The Banderas Bay is a magnificent stretch of coastline in Mexico and its true treasures are found underwater. A day trip from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands will take you right into the heart of the action and introduce you to the many wonders of Mexico’s fauna and flora.

The islands were discovered by Jacques Cousteau who fought to have it declared a protected marine environment. Thanks to his efforts, its unique landscape has been impeccably preserved and tourism regulated to encourage sustainable practices.

Here is a look at everything you need to know about the Marietas Islands, one of the best destinations for day tours from Puerta Vallarta.

Where are the Marietas Islands located in Mexico?

The Marietas Islands is a group of islands on the north side of Banderas Bay, west of Puerto Vallarta. It is roughly 8 kilometers from Punta de Mita, the peninsula of the bay.

The only way to reach the islands is with a guided tour. Tours include a boat transfer to and from the islands and a cruise around the area to various snorkeling spots and beaches.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Marietas Islands?

Start the day with an early departure from the marina and enjoy a relaxing cruise to the northern tip of the bay of Banderas. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins along the way and relax on deck with a refreshing beverage.

Enjoy hours of snorkeling at various points around the islands and share the water with sea turtles, manta rays and hundreds of species of colorful fish.

After a long day of water activities and adventures, you can dry off and enjoy the leisurely cruise back to the coast.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta?

Guided tours to the Marietas Island

A guided tour to the Marietas Islands is the best way to experience its magnificence up close. Groups are kept small to ensure personal attention and safety to guests but also to help conserve the fragile ecosystem of the islands.

Tours include a light packed lunch and beverages on board and you have full use of the snorkeling equipment on board. Some tours also provide equipment for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, or offer scuba diving as an optional extra.

There are several tour options and you can board a sailboat, catamaran, speedboat or cruise vessel, depending on your budget and time restrictions.

Private tour to the Marietas Islands

Avoid crowds altogether and book a private tour to the Marietas Island. A speedboat will get you from spot to spot as quickly as possible, giving you a thrilling ride but also maximizing your snorkeling time.

This private experience is for a group of up to 8 people, allowing you to enjoy the coves and reefs of Marietas Islands in private. You can customize the tour to your liking and the guide is at your disposal for information and technical help.

How much does a tour to the Marietas Islands cost?

A basic snorkeling tour to the Marietas Islands costs around US$90 per person. These tours include a light lunch and snorkeling equipment. You will have to pay conservation fees and dock fees separately upon arrival.

For a more comprehensive experience, you can pay around US$110 per person to enjoy an open bar and use of kayaks.

Booking a private speedboat costs US$800 for a group of up to 8 people.

What will you see and do on a day tour to the Marietas Islands?

Marietas Islands are part of a protected marine area with an abundance of fascinating creatures both on land and under the water.

Spotting all the fascinating animals the islands has to offer is the main attraction for the day and you can keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and blue-footed boobies.

Amore beach, or hidden beach, is another geological treasure unique to these islands. It is a massive open-air cave. If ocean conditions permit, you will swim against the current for around 200 meters to step onto the magical white sand doused in sunlight from the cavern roof.

The archipelago has various other caves and stone arches meeting the sea, creating a showstopping geological treasure.

When is the best time to visit Marietas Islands?

The best time to visit Marietas Islands is from December to April. This is when you can expect to see humpback whales in the bay, a big bonus on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta. This is also the calmest time of the year weather-wise, optimizing your chances of accessing the hidden beach.

Travel tips

Bring cash to pay the port fees. Your tour operator will tell you how much the extra fees are.
Bring your own swimsuit and towel for snorkeling.
Have motion sickness medicine on hand if this is a problem that affects you. Spending hours in the water can make you feel very ill if you are not prepared.
Regularly apply sunscreen as you can easily get sunburnt while snorkeling.

Marietas Islands: Day Trips and Tours from Puerto Vallarta