Marietas in a single morning. This 6- to 7-hour speedboat trip pairs snorkeling around Isla Marietas with Playa Nopalera exploration, plus food and drinks on the return.

I love the practical setup: check-in at Puerto Mágico, then a Bay of Banderas morning cruise with breakfast. I also like that you can level up the science with an optional Ecotour led by biologist Marina.

One clear caution: this tour does not include Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida), and extra fees are part of the reality if that is your main target.

Key takeaways before you go

• Snorkeling + kayaking are built in (with snorkeling equipment included)
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: breakfast, lunch, and alcoholic beverages on board
• Small group size (up to 30) helps the day feel more controlled
• Ecotour is optional for extra money, with commentary from biologist Marina
• Playa Nopalera is included, not Hidden Beach; plan for possible additional fees elsewhere

Why this speedboat day feels special around Puerto Vallarta

If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta and want water time without turning your whole vacation into a logistics project, this style of day trip works. You’ll start at Puerto Mágico, then spend the bulk of your day out on the water around the Marietas area.

What makes it interesting is the mix: snorkeling first, then time to move under your own power with kayaking. After that, you get a different kind of beach experience at Playa Nopalera, which is described as rocky. That matters, because it changes the vibe from a typical sand-and-sun beach day.

Another reason this tour can be a win: the pacing is built around real rest breaks. Breakfast hits early, and food and drinks are on board again when you head back to port.

Price and value: what $106.53 covers (and what doesn’t)

At $106.53 per person, the headline value is the amount already included. You’re not just paying for transport. Your ticket includes:

• Breakfast (bread, fruit, coffee, juice)
• Lunch (toast with fish ceviche, chicken salad, shrimp aguachile)
• Alcoholic beverages (beers, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, plus bottled water)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Snorkeling and kayaking
• Toilets on board
• A stop at Nopalera beach plus the Marietas Islands time

That’s why the price can feel reasonable compared to tours that split water time from meals and drinks. If you like doing one paid activity where you don’t have to constantly buy extras, this is that kind of setup.

Now the money watch-outs. This experience does not include:

• Hidden Beach
• Port fees: $33 MXN per person
• Semarnat bracelet: $220 MXN per person
• Optional Ecotour: $200 MXN paid on board

So the true cost isn’t just the $106.53. If Hidden Beach is on your personal must-do list, you’ll need to rethink your plan or expect add-ons. Even if you don’t, the port fee + Semarnat bracelet are important to budget for.

Also note the food rule: the tour says there is no vegan or vegetarian food. If you eat this way, you’ll want to plan carefully because the day is built around set meal options.

Morning start at Puerto Mágico: check-in and Bay views with breakfast

Your day begins at Puerto Mágico on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio (Zona Hotelera Nte.). You’ll check in at the maritime terminal, pass a safety filter, and then board.

Time-wise, plan to arrive early. The info you get says:

• Registration 8:10 am
• Departure 9:00 am
• The tour start time is listed as 8:30 am

That spread is normal for cruise-style operations, but it’s a reason to show up a bit ahead of whatever time you’re mentally anchored to. You don’t want to be sprinting with your swim gear in hand.

Next comes the Bay of Banderas segment—about 120 minutes focused on views, with breakfast during that stretch. This part isn’t just about eating. It’s your buffer time: it sets expectations, gets you comfortable on the boat, and gives you a chance to enjoy Puerto Vallarta from the water before the snorkeling portion.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, this is one of the smart parts of the schedule.

Marietas Islands snorkeling: the main event, plus an optional science upgrade

After breakfast, the day turns into the water activities around the Marietas Islands. You’ll start with snorkeling. The description highlights swimming alongside colored weights around the islands. Translation: expect a marked, guided area rather than a random free-for-all.

You’ll also have access to kayaking during this main block. That’s a big deal for value because it lets you do more than one kind of water fun without paying again.

Here’s the optional upgrade piece. If you buy the Ecotour ticket onboard for an extra $200 MXN, you continue with a boat ride around the Marietas Islands and get commentary from a biologist named Marina about how the islands formed. If you’re the person who likes knowing what you’re looking at—rocks, formation, wildlife habitat basics—this can be worth considering.

If you’re more here for the simple pleasure of being on the water, you can skip the Ecotour and keep your focus on snorkeling and kayaking.

One practical consideration: the tour lists a moderate physical fitness level. Snorkeling and kayaking aren’t extreme, but they do require comfort with moving in open water. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll want to think carefully before booking a trip where swimming is central to the experience.

Playa Nopalera: rocky coastline time (and why you should expect that reality)

After the Marietas portion, you head to Playa Nopalera. The tour description is blunt in the best way: it’s a rocky place, but incredible. You’ll explore corners and enjoy the sea.

