Full Day Tour Isla Marietas With Meals and Open Bar

Exploring the stunning Isla Marietas is a must-do activity for visitors to Puerto Vallarta. This full-day tour promises a delightful experience, with a scenic catamaran ride, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking among the highlights. Included in the $115 price tag are delicious meals and an open bar, ensuring a carefree day at sea. While past customers have reported mixed experiences, particularly regarding food quality and limited island time, the opportunity to take in the area’s vibrant marine life and breathtaking landscapes makes this tour an enticing option for adventure-seekers. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, this tour offers a unique chance to discover the wonders of Isla Marietas.

This experience made our list of the 21 Best Drinking Tours In Puerto Vallarta.

Key Points

• Full-day tour to the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta, including snorkeling gear, meals, open bar, paddleboards, and kayaks.
• Departure from Terminal Maritima API in Puerto Vallarta, with check-in starting at 8:15 a.m. and boat departure at 9:00 a.m.
• Covers the catamaran trip to the protected Marietas Islands and port fee of 30 MXN, as well as tips and a conservation bracelet.
• Additional fees may apply for access to Playa del Amor, and customer feedback suggests potential issues with food quality and limited island time.
• Tour not recommended for those with back problems or pregnancy, and participants should consider their physical abilities before booking.

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day tour to Isla Marietas from Puerto Vallarta offers a comprehensive package that includes snorkeling equipment, meals, an open bar on the boat, and access to paddleboards and kayaks.

Priced from $115, the tour provides a catamaran trip to the protected Marietas Islands, where travelers can explore the stunning natural landscapes.

With 49 reviews and an overall rating of 4.0, the tour seems to be a popular choice among visitors.

However, some customers have voiced concerns about miscommunication regarding additional fees, the quality of the food, and the limited time spent on the islands due to the long boat ride.

Meeting and Departure Information

The tour departs from the Terminal Maritima API in Puerto Vallarta, with check-in starting at 8:15 a.m. and the boat leaving at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Travelers will enjoy a scenic catamaran ride to the Islas Marietas, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore the islands and participate in various activities.

Detail	Information
Meeting Point	Terminal Maritima API, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Check-in Time	8:15 a.m.
Departure Time	9:00 a.m.
End Point	Returns to the meeting point

At the end of the tour, the catamaran will bring travelers back to the starting point, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, breakfast and lunch, an open bar on the boat, as well as paddleboarding and kayaking. It also covers the catamaran trip to the Islas Marietas and the port fee of 30 MXN, along with tips and a Sermarnat bracelet for conservation at 110 MXN.

However, access to Playa del Amor is an optional extra, costing 1000 MXN. While the tour provides a comprehensive package, travelers should be aware of the additional fees and the potential limitations of the food and beverage offerings based on previous customer feedback.

Accessibility and Capacity

According to the information provided, the Full Day Tour Isla Marietas isn’t wheelchair accessible and is also not recommended for travelers with back problems or who are pregnant.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 80 travelers. This is likely due to the nature of the activities involved, which may include snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on uneven terrain.

The tour’s accessibility limitations are meant to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, it give you an engaging and memorable experience for those who are able to participate.

Travelers should carefully consider their physical abilities before booking this tour.

Cancellation Policy and Photographic Services

Regarding the cancellation policy, travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

However, the tour doesn’t offer any photographic services, though an external service contact is available for those interested in capturing their day on camera. This means that you will need to bring their own cameras or arrange for a private photography service if they want professional-quality photos of their time on the Islas Marietas.

The lack of an in-house photography option may be a consideration for some travelers, but the flexibility of the cancellation policy is a positive aspect of booking this tour.

Common Complaints From Customers

Customers have reported several common complaints about the Full Day Tour Isla Marietas, including miscommunication regarding additional fees, poor food quality, limited island time, restricted open bar access, and language barriers with the crew, especially for non-Spanish speakers. The key issues are summarized in the table below:

Issue	Complaint
Fees	Surprise fees for port and reserve access
Food	Breakfast described as continental, lunch as inadequate
Island Time	Only 30 minutes on the island, with 2-hour boat rides each way
Open Bar	Available only during the return trip
Communication	Crew communication issues, especially for non-Spanish speakers

While the friendly and efficient staff and the beautiful scenery received positive feedback, these common complaints suggest room for improvement in the tour’s organization and delivery.

Positive Customer Feedback

Despite the common complaints, the Full Day Tour Isla Marietas also received positive feedback from customers.

Friendly and efficient staff, along with the beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings, such as whales and dolphins, were highlighted as the highlights of the tour.

Customers also enjoyed the fun activities available, including snorkeling and kayaking.

Many travelers were impressed by the opportunity to witness the natural wonders of the Marietas Islands up close.

While the overall experience may have had some drawbacks, the tour’s positive elements, such as the knowledgeable crew and the chance to explore the stunning marine environment, left a lasting impression on those who participated.

Recommendations for Future Travelers

To ensure a more enjoyable experience, future travelers should come prepared by eating beforehand, as the food quality may not meet their expectations.

Plus, they should be proficient swimmers, as strong currents around the islands can pose challenges.

On top of that, travelers should bring only the essentials to comply with the island’s regulations.

For those seeking a more personalized tour, it’s recommended to consider private tour options. This can provide a more tailored experience, avoiding some of the common complaints associated with the group tours, such as miscommunication and language barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Marine Life Can We Expect to See During the Tour?

Travelers can expect to see a variety of marine life during the tour, including whales, dolphins, and a diverse array of tropical fish. The tour’s location near the Islas Marietas is known for its rich underwater ecosystem.

Are There Any Additional Stops or Points of Interest on the Tour?

The tour focuses primarily on visiting the Islas Marietas National Park, with no additional stops mentioned. However, travelers may have the option to access Playa del Amor, an iconic beach within the park, for an additional fee.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time Spent on the Island?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the time spent on the island. The tour has a fixed schedule with only 30 minutes allocated on the island, which some travelers have found limiting according to the feedback.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Travelers can generally bring their own food and drinks on the boat, as long as they adhere to any rules or restrictions set by the tour operator. It’s best to check with the company beforehand to understand their policies.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Tour?

The tour operator may offer discounts or package deals for this excursion. Travelers should check the company’s website or inquire directly about any available promotions, group rates, or bundled options to potentially save on the tour price.

Recap

The full-day tour to Isla Marietas from Puerto Vallarta offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the islands.

While the included amenities like snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and an open bar are appealing, customers should be aware of potential issues with food quality and limited time on the islands.

The tour provides a memorable experience, but travelers should research thoroughly and manage their expectations accordingly.