit Hidden Beach: this tour focuses on the surrounding wildlife and marine areas instead.
• Multiple water activities are included: snorkeling, kayak, and paddleboard equipment are part of the deal.
• Plan for a busy crowd: the boat and beach portion can involve a lot of people, which can affect wait times.
• You’ll pay a conservation fee at check-in: it’s not included in the upfront price.

How This 7-Hour Tour Actually Works

This is a full-day outing that runs about 7 hours, built around a catamaran ride plus two main “zones”: the Marietas area (park time and water activities) and Playa Majahuitas (BBQ and beach time). The boat portion is not filler. It’s the connector that sets you up for the best viewing and the right coastline for the park experience.

The pacing matters. You’re not just sitting on a beach all day, and you’re not doing one long dive-style underwater session. You’ll switch modes: on deck, in the water, back on board for snacks/drinks or viewing, then onto Majahuitas for lunch and more recreation.

Also note what’s missing by design: this tour does not go to the famous Hidden Beach. So if that is your main target, this isn’t the right product.

Catamaran Ride: Comfort, Views, and the Rhythm of the Day

You board a comfortable catamaran and set out for Islas Marietas National Park. The cruise time is roughly 75 minutes to the park area, and then you’re back cruising again afterward (including a stop-and-activity rhythm). On a day like this, that boat time is where you either get relaxed or get restless—so it helps to know what the vibe tends to be like.

From the way the day is described, you should expect a lively atmosphere on board. Some passengers report that staff put on performances toward the end of the ride back, with music and alcohol emphasis during the trip. If you’re hoping for quiet, camera-only nature time, keep that in mind.

That said, the same busy, upbeat energy can be fun if you’re traveling with a friend or a group and want a social day on the water. The catamaran itself is part of the appeal, and the crew is a key reason many people enjoy the outing.

Islas Marietas: Caverns, Archways, and Your Water Time

This is the headliner portion. At Islas Marietas National Park, you’ll spend about 1 hour in the park area, with opportunities for snorkeling and water movement around rocky features.

The standout here is the style of scenery you get close to: rocky caverns and archways in seawater. That matters because it’s not just open ocean viewing. You’re not only looking at the coastline; you’re physically moving near the shapes that create habitat and shelter for marine life.

You may be on kayak or paddleboard during this section (equipment is included). If you’re the type who likes to row or paddle your own line, you’ll probably enjoy this more than a simple boat cruise. If you’re less comfortable on the water, still know that the park time is designed so you can participate at your own comfort level—though crowding can affect how smooth the handoffs feel.

One more practical point: on days with lots of people, the time slots for each water activity can feel tight. A negative review specifically pointed out that snorkeling time can be limited and visibility can be tougher in certain conditions, so manage your expectations around underwater viewing time.

Snorkeling Expectations: Great Wildlife Potential, Variable Visibility

Snorkeling is included with complimentary gear, and you’ll get time in the water around the Marietas area. This is one of those trips where the wildlife is the payoff, but the actual viewing experience depends on conditions.

Here’s what you can take to the bank: the plan is set up for marine life viewing, and multiple water activities happen in the same area. In fact, one review noted whale sightings close to the boat, which is a reminder that even when snorkeling visibility isn’t perfect, the ocean itself can still deliver exciting moments.

What you can’t guarantee is crystal-clear “TV footage” visibility every time. One critique flagged that snorkeling occurred in turbid water with limited chances to see much beyond a few types of fish. That doesn’t mean snorkeling is bad; it means you should go in knowing you’re more likely to remember the overall day than a single flawless underwater highlight.

If you really want the best chance of clear snorkeling, come with realistic expectations and treat snorkeling as part of the experience, not the only goal.

The Majahuitas Beach Stop: BBQ Lunch, Swimming, and Included Fun

After the park time, you’ll head to Playa Majahuitas, where you get about 2 hours for beach time, lunch, and optional stand-up paddleboarding. Majahuitas is widely loved for its calm, beautiful vibe and its sense of being removed from the bigger beach scenes.

The tour builds in a classic beach-day structure:

• BBQ lunch and refreshing drinks
• Free time on white sand with swimming in clear water
• Additional water fun like paddleboarding during the beach block

This portion is also where you can slow down. On the water, you’re busy and moving. On the beach, you can choose what to do—shade, swim, and snack—without the constant rotation of boarding, gearing up, and switching activities.

If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want to stay in the water the entire time, Majahuitas gives you a strong middle ground: there are activities, but you can also just enjoy the beach and coastline.

The Open Bar and the Crew Vibe

This tour includes an open bar on the way back to port, plus refreshments during the day with the BBQ setup. That’s a big part of the “fun day” feel. Depending on the day’s energy, some people report an open bar setup after snorkeling and again at the beach.

It’s not a silent, documentary-style trip. Expect music and a social atmosphere at least part of the time. The positive reviews highlight friendly staff and good organization, while one negative review said the day leaned too much toward music and alcohol rather than nature focus.

