Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

The best part of this Marietas Islands trip is that it combines a marine reserve visit with a lively day on the water. You cruise Banderas Bay, watch for whales, then reach Playa La Nopalera by swimming from a smaller boat. Once there, you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply enjoy the volcanic coast.

I like the excellent crew service and the fact that nearly everything is covered in the price: breakfast, guacamole, fajitas, drinks, guides, life vests, and water equipment. I also like the spacious boat, waterslide, and relaxed mix of active time and sunbathing. The main drawback is physical: getting to the island requires a wet landing and swimming, so this is not a good fit if you have limited mobility or are uneasy in open water.

Key points to know before you book

• Whale watching can be a major bonus: Humpback whales are most likely from December through April, and the captain may stop for sightings along the way.
• Playa La Nopalera is not the famous enclosed hidden beach: This tour visits a different area of the Marietas Islands unless you book a separate option.
• The wet landing matters: You board a smaller boat and swim to shore, then repeat the process to return.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fruit, muffins, coffee, juices, guacamole, blue corn chips, Mexican fajitas, and an open bar.
• The boat is built for play: You get snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards, float mats, and a waterslide.
• Service is a strong point: Guides such as Saul and Kano have been praised for attentive help, local tips, and keeping everyone supplied with drinks.

A full day from Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands

This six-hour Chica Locca tour starts from one of two possible meeting points: Paradise Village Pier or Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y USA. Your exact pickup point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before heading out.

The trip follows the north shore of Bahía de Banderas toward the Marietas Islands. That ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You get broad ocean views, a look at the tropical coastline, and a chance to watch for sea turtles, rays, seabirds, and whales.

The boat has room to move around, with seating and sun areas on more than one level. That helps on a six-hour outing. You can sit in the shade, find a sunny spot, or join the action near the waterslide and water toys. Several people have especially liked that the boat does not feel cramped.

The pace is social and festive, but it is not only a party boat. The crew provides guidance, watches the water activities, and helps with equipment. You can make the day as active or as lazy as you like.

Breakfast first, then the north shore cruise

Breakfast comes early in the cruise and includes fresh seasonal fruit, muffins, coffee, juices, and other soft drinks. It is a light start rather than a full hot breakfast, so you may want to eat something before departure if you need a substantial meal in the morning.

The food service is one of the practical strengths of this outing. You do not need to pack a full day of snacks or worry about buying drinks on the boat. Water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas, and mineral water are available throughout the day, along with margaritas, piña coladas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, and other drinks.

As the islands come closer, the crew serves fresh guacamole with blue corn chips. This is a useful snack before the water activities, especially since swimming and kayaking can work up an appetite.

The open bar adds real value, but it also changes the character of the trip. You can expect music, dancing, and a cheerful atmosphere on the return ride. If you want a quiet wildlife cruise, this may feel too lively. If you want a social day with food, drinks, and water play, it fits well.

Watching whales and wildlife in Bahía de Banderas

From December through April, humpback whales use these waters. Sightings are never something you can guarantee, but the captain may stop when whales appear. Several outings have included repeated whale stops, and some groups saw whales on the way out before reaching the islands.

This is one reason I would favor the tour during the winter season if whale watching matters to you. You may also spot sea turtles, rays, tropical birds, and blue-footed boobies. One particularly appealing detail is watching boobies fly and fish near the boat.

The wildlife viewing is opportunistic. It is not a dedicated whale research trip, and the cruise still has to reach the islands on schedule. Think of marine life as a valuable bonus built into the route, not the only reason to book.

The captain and crew appear willing to pause when conditions allow. That flexibility can turn the cruise into a much better day, especially when whales are active near the route.

Reaching Playa La Nopalera by wet landing

At the Marietas Islands, a guide takes you toward Playa La Nopalera using a smaller boat and water access. Depending on your chosen activity, you may swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard toward the beach.

The landing is wet. You should expect to enter the water and swim rather than walk directly from a dock onto dry land. You will also need to get back into the smaller boat for the return to the main vessel. That can be exciting for confident swimmers, but it is not a minor detail.

The island visit is short, with about 20 minutes on shore reported by one participant. That is enough to look around, take photos, and enjoy the setting, but not enough for a long beach stay. Most of your island time is spent in the water or aboard the boat.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want to take your own pictures. During the wet landing, keeping a normal camera dry is difficult. The onboard photographer can also go ashore and take photos while you swim, pose, and explore.

The photographer’s pictures are not included in the tour price. You can view and purchase them later, and some people have found the action shots worth considering. If you do not want to buy photos, bring your own waterproof setup.

What makes the Marietas marine reserve special

The Marietas Islands are volcanic islands with sea-carved formations, clear water, and protected marine life. Their national park status helps preserve the area, though the quality of the water experience can change with weather and sea conditions.

Snorkeling is often a highlight. You may see schools of tropical fish and other marine life close to the rocky coast. The equipment provided includes snorkels and life vests, and the gear has been described as good quality.

