Marietas water looks unreal. This speedboat day from Puerto Vallarta mixes wildlife time with beach access at Playa Nopalera and an on-board food-and-drink return.

I love the built-in water time: snorkeling plus kayaking without you hunting for extras. I also like the all-day rhythm, with breakfast, lunch, and drinks rolling into the trip instead of feeling like random stops.

One drawback: this tour does not include Hidden Beach, and it also doesn’t offer vegan or vegetarian meals, so you’ll want to plan around that.

Key points to know before you go

• Marietas + Nopalera, not Hidden Beach: you’re there for Playa Nopalera specifically, plus snorkeling and optional extra boat time.
• Breakfast, lunch, and alcohol are included: you get meals and drinks on board, with a return section that runs like a party.
• Ecotour is optional and extra: the added boat loop around nearby islands is not part of the base ticket.
• Snorkeling gear comes with the tour: you’re provided equipment, but you still need real comfort in the water.
• Group size stays small: the tour caps at 30 travelers, which usually helps with logistics and pacing.

Speedboat reality check: what this trip feels like

This is listed as a half-day, but plan for a longer day on the water. Expect about 6 to 7 hours total, with the boat leaving after morning check-in and returning to Puerto Magico.

The vibe is very “get moving, get wet, then relax.” You’ll start with a cruise view of Banderas Bay, then shift into Marietas Islands activities, and end with a lively return that includes food and drinks. If you want a low-effort day where the boat handles the travel between highlights, this format works.

The tour maxes out at 30 people, which matters more than you’d think on a speedboat day. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting around for equipment, smoother check-ins, and fewer bottlenecks at snorkeling and kayaking.

Puerto Magico check-in and how the morning runs

Meet at Puerto Magico on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte. You’ll do registration around 8:10 am, and the departure is listed as 9:00 am (with 8:30 am shown as the start time on the listing info). Either way, show up early. Getting through the terminal steps and safety filter is part of the flow.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll pass the safety filter and board the boat. This tour is offered in English and runs with a crew that’s used to handling multiple stops in a single day.

One practical note: this activity is for travelers with moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean “athlete only,” but it does mean you should expect some time in and around the water, plus movement on the boat and at shoreline areas.

Bay of Banderas breakfast cruise: views and food before the swim

Your second stop is the Bay of Banderas area, and this is where the trip sets its pace. You get about 120 minutes to enjoy the view of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, and you’ll also eat.

Breakfast is listed as an American breakfast: bread, fruit, coffee, and juice. This matters because it prevents the common mid-morning problem: snorkeling on an empty stomach is no one’s idea of fun.

The trade-off is time. That two-hour window is part cruise and part meal break, so you won’t be jumping straight into the islands the moment you arrive. If you’re the type who gets antsy, bring a little patience. If you like scenery, it’s a good warm-up.

Marietas Islands: snorkeling, optional ecotour, kayaking

The main attraction here is the Marietas Islands segment, centered on snorkeling plus an optional add-on. You start with snorkeling, where you’ll swim alongside colorful floating structures around the islands area (you’ll be using the provided snorkeling equipment).

That snorkeling time is usually the make-or-break moment for this tour. You’ll want to be comfortable in open water and moving with the group. The tour data calls for moderate physical fitness, and a separate customer note stressed the importance of knowing how to swim.

After snorkeling, kayaking is also part of the mix. If you like doing more than one water activity in a day, this is a solid setup: snorkel first, then switch to something you control more.

The biologist narration (Marina) and the ecotour choice

There’s a specific detail that’s worth your attention: the onboard biologist, Marina, provides info about how the islands formed. If you buy the extra Ecotour (an additional 200 MXN paid on board), you continue with a boat ride around the Marietas area and get more of that guided commentary.

If you don’t purchase Ecotour, you still get the core experience: snorkeling, then the trip continues toward Playa Nopalera. So think of Ecotour as “more boat time + more explanations,” not a requirement to enjoy the day.

Playa Nopalera: rocky corners, real sea time

Next you move to Playa Nopalera. This is not a lazy beach day. The description frames it as rocky, but incredible, with time for you to explore corners and enjoy the sea.

This stop is where the tour earns its specialness. Nopalera is the kind of place where you spend your time moving, not just laying out. The experience is about being in the right spot for waves, tide, and sea views—not just sunbathing.

Also, note what’s not included: Hidden Beach is not part of this tour. So if Hidden Beach is the one photo you came for, don’t book this expecting that exact payoff. You’re going for Marietas + Nopalera, full stop.

If you’re prone to feeling unprepared in the water, plan to wear swim-friendly footwear if you have it. The data doesn’t list a dress code, but rocky areas tend to be rougher on bare feet.

The return to Puerto Magico: food, open bar, and music on high seas

After you’ve done snorkeling and your time at Playa Nopalera, you head back aboard for the return ride. There’s about 90 minutes of “high seas” fun that includes food and an open bar, plus music and a lively onboard atmosphere.

