Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise From Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta offers an all-inclusive maritime adventure that promises a day filled with stunning natural beauty and exciting water activities. Travelers can expect round-trip transportation, a tasty breakfast, and an open bar as they explore the island’s hidden beaches, snorkel through vibrant underwater ecosystems, and paddle along the coastline. While the tour is generally well-received, it’s important for guests to be aware of potential drawbacks that could impact their experience. But those who are willing to navigate the nuances just might uncover a truly unforgettable excursion.

Key Points

• The tour offers a comprehensive maritime adventure to Marietas Islands, including round-trip transportation, breakfast, and an open bar.
• Snorkeling equipment, kayaking, and paddleboarding are provided, with highlights like Playa la Nopalera and Stone Arches.
• The tour departs at 8:30 AM from the Puerto Magico terminal, ensuring a full day of exploration.
• Reviews mention friendly and organized crew, but also issues with overcrowding, additional fees, and poor communication.
• Accessibility features include stroller access and an infant policy, though the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers beyond 4 months.

Overview and Details

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta offers a comprehensive tour package that takes visitors on a maritime adventure to explore the natural wonders of the Marietas Islands.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and opportunities to kayak and paddleboard. Travelers can also visit Playa la Nopalera, observe La Bufadora, and descend into the Stone Arches.

With an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 66 reviews, the tour provides a mix of experiences, though some customers have reported overcrowding, long wait times, and additional fees.

Ultimately, the tour promises a diverse range of activities and sights for those seeking to discover the Marietas Islands.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The tour begins at 8:30 AM, with participants meeting at the Puerto Magico terminal located along Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera Nte. area of Puerto Vallarta.

Travelers will then board the maritime transport that will take them to the Marietas Islands, returning to the same meeting point at the end of the excursion.

The tour’s schedule offers several highlights:

1. Early morning departure allows for a full day of exploration.

2. The return to the original meeting point ensures a seamless experience.

3. The accessibility of the departure location makes it convenient for travelers.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Travelers’ reviews of the Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise paint a mixed picture, with both positive and negative experiences highlighted.

On the positive side, many praised the friendly and well-organized crew, as well as the enjoyable food and fun activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

However, some customers were disappointed by overcrowded snorkeling areas, long wait times for boarding, and additional unforeseen fees.

There were also specific complaints about delays, uncomfortable seating, and poor communication regarding included activities.

Activities and Amenities

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise offers a range of activities and amenities to enjoy, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

During the excursion, travelers can explore the vibrant underwater world of the Marietas Islands by snorkeling, getting up close with marine life.

For a different perspective, guests can hop into a kayak or on a paddleboard and glide across the calm waters.

While the open bar is only available on the return trip, it provides a refreshing way to unwind after an adventurous day.

However, some travelers have expressed disappointment with the limited time allocated for snorkeling and the varying quality of the onboard meals.

Included and Additional Costs

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise package includes a range of amenities, such as round-trip maritime transport, breakfast aboard the catamaran, an open bar with various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and the necessary snorkeling equipment.

However, travelers should be aware of additional costs like the CONAPE and SEMARNAT tax of 130 MXN per person, as well as the dock tax of 32 MXN per person, which aren’t included in the tour price.

While the package covers the main activities and transportation, travelers may also want to factor in the cost of optional excursions, such as eco-tours, and any private beach access fees, which can add to the overall expense of the trip.

Duration and Accessibility

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta starts at 8:30 AM and returns to the same meeting point, providing a full-day excursion for participants.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and infants can join as long as they sit on laps. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers beyond 4 months.

The key accessibility details include:

1. Stroller accessible

2. Infants welcome, but must sit on laps

3. Not recommended for pregnant travelers over 4 months

Recommendations for Travelers

Consider booking the tour from closer locations like Sayulita or Punta de Mita to shorten the travel time.

Be prepared for additional costs for eco-tours and private beach access.

Travelers may also want to review other tour options for potentially better experiences, as some have recommended alternative companies for similar excursions.

While the cruise offers a variety of activities, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with the limited time at snorkeling locations and the open bar only being available on the return trip.

Plus, the food quality has been hit or miss, with some travelers finding the meal options disappointing.

Comparison to Other Tours

When comparing this Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise to other similar tours in the area, travelers may find that alternative options offer a more personalized and less crowded experience at the snorkeling sites.

Some key differences to consider include:

1. Smaller group sizes on competing tours, providing more individual attention and opportunities to explore.

2. Shorter travel times to the islands from nearby towns like Sayulita or Punta de Mita, reducing the time spent on the boat.

3. More inclusive packages that cover additional activities and amenities, such as private beach access or higher-quality meal options.

Ultimately, researching alternative tour companies may provide travelers with a more enjoyable and memorable experience at the Marietas Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Travelers are typically allowed to bring their own snorkeling equipment on tours, as it can provide a more comfortable and familiar experience. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policies.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but it’s not recommended for infants. Travelers must bring their own car seats or carriers if bringing young children, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Personal Items?

The tour allows passengers to bring personal items, though restrictions may apply. Travelers should check with the tour operator for specific guidelines on permitted items and any size or quantity limitations. Bringing unnecessary valuables is generally not recommended.

Can I Customize the Tour Package to Include Additional Activities?

Customers can often customize tour packages to include additional activities, though options may be limited. It’s best to check with the tour operator directly about personalization possibilities and any associated costs or restrictions.

Is It Possible to Book Private Transportation to the Meeting Point?

Yes, you can likely book private transportation to the meeting point for this tour. Many tour providers offer this option for an additional fee. However, it’s best to check with the specific tour operator to confirm availability and pricing.

Recap

The Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise offers a full-day maritime adventure from Puerto Vallarta. Guests can enjoy a range of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding while exploring highlights like Playa la Nopalera and the Stone Arches.

However, travelers should be mindful of potential overcrowding, additional fees, and varying food quality during the experience.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable tour, but visitors should consider their specific expectations and preferences.