Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

If you’re considering a trip to the famed Marietas Islands, this all-inclusive boat tour offers a lively, well-rounded day on the water. It promises a mix of fun activities, excellent food, and stunning scenery, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting a taste of authentic Pacific Coast marine life and beaches.

Based on hundreds of glowing reviews, it’s clear that this tour is a crowd favorite, especially for those who enjoy a spirited atmosphere and a touch of adventure.

What we love about this tour are two main things: the variety of water sports and the high quality of the included food and drinks. Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the deck, there’s plenty of active options.

Plus, the generous open bar and delicious Mexican cuisine mean you can indulge without worrying about extra costs. However, one thing to consider is the large group size, which may make it feel less intimate for some travelers.

This tour suits travelers who love social, energetic days on the water but still want some time for relaxation and wildlife viewing.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, lively experience with excellent value—especially if custom attention isn’t your top priority—this tour will likely fit your expectations well.

This experience made our article of 4 Fantastic Tours & Things To Do In Pacific Coast.

Key Points

Vibrant water sports options: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterslides keep the day lively.
All-inclusive food and drinks: Enjoy breakfast, a delicious lunch, and an open bar with premium beverages.
Wildlife viewing: Spot humpback whales (seasonally), sea turtles, rays, and more.
Highly praised crew: Many reviews highlight energetic, attentive guides who prioritize safety and fun.
Fairly priced for a full day: At $135 per person, you get a lot of activities, food, and drinks included.
Great for groups and families: Spacious boat, kid-friendly activities, and a social vibe suit many travelers.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with a prompt departure from the Bay of Banderas. You’ll start your day with a breakfast of fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, and a premium open bar—think water, coffee, juices, and mimosas—setting a cheerful tone for the day. This early start means you’ll be on the water when the scenery is at its most peaceful, with calm seas and fewer boats around.

The cruise along the North Shore to the islands lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this stretch, you’ll enjoy views of the coastline and might even catch sight of humpback whales if you’re visiting from December to April. Several reviewers mention whale sightings as a highlight, thanks to the seasonally rich waters. You’ll also see sea turtles and rays, adding to the thrill of wildlife watching—an accessible adventure for all ages.

Arriving at the Marietas Islands, you’ll anchor for a couple of hours in the protected park. This is where the real fun begins. Guided by staff, you can choose from snorkeling, paddling kayaks, or simply lounging in the water. The unique landscape—hidden coves, caves, and the famous “Secret Beach”—creates a surreal setting. Be mindful that access to the Hidden Beach requires an extra fee and is very limited, so it’s wise to ask about it beforehand. Some reviews mention that weather conditions, such as rough seas, may prevent swimming ashore, but even on such days, guests still enjoyed the boat’s amenities.

The Food and Drinks

After working up an appetite, you’ll return to the boat to savor a Mexican fajita lunch with rice, beans, and tortillas—an authentic, satisfying meal. Many reviewers rave about the quality of the food, with some noting it’s better than expected for a tour of this nature. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you specify at booking, making it accessible for various dietary needs.

The open bar remains available throughout the day, serving everything from soda and water to tequila, beer, wine, champagne, and tropical cocktails like piña coladas. Guests consistently appreciate the generous pouring and variety, describing it as a big bonus for the price.

The Fun Continues

Post-lunch, the boat takes you back across the bay, where you can indulge in more waterplay or just relax on shaded decks. Many reviews mention the lively atmosphere, with music, dancing, and socializing encouraged by the crew. The crew’s energy and attentiveness come in for particular praise—one reviewer even called the staff “fantastic” and “experienced,” noting their focus on safety and fun.

In the last stretch, the boat slows down, allowing guests to enjoy the rolling sea, take photos, or simply unwind. This segment is often highlighted as a great way to end a day filled with activity and adventure.

