Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food

If you’re dreaming of a full-day escape into nature while enjoying good food, lively company, and some water-based fun, the Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands with Open Bar and Food tour offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, its detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-rounded adventure suited for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

What we love about this tour is its balance—stunning scenery combined with active water sports, plus a relaxed atmosphere that ensures you’re not just a passenger but part of the fun. The delicious breakfast and lunch, along with the free-flowing open bar, promise a carefree day. However, a key consideration is that some parts, like the boat ride, can be quite sunny, so packing sun protection is wise.

This tour is ideal for those who want a taste of Mexico’s incredible marine life, enjoy a lively social vibe, and appreciate a manageable day-long trip that covers multiple highlights without feeling rushed. If you’re craving an experience that combines nature, adventure, and comfort, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly focus with conservation fees included
• Multiple water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
• Delicious meals and open bar create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere
• Flexible options for visiting Playa Escondida with a smaller boat
• Great value considering the diverse experiences packed into an 8-9 hour day
• Family-friendly and suitable for solo travelers who love adventure

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Marietas Islands tour from Puerto Vallarta is designed to deliver a full day of fun, nature, and relaxation. At its core, it offers a blend of eco-tourism and leisure, perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. Instead, you’ll get to actively engage with the vibrant marine environment, enjoy good food, and have plenty of opportunities for photos and socializing.

The itinerary is thoughtfully arranged to maximize your experience. Starting from Puerto Vallarta at 9:00 am, you’ll first meet your crew, pay the small conservation and port fees, then head out to the islands with a scenic drive across Bahia de Banderas. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with some reviews mentioning a boat ride that can be hot and sunny, so come prepared with sunscreen and hat.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Puerto Vallarta – The Meeting Point

The tour kicks off at Puerto Magico, a convenient starting point in the hotel zone. Here, you’ll register, settle the minor fees (around 150 MXN total—roughly $8 USD), and get briefed on the day. The fee covers an essential part of preserving the islands, and it’s worth noting that the admission to the islands is free, keeping costs transparent.

Stop 2: Bahia de Banderas – The Scenic Drive and Breakfast

You’ll spend about 30 minutes enjoying the beautiful views of Bahia de Banderas along your way, which is a calming way to start your day. The highlight here is the delicious breakfast served during the cruise, giving you energy for the water activities ahead. It’s a chance to relax and take in the scenery before arriving at the islands.

Stop 3: Islas Marietas – The Main Attraction

This is the heart of your trip. You’ll spend around 2 hours exploring the islands, which are famed for their unique blue waters, rocky formations, and vibrant marine life. The tour includes snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks, so you can choose your preferred water activity.

One of the best parts is the chance to snorkel in colorful underwater landscapes full of fish and coral, as one reviewer mentioned, “You can’t actually go on the island, but you can snorkel by jumping in.” It’s a highlight for anyone keen on seeing marine life up close.

Playa Escondida Option

A smaller boat takes you a few meters from the rocky access point of Playa Escondida, where you can swim through a marine tunnel to reach the secluded beach. If you’re feeling adventurous and know how to swim, you can spend around 30 minutes here, making it a memorable, intimate experience.

Stop 4: Bahia de Banderas – Lunch and Open Bar

After working up an appetite, about 1 hour is dedicated to relaxing and indulging in a hearty lunch, complemented by a free-flowing open bar. The food is considered good, and the social vibe is lively, making it a great chance to mingle and enjoy the sunshine. Multiple reviews praised the delicious food and helpful staff, emphasizing that everything about this part of the tour makes it enjoyable.

Stop 5: Return to Puerto Vallarta

The day wraps up with a 2-hour scenic trip back, giving you time to reflect on the day’s adventures. Many travelers find this part relaxing, often swapping stories or taking last photos of the coastline.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar, which collectively add up to excellent value—especially considering the range of activities and amenities.

