Islas Marietas: Snorkel, Kayak, Paddle, and Playa Nopalera

Islas Marietas gives you a full day on the water without forcing you to choose between sea activities and time on shore. You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and visit Nopalera Beach, with breakfast and a meal served aboard the boat.

I like the range of activities and the easygoing return trip, when the open bar begins and the mood turns festive. I also like that the price includes the gear, guides, food, and several ways to see the islands. The main catch is that water clarity and fish sightings can vary, and this outing does not visit Playa Escondida, also called Hidden Beach.

Key points

• Four ways to experience the islands: Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and spend time at Nopalera Beach.
• Food is built into the day: Breakfast is served after boarding, followed by a meal with chilequiles, tostada, and hamburgers.
• The return boat ride becomes social: An open bar starts after the island activities.
• Protected-area costs are extra: Plan on the port fee plus a 240-peso conservation wristband.
• Playa Escondida is not included: The beach visit is to Nopalera Beach instead.
• Wildlife sightings can be a bonus: Whales and dolphins have appeared during the ride, though they are not promised.

A full day around the Marietas Islands

This is an eight-hour outing built for people who want more than a quick boat ride and a short swim. The schedule combines active water time with a beach stop, meals, and a lively ride home.

The Islas Marietas are protected natural areas off the coast of Jalisco. You come here for sea views, rocky island scenery, marine life, and the chance to move through the water under your own power. The tour does not treat the islands as a single photo stop. Instead, it gives you several ways to spend time there.

I see this as a good middle ground. You do not need to commit to a demanding outdoor expedition, but you also will not spend the entire day sitting on a boat. The activities are organized in groups, so the day has a set structure rather than a free-for-all in the water.

The rating is 4.2 from 24 bookings, which fits the experience well: strong overall appeal, with a few practical details that can affect your day. Staff friendliness has been a clear strength, while check-in instructions and changing water conditions deserve attention.

Getting to the boat and paying the extra fees

At the port, begin at the main entrance on the left side. You will pay the port fee before finding the BEACHBOY team, identified by blue polo shirts with an orange logo.

There is conflicting information about the exact port charge. The tour details list 32 pesos per person, while the meeting instructions refer to 30 pesos. I would budget for the higher amount and confirm the current figure at the port.

You also need a 240-peso conservation wristband per person to enter the protected Marietas Islands area. These charges are not part of the $87 tour price, so add them when comparing the total cost with other boat trips.

Pay attention at check-in. One booking ran into confusion because the instructions pointed to BEACHBOY, while port staff directed the couple to Grupo Naviero. They were allowed to eat despite missing meal tickets, but the mix-up added needless stress. Follow the current meeting instructions you receive, and show your booking confirmation if the names do not match.

The operator says only its own staff should check your ticket. If someone asks for an extra payment, handle it directly through the company. That is a useful safeguard at a busy port.

Breakfast sets the tone for the crossing

Once aboard, you receive a freshly prepared breakfast as the boat heads toward the islands. This matters because the morning activities can stretch across several hours, and you will want something more substantial than a snack before getting into the water.

The boat is described as comfortable, though no seating layout or group size is given. I would expect a shared excursion rather than a private charter. That means the pace depends partly on organizing several groups, but it also keeps the cost reasonable for a full day.

The crossing itself gives you time to settle in and look for wildlife. Whales and dolphins have been spotted from the boat, including dolphins repeatedly leaping above the water. Treat that as a fortunate extra, not a guaranteed part of the schedule.

The food later in the day has included chilequiles, tostada, and hamburgers. That is a practical mix for an outing where people may want familiar food after water activities. If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied details do not explain the alternatives, so ask before booking or at check-in.

Snorkeling depends on the day’s water conditions

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this trip, but expectations should be realistic. The islands are known for marine life, yet visibility and fish numbers can change with water conditions.

On one outing, the water was hard to see through and there were not many fish at the snorkeling spot. That does not mean every visit will be the same, but it does mean you should not buy this tour solely for guaranteed underwater viewing.

The value here is that snorkeling is one part of a larger day. If visibility is poor, you still have kayaking, paddleboarding, the beach visit, boat scenery, and possible wildlife sightings. That variety protects you from having the entire experience depend on one reef stop.

Biodegradable sunscreen is required on your packing list. Bring it rather than relying on a regular sunscreen, since the islands are protected and the tour specifically asks for the biodegradable type.

You also need a towel. There is no reason to bring a drone, and drones are not allowed. Vaping is also prohibited.

Kayaking and paddleboarding offer two different views

Kayaking lets you move through the water with more control and reach small coves and quiet stretches near the islands. It is a good choice if you want to be active and see the rocky edges from a lower position than you get on the main boat.

Paddleboarding is slower and more exposed. You stand above the water and get a calm view when the sea is settled. If you prefer not to balance on a board, kayaking may feel more secure, but the tour gives you both options.

The necessary equipment is included, and professional guides organize the activities. The exact amount of time assigned to each activity is not stated, so you should expect the staff to divide the schedule among groups rather than allowing unlimited time at one station.

That arrangement has a tradeoff. You get to try several activities in one day, but none may feel like a long, private session. If your main goal is serious paddleboarding or extended kayaking, a specialist outing may suit you better. If you want a sampler of water sports, this format makes good sense.

