Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

One water day in Puerto Vallarta can feel like a full-on adventure. This tour stitches together dolphin and whale watching with active time at Islas Marietas and then tops it off with an included BBQ lunch at Majahuitas. It’s built for people who want to spend most of the day on the water and don’t mind getting a little wet.

I love how the day includes real wildlife time on the Bay of Banderas side before you even get to the island activities, and I also like that the Majahuitas BBQ lunch is a proper shore highlight, not an afterthought. The only real drawback to plan for is that it’s a mostly-boat schedule, so seasickness or rough/choppy water can change the whole experience, and snorkeling conditions vary by weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Wildlife sightings are the main event, with bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins, plus whales in season.
• You choose your water activity at the islands: snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
• Majahuitas lunch is a payoff stop, with BBQ and refreshing drinks included.
• No docks at the sites means you jump off the boat and climb back on using small metal ladders.
• Rainy-season water can mean murkier snorkeling, so your underwater views may be limited.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For ($99 + required extras)

The headline price is $99 per person for a roughly 7-hour outing. That cost makes sense if you want an all-in, active day: boat time, guided wildlife spotting, and island water activities (snorkel/kayak gear plus SUP).

But two extra costs are part of the reality on this one. You’ll pay a MX$40 port fee in cash at the port, and there’s also a $20 per person conservation fee collected at check-in. When you budget, treat the $99 as the base, then add those required fees so you don’t get surprised at the dock.

Bottom line: for a guided marine day with multiple activities and an included shore BBQ, this is good value. It’s less of a bargain if you’re only chasing a single thing, like a long, calm snorkeling session.

Meeting Point Reality: No Hotel Pickup, No Dock, and Cash Matters

This tour starts at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte. and ends back at the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to be ready to get yourself there early and on time.

Also, plan for an unusual but important detail: there isn’t a dock at any of the locations you visit, so you jump off the boat and get back on using small metal ladders. That’s totally doable for most people, but if you have balance issues or strong fear of heights, this is not the day to test yourself.

Bring Mexican cash for the port fee, and it’s smart to have a little extra on hand for anything you might want to purchase on the beach day. And note the tour includes rules that are strict for safety and operations: drones are prohibited, and there’s a No-Drug Policy that also covers electronic cigarettes and vapers. If security denies you access, refunds and day changes aren’t offered.

First Half of the Day: Bay of Banderas Wildlife Spotting

The day begins with the sail out on a stylish vessel toward the Bay of Banderas. Before you do any paddling or snorkeling, you’ll be looking for dolphins and birds while the guide explains what you’re seeing.

What makes this early section worth it is that the wildlife isn’t a side quest. You’re on the water looking for Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins as they swim and frolic. The guide also points out birds such as blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds, which adds variety beyond marine mammals.

There’s also a whale element “in season.” If it’s that time of year, you might see whales along the way out, and the boat may slow down so you can watch. In short: you get a shot at wildlife while you’re still fresh, before the water activities start.

Marietas Islands: How the Island Time Really Works

Once you reach the Marietas Islands, the plan shifts from searching to doing. You’ll pick an activity: snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The idea is to let you explore the habitat in different ways while an eco-guide is there to support safety and confidence.

This is where weather becomes a big factor. On clear days, snorkeling can be a highlight. In rainy or low-visibility conditions, underwater views can get murky, and you’ll need to be okay with fish and coral detail being less dramatic than you hoped.

Water temperature is another consideration. Even in good weather, expect it to feel cool once you’re in the water. If you’re the type who hates cold water, you’ll likely be happier if you plan for it from the start. Having gear that helps you stay comfortable makes the difference between getting through the swim and actually enjoying it.

Finally, remember the “no dock” rule again here. You’ll be moving from boat to water and back using metal ladders, so you’ll want steady timing and attention during boarding.

Majahuitas Beach BBQ Lunch: The Best Way to Recover

After the island activities, you’ll head to Majahuitas Beach for a BBQ lunch with refreshing drinks. This is a real recovery stop. It’s where you dry off, refill your energy, and take in the beach setting without having to do anything active for a bit.

