Title: Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Island Shamballa II

Exploring the stunning Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta aboard the Shamballa II catamaran promises an unforgettable adventure. This family-friendly 8-hour cruise offers a wealth of activities, from snorkeling and kayaking to wildlife encounters with humpback whales and Blue-Footed Boobies. With delectable onboard meals, an open bar, and lively entertainment, it’s no wonder this excursion has become a popular choice. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye – safety precautions and expert guides ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all. What secrets might the Marietas Islands hold?

Key Points

• Take an 8-hour catamaran cruise from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands, a marine preserve home to diverse marine life like humpback whales, sea turtles, and Blue-Footed Boobies.

• Enjoy a variety of included activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, to explore the vibrant underwater world and spot wildlife.

• Relax on board with an open bar, hot cooked lunch, and entertainment like karaoke and music, in a family-friendly atmosphere with safety equipment provided.

• The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the natural history and conservation efforts of the Marietas Islands in both English and Spanish.

• The price is $92.08 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and no upfront payment is required to reserve your spot.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Shamballa II catamaran cruise to Marietas Island offers an 8-hour excursion from Puerto Vallarta, priced at $92.08 per person.

Passengers can enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

This family-friendly adventure provides the opportunity to explore the renowned marine preserve of Banderas Bay, where diverse marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and the Blue Footed Booby, can be encountered.

The cruise experience combines snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with onboard amenities like an open bar, hot cooked lunch, and music for dancing.

Cruise Departure and Destination

Passengers depart from the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Vallarta aboard the Shamballa II catamaran, embarking on a family-friendly cruise to the renowned Marietas Islands marine preserve in Banderas Bay.

This protected natural wonder is home to diverse marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and the captivating Blue Footed Booby.

The Shamballa II takes guests on an immersive journey, offering the opportunity to witness this wildlife firsthand and explore the vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling, as well as other water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Marine Life Encounters

Visitors marvel at the diverse array of marine life that thrives within the protected waters of the Marietas Islands. From the playful antics of bottle-nosed dolphins to the graceful movements of manta rays, the cruise offers ample opportunities to witness the wonders of Banderas Bay’s vibrant ecosystem.

Marine Life	Description	Viewing Chances
Humpback Whales	Towering giants that breach the surface	Seasonal (November to March)
Sea Turtles	Peaceful reptiles gliding effortlessly	Frequent sightings
Blue-Footed Boobies	Iconic seabirds with striking plumage	Abundant on the island

The expert guides provide in-depth commentary, sharing insights into the natural history and conservation efforts that protect this remarkable marine preserve.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

Snorkeling offers guests a captivating window into the vibrant underwater world of the Marietas Islands. The crystal-clear waters teem with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, providing a mesmerizing experience.

Guests can also explore the area by kayak or paddleboard, gliding across the serene surface while keeping an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins, and the iconic blue-footed boobies. These additional water activities allow visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of this protected marine preserve.

With expert guidance and all necessary equipment provided, guests can safely enjoy the array of activities and make the most of their Marietas Islands adventure.

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Onboard Amenities

Aboard the Shamballa II catamaran, an array of onboard amenities caters to guests’ comfort and indulgence. An open bar provides refreshing beverages throughout the cruise, while a hot cooked lunch and continental breakfast satisfy hunger.

For entertainment, the vessel features karaoke and lively music, inviting passengers to sing and dance. The family-friendly atmosphere is further enhanced by the availability of life jackets, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

With these thoughtful amenities, the Marietas Island Shamballa II cruise offers a well-rounded experience that blends relaxation, exploration, and fun.

Safety Precautions

Safety is a top priority on the Marietas Island Shamballa II cruise. All passengers are provided with life jackets to ensure their safety during the tour.

Expert guides are on hand to offer insights into the natural history and conservation efforts of the Marietas Islands. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for expecting mothers, and children ages 3-5 require a separate fee at check-in.

Guests should bring essential items like swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen to make the most of the water activities. Additional fees may apply for the marine park conservation and marina entrance, so it’s best to be prepared.

Suggested Packing Items

Aside from essential personal items, guests on the Marietas Island Shamballa II cruise should pack a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

These items will ensure comfort and protection during the various water activities offered, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof camera or phone to capture the stunning marine life and scenic views.

Plus, guests may want to pack any necessary medication, as well as a lightweight, breathable cover-up for when out of the water.

Tour Guide Languages

Live tour guides are available on the Marietas Island Shamballa II cruise in both English and Spanish. This ensures that all passengers can fully understand and engage with the informative commentary provided throughout the excursion.

Whether you’re a native English or Spanish speaker, or somewhere in between, you’ll be able to learn about the unique marine environment, local wildlife, and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.

Their expertise and ability to communicate in multiple languages enhances the overall educational and immersive experience of this Banderas Bay adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Can the Shamballa II Catamaran Accommodate?

The capacity of the Shamballa II catamaran is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it is described as a "family-friendly cruise," suggesting it can accommodate a sizable number of passengers for the Marietas Islands excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

According to the safety information, children ages 3-5 require a separate fee at check-in. Plus, the tour is not suitable for expecting mothers. Guests should check these age requirements prior to booking the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour includes an open bar, continental breakfast, and hot cooked lunch, so all refreshments are provided. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The cruise may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues. While life jackets are provided, the activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding may be challenging for those with limited mobility. It’s best to check with the tour operator for accessibility details.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned in the Overview?

Yes, there may be additional costs not mentioned in the overview. The overview notes that there are marine park conservation and marina entrance fees that could apply. Travelers should be aware of these potential extra charges when booking the cruise.

Recap

The Shamballa II catamaran cruise to the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta offers an exceptional opportunity to explore a stunning marine preserve. With diverse wildlife encounters, exciting water activities, and top-notch amenities, this excursion promises an unforgettable day for the whole family. Expert guides and safety measures ensure a worry-free adventure amidst the breathtaking scenery of Banderas Bay.

You can check if your dates are available here: