A boat day with marine views and water toys. This Sea Mi Amor Marietas cruise takes you from Puerto Vallarta to Marietas Islands National Park for a big chunk of sea time. You get a comfortable day on the water plus multiple activities, and it’s priced for value.

I like the combo of a real breakfast and lunch included, not just snacks. I also like that your kayaking, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and life vest are part of the deal, so you’re not scrambling for rentals once you arrive.

One thing to watch: Love Beach access is request-based and often costs extra, and that can affect both money and timing. If you’re set on the secret beach, plan carefully.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Marietas time is scheduled for about 2 hours at the islands, with admission not included
• Multiple water activities are included: kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and a life vest
• Open bar is on board, but alcoholic drinks are only after water activities
• Love Beach / hidden beach is optional and handled through the marine park with an upgrade-by-request approach
• Extra fees add up fast: port tax (MX$29) and a conservation fee (MX$100) are not included
• Up to 280 people can be on the boat, so this is more of a fun crowd than a quiet charter

Marietas Islands National Park From Puerto Vallarta: The Vibe

This is a classic Puerto Vallarta “get on the water and do things all day” outing. You’re not just watching the sea from a deck. You’re given gear, you splash around, and you get a structured chunk of time at the islands.

The Marietas Islands are known for their rugged, protected coastline and the chance for wildlife sightings. On at least some departures, people have reported whales out there. Nothing is guaranteed, but it’s exactly the kind of bonus that makes a long day worth it.

The overall tone is relaxed but busy. Think: get fed, gear up, head to the water, repeat. If you enjoy having a plan without overthinking it, you’ll probably like this format.

Price and Value: What $99 Really Covers

$99 per person is the headline price, and for many people it feels fair because food and gear are included. You’re getting an American-style breakfast and a full lunch on top of the boat ride, plus water equipment.

That said, you should budget for extra fees that aren’t baked into the base price:

• Port tax: MX$29 per person
• Marietas conservation fee: MX$100 per person
• Admission ticket not included for the islands stop
• Love Beach access is not automatic and costs extra when you add it
• Souvenir photos are an upgrade (not included)
• Tips are not included

So the value story is simple: if you want the full activity package and decent meals, you’ll likely feel good about the price. If you’re only interested in Love Beach and you don’t use the water gear, you may feel the total cost creep upward once add-ons and fees show up.

Meeting Point and Timing: How to Start This Day Smoothly

The tour starts at Terminal Maritima, located at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta. The start time is 9:00 am, and it returns to the same meeting point.

Plan for a full day in practice. The duration is listed as about 8 hours, but the boat schedule and the order of activities can stretch the day for your group. One traveler reported waiting a long time before lunch, so if your personal schedule is tight, keep a buffer.

You also have a mobile ticket, which is helpful. Still, arrive early enough to check in without stress. With a maximum group size of 280, lines can happen when everyone arrives at once.

Onboard Setup: Breakfast, Lunch, and the Open Bar Rule

Food is a major part of the appeal here. Before your water time, you’ll have American breakfast on board: eggs, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, and fruit. It’s the kind of spread that actually works when you’re about to spend hours in sun and salt air.

Lunch is included too. It’s listed as a baguette with cheese, ham, and salami, plus homemade potatoes and a tropical salad. That meal structure makes sense for a boat day: filling carbs, protein, and something fresh.

The open bar adds a fun touch, but with a clear rule: alcoholic drinks are available only after the water activities. That’s a good safety-friendly policy. It also means you’re not watching people mix booze into snorkeling time, which can be a mess in other settings.

If you’re the type who gets hungry later, watch the timing. On one trip, lunch wasn’t served until around 3 pm. You can’t assume that’s the standard every day, but it’s wise to eat breakfast well and keep your expectations flexible.

The Main Stop: About 2 Hours at the Marietas

Your time at the islands is scheduled for about 2 hours, and the islands admission is not included. This is a key detail because it affects the total you pay. You’ll also want to know that Marietas is a national park environment with conservation limits—especially around access to specific beaches.

During that window, you’ll use the included gear:

• Snorkeling gear and a life vest
• Kayaks
• Paddle boards

Practically, this means you’ll be moving through stations: gear pickup, quick instructions (expect basics), then water time. The exact order can vary depending on how the day is running, current conditions, and how busy the group is.

A potential drawback: snorkeling is typically done with a life vest included, and you may feel the pace is more structured than you’d like. One person said they felt yelled at to swim faster and that they wished there was an option without the life vest. If you’re a strong swimmer who prefers more freedom, this might feel less like a leisurely float and more like a guided activity flow.