From the Reviews: What Travelers Say

Many guests emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, with comments like, “Raul kept the vibes and the drinks flowing,” and “They take very good care of your needs.” Others highlight the value for money, especially considering the included meals, drinks, and water sports—many reviewers return multiple times or recommend the tour to others.

A few travelers expressed concerns, notably about the size of the group and the loud music, which might detract from a more relaxed experience. One review pointed out that the large group and loud party atmosphere made it feel more like a booze cruise than an eco-focused visit, raising environmental concerns about crowds and safety. If environmental education or a quieter, more nature-focused outing is what you seek, this might not be the best fit.

Notable Highlights from Guest Feedback

• “The staff makes it so much fun and takes very good care of your needs.”
• “The food was very good, and the drinks kept flowing.”
• “Great for families, with activities and shade for kids.”
• “Seeing whales was a highlight for the seasonally visiting guests.”
• “The boat was spacious, and there was plenty of room for everyone.”

And on the flip side, some cautionary notes: music volume could be excessive, snorkeling guides might be limited for large groups, and environmental concerns were raised by a few travelers about the impact of large boats on the fragile ecosystem.

Practical Details for Planning Your Trip

Pricing at $135 per person offers good value, considering that breakfast, lunch, and drinks are included. It’s a straightforward, all-in-one package that saves you from additional costs—perfect if you like knowing upfront what your day will cost.

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with most of it on the water. The group size is capped at around 64 travelers, which helps maintain a lively atmosphere without feeling overcrowded.

Transportation from Sayulita to the marina is included in the reviews, making logistics simple. However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way or arrange additional transport.

Special considerations:
– This tour is suitable for most travelers, but minimum drinking age is 18.
– Drones are prohibited to protect bird flight paths.
– Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise at the time of booking.
– Be aware of environmental concerns—refrain from bringing reef-safe sunblock and respect wildlife.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy social atmospheres and water sports. Families with kids will find plenty to do, especially with shaded decks, water slides, and spacious boat design. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to see humpbacks and sea turtles, especially during peak season.

It’s a great option if you’re after a full day of fun, food, and friends rather than a quiet, eco-focused excursion. If your priority is learning about the ecosystem or avoiding large crowds, you might prefer a more subdued or educational experience. But if you’re looking for a lively, all-inclusive day out with a good chance of meeting fellow travelers and enjoying Mexican cuisine, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

The Marietas Islands all-day tour offers excellent value for those seeking a lively, activity-packed adventure on the water. The friendly guides, delicious Mexican food, and abundant water sports make it a memorable way to spend a day in the Bay of Banderas. While it’s not a quiet eco-tour, it excels at providing a fun, social environment with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

The large group size and party vibe may not suit travelers craving tranquility or a more educational experience, but for most, the combination of scenic views, water activities, and good food makes this tour a worthwhile splurge. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with friends, family, or fellow solo travelers looking to connect.

Ultimately, it’s a well-organized, lively day that leaves most guests happy, often recommending it highly. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, a good attitude, and perhaps some reef-safe sunblock.

FAQ

Is transportation from Sayulita included?
While reviews mention easy transportation, it’s best to confirm whether the tour provides pickup or if you need to arrange your own transfer to the marina.

What activities are included?
You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy waterslides. Water sports gear is provided, and there are floating mattresses and water tubes for extra fun.

Does the tour include food and drinks?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included, and there’s a premium open bar offering alcohol, juices, soda, water, and tropical cocktails throughout the day.

Can I visit the Hidden Beach?
Yes, but it requires an extra fee and limited access. It’s advisable to inquire beforehand about this optional visit.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at around 64 travelers, which helps maintain a lively but manageable environment.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise at booking.

Are children allowed?
Yes, the tour can be family-friendly, with activities suitable for most ages. However, the minimum drinking age is 18.

This lively full-day tour packs in scenic views, wildlife sightings, water sports, and delicious food—all in one affordable package. Perfect for those who want a social, active day on the Pacific Coast, with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the sun afterward.