A day on the water that feels worlds away. This Puerto Vallarta-area Marietas Islands sail mixes a small-group boat ride with snorkeling time and beach breaks, plus an easy rhythm for people who don’t want complicated planning. I like that the trip includes breakfast and lunch, and that the snorkeling setup comes with life vests and gear that’s described as well sanitized. One thing to consider: the Love Beach portion is optional and controlled by the marine park, so you may not get guaranteed access.

You start at Paradise Village’s public pier, and from there it’s straight into the sea day vibe: paddles, fins, and a crew that’s built around keeping things moving. The food and drinks also help this feel like a true outing instead of just a short transfer—there’s a proper breakfast and a deli-style lunch onboard. The main drawback is practical: transportation isn’t included to/from the marina, and there are also extra port/conservation costs you’ll need to budget.

Overall, this is a good fit if you want a classic Marietas experience without paying for a super-expensive private boat—and you can handle the idea that marine life viewing and snorkeling visibility can vary day to day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Sanitized snorkeling gear plus life vest: included, and built for an easier start in the water.
• Domestic open bar rules: alcohol is served only after the water activities are done.
• Small-group focus (up to 7): a quieter boat setup than bigger group sails.
• Breakfast + deli-style lunch onboard: you’re fed like a real day trip, not a snack tour.
• Love Beach access is optional and controlled: it’s not something you can assume you’ll get.
• Bird watching is part of the island story: blue-footed boobies and other sea birds show up in the right conditions.

Getting onto the water from Paradise Village Pier

Your day starts and ends at the Paradise Village Public Pier (Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta). That matters because it keeps things simple: you don’t need a separate transfer to a random dock, and you can plan the rest of your day around a single location.

The trip is about 7 hours, so think of it as a full half-day that uses the midday sea time well. It also helps that the boat experience is designed for most travelers, meaning you don’t need any special training to join in.

If you’re coming from Puerto Vallarta proper, you’ll want to handle getting to the pier yourself, since transportation to and from the marina isn’t included. For me, that’s the one logistics item that can decide whether this feels effortless or annoying.

Food and drinks onboard: breakfast, deli lunch, and open bar timing

One of the strongest value points here is that breakfast and lunch are included. You get a continental breakfast plus a deli-style lunch onboard, which makes the trip feel like you’re paying for a complete day, not just sea time.

Then there’s the open bar. The onboard setup includes a domestic open bar, but alcoholic drinks are for after the water activities. I actually like that rule: it keeps the snorkeling/paddle time from turning into a wobbly situation and it helps the day stay comfortable.

What you should do: eat your breakfast and pace your water. Even if you’re not a big drinker, you’ll likely be out in sun and salt air for hours, so having steady hydration makes everything more pleasant.

Marietas Islands: the main stop for snorkeling and sea views

Marietas Islands are the reason you book this tour, and the experience is designed around your time in the water. The boat outing takes you to the islands for about 2 hours, with snorkeling gear and a life vest provided. The gear is described as well sanitized, which is exactly what you want when you’re sharing equipment in a warm, humid environment.

You’ll also have paddle boards available. That’s a nice add-on because paddle boarding gives you another way to enjoy the area even if snorkeling conditions are only fair. On a sea day like this, variety helps: you don’t feel locked into one activity.

A realistic expectation: snorkeling around the rocky areas can be hit-or-miss depending on visibility and how fish are behaving that day. The plan is good for seeing sea life, but don’t assume Hawaii-level clarity. If the water is a bit less clear, you’ll still get the thrill of being out there, close to the rocks, and watching what’s around you.

Love Beach access: optional, controlled, and not guaranteed

This is the big “wow” component for many people, but it’s also where you need to keep your expectations flexible. Access to Love Beach is optional and controlled by the marine park. That means it isn’t automatically included for everyone on the boat, even if you bought the tour.

So how should you plan? Treat it like a bonus. If you’re lucky and your group gets access, it can be an unforgettable moment. If you don’t get in, the rest of the island experience is still the main attraction: the sea views, the water time, and the overall Marietas vibe.

Also, there’s an extra cost for marine park-related access/fees. The Love Beach access itself is not included, and the Marietas Islands conservation fee (MX$85 per person) is also listed separately. In plain terms: if Love Beach is your top priority, budget for those extras in advance so there’s no last-minute surprise.

Wildlife and the calmer side of island time

Marietas isn’t only about the water activities. It’s also a very good spot for birds, and you may see sea birds like blue-footed boobies, plus other species. If you like wildlife that doesn’t require a long chase, this part of the day can be surprisingly satisfying.

