Isla Marietas is a long, fun day at sea. This full-day catamaran outing in Puerto Vallarta pairs a big nature setting with snorkel-and-play water time, plus music, food, and an open bar later on. If you like your vacations to feel active but not complicated, this one fits.

What I like most is that you get the key gear and meals handled for you—snorkel gear (mask, tube, and life jacket) along with breakfast, hot cakes, and lunch. Second, the tour builds in enough variety that you can choose what to do once you’re at the islands: snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking.

One caution: the day includes extra fees that aren’t part of the $96 price, and you’ll need to be ready for cash and currency rules on site (one recent situation didn’t go smoothly when USD was expected). Plan ahead and don’t treat the check-in desk like a suggestion.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• 6 hours round-trip on the catamaran means a real sea-day, not a quick hop.
• 2 hours on Isla Marietas is your main window for snorkeling and paddling.
• Breakfast + hot cakes and a full lunch are included, which helps a lot on a long schedule.
• Open bar starts only after Isla Marietas, so save your cheers for later.
• Cash-only add-on fees include a dock fee and an environmental bracelet.
• Group size tops out at 70 people, which keeps it lively but not endless.

A Full Day Catamaran Nature Break from Puerto Vallarta

This tour is built like a classic “sea day” in Puerto Vallarta: you leave early, spend most of the morning and afternoon moving by boat, then enjoy a focused window at Isla Marietas. It’s not a museum-style outing or a quick photo stop. It’s time on open water with a plan.

The catamaran setup matters. A two-floor boat usually means you can find a spot to watch the horizon and still get to the water activities without constant shuffling. Add dancing music and you’ve got a trip that aims to feel like a party, but with a nature payoff.

The overall vibe is also very practical. You’re told what to wear, what to bring, and you’re given a clear menu for food and gear. That’s the kind of structure that helps when you’re dealing with a protected-area style destination and a schedule that doesn’t wait for slow movers.

Timing: 6 Hours on the Water and 2 Hours at the Islands

Your day runs about 8 hours. The schedule breaks down into roughly 6 hours round-trip boat transportation and about 2 hours on the island. That means the heart of the day is short, so you’ll want to be ready to jump into the water experience when your time comes.

This timing also explains the biggest frustration pattern I’ve seen on tours like this: if check-in slips, you can lose real time. Even if the boat is delayed a bit, the island window is still just two hours. So your main strategy is simple: be early, stay organized, and assume you’ll be moving quickly once you’re checked in.

When you get to the island, you’ll have time to do the activities that are included—snorkel, paddle board, or kayak—plus the option of an extra island-side add-on ride that isn’t automatically part of the core package. If you’re the type who hates making decisions, you’ll probably want to stick with what’s clearly included and let the add-ons be optional.

What You Get for $96: Food, Gear, and Water Time

At $96 per person, the value isn’t just the boat ride. The tour includes a lot of the “don’t-make-me-pack” items that can add up fast on your own.

Here’s what’s built into the price:

• Snorkel gear: mask, tube, and life jacket
• Paddle board and kayak equipment
• Continental breakfast plus hot cakes (with fruit, yogurt, granola, honey, juice)
• Lunch (hamburger, side of shrimp, and a salad bar)
• Dancing music
• Open bar after Isla Marietas

That breakfast-to-lunch setup is genuinely helpful. It reduces the chance you’ll spend the day hunting snacks, and it keeps energy up for swimming and paddling. And because life jackets are included with snorkeling gear, you don’t have to track down rental options or guess sizes.

One more value point: the tour includes multiple activity types. If snorkeling isn’t your thing—or if conditions aren’t ideal—you can still have a full experience with paddleboards or a kayak. The included menu supports that switch-your-plan approach.

The Included Boat Ride Around Islas Marietas

The tour’s headline move is a catamaran boat ride around Islas Marietas. You’re not just driving to one dock and staying there. You’re out on the water with a nature-focused route, which usually feels more relaxed than a land excursion with lots of walking.

The tradeoff is time. Because your day is boat-centered, you’ll feel the schedule on your body: you’re on the water for hours and then on the island for a shorter burst. That’s fine if you’re comfortable on boats and like the rhythm of sea travel. If you get motion sickness easily, plan for that before you go.

Also, the water time isn’t just “stand here and look.” You’re being set up for snorkeling and paddling. That means you’ll want to keep your day bag simple: swimsuit ready, towel accessible, and a change of dry clothes waiting so you don’t end up improvising.

Snorkeling, Paddle Boards, and Kayaks: When Conditions Change

You get the full snorkel kit: mask, tube, and life jacket. You also get equipment for paddle boards and kayaks. The goal is to let you choose how you want to spend your island time instead of forcing one activity on everyone.

Here’s the practical reality: marine conditions can change. One recent experience included a situation where snorkeling didn’t happen because there were jellyfish in the water. That doesn’t mean the tour is “bad.” It means you should treat snorkeling like a best-effort activity that depends on what the water is doing that day.

Your best move is to arrive with flexibility. If the water looks clear and calm, great—snorkel. If it doesn’t, switch to a kayak or paddle board. Since those are included, you’re not paying extra to keep the day fun.

And because you’ll have a limited island window, it helps to get your gear on quickly once you’re told it’s time. The tours run on time blocks, not on “we’ll figure it out eventually.”

Open Bar Only After Isla Marietas: A Small but Clear Rule

The open bar is included, but the timing is specific: it’s only after Isla Marietas. So if you like to start the vacation party immediately, this tour asks you to wait a bit.