Alcohol and drinks listed as included: beers, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, and bottled water. This is a big part of the value for many people because you’re not paying bar prices while you’re already on an excursion.

One thing to watch: while the tour description says an open bar is included, one customer complaint claimed the open bar didn’t match the description. That doesn’t mean it’s common, but it is a reminder to set expectations clearly. If alcohol is a major part of your plan, ask the operator at check-in what’s currently available.

Food on the return is included as well, but the main meal details are already covered earlier with the lunch. Still, the key point is the experience style: more than just transportation back. It’s a proper wrap-up portion.

Lunch on board: simple, filling, and not vegetarian-friendly

Your lunch is listed as: toast with fish ceviche, chicken salad, and shrimp aguachile. That’s a lot of flavors for one sitting, but it also explains the limitation on dietary options.

The tour states: no vegan or vegetarian food. Based on at least one customer report, dietary requests like vegetarian or no-fish may not be handled the way you’d hope. So if you have dietary needs beyond standard preferences, don’t assume substitutions exist.

If you’re flexible, you’re likely to be fine. If you’re strict about diet, message the provider before you go and ask directly what’s possible, then plan your backup strategy.

Value and price: is $106.53 really a deal?

At $106.53 per person, this tour has a lot going for it. You’re paying for a speedboat day with multiple activities: snorkeling equipment, snorkeling time, kayaking, breakfast, lunch, and a listed open bar.

Where value can get tricky is with the extra fees that are not included. You’ll pay:

• Port fees: 33 MXN per person
• Semarnat bracelet: 220 MXN per person
• Optional Ecotour: 200 MXN per person

Even without doing currency math, the pattern is clear: the base price covers the core experience, but local access and optional add-ons still cost extra. If you’re budgeting tightly, plan on these line items up front so you’re not surprised at the end.

Also, remember duration: it’s not a short hop. If you can’t or don’t want a full chunk of time on the water (sun, wind, boat movement), then the total “cost” isn’t just dollars—it’s energy.

The best value tends to come if you actually use everything: snorkeling, kayaking, and the included meal-and-drink portions.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This works well if you:

• Want a do-it-all water day in one trip: cruise views, snorkeling, kayaking, and time on Nopalera
• Enjoy boat-based itineraries and don’t mind being on a schedule
• Swim comfortably or at least are confident in open water
• Like having meals and drinks taken care of

It’s a weaker fit if you:

• Came specifically for Hidden Beach (not included here)
• Need vegan or vegetarian meals (the tour says none are offered)
• Hate the idea of optional add-ons changing your total cost (Ecotour is extra)
• Expect every onboard detail (boat type, music availability, open-bar experience) to match the description perfectly—rare hiccups happen in real-world operations, and customer reports point to mismatches in some cases

Quick practical tips that make the day smoother

• Bring a swim mindset. Snorkeling and kayaking mean you’re in and around the water for real stretches of time.
• Wear or pack water-friendly clothing. The day includes sun, sea spray, and time moving between boat and shore.
• If Ecotour matters to you, ask what you’re getting and confirm how it affects your timeline.
• Don’t plan your diet around secret substitutions. The tour states they don’t offer vegan or vegetarian meals.

Should you book Marietas Islands and Playa Nopalera by speedboat?

I’d book this if you want an efficient, active day that blends Marietas snorkeling, kayaking, and time at Playa Nopalera, with breakfast, lunch, and drinks included. The price can feel fair because you’re not paying for each segment separately, and the small group size helps the pacing.

I’d skip it if Hidden Beach is your top goal or if you need vegan/vegetarian food. In those cases, look for a tour that explicitly matches your priorities, or be ready to adjust expectations before you arrive.

If you do book, go in with the right checklist: water comfort, willingness to explore a rocky beach, and an understanding that the tour doesn’t include Hidden Beach and doesn’t provide vegan/vegetarian meals.

FAQ

Does this tour include Hidden Beach?

No. Hidden Beach is not included in this tour, and you should expect the day to focus on Marietas Islands activities and Playa Nopalera instead.

Is the Ecotour around the islands included in the ticket price?

No. The Ecotour is optional and costs 200 MXN per person, paid on board.

What extra fees should I budget for?

You’ll need to budget for port fees (33 MXN per person) and a Semarnat bracelet (220 MXN per person). These are listed as not included.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast is listed as bread, fruit, coffee, and juice. Lunch includes toast with fish ceviche, chicken salad, and shrimp aguachile. Alcoholic drinks listed as included are beers, soft drinks, whiskey, tequila, and bottled water.

Is there vegan or vegetarian food on this tour?

No. The tour states it does not offer vegan or vegetarian food.

What activities are included at Marietas and Nopalera?

Snorkeling is included at Marietas Islands, and kayaking is also included. You’ll visit Playa Nopalera and have time to explore the rocky corners and enjoy the sea.

Can I bring a GoPro, and are drones allowed?

GoPro cameras and SI cell phones are allowed under your responsibility. Drones are not allowed.

How many people are on the tour?

This activity has a maximum of 30 travelers.

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