This is where expectations need to match reality. If you’re imagining a smooth, easy beach with towels on pristine sand, Playa Nopalera can feel different. The payoff is the rugged look and the fact you’re moving through a more natural, uneven shoreline.

Also, this is where your day shifts from guided water time to on-site exploration. You’re not just floating; you’re hopping, looking around, and spending time in a coastal environment that’s more “adventure beach” than “resort beach.”

If your priority is a specific Instagram-style beach called Hidden Beach, read the next section closely, because this tour doesn’t aim at that.

What about Hidden Beach: the one big mismatch to watch for

This experience explicitly says it does not include Hidden Beach. That means if your dream stop is Playa Escondida, you shouldn’t book expecting it to be part of your included route.

The good news: you still get Marietas Islands time plus Playa Nopalera, which is one of the beaches within the Marietas area. The bad news is that you may end up paying extra elsewhere if Hidden Beach is non-negotiable for you.

So my advice is simple: decide early which beach is truly your goal. If Playa Nopalera is good enough and you’re happy to snorkel and kayak in the same region, this tour aligns nicely with that plan.

If Hidden Beach is the main reason you’re going, you’ll want a tour designed around it, not a tour that politely sidesteps it.

Food, open bar, and the ride back across Banderas Bay

Once you’ve explored the Marietas area and Playa Nopalera, you return to the boat. The wrap-up block is about 90 minutes on the high seas.

This is when the tour really leans into comfort: food and drinks plus a lively onboard atmosphere. The tour specifically mentions an open bar and good music during the return ride.

If you care about staying fueled, this segment matters. Your full day includes breakfast and lunch already, but the late-stage drinks help keep the mood light once everyone is tired from sun, saltwater, and water movement.

Also, you’ll get views of Banderas Bay again as you head back. This time, it often feels less about scenery and more about “we made it” satisfaction—like watching the coastline after the physical part is done.

One more note based on what’s been reported: the exact boat setup can vary. If you’re sensitive to weather comfort, know that some boats may offer limited side protection. Bring layers you can use when you’re on the water, especially if wind picks up.

Rules and practical details that affect your day

A few policies and bits of practicality can change how smoothly your trip goes:

• Drones are not allowed. If you fly one at all, leave it behind.
• GoPro and compatible phones are allowed under your responsibility. So yes, you can record, but behave like you’re sharing space with other people and crews.
• There are toilets on board, which is genuinely helpful on a day that’s long enough to matter.
• The group is capped at 30 travelers, so expect a more manageable vibe than huge cruise bus energy.
• Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour is in English.
• The tour does not offer vegan or vegetarian meals, so plan around that if you have dietary limits.

And about water time: the tour is built around snorkeling and kayaking, so plan for a morning that may include some sun and salt contact. If you’re a strong swimmer and enjoy hands-on water activity, this kind of itinerary makes more sense.

Who should book this Marietas + Nopalera speedboat tour

This is a good match if you want:

• One organized day that combines snorkeling, kayaking, and beach time
• Meals and drinks included, so you’re not buying lunch mid-adventure
• A small group size (up to 30)
• A route that gives you access to Playa Nopalera without focusing on Hidden Beach

It’s not the best fit if:

• Hidden Beach is your top must-see and you will feel disappointed if it’s not part of your ticket
• You need vegan or vegetarian food
• You’re not comfortable with a moderate physical fitness requirement and active water time

Should you book Monkey Adventures for Marietas and Playa Nopalera?

I’d book this if your goal is clear: snorkeling + kayaking + Playa Nopalera in one day, with breakfast, lunch, and drinks handled. The value is strongest when you use what’s included and don’t treat it like a la carte shopping.

I’d be cautious if Hidden Beach is the entire reason you’re traveling. Since this tour doesn’t include it and the day already has additional required fees, you’ll need to confirm what you want before you commit.

If you do book, do it with a mindset of flexibility: boats are run by real-world logistics, and you’re going to be on open water. That’s part of the deal. Bring the right expectations, and you’ll likely come away feeling you got what you paid for—plus a good chunk of time in the Marietas waters.

FAQ

Does this tour include Hidden Beach?

No. This activity does not include Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida).

What’s included with the $106.53 ticket?

The tour includes Nopalera beach, snorkeling and kayaking, American breakfast (bread, fruit, coffee, juice), lunch (toast with fish ceviche, chicken salad, shrimp aguachile), alcoholic beverages (beers, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, bottled water), snorkeling equipment, and toilets on board.

What extra fees should I plan for?

Port fees are $33 MXN per person, and the Semarnat bracelet is $220 MXN per person. There’s also an optional Ecotour for $200 MXN per person, paid on board.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

You meet at Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Registration is listed at 8:10 am, with departure at 9:00 am, and the tour start time is also listed as 8:30 am.

Do I need a certain fitness level?

Yes. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Are drones allowed on this tour?

No. Drones are not allowed.