One reason people rate this stop highly is that it feels like a proper meal break, not a quick bite. The included lunch is substantial enough to feel like a centerpiece of the afternoon, and the scenery is part of why it lands as a highlight.

If you’re planning your day around food, go in with a strategy: if lots of people are eating at once, lunch can move at a buffet pace. The best approach is to be ready to eat and keep the rest of your time flexible so you don’t miss any beach activity you want.

What the On-Board Experience Feels Like (Music, Drinks, and Timing)

A key part of your day is simply being on the boat. The tour description notes you’ll spend most of the duration on the water, which is great when conditions are calm and less fun when it’s choppy.

There’s an open onboard bar, and drinks are part of the energy of the day. You’ll also notice that the tour crew tends to keep things lively, with entertainment during the trip. On some departures, crew performances and party-style moments happen toward the end of the outing, turning the return trip into something more than just a ride back.

Alcohol timing can matter for your water plans. Some guests report that alcohol is held until after snorkeling, which is a smart setup because it keeps everyone focused when they’re actually getting in the water.

If you’re sensitive to motion, take the warning seriously: if seasickness is in your history, this may not be the best match. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about options, and consider sitting where the boat motion feels least.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong fit for you if:

• You want a water-heavy day that includes wildlife spotting plus hands-on activities.
• You’re okay with changing conditions and timing, since ocean days are never perfectly scheduled.
• You want an included meal that feels like a real beach lunch, with BBQ and drinks.

It’s less ideal if:

• You only want long, uninterrupted snorkeling time. The day is built around multiple stops and activities, so the time at each part can feel brisk.
• You hate cold water or you know you’ll struggle physically with getting on and off the boat repeatedly.
• You’re prone to seasickness or you’re expecting a calm, leisurely cruise.

For families: it can be a hit, especially if your kids like animals and being active. Just be prepared for early wake-ups and the reality of ladders and jumps.

For couples: it’s romantic in a practical way—shared wildlife moments, time outdoors, and an included meal—yet it’s still very much an action day.

Practical Tips That Make a Big Difference

Here’s how I’d prep so you get the most from this kind of tour.

Bring what matters:

• A towel. You’ll be glad you have it for the beach and boarding rhythm.
• Water and extra fluids, especially after you’re out on deck for hours.
• Pesos for the port fee and any small purchases.
• Clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

Plan for temperature and visibility:

• The water can be cool during the swim, and snorkeling conditions can vary with weather.
• If rainy-season haze is in the forecast, mentally shift expectations from crystal-clear coral detail to “wildlife and fish spotting,” which is still fun even when visibility drops.

Be ready for the “ladder boarding” part:

• Watch your footing on the small ladders and follow the crew instructions without rushing.
• If you have any mobility concerns, this is the moment to decide whether this format is right for you.

Should You Book Islas Marietas & Majahuitas?

I’d book it if your dream day in Puerto Vallarta is active, outdoors, and wildlife-led. The combination of dolphins, possible whales in season, and an included BBQ lunch at Majahuitas makes it a solid value, especially because you’re not paying extra for core water activities.

I’d think twice if you need long snorkeling time, you get sick on boats, or you’re expecting the famous hidden-beach style stop. This route is centered on Marietas Islands plus Majahuitas Beach, and that can change what you picture when you see island photos online.

If you’re flexible, comfortable with boat days, and excited about marine life, this is one of the better ways to spend a day beyond the city.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico and ends back at that same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What extra fees should I expect besides the $99 price?

You’ll need to pay MX$40 per person in cash for the port fee and a $20 per person conservation fee at check-in.

Does this tour include snorkeling and kayaking gear?

Yes. Snorkel and kayak equipment are included, and SUP is also included.

Is there a dock at the locations?

No. There is no dock at the locations you visit, so you’ll jump from the boat and climb back aboard using small metal ladders.

What about drones?

Drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations related to endemic bird flight paths.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. This option is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to time conflicts with the local schedule.

Why would my tour be canceled?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.