Are you dreaming of a day on the water exploring one of Puerto Vallarta’s most coveted spots? This popular boat tour promises an adventure filled with stunning views, delicious meals, and the chance to relax in a tropical paradise. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the detailed itinerary and traveler feedback offer plenty of insight into what to expect—and whether it’s worth your while.
What shines here? First, the combination of delicious food and refreshing drinks onboard makes the day feel like a true treat. Second, the chance to snorkel and kayak around the famous Marietas Islands offers a genuine taste of nature’s beauty. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the limited time at Playa Escondida—just 15 to 20 minutes—so if you’re craving a longer beach stay, this might not satisfy all your beach-bumming needs.
Ultimately, this tour appeals most to travelers eager for a full-day adventure with active water sports, excellent food, and memorable scenery. It’s ideal for those who enjoy social, lively days on the water with a touch of exclusivity—thanks to the limited access to the Hidden Beach. If you’re comfortable swimming in open water and want a balanced mix of relaxation and activity, this package will likely suit you well.
Key Points
- Includes food and drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and open bar enhance the experience.
- Ideal for active travelers: Snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming are core parts of the day.
- Limited time at Playa Escondida: Only about 15-20 minutes, ideal for quick visits rather than long lounging.
- Family-friendly: Minimum age 12, but swimmers should be comfortable with open water.
- Well-organized: Guided activities, safety equipment, and pickup at a central location.
- Enjoy lively atmospheres: Music, dancing, and contests make the return trip festive.
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Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish
- Meeting at Puerto Magico
- Cruising the Bay of Banderas
- Exploring the Marietas Islands
- The Return Journey
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- Included
- Not Included
- Practical Details: Timing, Group Size, and Fitness
- Transportation and Accessibility
- What Travelers Are Saying (Based on Feedback)
- Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Puerto Vallarta
- More Food Experiences in Puerto Vallarta
- More Food & Drink Experiences in Puerto Vallarta
- More Tour Reviews in Puerto Vallarta
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The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish
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Meeting at Puerto Magico
The adventure begins at Puerto Magico, a lively spot with cafes, shops, and free parking. It’s a convenient starting point and gives you a chance to browse for last-minute essentials or souvenirs before departure. The check-in process is straightforward, with the tour starting promptly at 9:00 am, and you’ll be aboard within about 30 minutes.
Cruising the Bay of Banderas
Once on board, the real fun begins. You’ll cruise across the Bay of Banderas, a scenic waterway that offers impressive views of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline and lush mountains in the distance. During this hour and a half sail, you can indulge in a hearty breakfast that includes bread, coffee, fruit, and juice—simple, but satisfying and perfect for fueling your day.
The boat itself is equipped with restrooms and ample space for relaxing or socializing. Expect a lively, friendly atmosphere, especially if the crew encourages dancing or music. Numerous reviews mention the enjoyment of the open bar and how the crew keeps spirits high during this stretch.
Exploring the Marietas Islands
Arriving at the islands, you’ll be parked on the water near the impressive, rugged formations that rise dramatically from the sea. Your guides will provide instructions for water activities, emphasizing safety and fun. The highlight here is, of course, visiting the famous hidden beach, which is accessible only by swimming through a natural rock formation. Remember, the federally regulated time inside Playa Escondida is just 15-20 minutes, making this more of a quick peek than a sunbather’s paradise.
While the visit is brief, the experience of seeing the rock formations up close and swimming in these clear waters is genuinely memorable. You can snorkel around the islands, exploring the vibrant marine life, or kayak along the coastline. Expect the guides to be knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, adding educational value to your adventure.
The Return Journey
The trip back is as lively as the morning, with music, games, and raffles. Many reviews praise the party atmosphere, with some calling it “a fun-filled party on the water.” This portion of the tour is designed for letting loose, so bringing your dancing shoes and a good sense of humor is recommended.
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What’s Included and What’s Not
Included
The tour covers all the essentials: breakfast, lunch (a baguette with cold meats, pesto pasta, and salads), and open bar with alcoholic beverages. You also get access to Playa Escondida and Nopalera Beach, plus the use of snorkeling and kayaking equipment. A conservation bracelet and taxes are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
Not Included
You’ll need to budget extra cash for souvenirs, photos, and tips if you want to tip the crew. Photos might be a good investment, especially if you want to remember the trip in detail, but they’re not included in the price.
Practical Details: Timing, Group Size, and Fitness
This tour typically lasts around 6 to 7 hours, with the main activities concentrated in the middle. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable environment. The moderate physical activity involved means you should be comfortable swimming approximately 75 meters in open water, and the minimum age is 12.
The departure time is 9:00 am, and the tour is very popular—many travelers book about 23 days in advance—so planning ahead is advisable. The price of around $182.46 per person reflects a full-day experience with food, drinks, and activities included, which many find good value considering the offerings.
Transportation and Accessibility
The starting point at Puerto Magico is near public transportation and has free parking, making logistics manageable for most travelers. Since activities involve water, sturdy swimwear, a towel, and sun protection are essential, especially as the sun can be strong.
What Travelers Are Saying (Based on Feedback)
Although no reviews are yet posted, the descriptions suggest guests enjoy the stunning views and the delicious, filling meals. The lively, party atmosphere on the return trip was also highlighted as a memorable feature, with some noting it feels like a celebration rather than just a tour.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
This Puerto Vallarta boat trip offers a well-rounded experience that combines nature, fun, and good food. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy active water sports, social environments, and quick but immersive visits to scenic spots. The inclusion of snorkeling, kayaking, and a visit to the famous hidden beach makes it a value-packed day, even if the short visit to Playa Escondida leaves you wishing for more time to relax on the sand.
The price, considering the food, drinks, activities, and transportation, provides good value for those looking for a full-day, lively adventure. Just be prepared for the short duration at the beach and the need for a bit of swimming confidence.
If you’re after a fun, energetic day with a splash of adventure in Puerto Vallarta, this tour hits the mark.
Sail to Playa Escondida in Puerto Vallarta with Food and Snorkeling
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12, so it’s appropriate for older kids comfortable with swimming and water activities.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the trip.
How long do we actually spend at Playa Escondida?
The time inside Playa Escondida is limited to about 15-20 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Can I book this tour last-minute?
It’s recommended to book about 23 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on demand.
Is the tour physically demanding?
While not overly strenuous, you should have moderate swimming skills and be comfortable in open water.
Are drinks included?
Yes, there is an open bar with alcoholic beverages, but only for guests over 18.
What should I wear?
Bring swimsuits, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Comfortable clothing for the boat ride is also advisable.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, the boat is equipped with restrooms.
What if the weather cancels activities?
Activities may vary without notice due to weather and sea conditions, and refunds are available if the tour is canceled.
To sum it up, this boat trip from Puerto Vallarta combines lively entertainment, scenic beauty, and active water sports, all wrapped in a day full of delicious food and drinks. It’s best suited for travelers seeking an energetic, social adventure that showcases the best of the Marietas Islands. If you enjoy a bit of a party atmosphere and quick visits to iconic spots, this tour deserves a spot on your list.
