Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

The best part of this seven-hour boat day is the mix of sea life, water sports, and a proper lunch at Majahuitas. You might watch dolphins on the way to Islas Marietas, spot humpback whales in season, then finish with the crew’s playful song-and-dance show on the return ride.

I like the excellent BBQ lunch and the open bar, which make the $99 price easier to justify. I also like the choice of snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding instead of being stuck on the boat all day. The catch is that you may spend most of the trip onboard, with some guests getting only about 30 minutes in the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Whale season can be spectacular: Humpback whales have been seen breaching and slapping their fins near the boat.
• Majahuitas is the food highlight: The beach setting is beautiful, but buffet lines can reduce your activity time.
• You have three water choices: Snorkel, kayak, or use a stand-up paddleboard, though the schedule may feel tight.
• The crew supplies plenty of energy: Guides such as Pancho, Poncho, Danny, and Dani have been praised for service, safety, and onboard entertainment.
• Expect a wet, open-water day: You climb small metal ladders, jump from the boat at some stops, and spend most of the day at sea.
• Budget another MX$60: Pay MX$40 for the port fee and MX$20 for the conservation fee in cash.

What the Puerto Vallarta boat day is really like

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. It is a full day on the water with music, drinks, wildlife watching, swimming, beach time, and a crew that keeps the mood lively.

You meet at Puerto Magico at 7 a.m. in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. The boat then heads across the Bay of Banderas, with the first stretch devoted to watching the sea. The exact wildlife sightings depend on the season and conditions, but the route can produce Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins, giant manta rays, and humpback whales.

The vessel can carry up to 100 people, so this is a shared excursion rather than a private yacht outing. Some boats may feel comfortable and well shaded, but you should not expect a peaceful, small-group cruise.

The onboard bar serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Alcohol is reportedly held until after the snorkeling portion, a sensible rule when people are swimming and climbing ladders. Some departures also provide a light breakfast of fruit, juice, coffee, and pastries, but I would not count on a substantial morning meal. If you need a full breakfast, eat before you arrive.

Crossing the Bay of Banderas at 7 a.m.

The ride across Banderas Bay is both the scenic opening and the part that determines how much you will enjoy the day. You are on a boat for most of the excursion, and the ride can be choppy. If you get seasick, take that warning seriously and ask the operator for advice before booking.

The crew watches for marine life and points out birds and animals along the route. Blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds are among the species you may see near the Marietas area. The bird sightings can be brief, so keep your camera ready, but do not expect a dedicated birding trip.

Whale season adds a major bonus. Several people have seen humpbacks breaching, slapping their pectoral fins, or swimming near the boat while snorkeling. That sort of encounter cannot be promised, but the route gives you a real chance during the right months.

Dolphins can also turn the crossing into a memorable start. Large groups have been spotted, including reports of hundreds of dolphins. Still, wildlife watching is nature, not a stage show. You may see plenty, or you may spend more time looking at open water.

Islas Marietas, birds, rocks, and a short water session

Islas Marietas is the scenic centerpiece. The islands are marked by rugged rock formations and protected marine habitat. You get views of the cliffs and surrounding water, along with a chance to see seabirds and fish.

This trip does not visit the famous Hidden Beach. That point matters because some visitors arrive expecting the iconic enclosed beach and leave disappointed. If Hidden Beach is your main reason for booking, choose a tour that specifically includes access to it.

At the Marietas stop, you can use the provided snorkel equipment or choose another water activity, depending on the day’s arrangement. The snorkeling can be good, with fish and clear enough water to make the underwater portion worthwhile. Conditions change, however. Rainy-season water may be murky, and the Pacific can feel cold. A wetsuit helped some younger swimmers enjoy the water more comfortably.

The main weakness is time. You might get roughly 30 minutes for snorkeling, and that period includes getting ready, entering the water, and returning to the boat. If you also want to kayak or paddleboard, you need to move quickly.

There are no docks at the stops. You jump into the water from the boat and climb back up using small metal ladders. That requires reasonable balance, confidence in the water, and a moderate level of fitness. It is not a good setup for anyone who needs a level platform or dislikes ladder boarding.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ lunch

Majahuitas is the relaxed part of the day, at least in theory. The setting is attractive, and the beach gives you a change from the boat’s deck. This is where the included BBQ lunch is served, with drinks available as part of the tour.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. The lunch has included sandwich fixings, potato salad, pasta salad, and other buffet items. Several people found it better than expected, and some considered it one of the best meals of their Puerto Vallarta visit.

The practical problem is that a group of up to 100 people needs to eat in waves. Buffet lines can be long, especially if everyone wants to eat as soon as they arrive. If the schedule is tight, you may have time for lunch and a walk back to the boat, but not much kayaking or paddleboarding.

I would treat the beach stop as a pleasant lunch break with a chance to play in the water, not as a long beach afternoon. If you care most about paddleboarding or kayaking, ask the crew how much time is available before you commit to the buffet line.

