One of the best ways to experience the Marietas Islands is from a big, fun boat with constant activity. You’re headed into a marine reserve in tropical waters, but the day stays playful thanks to waterslides and unlimited water toys. You also get the classic Banderas Bay cruise vibe, with wildlife sightings often part of the trip.

My two favorite parts are how well the boat setup supports real water time, and the way the crew keeps the energy moving with frequent drinks and hands-on guidance. When I did the whale season route, I loved the added chance to see humpback whales (common from December to April), and the service style feels personal, like when guides such as Kano and Saul were actively looking after everyone. The one thing to plan for: the island portion involves a wet landing from a smaller boat, so it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments and may feel a bit tricky if you’re not comfortable getting in and out of the water.

Key Tour Takeaways

• Waterslides plus unlimited water equipment means you can switch activities without waiting around.
• Playa La Nopalera is boat-access only, so you get a rare reserve setting.
• Open bar all day pairs well with a long cruise and a slow return in the afternoon sun.
• Whale season bonus (December to April) can add serious wow to the journey.
• A photographer is onboard, but photos are not included, so expect to buy if you want the shots.

Marietas Islands and Playa Nopalera, the Boat Way

If you want nature plus fun, this is built for that mix. The Marietas Islands sit in a marine national park area, and the tour focuses on getting you close to wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery without making the day feel like a chore. You get the ocean time up front with a cruise along Banderas Bay, then hands-on water activities once you’re in the reserve.

The boat is a floating activity center. Waterslides, room to move around, and a steady rhythm of snacks and drinks turn what could be a simple transit day into a full-day experience. And unlike tours where you just sit and watch from a distance, here you actually swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddle, depending on conditions and what you feel like doing that hour.

The 6-Hour Flow: From Sayulita Area Piers to the Reserve

Your day is planned around a half-morning and afternoon split, with food early, water activities after, and a relaxed return cruise at the end. The total time is listed as about 6 hours, so it doesn’t swallow your whole vacation day.

You start at one of two Chica Locca Tours departure points, which can vary by the option you book:

• Paradise Village Pier
• Carlos Co y usa (the other listed option)

From there, the boat heads out for the Banderas Bay cruise. You’ll spend time on the water for scenic viewing and marine life watching, and there’s often whale watching in the right season. Then the schedule gets you into the national park area with a guided portion, plus free exploration time where you can swim and snorkel, or use the water gear.

One practical note I like to keep in mind: the reserve portion includes time you’ll want to stay flexible. Some plans focus more on what’s safe and accessible that day, and the actual water conditions can shift how your snorkeling feels.

Breakfast and Open Bar: How They Keep the Day Moving

This tour is very clear about what it feeds you and what it pours. You get a breakfast served aboard with fresh in-season fruit and pastries, plus coffee and juices. It’s light enough to feel pleasant before you’re in the water, but it’s also not just a sad roll. There’s also fresh guacamole with blue corn chips served during the cruise, so you’re not waiting hungry for lunch.

The other “fuel” is the bar. The included open bar is listed as a brand name setup, with options like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks such as margaritas, pina coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and champagne. In plain terms, it means you can take breaks between water activities without feeling like you have to buy your way through the day.

Value-wise, this matters. You’re on a boat for hours, and a day in open water can wear you out. With food and drinks handled, your budget stays predictable and you can focus on doing the water part instead of pacing yourself like a dehydrated accountant.

Wildlife Along Banderas Bay: Whales, Turtles, Rays, and Fish

The cruise route is part of the show. From December to April, the waters are inhabited by humpback whales, and whale sightings are often a highlight during that time. Even outside peak whale season, you still have a strong chance at seeing marine wildlife such as sea turtles and rays, plus the tropical coastline from the boat.

I like that the tour doesn’t just market one animal. When your day includes a mix of possibilities, you’re less likely to feel like you came up short. And it’s not just about spotting wildlife once. The boat can stop several times if animals are in the area, which turns the cruise into a moving “watch window,” not just transit.

If you’re the type who enjoys ocean life detail, bring your curiosity. Watch for quick flashes near the surface, and pay attention when the crew points things out. The best sightings often happen during those moments when the boat crew slows down and lets everyone look.

Snorkel, Kayak, Paddleboard: Real Water Time on Purpose

This is the part that makes the whole tour feel worth it. The activity lineup includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding, and the tour lists unlimited use of all water equipment like snorkels, kayaks, paddle boards, and items such as water mattresses and swim gear. The staff also runs the show, with supervision and water guides.

On a good day, you can bounce between activities. Want to snorkel for 30 minutes? Go. Want to kayak for a bit? Swap it. That flexibility is huge on the ocean, where conditions can change hour to hour.

Two things to set expectations honestly:

• Snorkeling quality can depend on the day’s conditions. If the sea is choppy, visibility and access to the best area may be affected. You’ll still have good gear, but your experience level might vary.
• You’ll spend time in shallow water around the reserve area, so keep your energy ready for entry and exit, not only for the swim itself.