On the plus side, getting both snorkeling and paddle activities means you’re not trapped doing one thing for the whole stop. You can choose what fits your comfort level when you’re out there.

Water Activities and Gear: Why Included Equipment Matters

When gear is included, you save money and, more importantly, time. Snorkeling sets and life vests are there for you, and you’re also handed paddle boards and kayaks as part of the package. That reduces friction when you’re on a schedule with a large group.

Here’s what that means for you:

• You can show up without packing a snorkel mask or renting equipment.
• You spend less time waiting and more time actually in the water.
• You get to try different styles: calm surface time on paddle boards and more hands-on movement with a kayak.

The included gear can also be a mixed experience depending on fit. Life vests are great for safety, but if sizing or comfort isn’t perfect, you’ll notice it. If you tend to feel restricted with flotation gear, consider that before committing.

My practical tip: wear swimwear you’re comfortable adjusting, and bring reef-safe sunscreen. If you burn easily, you’ll thank yourself during those 2 hours at the islands.

Love Beach (Hidden Beach) Is Optional: Plan for the Real Cost

This is the part that can make or break expectations.

Access to Love Beach is available only on request, and it’s controlled by the marine park. So it’s not simply included with your basic ticket. There’s also mention of an upgrade to include souvenir photos.

Because this is limited access, you should treat it like a separate commitment. Confirm early and make sure your request is actually attached to your booking. One traveler described a situation where their Love Beach request wasn’t found at check-in. They ended up stuck on the boat for about 9 hours with lunch coming late, which is a nightmare scenario if you’re aiming for that specific beach moment.

Translation for you: if Love Beach is your main goal, don’t rely on a vague assumption. Ask questions before the day of departure. And be ready to pay the Marietas conservation fee plus any Love Beach-related upgrade costs that apply.

If you’re flexible and happy with the rest of the Marietas experience—kayaks, snorkeling, and the scenery—then Love Beach becomes a bonus, not a requirement.

Group Size and Comfort: What Up to 280 People Means

With a maximum of 280 travelers, you should expect a lively boat and a bit of a “get it done” atmosphere. This doesn’t mean it’s chaotic, but it does mean:

• you might wait in lines for gear
• you might get less personal attention than on a smaller boat
• you might feel rushed during transitions

That matches how the day can feel in both directions. Some people love the energy, say the service is friendly, and call out the staff as helpful. Others focus on the friction points—timing and pace. Both can be true in different moments because the boat is running for a big group.

If you prefer quiet, private, or highly customized guiding, this probably isn’t that. It’s more for you if you enjoy organized group energy and want a full day of activities without paying charter-level prices.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• value: breakfast, lunch, and water activities included
• a full-day plan that keeps you moving
• the chance of wildlife sightings like whales (possible on some departures)
• English-speaking support

It may not fit as well if you:

• are extremely sensitive to pace during snorkeling
• hate waiting for lunch or long transitions
• need Love Beach access guaranteed with no risk of extra steps

Also, there’s a family note to consider. Kids 3 to 5 are listed as free for the tour, but not for meals, and meals for that age category carry a MX$100 per person cost. If you’re traveling with young kids, plan around feeding and timing.

Should You Book Sea Mi Amor Marietas?

If you want a solid, activity-filled day from Puerto Vallarta at a manageable price, I think this is worth considering—especially because the base includes meals and equipment. The open bar after water activities is a fun extra, and the overall format usually lands well when you approach it with a flexible mindset.

But if your trip hinges on Love Beach and you expect it to be effortless, be careful. Love Beach access is limited, request-based, and tied to park controls. Put in the effort ahead of time to make sure your request is confirmed, and budget for the extra fees.

In short: book it if you want a structured Marietas day with real included value. Skip it only if Love Beach is your single non-negotiable and you don’t want any uncertainty.

FAQ

What time does the Sea Mi Amor Marietas tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am at Terminal Maritima in Puerto Vallarta.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour meet and end?

It meets at Terminal Maritima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Breakfast and lunch are included, along with an open bar on board (alcoholic drinks after water activities). You also get snorkeling gear and a life vest, plus paddle boards and kayaks.

What’s not included?

Not included are the port tax (MX$29 per person), transportation to and from the marina, tips, any photo session, Love Beach access, and the Marietas Island conservation fee (MX$100 per person). Admission ticket for the islands stop is also not included.

Is Love Beach included automatically?

No. Love Beach access is available on request and is controlled by the marine park, so you’ll need to arrange it in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.