Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

The boat is part of the attraction. This six-hour Marietas Islands trip combines a roomy yacht, whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, waterslides, meals, and an open bar. I especially like the easy mix of active water time and quiet cruising, plus the chance to reach Playa La Nopalera, a beach area accessible only by boat.

I also like the care from the crew. Names such as Saul and Kano have earned praise for attentive service, safety help, and local tips. The main consideration is simple: reaching the island and snorkel area requires a wet landing and swimming from a smaller boat, so this is not a good fit if you have limited mobility or are uncomfortable in open water.

The hidden beach is not included. You visit Playa La Nopalera instead, which is still a beautiful spot, but the enclosed beach shown in some promotional images belongs to a different add-on experience.

Key points to know before booking

• Playa La Nopalera requires a wet landing: You swim from a smaller boat to shore, then return the same way.
• Whale watching can be excellent from December through April: Humpback whales have been seen several times on the route.
• The boat is a floating water park: You get waterslides, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, floating mats, and swimming time.
• Food and drinks are included: Breakfast, guacamole and blue corn chips, Mexican fajitas, and a broad open bar are part of the price.
• The hidden beach is separate: Confirm exactly which Marietas experience you are booking if that cove is your main goal.
• This suits active swimmers best: You can stay aboard and relax, but the island visit and water activities depend on getting into the sea.

What the $131 price really buys you

At $131 per person, this is not a basic boat ride. The fare covers six hours on the water, transportation from one of the listed meeting points, breakfast, snacks, lunch, premium drinks, equipment, guides, and supervised activities.

That matters because the add-ons can pile up quickly on a marine excursion. Here, you do not need to rent a kayak, paddleboard, snorkel set, or floating mat separately. You also have drinks throughout the day, including beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, coffee, juices, sodas, and water.

I see the strongest value for people who plan to use the boat as a full-day base. If you only want a short ride to photograph the islands, the price may feel high. If you plan to eat, swim, snorkel, use the water toys, and enjoy the return cruise with a drink in hand, it becomes a more reasonable package.

The food is designed for convenience rather than fine dining. You start with fresh fruit, muffins or pastries, juice, and coffee. Later comes guacamole with blue corn chips, followed by Mexican fajitas with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian option, along with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

The food has received mixed praise. Some people found it delicious and satisfying, while one person wanted more protein at breakfast and stronger seasoning at lunch. I would treat the meals as a pleasant part of the outing, not the reason to book it.

Cruising north across Banderas Bay

The trip begins at one of two possible Chica Locca locations: Paradise Village Pier or the Carlos Co y usa meeting point. Your exact pickup point depends on the option booked, so check that detail closely before setting out.

Once aboard, you cruise along the northern shore of Banderas Bay toward the islands. This stretch gives you a wide view of the coast, open water, and changing light across the bay. The route itself is part of the experience, not just transportation between two stops.

The boat has space to walk around, sit in the shade, or find a sunny place on the upper deck. Several people have singled out the vessel for being roomy and comfortable rather than cramped. That is important on a six-hour outing, especially when some members of your group want action and others prefer to sit back.

From December through April, humpback whales pass through these waters. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but the captain may stop when whales appear. Several outings have included repeated whale stops, and humpbacks have been seen close enough to make the cruise feel like more than a transfer.

Outside whale season, you may still see sea turtles, rays, tropical birds, and other sea life. Blue-footed boobies are another special sight around the islands. The crew can point out birds fishing near the boat, which adds context to what might otherwise be a quick glimpse.

Breakfast, service, and the rhythm of the boat

Breakfast arrives during the cruise, with fresh seasonal fruit, pastries or muffins, juice, and coffee. It is light, which makes sense before swimming, but it may not be enough if you normally need a substantial morning meal.

The service is one of the strongest parts of this trip. The crew keeps drinks moving, helps with equipment, and watches people in the water. Children have received close attention from the staff, and adults who needed help with water gear have also found the crew attentive.

That friendly approach is useful, but remember that an open bar can change the mood of a boat quickly. You can enjoy a margarita or beer after swimming, yet it is wise to pace yourself before snorkeling or kayaking. The water activities are the main reason to come, and you will enjoy them more with a clear head.

A photographer works aboard the boat and captures candid shots, swimming, sliding, and island moments. You can look at the photographs later and purchase them if you like. This is optional, but the photographer may be able to take pictures during the wet landing when using your own camera would be awkward.

Arriving at Islas Marietas National Park

The Marietas Islands are volcanic formations surrounded by protected water. Their appeal comes from the combination of sea life, rugged rock, clear water, and limited access. You cannot simply drive to Playa La Nopalera, so arriving by boat gives the visit its special character.

The guided portion takes you toward Playa La Nopalera by swimming, kayak, paddleboard, or a small boat transfer. The exact conditions can affect how much you do. Swell, currents, and sea conditions may change the usual snorkeling area or route.

