Marietas by boat feels like a movie day. You get premium open bar plus a full menu of water toys, and you spend the afternoon doing guided snorkeling, kayaking, and swim time near Playa la Nopalera. My favorite part is how much is packed into one 6-hour outing, with breakfast, lunch, and drinks handled for you, but here is the catch: Hidden Beach access is limited and needs a permit.

Bring a little flexibility. You must wear life jackets while in the water, and some activity entry points can be a bit jump-in-and-go, not a gentle ramp situation. The tradeoff is that the crew runs a tight, safety-first day in a protected marine area.

Key things to know before you go

• Open bar, not just beer: margaritas, pina coladas, tequila, wine, champagne, and more are part of the premium beverage service.
• Playa la Nopalera activities: guided swimming plus snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle time with included gear.
• Hidden Beach is a permit game: limited access requires booking a permit in advance and paying in pesos when you check in.
• Wildlife adds drama: humpback whales are possible from December to April, with turtles and rays showing up other months too.
• The boat is built for play: waterslides, paddleboards, kayaks, tubes, and floating mattress time are all included.
• Snorkel conditions can vary: even with gear, visibility and timing depend on the ocean that day.

Marietas Islands, the National Park you reach by boat

Marietas Islands National Park is the kind of place where the “small island” description doesn’t tell the full story. You are headed to a protected marine area off the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and the point of the day is simple: get you out on the water, then let the islands do the showing off.

Wildlife is a major reason people book this. From December to April, these waters can be home to humpback whales. Outside that window, you still have a real chance at sea turtles, rays, and the constant motion of birds and sea life around the park.

The tour also works because it is structured. You are not just dropped off. You have a cruise, a staged set of water activities with a guide, and then a second block of ocean time back on the boat. That rhythm matters if you want your day to feel full without feeling chaotic.

Price and value: what $110 buys you on the water

At $110 per person for about 6 hours, the big question is whether it is “worth it” beyond the sticker price. Here is the honest math.

This is an all-inclusive format in practice, not just in marketing. You get:

• Breakfast plus lunch, and snacks in between
• A premium open bar with named drinks, not only basic options
• Water gear and toys like snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, tubes, and floating mattress time
• Clean bathrooms onboard

When you add that up, you are paying for a full day of boat time, wildlife spotting time, and a whole day of entertainment and food all tied together. The costs you may still face are clear:

• Gratuities are optional
• Hidden Beach access has an extra fee and a limited permit
• The photo package is separate

So yes, it can feel like good value if you plan to actually use the water activities and the included bar. If you are trying to avoid alcohol and you also hate swimming, then the value shrinks fast, because the day is built around being in and around the ocean.

Logistics that matter: meeting place, timing, and how the day flows

One detail can make or break your day: this tour needs you to pick a meeting place before you reserve. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off listed, so plan to get yourself to the departure point.

The tour runs as a group day with a maximum of 66 travelers. That is big enough to keep the fun going, but small enough that you still feel like you are part of the crew rather than in a cattle line.

Expect a direct cruise as the day starts. Service is described as beginning promptly, and you’ll cruise from the Bay of Banderas area to the Marietas region. The ride is part of the experience because breakfast and drinks kick off right away, and the crew keeps the pacing lively.

A practical heads up from real-world experience: if you are coming from farther away (like Sayulita), you may spend more time on transfers depending on traffic. That does not ruin the tour, but it changes how you should think about energy levels for the day.

Stop by stop: what happens from Bay of Banderas to Marietas

Morning kickoff: breakfast and the drink menu on deck

On departure, you are cruising while breakfast is served. The food setup includes fresh in-season fruit and pastries.

The drink side starts early too. The beverage service is described as premium and all day, with water, coffee, juices, sodas, and then a long list of alcohol options such as margaritas, pina coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and champagne. You will also hear about the photographer onboard and the cruise director and crew during this period.