My advice: if you want serious wildlife immersion, this isn’t the only Marietas option—but if you want a day that feels like a party with real scenery and actual sea time, it can be a great match.

Food and Drinks: BBQ Lunch Done Right

The beach BBQ lunch is included, and multiple reviews mention that the food is good. That matters more than you might think. On tours like this, the lunch is often either a throwaway snack or a rushed assembly line. Here, at least from what’s been reported, the lunch holds its own as a proper break during the beach block.

You’ll also have refreshing drinks included, and the vibe suggests there are regular chances to grab something while you’re switching between swim breaks and activities.

If you’ve got a sensitive stomach, just remember you’ll be out in the sun and moving around on a boat. Pack your patience, hydrate, and you’ll be fine.

Price and Value: What $99 Really Covers

The listed price is $99 per person, and the day runs about 7 hours. On the surface, it looks like a solid value because you get:

• Catamaran transportation
• Entry into the Marietas area experience (park portion)
• Snorkel and kayak equipment
• Paddleboard
• BBQ lunch and refreshing drinks
• Open bar on the way back

But the real calculation includes the add-ons you pay separately:

• Port fee: MXN$40
• Conservation fee: USD$20 per person collected at check-in

So your effective total is more like $119 plus the port fee, depending on how you convert and when you pay. Still, for a full day with multiple water activities and a beach BBQ, it can be a fair deal—especially if you’ll actually use the included equipment.

Where it can feel overpriced is if you’re hoping for a long snorkeling session with easy visibility and minimal crowds. One critique called the snorkeling window short and the beach water activities limited by the number of boards/kayaks available at the time. That’s the main “value risk”: your enjoyment depends on how much you like group-day logistics.

Crowd and Timing Reality Check

This is one of those tours where your personal comfort with crowds really matters.

A negative review cited high capacity (around 180 people) and said that much of the 7-hour day can involve transit time between Marina, the island area, and Majahuitas. It also mentioned waiting for limited equipment on the beach side.

So here’s the practical take: if you like quiet, you may feel boxed in. If you’re flexible, you’ll still find plenty to like—especially at Majahuitas.

Best strategy: treat this as a “sea + beach fun day,” not a slow, nature-only hike. You’ll get more out of it that way.

What To Bring (So You Don’t Pay With Discomfort)

You’ll be in the sun, on the boat, and in and out of the water. Bring what the tour asks for:

• Comfortable shoes (yes, even though there’s water)
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• A jacket (marine breeze can cool you off)

And keep it light. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and drones are not allowed.

If you forget items, you might be able to buy things nearby, but you’ll lose time and mood. Packing well is the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This works best for you if:

• You want a one-day mix of boat ride, park scenery, and beach time
• You’ll use the included gear (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard)
• You’re okay with a lively group atmosphere and a schedule that moves

It’s less ideal if:

• You want the specific Hidden Beach experience (this tour does not go there)
• You have mobility limitations or need wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments and is not wheelchair-friendly)

Quick Tips to Get the Most From the Day

A few small choices can make a big difference:

• Arrive early enough to get oriented fast at the meeting point. Not hotel pickup means you’ll rely on the designated locations.
• Use the included gear time actively. Don’t wait until you’re tired; sunscreen and water breaks help.
• On snorkeling, expect variable visibility. Go for the chance at marine life and the overall ocean setting, not a guarantee of perfect clarity.
• At the beach, assume equipment might be limited for everyone at once. If you’re set on paddleboarding, be ready when it’s your turn.

Should You Book This One?

Book it if you want a fun, full-day catamaran trip that mixes Marietas National Park scenery with a real beach break at Majahuitas plus BBQ and included water gear. At $99, with the added conservation fee, it’s a good value when you’ll actually use snorkeling/kayak/paddleboard time.

Skip it if your priority is the Hidden Beach photo spotlight, or if you’re hoping for a quiet, low-crowd nature outing with lots of long snorkeling time. The schedule and group setup can turn into a “short windows” experience.

If you match the vibe, this is the kind of day you’ll remember for the combo: rocky archways at sea, then a beach lunch followed by time in the water again.

FAQ

Does this tour include Hidden Beach?

No. This tour does not visit the Hidden Beach. It focuses on exploring the ocean and wildlife around the Marietas Islands with water activities.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is listed as 7 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the beach BBQ lunch, refreshing drinks, open bar on the way back to port, and complimentary snorkel and kayak equipment, plus a paddleboard.

Are snorkeling, kayak, and paddleboard gear provided?

Yes. Snorkel and kayak equipment are included, and paddleboard is included as well.

Is the conservation fee included?

No. There is an additional USD$20 conservation fee per person collected at check-in.

Is there a port fee?

Yes. A port fee of MXN$40 is not included.

Where is pickup, and is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll have two pickup location options at Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta and Vallarta Adventures, and drop-off is at those same locations.

What do I need to bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a jacket.

What is not allowed on the tour?

Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and drones are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.