THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail from Puerto Vallarta with Puerto Vallarta Net for a day of snorkeling, beach lounging, and wildlife sightings at the Marietas Islands National Park. Dive into vibrant reefs, stroll secluded shores, and encounter dolphins and manta rays on this 7.5-hour marine adventure.
Set sail from Puerto Vallarta with Puerto Vallarta Net for a day of snorkeling, beach lounging, and wildlife sightings at the Marietas Islands National Park. Dive into vibrant reefs, stroll secluded shores, and encounter dolphins and manta rays on this 7.5-hour marine adventure.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Puerto Vallarta Net · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta lies the Marietas Islands National Park, a protected marine sanctuary where rugged cliffs meet aquamarine waters. This 1,380-hectare park, established in 2005, features two main islands and several smaller islets known for their dramatic rock formations, hidden beaches, and rich biodiversity. Puerto Vallarta Net offers a standout day trip combining snorkeling, beach time, and sailing that invites adventurers into this unique marine environment.
Departing early from Puerto Vallarta or nearby Nuevo Vallarta, guests board a sleek sailing vessel manned by knowledgeable guides who navigate the Bay of Banderas en route to the Marietas. Along the way, keep an eye out for Pacific bottlenose dolphins arching through the waves, giant manta rays gliding just below the surface, and sea turtles bobbing gracefully near the boat. Seasonal travelers may also catch glimpses of humpback whales from December through March.
The heart of the experience comes ashore at the natural Nopalera beach, a rare sandy cove embraced by towering limestone cliffs and framed by azure waters. Here, snorkelers can swim alongside tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs, guided safely through underwater caverns and arches. Birdwatchers can spot exotic seabirds nesting among the rocky outcrops, a testament to the park’s ecological importance.
Back on deck, guests savor a continental breakfast followed by a freshly prepared lunch, with an open national bar to keep spirits high while sailing back. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, flexible timing to adjust for sea conditions, and a genuine encounter with Mexico’s natural splendor and warm hospitality.
For those seeking a blend of active adventure and serene coastal beauty in one day, Puerto Vallarta Net’s Marietas Islands trip delivers a compelling gateway into one of Mexico’s most treasured outdoor destinations.
moderate.
7–8 hours.
Participants should be in good physical shape to swim for up to 45 minutes and manage climbing onboard ladders.
The tour includes continental breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, beverages including an open national bar after leaving the park, and activities like snorkeling and bird watching.
No, park entrance fees (120 pesos) and Marina Opequimar fees (90 pesos) are paid separately on-site.
Bring a beach towel, biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, comfortable clothes, and some cash for fees and tips.
Yes, the tour welcomes participants aged 5 and older, but all must be able to climb a 4-rung ladder to board the boat.
Cancellations up to 24 hours before the trip are fully refundable; changes within 24 hours of departure are not accepted.
Humpback whales are commonly spotted between December and March, offering seasonal whale watching opportunities.
Designated a National Park in 2005, the Marietas Islands are a critical marine sanctuary preserving diverse habitats along the Bay of Banderas.
Strict regulations limit visitor numbers and prohibit damaging activities to protect delicate reefs, nesting birds, and marine populations in the park.
Puerto Vallarta Net is a tour provider that lists and offers a broad catalog of guided experiences around Puerto Vallarta. The company’s available trips span boat and island excursions, adventure land tours, zipline canopy courses, ATV and RZR off-road adventures, horseback rides, fishing charters, whale watching, and themed cruises. The offering includes multiple Marietas Islands options, such as snorkeling and Hidden Beach visits, as well as catamaran and private island adventures. On land, options range from zipline courses and canopy river experiences to Jorullo Bridge RZR tours, ATV circuits, and mule or horseback rides at El Eden and other ranch locations. Shared departures and private tours are both listed across the catalog. Puerto Vallarta Net’s trip listings name activities like whale watching ecotours, parasailing, pirate ship cruises, dinner cruises, and a variety of half-day and full-day snorkeling and fishing departures. The business presents combinations—such as ATV + canopy + mules—and themed experiences like tequila tastings or waterfall hikes. The catalog also includes city tours, botanical garden walks, and visits to nearby towns such as San Sebastián del Oeste and Sayulita. All descriptions on the site identify activity types, common inclusions (for example breakfast, open bar, or lunch on specific Marietas trips), and the primary destinations served. Content is third-party factual and based on the published trip names and summaries provided for Puerto Vallarta Net.
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