Some accounts describe the stop as a private beach club setting, but it is not a secluded escape. Other groups may be present, and the atmosphere is social. That suits families, couples, and friends who like a busy activity day. It will not suit you if you want silence and an empty beach.

The crew turns the ride home into a show

The crew is a major part of this experience. Guides have included Pancho or Poncho, Danny, and Dani, and the strongest praise centers on their attentiveness, humor, and ability to shift between safety duties, wildlife commentary, drink service, and entertainment.

On the return journey, the crew may perform choreographed dances, lip-sync songs, or a comic cabaret-style show. The performances have included several full-length songs and are intentionally silly. If you enjoy a party atmosphere, this can be the most fun part of the trip. If you prefer a calm nature tour, the music may feel too loud.

That contrast is worth understanding before you book. This is an eco-themed boat excursion with a strong entertainment side, not a quiet naturalist program. The crew does provide information about wildlife and the islands, but some people would prefer more detailed interpretation and less performance time.

The bar remains part of the social atmosphere. Nonalcoholic drinks are available, and alcohol is included after the water activities. Bring pesos if you want to tip the crew, since the staff may be working hard throughout a long day.

Is $99 a fair price?

At $99 per person, the package includes the boat trip, lunch, drinks, snorkel and kayak equipment, stand-up paddleboarding, and onboard entertainment. You also get the possibility of seeing dolphins, whales, manta rays, and seabirds without arranging separate wildlife and beach excursions.

Add the required MX$40 port fee and MX$20 conservation fee, both paid in Mexican cash. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach Puerto Magico on your own. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

For a seven-hour outing with food, an open bar, equipment, and multiple stops, I consider the price reasonable. The value drops if your main goal is extended snorkeling. You are paying for the complete package, including transportation on the water, meals, drinks, wildlife watching, and entertainment, not for hours of uninterrupted time in the sea.

I would compare this with the cost of booking a smaller snorkeling charter and eating separately. A private boat might provide more water time and flexibility, but it will usually cost more. This tour makes sense if you want a simple all-in-one day and do not mind sharing the boat.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active day at sea with plenty of structure. Families with older children and teens can enjoy the range of activities, while couples and friend groups may like the mix of wildlife and party energy.

It is also a good pick if you want to see more than one side of the Puerto Vallarta coast. You get open-water scenery in Banderas Bay, the rocky Marietas Islands, and a beach lunch at Majahuitas.

You should think twice if you are highly sensitive to motion, dislike cold water, or need a slow pace. The boat ride may be rough, and the water sessions can feel rushed. The tour also does not suit cruise ship passengers because the 7 a.m. schedule and return timing do not fit typical ship schedules.

Bring a towel, clothes and shoes that can get wet, Mexican pesos, sunscreen, and any motion-sickness supplies you normally use. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight paths of endemic birds. Mexico’s maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapes.

Booking, cancellations, and weather

You receive confirmation when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Because sea conditions affect both comfort and visibility, a weather-related change may be worthwhile rather than disappointing.

The tour is often reserved about three weeks ahead, so I would book early during busy periods. Before paying, confirm the meeting point, cash fees, and what breakfast service is planned for your departure.

Should you book the Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a social, all-day boat adventure with wildlife chances, food, drinks, water activities, and a funny crew show. The BBQ lunch, friendly service, whale sightings in season, and easy all-in-one format give the tour real value.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a small group, long snorkeling sessions, or Hidden Beach. You may spend 90 percent of the day onboard, and the time for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling can feel short.

My practical call is this: choose the tour for the complete Puerto Vallarta day, not for one single activity. If you accept the shared boat, the open-water ride, and the brisk schedule, it can be a memorable way to see Banderas Bay and Majahuitas without arranging several separate trips.

FAQ

How long does the Islas Marietas and Majahuitas tour last?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours. It starts at 7 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Puerto Magico on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s northern hotel zone.

What is included in the $99 price?

The price includes the boat trip, BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, refreshing drinks, snorkel equipment, kayak equipment, stand-up paddleboarding, and onboard entertainment.

Are port fees included?

No. You must pay a MX$40 port fee per person in Mexican cash. A separate MX$20 conservation fee is also due at check-in.

Does the tour visit Hidden Beach?

No. This experience visits the Marietas Islands but does not include Hidden Beach.

Can I see whales on this tour?

You may see humpback whales when they are in season. Sightings are not guaranteed, but whales, dolphins, giant manta rays, and seabirds have been seen along the route.

Do I need to know how to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard?

You should have a moderate fitness level. The tour provides equipment and has eco-guides available for safety, but there are no docks. You enter the water from the boat and return using small metal ladders.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick?

The tour may not be a good choice if you suffer from seasickness because most of the day is spent on the boat and the ride can be choppy.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a refund or choose another date.