That timing actually makes sense. It keeps people focused during the water activities. Once you’re done snorkeling and paddling, you can relax with drinks on the boat ride.

It also helps manage expectations. If you’re the type who reads a tour listing and assumes open bar starts at the dock, you might end up disappointed. The way to avoid that is simple: plan to hydrate and snack earlier, then treat the open bar as the wrap-up treat.

Price and Logistics: Fees You Must Budget for in Cash

This is the part that can make or break your day, and it’s where people get caught off guard. The $96 price includes admission for the experience and a package of meals and gear. But there are additional cash-only fees on site:

• Dock fee: $3 USD per person, cash only
• SEMARNAT and CONANP bracelet: $10 USD per person, cash only

On paper, those are straightforward. In real life, currency handling can be messy. One situation went sideways when USD was not accepted and the group had to pay in pesos. Even if your experience is smooth, you should treat this like a “bring the right cash” day, not a “pay with whatever you have” day.

My recommendation: bring a mix of small bills and make sure you have enough for everyone in your group. If you’re traveling with friends or family, coordinate money ahead of time so you’re not scrambling at check-in.

Also, keep your receipt or proof of payment if you’re given any. On tours with multiple fees and checkpoints, getting re-routed costs time—and the island window is short.

Meeting Point at Grupo Naviero de la Bahía: How to Avoid the Stress

The meeting point is at Grupo Naviero de la Bahía with a specific address in the military area zone: H. Escuela Naval Militar, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Start time is 8:00 am, and the activity returns you to the same meeting point.

This matters because marina parking and finding the right desk can take time. Even a small delay can feel big when your boat and island schedule is tight.

Plan to arrive early. One bad experience described arriving 10 minutes ahead and still facing delays and confusion about fees. That’s exactly the kind of scenario you can avoid by giving yourself a bigger buffer. I’d rather sit with a cold drink and watch the boat area than stand in a line later with time running.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket. You’ll want your phone charged and the confirmation info handy. If your battery is at 10%, that’s not a fun way to start.

When the Crew Has to Improvise: Look for the Good Sign

There’s one type of review that tells you a lot about a tour: what happens when something breaks. One experience included a motor issue, and the crew handled it in a way that kept the tour going. It took longer than expected, but the day still got completed, and the attitude stayed positive.

That kind of problem-solving is a real quality signal. Boats can have mechanical issues. Sea weather can shift. What you’re really judging is how the team manages the situation, communicates with the group, and keeps everyone safe.

So when you’re on the boat, watch how staff gives instructions and organizes water access. If they look calm and clear, you’re likely in good hands.

What to Pack and Wear for a Comfortable 8-Hour Sea Day

You’ll be on the water for hours and in the water for part of your island time. The tour asks you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and it’s smart to follow that rather than treat it like a casual “wear sandals and see what happens” day.

Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Extra clothes (dry set for after water time)

Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent. Even if you’re not thrilled about extra products, this is one of the easiest ways to avoid ending your day itchy.

Shoes are also important. You’ll want something you can walk in safely at the marina and on the boat deck area, not only what works for the beach. Comfortable shoes reduce fatigue, and fatigue is the enemy of a fun island window.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking steps before you leave. The schedule gives you long boat time, and you’ll be on the water when everyone else is doing their snorkeling and paddling.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour fits best if you want a single-day plan that mixes boat scenery with included water activities and food. It’s also a strong choice if you don’t want to rent snorkel gear or hunt down lunch on your own.

It’s also good for groups who like options. You’re not locked into one water activity. You can snorkel, paddle board, or kayak depending on your comfort and the conditions.

Think twice if you strongly prefer a slow-paced, long island beach hang. You only have about two hours at Isla Marietas, and the day is scheduled around getting everyone back on time. It’s active, not languid.

And if you hate cash surprises, treat this as a “bring the extra fees” tour. Those cash-only dock and bracelet charges are a known part of the experience, but they can be the difference between smooth sailing and a stressful scramble.

Should You Book This Isla Marietas Catamaran Tour?

Yes, if you want an organized, food-and-gear-inclusive sea day that gives you multiple ways to enjoy the water. The included snorkel kit, paddleboard and kayak equipment, and breakfast-lunch plan are real value for an $96 price point—especially when you factor in how much you’d otherwise spend and pack.

No, if you’re the kind of person who gets thrown off by extra cash fees or you don’t like time pressure. The island time is short, and the tour depends on everyone handling check-in and the on-site fees correctly. Also, snorkeling may not happen in every water condition, so be ready to pivot.

If you book, do the smart thing: bring extra cash for the dock fee and environmental bracelet, arrive early at Grupo Naviero de la Bahía, and keep your day bag simple. Then you can focus on the fun part—snorkel, paddle, eat well, and enjoy the day at sea.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Isla Marietas catamaran tour?

It runs for about 8 hours total, including roughly 6 hours of round-trip boat transportation and about 2 hours at Isla Marietas.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $96.00 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

It includes admission, snorkel gear (mask, tube, life jacket), paddle board and kayak equipment, a two-floor catamaran experience, dancing music, open bar after Isla Marietas, and breakfast plus hot cakes and lunch.

Are there any extra fees?

Yes. There’s a dock fee of $3 USD per person (cash only) and a SEMARNAT and CONANP bracelet fee of $10 USD per person (cash only).

What should I bring with me?

Bring your swimsuit, towels, and extra clothes. You should also use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.

What time and where does the tour meet?

Start time is 8:00 am at Grupo Naviero de la Bahía in Puerto Vallarta (Área Militar de Vallarta). The tour ends back at the meeting point.