I like this approach because it helps you settle in fast. You do not have to wait for the “real” fun to start. Also, if you are hoping for candid action photos, it is useful to know the photographer is following the day even if you do not pre-book the photo package.

Cruise time: wildlife spotting and ocean views

As you continue cruising toward the islands, you may see sea life right from the water. The tour mentions sea turtles and rays year-round, and humpback whales from December through April.

The cruise itself is also where you get the first snack moment, with guacamole and chips served as you get closer to the destination. Keep your eyes up on the water and around the horizon. The crew is also described as watching for whales and sea life, and the boat can stop when nature puts on a show.

Playa la Nopalera in the afternoon: guided water activities

By late morning, you arrive in the national park boundaries and anchor for the afternoon. This is the core of the day.

With a guide, you have multiple activity options like snorkeling, kayaking, paddle time, and swim time to Playa la Nopalera. The beach is described as pristine with clear water and the chance to see sea birds, tropical fish, and coral.

Here is the crucial part for planning: Hidden Beach is not automatically included. Access requires a limited hidden beach permit. It must be booked in advance, and you pay in pesos when you check in. The tour specifically encourages letting them know after booking so they can reserve the best days. Because it is tightly regulated, your Hidden Beach experience can depend on permits and daily conditions.

Lunch back on the boat, then more ocean play

After your time at the islands, you head back for lunch. The menu described is Mexican fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas.

The open bar stays going, so you can keep the fun rolling without needing a separate plan for food and drinks. After lunch, you get more time for ocean play and wildlife watching, plus what they call a floating fun setup with music and the open bar atmosphere.

This is also where the “boat as a water park” side shows up. Waterslides and included float gear can turn an island-focused day into a full shipboard party.

Return cruise: music, dancing, and wildlife stops

On the way back, you get a final stretch of cruising with drinks and music. The cruise director acts as master of ceremonies, and you can dance, relax, or just enjoy the ocean breeze.

The boat crew is described as staying in communication with other boats and watching for whales and sea life. That means you might get one more wildlife moment on the return trip, not just at the destination.

There is also an additional round of action photography, with photographers showcasing action shots you can view and purchase.

Hidden Beach reality check: the permit you should treat like the main event

Hidden Beach is the big draw for a lot of people. It is also the part of the day that has the most “rules and limits” around it.

You need a limited hidden beach permit reserved in advance. When you arrive, the permit is paid for in pesos during check-in. That means two things for you:

1. If you really want Hidden Beach, do not treat it like an optional add-on you can solve last minute.
2. You should also have a Plan B mindset. Even when you buy into the tour, the national park rules and daily ocean conditions can affect whether access works that day.

I also suggest thinking about your comfort level with water activities. Even with boats and ladders onboard, some guests experience the day as more “jump in and go” than “step into a pool.” If you are not comfortable with the water entry requirements, you can still enjoy the boat day, but it is smarter to pick your expectations early.

Life jackets, water entry, and how to prepare your body

This tour is clear about safety: life jackets are required while you are in the water. That includes moments like jumping off the boat.

Some visitors found the life jackets not easy to adjust and even uncomfortable, like chafing or itching. If you are sensitive to that, it helps to bring your own swimwear that you feel comfortable wearing under a life jacket for a while.

Also, keep in mind that the day can involve physically active entry and exit. If you have limited mobility, a strong swimming background will likely matter more than you expect.

None of this is meant to scare you away. It is meant to help you pick the right version of the day for your comfort level.

Food and drinks: why lunch and open bar are more than perks

Food on boat days often ends up being “fine.” Here, it is built into the schedule in a way that reduces your day stress.

You get breakfast in the morning on departure, then a proper lunch later, plus snacks like guacamole and chips. Lunch is described as fajitas with rice and beans and tortillas. Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free options are available if you advise in advance.

Now the open bar. This is not a “maybe” situation. It is an all day premium beverage service with a broad mix of non-alcoholic drinks plus named alcohol brands. Minimum drinking age is listed as 18.