Expect a wet landing. You get from the smaller boat to shore by swimming through the water, then return by the same general method. One outing allowed about 20 minutes on the island, which was enough for a quick look and photographs but not a long beach stay.

That short time is worth understanding before you book. This is not a lazy beach day with hours on sand. It is a compact visit added to a larger boat-and-water-activity program. If the island itself is your sole priority, the schedule may feel rushed. If you like variety, the brief landing keeps the day moving.

The beach shown in some images may be the famous enclosed cove often associated with Marietas. This particular trip goes to Playa La Nopalera, not that hidden beach. If the cove is essential to your plans, ask about the separate option and any extra charge before paying.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and the famous waterslide

After reaching the park, you have free time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Snorkel equipment, life vests, kayaks, paddleboards, and floating mats are available without an extra rental charge.

The snorkeling can be excellent when the sea is calm. Fish, tropical wildlife, and clear water make the reserve a strong place to explore from the surface. Equipment quality has been praised, which matters when you are trying to see fish rather than adjust a leaking mask.

Conditions are the wild card. High swells have sometimes forced the boat away from the usual snorkeling area, leaving some people disappointed. No crew can control the sea, so book this as a marine outing with snorkeling included, not as a guaranteed reef session.

The boat itself supplies much of the fun. Its waterslide provides an easy way to get into the sea, and the floating equipment lets you choose your own pace. You can paddle, swim, lie back on a water mattress, or simply watch others make the splash.

I see this setup working especially well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head out with a guide, children can enjoy the slide with proper supervision, and anyone who wants a quieter hour can remain aboard with a drink and the view.

Lunch and the return across the bay

After the island activities, you return to the boat for fajitas with rice, beans, and tortillas. Beef, chicken, and vegetarian choices are available. It is practical food after a morning in the water, though seasoning preferences vary.

The return trip shifts into a more social part of the day. Music, dancing, drinks, and ocean views become the focus. You can find a place on deck, take photographs, chat with the crew, or simply let the boat carry you back across Banderas Bay.

The open bar includes far more than beer and soft drinks. You can order tequila, wine, champagne, cocktails, coffee, tea, mineral water, and juices. Since the drinks are included, the final hours can feel generous for the price, especially if you would otherwise spend extra at a resort or beach club.

The photography team may show the day’s images during the return journey. You do not need to pre-book photographs to view or buy them, but photos are not part of the tour price. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want your own pictures during the wet landing and swimming sections.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong choice for you if you want several activities in one outing. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and groups where some people want water sports while others prefer a comfortable boat ride.

You will get the most from it if you are happy with a wet landing, open-water swimming, and changing sea conditions. The staff provides equipment and supervision, but the trip is not designed for people with mobility impairments.

It is also a good choice for a first visit to the Marietas Islands because the crew handles the practical details. You do not need to arrange separate transport, food, boat gear, or activity rentals.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet, small-group nature trip with no music or alcohol. I would also choose another outing if the enclosed hidden beach is your main goal, or if you want guaranteed snorkeling at one exact location.

Bring swimwear and a towel. A waterproof case is useful, and sunscreen that is appropriate for marine areas is a sensible addition, though it is not listed as required equipment. The meeting point can vary, so verify the departure location and allow time to reach the marina.

Should you book the Marietas Islands boat tour?

I would book this tour if you want a lively, well-serviced day where the boat is as enjoyable as the destination. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, roomy yacht, included equipment, whale-watching chance, generous drinks, and range of water activities.

I would book with realistic expectations about Playa La Nopalera. You get a beautiful marine reserve and a short wet landing, not a long stay at the enclosed hidden beach. Sea conditions can also limit snorkeling.

At $131, the trip makes the most sense when you use the open bar, meals, water toys, and guided activities. For a family or active couple who wants a full package, it offers solid value. For someone seeking only the famous cove or serious snorkeling, confirm the exact route first.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands boat tour?

The tour lasts six hours, including the cruise across Banderas Bay, breakfast, the guided visit to the Marietas Islands, water activities, lunch, and the return cruise.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh fruit, muffins or pastries, juice, and coffee. You also receive guacamole with blue corn chips and a Mexican fajita lunch with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian option, plus rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, mineral water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas, beer, margaritas, piña coladas, tequila, wine, champagne, and other available drinks.

Is the hidden beach included?

No. This tour visits Playa La Nopalera. The enclosed cove shown in some images is not included and may require a separate option or extra payment.

Can I snorkel and kayak during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and floating mats, subject to sea conditions and the schedule.

Do I need to swim to reach Playa La Nopalera?

Yes. The island visit involves a wet landing, with swimming from a smaller boat to shore and back. This makes the activity unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

No. Humpback whales are commonly present in Banderas Bay from December through April, but sightings are not guaranteed. Sea turtles, rays, birds, and other wildlife may be seen throughout the year.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A waterproof phone or camera case is useful because the island visit and water activities involve getting wet.