Still, snorkeling is the least predictable part of the day. High swells can reduce visibility and make it hard to use the usual snorkeling area. One outing had disappointing snorkeling because of rough conditions, even though the boat, crew, and food were strong.

That is worth keeping in mind if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. You may have a wonderful session, but ocean conditions control the result. The tour is a better choice if you want snorkeling as one part of a larger day rather than as the sole purpose.

Kayaks, paddleboards, float mats, and the waterslide

You get unlimited use of the water equipment during the outing. That includes kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear, water mattresses, and swimming access. The boat also has a waterslide, which adds a playful touch for families and adults who never quite outgrew hotel pool slides.

The equipment gives you options. If snorkeling is poor, you can paddle. If you do not want to swim to shore, you can stay on the main boat and use the slide or float in the water. If you prefer to rest, the upper deck and seating areas offer a place to take in the scenery.

The crew provides water guides and supervision. Parents have found the staff attentive with children, including making sure young swimmers were safe. Even so, this is an active marine outing, not a controlled swimming pool. You need to be comfortable following instructions and entering the water from a boat.

If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew for help before you enter the water. The available life vests are useful, but the wet landing still requires enough comfort to move through the water and get back aboard.

Lunch, service, and the ride home

After the island activities, you return to the boat for lunch. The meal includes Mexican fajitas with your choice of beef, chicken, or vegetarian filling, plus rice, beans, and local corn tortillas.

The food is fresh and filling, though expectations should stay realistic. Most people have found the lunch good, while one outing described it as somewhat bland and wished for hot sauce. If you like strong seasoning, ask whether hot sauce is available rather than assuming it will be on the table.

The crew keeps drinks coming throughout the day. Saul and his team have been singled out for attentive service, and Kano has shared local taco suggestions with guests. Those small touches make a difference on a long boat day. You are not left to find your own drinks or equipment whenever the boat gets busy.

The return ride is more relaxed and social. You can have another drink, listen to music, dance, or sit back with the ocean breeze. The coastline looks different in the afternoon light, and this final stretch gives you time to dry off and settle into the boat’s rhythm.

Is the $131 price good value?

At $131 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Marietas Islands. The value comes from how much is bundled into the day.

You are paying for a six-hour boat trip, guided access to the marine reserve, breakfast, guacamole, lunch, unlimited drinks, water equipment, supervision, and the boat itself. A separate boat ride, meal, drinks, snorkel rental, kayak rental, and paddleboard rental could add up quickly.

The price also makes more sense if you plan to use the included activities. If you only want to sit on a boat and look at the islands, you may find the package more than you need. If you expect to snorkel, kayak, use the paddleboards, enjoy the slide, and have drinks throughout the day, the package is more convincing.

Photos cost extra. The famous enclosed beach shown in some Marietas Island images is also not part of this standard experience. You should confirm the exact option if that beach is your priority, since one separate upgrade may be required.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it for couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want a full social day rather than a quiet sightseeing cruise. It works particularly well if you value service, food, an open bar, and several water activities in one package.

Families should note that children can be well cared for by the crew, but the wet landing and open-water swim still require care. The outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it may not suit anyone uncomfortable boarding a smaller boat or moving through the water.

I would choose it during whale season if possible, especially from December through April. You might see whales outside that period, but winter gives you the strongest stated chance.

Pack swimwear and a towel. Add a waterproof phone pouch if photos matter to you. Keep your expectations clear: this is a marine reserve visit with island time, not a long beach day or a guaranteed snorkeling session.

Should you book the Chica Locca Marietas tour?

Book this tour if you want the Marietas Islands wrapped into a comfortable, lively, all-inclusive boat day. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, spacious boat, generous drink service, varied water equipment, and the chance to add whale watching to the route.

Choose another option if your top goal is the famous enclosed beach, a long stay on shore, or highly reliable snorkeling. For everyone else, the $131 price is fair for the amount included, especially when you plan to use the food, drinks, guides, and water toys. I would consider it a strong choice for a single full day from Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area.

FAQ

How long does the Marietas Islands boat tour last?

The tour lasts six hours, including the cruise from Bahía de Banderas, the island activities, lunch, and the return boat ride.

Where does the tour start?

There are two possible starting points: Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier and Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y USA. The meeting point depends on the option you book.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit, muffins, juices, and coffee.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes Mexican fajitas with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian filling, along with rice, beans, and local corn tortillas.

Are drinks included?

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

What activities are available at the Marietas Islands?

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, use a stand-up paddleboard, float on a water mattress, and view marine life. The boat also has a waterslide.

Does the tour visit the famous enclosed beach?

The standard activity described here visits Playa La Nopalera. The enclosed cove beach shown in some promotional images is not included in this option and may require a separate booking or upgrade.

Are photos included in the price?

No. An onboard photographer takes candid and action photos, but you must pay separately if you want to purchase them.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A waterproof phone case is also useful if you want to take pictures during the wet landing and water activities.