If you do not drink, that still can be a positive value marker because you are not giving up the drink experience that makes the boat atmosphere fun. But if you do enjoy cocktails, it is one of the major reasons this type of tour sells out.

Snorkeling and water sports: gear is included, but conditions shift

Snorkeling gear is included, along with things like paddleboards, kayaks, floating mattress time, and water tubes. Waterslides are also listed.

The best part is choice. You are not locked into one thing all afternoon. You can switch between snorkeling, paddling, and just hanging out near the activity areas depending on your energy and comfort.

The caution is that snorkeling results can vary. Water clarity and how rushed the schedule feels can change with ocean conditions and how the group rotation runs that day. If you want the most relaxing snorkeling possible, aim for a mindset of flexibility rather than a promise of perfect visibility.

For families, there is another practical point: kid-size snorkeling gear is not listed as provided. If you are bringing children who need a specific fit, it is smart to pack your own small snorkel mask gear if that is your usual habit.

Music, comfort, and the reality of group energy

This tour is described as fun and high-energy, and the boat environment reflects that. Music volume comes up as an issue for some people.

If you are sensitive to loud audio, bring ear protection. It is a small item that can turn the experience from “too much” to “just right.”

Comfort also depends on how packed the boat feels to you. Even though there is a max group size, some people found the passenger count a bit more than expected for ideal spacing.

So choose this tour if you enjoy group energy, drinks, and active water time. If you want quiet, think twice.

Practical packing list for a Marietas all-inclusive day

You do not need to pack snacks, since breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. But you should still pack for wet time and sun.

Here is what you will actually use:

• Sunscreen and a hat for the sun-heavy deck time
• Towels if you have them, since you will be in and out of the water
• A waterproof phone setup, like a phone pouch or case, because you will likely swim and splash
• Sunglasses with a strap or secure fit
• Extra swimwear, just in case you get soaked before the afternoon activities

Also remember the no-drones rule. Drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations and to protect the flight path of endemic birds.

Who should book this Marietas Islands tour, and who should skip it

Book it if:

• You want a full day on the water with food and drinks handled
• You are excited about snorkeling, kayaking, paddling, and floating toys
• You want a shot at wildlife sightings, including humpback whales in-season
• You are okay wearing a life jacket in the water and with some water entry that can be physical

Consider skipping or choosing a different style of outing if:

• You are not physically comfortable with water entry requirements
• Hidden Beach is your only reason for booking, and you cannot handle permit limitations
• Loud music would ruin your day
• You prefer calm, unhurried snorkeling with guaranteed conditions

This is also a strong pick for mixed groups: couples, friends, and families. The vibe is social, and the crew is described as attentive throughout the day.

Should you book this Marietas Islands all-inclusive tour?

If your idea of a perfect day is boat time, wildlife chances, guided water activities, and not having to solve lunch or drinks, then yes, this tour is an easy yes.

I would book it with two smart expectations:

1. Hidden Beach is a bonus that depends on permits and daily access rules.
2. This is an active, safety-focused marine park experience, so plan to be in the water with a life jacket.

If those match your style, the value looks solid for the price, and the day has enough structure to feel fun rather than stressful.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands all-inclusive tour?

The tour runs about 6 hours.

What is included in the all-inclusive food and beverage?

Breakfast and lunch are served, plus snacks. The tour also includes an all day premium beverage service and an open bar with options like margaritas, pina coladas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, plus non-alcoholic drinks.

Is Hidden Beach included in the price?

Hidden Beach access is not included automatically. It requires an extra fee and a limited hidden beach permit.

What water activities and gear are included?

Included activities can include snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming with a guide, plus paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, waterslides, floating mattress, and water tubes.

Do I need to bring anything for the trip?

The tour provides food, drinks, and water gear. It also requires life jackets while you are in the water. You may want to bring sun protection and a way to keep your phone from water.

Are drones allowed on this tour?

No. Drones are prohibited on the tour due to federal regulations and to protect the flight path of endemic birds.