You can also catch dolphins on the way back in some conditions. I like knowing this because it gives you something to look forward to even if snorkeling isn’t your best day.

The best mindset is to slow down during the viewing moments. Sit where you have a clear sightline, watch the water, and don’t rush from one activity to the next. When you do that, the trip can feel like more than a checklist.

Price and value: what $99 covers, and what adds up

At $99 per person, this tour is priced in the “reasonable day trip” category for the Puerto Vallarta area. You’re not just paying for transportation to Marietas; you’re paying for the on-board food, included snorkeling gear and life vest, and the paddle board option, plus the open bar (with the after-activities rule).

But you should budget for what’s not included:

• Port tax: MX$35 per person
• Marietas Islands conservation fee: MX$85 per person
• Access to Love Beach: optional (marine park controlled)
• Transportation to/from the marina: not included
• Marietas Islands island admission ticket: listed as not included
• New snorkeling tubes to buy onboard: optional add-on

Here’s how I’d think about value: the included food and snorkeling kit can save you money compared to piecing it together on your own. Still, the additional fees for conservation and port tax are real, so your total cost may be notably higher than the headline price.

If you want the simplest planning experience, I’d assume the tour will cost more than $99 once those items are added. That turns it from a “cheap sail” into a “midrange, full day with extras.”

Group size reality: small-group sail, but confirm if it’s capped

The tour is listed as having a maximum of 7 travelers, and on paper, that’s great. Smaller groups generally mean less waiting, more time on the activities, and a calmer boat mood.

That said, I recommend you verify group size when you confirm. There have been occasional booking mismatches reported for this kind of product, and on a day where 2 hours at the islands is the key time block, you want to know you’re getting the experience size you paid for.

If you end up in a larger group than expected, the snorkeling and beach moments can still be good—just less relaxed.

The one thing to watch: operational mix-ups and late changes

Most sea days go as planned, but this is where I’ll be blunt because it’s what can ruin your schedule. There have been cases where the marketed operator and the actual boat situation didn’t match what people expected, including situations where people arrived with confirmation but the boat crew couldn’t find the reservation. There have also been cases of last-minute cancellation late the night before.

I’m not saying this happens every time. I am saying you should treat this as a normal travel-day priority: keep your confirmation handy, plan for potential delays, and don’t schedule your next big thing too tightly after your return.

If you’re the kind of traveler with a rigid agenda, build in a buffer day or keep your evening flexible. It’s the best way to stay calm if the sea doesn’t cooperate or if paperwork needs one more check.

Who this Marietas sail is best for

This tour fits best if you:

• Want snorkeling gear and life vests provided, without renting and scrambling at the last second
• Like a traditional sail day with food onboard and a drink option after activities
• Prefer a smaller boat experience over the biggest cattle-call tours
• Enjoy wildlife viewing like seabirds, and you’re okay with snorkeling being weather- and visibility-dependent

It may not be the best match if:

• Love Beach access is a must-have and you can’t handle being turned away by marine park rules
• You need guaranteed door-to-door transportation from Puerto Vallarta
• You have a tightly timed schedule and can’t absorb a possible last-minute change

Should you book Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach?

Yes, if you want solid value for a full sea day and you’re okay treating Love Beach access as a bonus instead of a guarantee. The included breakfast and deli-style lunch, plus sanitized snorkeling gear and life vests, take a lot of friction out of the day. The open bar rule is a practical touch, and the paddle board option gives you extra ways to enjoy the water.

I’d be cautious if you’re planning a fixed itinerary and you can’t tolerate last-minute changes or operational mix-ups. If that sounds like you, book with a flexible plan and keep an eye on day-of updates. For most people, the trade-off is worth it.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach tour?

It lasts about 7 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Paradise Village Public Pier (Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and a life vest are included, and the gear is described as well sanitized. New snorkeling tubes may be available to buy on board.

Is the Love Beach access included?

No. Love Beach access is optional and controlled by the marine park.

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

You should budget for a port tax (MX$35 per person) and the Marietas Islands conservation fee (MX$85 per person). Love Beach access is also not included.

Is open bar included, and when can I drink?

Yes, there is a domestic open bar onboard, but alcoholic drinks are available only after the water activities.

What’s included for meals?

You’ll get a continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch onboard.

FAQ

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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

Do I need to arrange transportation to the marina?

Yes. Transportation to and from the Marina is not included.