A day at sea, built for nonstop fun. This Marietas Islands trip pairs tropical marine life with a big-deck yacht vibe—plus waterslides and plenty of time on the water. I like that the boat is set up like a floating water playground, and I also love the all-day drink-and-food setup that keeps things easy from start to finish. One thing to keep in mind: getting in and out of the water involves a wet landing and in-water transfers, so it’s not a smooth ride for everyone.

You’ll cruise along the north shore of Bahía de Banderas, where humpback whales can show up seasonally, and you can still see sea turtles and rays in other months. On board, the service level feels personal—names like Saul and Kano come up for being especially attentive. If you’re hoping for a relaxing, zero-effort snorkeling day, check your expectations: conditions can change, and the snorkeling portion is influenced by the sea state.

Key points I’d plan around

• Playa La Nopalera access by boat in Mexico’s protected marine reserve zone
• Waterslides + unlimited water gear (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, water mattress)
• Premium open bar all day with cocktails, beer, tequila, wine, champagne-style options, and coffee
• Guide-led time on the islands with crystal-clear water and wildlife viewing opportunities
• Professional onboard photographer capturing action moments (photo sales are separate)
• Seasonal humpback whale viewing from December to April, plus marine life sightings other months

Marietas Islands National Park: what you’re really paying for

The heart of this tour is time at the Islas Marietas National Park—a marine reserve off Jalisco in the Pacific, right in Banderas Bay. The big payoff isn’t just scenery. It’s the chance to see real marine wildlife in an active coastal ecosystem: sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish can show up as you snorkel and cruise.

A key detail is where you go once you reach the park. You’re headed toward Playa La Nopalera, a natural beach area that’s only accessible by boat. That access restriction is part of the value: you’re not just touring a shoreline from land. You’re approaching from sea, in the zone where the water and rock formations do the storytelling.

Also, this isn’t strictly a “view from the deck” experience. You’ll have guided time on the water, plus free time to move around at your own pace—snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or just float and watch what passes by. If you want a day that mixes wildlife with play, this fits the bill.

The Banderas Bay cruise: waterslides, whale luck, and an open-bar schedule

Before you ever reach Marietas, you start with the easy part: a relaxed cruise along the north shore of Bahía de Banderas. Your day gets rolling with breakfast—fresh fruit and pastries, served before the fun starts ramping up—and then you get a snack break with fresh guacamole and blue corn chips.

Then comes the part that changes the whole tone of the trip: the boat is built for water play. The waterslides and onboard toys make it feel like a resort day, not a standard boat excursion. And because you also get unlimited premium drinks, you’re not stuck rationing sodas or waiting for a bar line. Expect water, coffee, juices, sodas, and then a long list of alcohol options like margaritas, pina coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and even champagne-style service.

There’s also whale potential on the ride. From December to April, these waters are inhabited by humpback whales. Even outside that season, you can still get marine life viewing and wildlife sightings, and the cruise itself is framed around scenic coastline views as much as it is about the animals.

One bonus detail: you might see whales even if you weren’t expecting it at that exact time. Some crews build in extra stops if whales are active, which can turn “seasonal chance” into a real sighting.

Playa La Nopalera time: crystal water, guide direction, and a practical camera check

Once you’re at the park, the tour shifts from party mode to “follow the guide and move with the water.” You’ll go with a guide for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle time, or floating—and then you’ll have time at Playa La Nopalera for exploring.

This part is special because it’s not just a beach stop. You’re in a protected marine area with volcanic rock formations and clear water that can make wildlife spotting feel more immediate. The experience is usually structured: you get direction on where to go and what to watch for, then you’re free to enjoy the reserve.

Here’s the practical consideration that matters most: access can be physical. Some people experience it as a wet landing—you get off via a smaller boat, jump into the water, swim in, and then maneuver yourself back onto another boat for the return. That’s thrilling for active swimmers, but it’s not the kind of entry you want if you hate getting cold water on the first minute.

If you plan to photograph the island, plan smart. A waterproof phone or camera case that wraps around your neck can be worth it, because time in and around the water can make handheld gear tricky. Also, the island portion can feel short depending on conditions and what you want to do—so decide quickly: wildlife viewing, swimming, or photos.

One more reality check: some trips mention that the famous enclosed cove beach seen in certain photos may not be the exact spot you reach on your day unless you add an extra experience. Even if you don’t get that specific view, Playa La Nopalera is still the kind of place where swimming and snorkeling feel like the main event.

Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard: how the unlimited gear changes your day

What I like about this tour is that the activities aren’t just a checkbox. The boat includes unlimited use of water equipment: snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mattresses, plus time to swim and float. That means you can match your effort to the conditions and your energy level.

When snorkeling is working well, you get a front-row seat to marine life. Rays and turtles are on the radar, and fish life can be abundant around the rock and clear-water areas. Because you’re not paying per activity, you can also try something new—kayaking or paddleboarding—without feeling like you missed your chance.

There is one big “depends” factor: sea conditions. On rougher days, snorkeling can be limited by swells, and you may not get the exact usual snorkeling location. The equipment quality is often praised, but if snorkeling is your top priority, keep expectations flexible. Your guide and captain will do what’s safe and workable in the moment.