Equipment quality is described as good, including snorkel gear and life vests, so you’re not dealing with flimsy basics. You’re set up to actually use the water toys.

Playa La Nopalera: Exploring the Reserve and Handling the Wet Landing

Playa La Nopalera is the destination that most people have in mind. It’s a natural paradise within the marine reserve, and it’s accessible by boat only, which is a big reason this tour exists. Once you arrive, you go with a guide and then get free time to explore the area.

Here’s the important practical detail: getting to the island and the snorkeling area involves a wet landing. That means you jump off a smaller boat and swim back to it, and then maneuver yourself into the smaller boat again. This isn’t a deal breaker for most people, but it’s absolutely something to understand before you go.

If you’re going, plan like you’re doing a water workout, not a casual beach stroll:

• Wear swimwear that’s secure.
• Bring a towel so you’re not stuck drying off with borrowed luck.
• Consider a waterproof camera case or a way to keep your phone dry. One challenge people reported is that a camera can be hard to manage during wet landing moments unless you have proper protection.

Also, there’s a detail worth asking about before you assume you’ll get the classic enclosed cove look. One experience notes that the island seen in photos can differ from where you end up, and the classic hidden-beach access may require extra payment on some versions. If that specific photo is your top goal, ask your operator which beach sections are included for your date.

Lunch and the Return Cruise: Drinks, Music, and Rolling Views

After your reserve time, the tour brings you back for lunch. The menu is listed as Mexican fajitas with rice, beans, and tortillas, and you can choose beef, chicken, or vegetarian. It’s a satisfying reset after time in salt water.

Then the return cruise turns more into a relaxed party afloat. The schedule includes drinks like beer, cocktails, coffee, spirits, tea, and wine, plus local snacks. There’s also mention of dancing, and the ride back tends to feel more like you’re lingering in the sunshine than rushing to the next stop.

This is also where the onboard photographer can matter. The tour includes a professional photographer capturing candid and action moments during the day. Photos are not included, but if you want the memories, it’s nice to know you might be able to get images even if you didn’t pre-book. And if you’re someone who hates trying to pose while your hands are wet, this service can be genuinely helpful.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $131 per person for a 6-hour day, the value depends on what you want most. If you’re simply looking for a boat ride and a quick look at an island, you might feel it’s pricey. But if your goal is a full-day mix of wildlife viewing, multiple water activities, and unlimited food and drinks, it’s easier to see why this sells well.

You get value in three main ways:

1. You’re paying for time plus equipment. Unlimited water gear and multiple activities mean you can actually use the ocean time well.
2. You’re paying for comfort. Breakfast, guacamole snacks, fajitas lunch, and open bar keep you from having to buy food and drinks separately during what is usually a long outing.
3. You’re paying for “less planning.” The tour handles the moving parts: guided parts in the reserve, food timing, and the crew supervision so you can focus on being on the water.

The balance is that some elements are weather dependent, especially how snorkeling feels and where you spend time on the reserve. The wet landing is also a real factor, and it rules out some travelers entirely.

Who Should Book This Marietas Islands Tour?

This is a great match if you’re:

• Interested in Playa La Nopalera and the marine reserve experience that’s boat-only
• Confident in a hands-on water day that includes entry and exit from the water
• The type who wants a day that’s more than “sit on a boat, take pictures”
• Visiting in winter if you want extra chances at humpback whales

It’s less ideal if you:

• Have mobility limitations due to the wet landing nature and the fact that it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• Want guaranteed, calm snorkeling every time, because ocean conditions can change

Should You Book the Marietas Islands Boat Tour With Chica Locca?

If your ideal day includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a fun boat with waterslides, I’d say this is worth booking. The all-day structure, the equipment included, and the open bar reduce the usual hassles that come with marine reserve tours.

Before you pay, I’d ask two quick questions that can protect your expectations:

• Will my date likely include the classic enclosed cove photo spot, or is extra paid access needed for that?
• Are conditions expected to affect snorkeling time or the route inside the reserve?

If you go in knowing it’s a water-first, sometimes-wet, sometimes-windy kind of experience, you’ll likely come back happy. This is the kind of day where you stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about the next swim.

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. Two options listed are Paradise Village Pier and Carlos Co y usa.

What’s included in the price?

Food and beverage are included, along with activities and unlimited use of water equipment (snorkel, kayak, paddle board, water mattress, swim). A professional photographer is onboard, but photos are not included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar with options from water, coffee, juices, and sodas to margaritas, pina coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and champagne.

What activities can I do during the tour?

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and float, with unlimited use of the included water equipment.

Is whale watching part of the trip?

Yes. The schedule notes that from December to April, waters may be inhabited by humpback whales. Wildlife viewing is also part of the cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The island access involves a wet landing from a smaller boat.