Nopalera Beach is the shore stop

The beach visit is to Nopalera Beach, where you can step away from the boat, relax, and take in the island setting. This is the quieter part of the day, especially after snorkeling and paddling.

The beach offers a useful change of pace. You can dry off, enjoy the scenery, and have a simple shore experience instead of spending all eight hours on the boat. Bring your towel for this stop, and use biodegradable sunscreen as needed.

It is important not to confuse Nopalera Beach with Playa Escondida. This tour does not visit Playa Escondida, also known as Hidden Beach. If entering that famous enclosed beach is the main reason you want to see Islas Marietas, this is not the right itinerary.

Another caveat involves an optional cave or beach stop that was offered late in one outing. It was described as taking another 50 or more minutes, and the timing made it difficult because lunch had not yet been served. A separate couple found the stop impressive but had only about 10 minutes there rather than the expected 30.

The lesson is simple: listen closely when the guide explains optional stops and their timing. Ask how long the stop will actually be and whether it changes your meal or return schedule.

Lunch comes before the party atmosphere

After the water activities and beach time, you return to the boat for the main meal. The food service is part of the price, which improves the value of an already long excursion.

Chilequiles provide a local breakfast-style dish, while tostadas and hamburgers offer familiar choices. The exact menu may vary, but the supplied meal examples suggest enough range for a mixed group.

Timing matters here. One outing reached the later part of the day before lunch, which made the optional cave stop less attractive. If you are hungry early or need food at regular times, eat the breakfast and carry any permitted personal necessities that you require.

Once the meal is finished and the boat leaves the islands, the open bar begins. This is when the trip shifts from nature outing to social boat ride. You can enjoy the views and talk with the group, while the crew creates a more celebratory mood on the way back.

The open bar adds real value for people who enjoy a party-style return. It may be less appealing if you want a quiet ride after a full day in the sun. The tour works best when you know that the tone changes during the final leg.

How the $87 price measures up

At $87 per person, the tour covers a lot for one day: breakfast, a second meal, professional guides, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, the beach visit, and an open bar on the return.

You still need to add the port fee and the 240-peso conservation wristband. Using the listed figures, that is 272 pesos in required additional charges, though the meeting instructions cite a 30-peso port fee instead of 32 pesos. Confirm the current amount before setting your budget.

The strongest value comes from the range of inclusions. A shorter boat trip might cost less at first glance, but you would need to compare whether it includes food, equipment, protected-area access, and a guide for several activities.

I would not choose this trip for Playa Escondida access, since that is specifically excluded. I would choose it if I wanted a full day with several activities and did not want to arrange separate rentals, meals, and transport on my own.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This is a good fit for active couples, families, and groups of friends who like variety. You can try snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding without needing to plan each one separately, then relax at Nopalera Beach.

It also suits people who want wildlife and scenery but do not need every moment to be tightly focused on marine life. The possible dolphin and whale sightings add excitement, while the beach and boat ride give you other things to enjoy if the snorkeling is weak.

You may want a different trip if you need a quiet, private experience. The organized group format, shared meals, and open-bar ride create a social day. You may also prefer another option if Hidden Beach is essential or if you want long, uninterrupted time with one activity.

English and Spanish guiding is available. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular guide.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility helps if your plans are still moving, but you should still confirm the starting time because the schedule can vary by availability.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive with your booking details ready and allow time for the port fee and conservation wristband. Look for the blue shirts with the orange logo, but stay alert if port staff use a different company name and ask the tour team to confirm where you belong.

Bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Since you will be on the water for much of the day, protect yourself before boarding rather than waiting until the boat reaches the islands.

Eat the breakfast even if you are not very hungry. Lunch may come later than you expect, especially if activity groups or optional stops affect the schedule.

Ask the guide about the timing of each activity and any extra cave or beach stop. If you want to join an optional stop, find out how much actual time you will have there and whether it delays the meal.

Do not bring a drone, and do not plan to vape. The tour specifically prohibits both.

Should you book the Islas Marietas tour?

Book this outing if you want a busy, varied day on the water with food, equipment, a beach stop, and a festive ride home. At $87 plus the required fees, the package offers solid value when you plan to use several activities rather than only snorkel.

Skip it if Playa Escondida is your top priority, if you want guaranteed clear water and abundant fish, or if you prefer a private and quiet boat experience. For everyone else, the combination of Nopalera Beach, paddle sports, meals, and possible whale or dolphin sightings makes this a practical way to experience the Marietas Islands in one day.

FAQ

How long is the Islas Marietas tour?

The tour lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What activities are included?

The outing includes snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a visit to Nopalera Beach. Equipment for the activities is provided.

Does the tour visit Playa Escondida?

No. Playa Escondida, also called Hidden Beach, is not included in this outing.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and a later meal are served aboard the boat. Meal examples include chilequiles, tostada, and hamburgers.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. The open bar begins on the return trip after the island activities.

What extra fees do I need to pay?

You need to pay a port fee and a 240-peso conservation wristband per person. The supplied information lists the port fee as 32 pesos, while the meeting instructions mention 30 pesos, so confirm the current amount.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen.

Are drones and vaping allowed?

No. Drones and vaping are not allowed on this tour.