Still, even if you don’t get the perfect snorkel conditions, the unlimited gear usually keeps the day moving. Kayak along the coastline. Float near the action. Use the water mattress if you just want to relax and look for wildlife. It’s a good setup for mixed groups, including people who want to snorkel and people who’d rather stay in “spectator mode.”

Lunch on the return: Mexican fajitas with a floating party atmosphere

You don’t go hungry on this trip. After time in the park, you return to the boat for lunch: Mexican fajitas with rice, beans, and local corn tortillas. Options include beef, chicken, or vegetarian, so you should be able to find something that works.

The food isn’t a gourmet tasting menu, but it’s solid for a full day at sea. One critique that came up is that breakfast could use more protein, and lunch can feel a bit bland without hot sauce—so if you like bold flavors, you might want to bring your own preferences mentally rather than expecting spicy perfection. The good news: the tour’s real strength is that it keeps you fueled so you can keep playing in the water.

Then you shift again into relaxation and social fun during the return cruise. Drinks keep flowing, and the vibe can include dancing and deck time. That matters more than you’d think: after hours in the sun and water, people want a smooth wind-down, and this tour leans into that.

The photographer and the photo decision you’ll make on the spot

This is one of those services that can be great—or just something you ignore. A professional photographer is onboard to capture candid and action shots throughout the day. That’s useful if you’re busy doing the water activities and don’t want to keep handing your phone to strangers.

Important: the tour does not include the purchased photos. If you want that element, you’ll need to pay for images when you see what was captured. If you’re the type who never buys pictures, you can still benefit from the coverage because it can help you document your day, even if you decide not to purchase.

Also, when you’re swimming and getting splashed, the photographer’s role can keep things practical. Your hands are on gear, not on camera controls.

Who should book this 6-hour Marietas tour, and who should reconsider

This is best for you if you want a high-energy day: swimming, snorkeling, and active water sports, plus a boat that feels fun even when you’re not in the water. It’s a strong fit for couples, friends, and families who are comfortable getting wet and like the idea of an all-day food-and-drink experience.

It’s also a good match for people who don’t want a long, complicated travel day. The tour is six hours, and it packs breakfast, cruise time, island time, and lunch into one loop, with two different starting location options and two possible drop-off locations.

Now the “skip or rethink” list:

• Not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The activities and the wet landing process can be hard on anyone who can’t safely manage stairs, transfers, and water entry.
• If you hate uncertain ocean conditions, consider that snorkeling can be affected by swells.
• If your whole goal is a very specific enclosed cove photo, be prepared that you might not land at that exact spot unless extra options are added.

Price and value: what $131 buys you in the real world

At $131 per person, this tour isn’t trying to be cheap. The value comes from the bundle:

• Food (breakfast fruit and pastries, then fajita lunch)
• Unlimited beverages, described as a premium open bar with both soft drinks and a wide range of alcohol
• Unlimited equipment (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, water mattress)
• Guide supervision during water activities
• A photographer onboard to catch moments

If you were doing this as separate pieces—boat transport, park access, guided snorkeling, rentals, plus drinks—the math usually gets ugly fast. Here, you pay once and then you can use the gear repeatedly without second-guessing.

The one cost you might add in real life is photos (not included), and you may need an extra purchase if you’re chasing a specific beach area beyond what this standard stop provides. But even factoring that, the overall structure is built around convenience.

Quick planning tips for a smoother Marietas day

Here’s what will help you have less stress and more fun:

• Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s your minimum.
• Plan for water entry and wet transfer as a normal part of the island portion.
• If you want photos, consider a waterproof case for phone/camera. The wet landing and water time can make regular handling difficult.
• Know that the meeting point can vary depending on which starting option you pick (including Paradise Village Pier and the Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y usa location).
• Wear gear you can tolerate getting soaked. This is not the day for anything precious.

For language, you’ll have a live guide in English or Spanish, so communication should be straightforward.

Should you book this Marietas Islands Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a play-first Marietas day: waterslides, unlimited water toys, a guided swim/snorkel/kayak structure, and an open bar that keeps the mood light. It’s a great choice when you have one free day and you’d rather do one “big” outing than stitch together multiple smaller plans.

Skip it or reconsider if you need step-free access, hate rough-water entry methods, or you only care about snorkeling in very calm conditions. Also, if your dream is a particular enclosed cove seen in photos, ask ahead whether your stop includes it or if that requires an extra add-on.

If your goal is a fun, social, wildlife-connected day at sea—this tour is the kind that matches that promise.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands boat tour?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, including starting points at Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier and Chica Locca Tours Carlos Co y usa.

What activities are included?

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and use other onboard water equipment like water mattresses. You also get guided time at the marine reserve.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. Drinks are included throughout the day and described as a brand name open bar, with options like water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, tequila, margaritas, wine, and champagne-style service.

What food is provided?

You get a breakfast (fresh fruit and pastries) and a lunch of Mexican fajitas, with rice, beans, and corn tortillas. A guacamole and chips snack is also included.

Are photos included?

No. A photographer is onboard and takes pictures, but photos are not included.

Can I see humpback whales?

From December to April, the waters are inhabited by humpback whales, so whale watching is a part of what you might see. Other marine life (like sea turtles and rays) is possible year-round.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is there free cancellation and pay later?

Free cancellation is listed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now & pay later is available.

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