Marietas Islands: snorkel & kayak
- Marina Vallarta, muelle principal
- La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, marina
- Duration6 h
- Group sizeUp to 15 guests
- BoatGarza Morena
- Trip typeShared
About this trip
We sail by catamaran to the Marietas Islands National Park to snorkel and kayak among rock arches and seabirds. Light breakfast, lunch on board and a sail back.
Your day on board
For the 9:00 AM departure.
We set sail from Marina Vallarta with a light breakfast on board
We pick up guests at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
We reach the Marietas Islands: snorkeling and kayaking among the arches
Hidden Beach for guests with the add-on (Wednesday to Sunday, subject to the daily cap)
Lunch on board
We sail back, with Mexican beer
Back at the dock
What the trip includes
Included
- Captain and crew
- Snorkel gear and life jacket
- Kayak and paddleboard
- Light breakfast and lunch on board
- Water and soft drinks
- Mexican beer on the way back
Not included
- Park wristband (approx. MXN 220 per person, cash, at the current CONANP rate)
- Marina dock fee
- Tips
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Cash for the wristband and tips
- ID
The boat
Garza Morena
44 ft, room for 20 guests
Sailing catamaran with bow nets, shaded deck, restroom, swim ladder, double kayak and four paddleboards.
Available extras
You can add them when you book.
- Hidden Beach access (ages 10–65, subject to daily cap)MX$650 per person
- Onboard photographerMX$2,800 each
Policies
Cancellation policy
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund of your deposit. Under 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable.
Weather
If the captain or the Port Authority cancels for weather or a port closure, you pick a new date at no cost or get a 100% refund.
Paying the balance
The balance is paid on the day, before departure, in cash or by bank transfer.
Safety and permits
Our boats meet Port Authority (Capitanía de Puerto) requirements and every trip carries passenger liability insurance. Our captains hold current certification. On board: adult and child life jackets, a first-aid kit and a VHF radio. At the Marietas and around whales we follow CONANP rules and NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010.
Provided by the operator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Marietas wristband included?
No. It's paid in cash on the day, about MXN 220 per person at the current CONANP rate.
Can we visit Hidden Beach?
With the add-on, Wednesday to Sunday, ages 10–65. It depends on the park's daily cap and the tide: you swim about 120 m with a life jacket and helmet.
What if the weather is bad?
The captain decides. You pick a new date at no cost or get a full refund.
What if a shared tour doesn't fill up?
Each shared tour needs a minimum number of guests. If it isn't reached, we let you know at least 48 hours before, and you choose a new date or a full refund.
When is whale season?
December 8 to March 23, per the official season notice.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, we carry kids' life jackets. They pay the same rate as adults.
Is there a restroom on board?
On the sailboat and the catamaran, yes; on the panga, no.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
On private trips, yes: no glass and no single-use plastics.
How much should I tip?
10–20% for the crew is customary, in cash.
When should I get to the dock?
30 minutes early, with cash for the dock fee. We send the exact pin the day before.
Departure points
You choose the point when booking. If it has a cost, it’s added to your total.
- Open in Google Maps: Marina Vallarta, muelle principal (opens in a new tab)
Marina Vallarta, muelle principal
No extra cost
- Open in Google Maps: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, marina (opens in a new tab)
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, marina
No extra cost