Optional extras include a visit to the Hidden Beach (costs about 1,000 MXN and requires swimming skills) and the Sermarnat conservation bracelet (costing 150 MXN). The bracelet supports island conservation efforts, and many travelers choose to purchase it as a small gesture of environmental responsibility.

Note: The port fee of 30 MXN is a minor additional cost, and the tour operates with a maximum of 40 travelers, maintaining a friendly, less crowded vibe.

Real Travelers’ Feedback

The reviews tell a lot about what to expect. A few points stand out:

• Positive experiences: “The crew was amazing! Very fun and helpful,” and “the island is spectacular.” Many appreciate the good food, lively atmosphere, and stunning scenery.
• Mixed feedback: One traveler noted the boat ride was an hour and a half, with limited shaded seating, so if sun exposure bothers you, bring hats or sunscreen. They also mentioned that only a few people visited the Hidden Beach, which might not be as exclusive as portrayed.
• Authentic praise for the environment: “I really enjoyed its nature,” says a reviewer, showing that the natural beauty lives up to expectations.
• Some challenges: The boat ride can be quite sunny, and jellyfish sightings are unpredictable, which can affect water activities.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the boat ride can be hot and sunny.
• Bring your swimming gear and towel—the snorkeling and Playa Escondida are highlights.
• Arrive early—booking about 29 days in advance helps secure your spot, and the tour starts at 9:00 am.
• Be prepared for optional costs like the Hidden Beach or the conservation bracelet if you wish to visit or support conservation.
• Wear comfortable clothing and consider bringing a waterproof bag for your valuables during water activities.
• Consider your group size—this tour is capped at 40 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates nature, adventure, good food, and social atmosphere, this tour checks all boxes. It’s especially ideal for families with kids, couples seeking a fun day out, or solo travelers eager to meet others. The variety of water activities suits all skill levels, and the scenic boat ride adds to the overall experience.

However, if you’re sensitive to sun exposure or prefer more secluded, off-the-beaten-path experiences, you might find some portions of the trip less satisfying. The tour is quite popular, so expect a lively, bustling vibe rather than quiet solitude.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Puerto Vallarta Marietas Islands tour offers fantastic value for a full day of adventure, relaxation, and great food. The combination of water sports, stunning scenery, and social atmosphere makes it attractive for those who want a lively, all-encompassing experience. The delicious meals and open bar elevate the trip from just sightseeing to a true celebration of the local environment and culture.

For travelers who want a well-organized, enjoyable day with enough flexibility to try snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the sun, this tour delivers. The focus on conservation fees and environmental awareness also makes it a responsible choice for eco-minded visitors.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy active, social outdoor adventures and are ready to embrace a lively day in Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful waters. If you’re looking for a memorable, scenic, and fun-filled outing that balances natural beauty with lively entertainment, this tour is a worthwhile pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The boat ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which can be quite sunny, so bringing sun protection is a good idea.

What activities are included in the tour?
You’ll have access to snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks, allowing you to explore the waters in various ways.

Does the tour include food and drinks?
Yes, it offers breakfast at the start, lunch during the day, and an open bar after water activities, all included in the price.

Are there any optional costs?
Yes, visiting the Hidden Beach costs about 1,000 MXN, and the conservation bracelet costs 150 MXN. Both are optional.

Can I visit Playa Escondida?
Yes, a smaller boat takes you close to Playa Escondida, where you can swim through a marine tunnel and spend about 30 minutes.

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the trip, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.

Is there a maximum group size?
The tour caps at 40 travelers, keeping the experience friendly and manageable.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, towel, and waterproof bag are recommended. Some reviews note the boat can be hot, so dress accordingly.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Travelers who enjoy active water sports, scenic boat rides, good food, and social atmospheres—families, couples, and solo adventurers alike—will find it suits their interests well.

This tour balances adventure and relaxation in a way that makes it an appealing choice for many visitors. With its mix of natural beauty, lively environment, and good value, it’s worth considering if you want to experience the Marietas Islands without over-complicating your day.