A Marietas snorkel trip from Puerto Vallarta

About this experience

The title tells you most of it: a snorkelling trip to the Marieta Islands, from Puerto Vallarta, in a small group, over five hours. Starting in town saves you the drive to Punta de Mita, but the crossing is longer: the islands are about 34 km from Puerto Vallarta, which is 45 minutes to an hour and a half by boat depending on its size. Out of five hours, that leaves a fair share for the water.

Every Marietas trip follows the park rules: a life jacket in the water, no alcohol on the islands, no single-use plastics, eco-friendly sunscreen only, and the 125 MXN park fee per person. The park is closed on Mondays. Snorkelling around the islands means reef fish over volcanic rock, and in winter you may see humpback whales on the crossing.

The title says snorkelling, not the Hidden Beach. The crater landing is capped at 116 people a day and needs a permitted operator, so don't assume it's included. The booking page shows the exact pier, the inclusions and whether the Hidden Beach is part of the day.

• Starts in Puerto Vallarta, no drive to Punta de Mita
• Small group
• Snorkelling around the Marietas
• Five hours, a half day with time in the water
• Whales possible on the crossing from December to March

How the day runs

1. StartBoard in Puerto Vallarta

   Meet at the pier given on the booking page.

2. 45 min to 1.5 hCross the bay

   The ride north-west across Banderas Bay to the islands.

3. At the islandsSnorkel

   Life jacket on, as the park requires, and into the water with mask and snorkel.

4. 45 min to 1.5 hBack to Puerto Vallarta

   The crossing home, about five hours after you set off.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• Plan for Tuesday to Sunday. The park is closed on Mondays.
• Use eco-friendly sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you swim, or wear a rash guard.
• Take a seasickness tablet before a long crossing if you need one.
• Book December to March for a chance of whales on the way out.

Read next:

• Snorkelling
• Where to leave from

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Snorkel, Kayak & Playa Nopalera Boat DaySnorkel, kayak and paddleboard, then land on Playa La Nopalera. Waterslides, fajitas and an open bar, no tunnel swim.★ 4.8 · 6 hours · from $119Marietas Islands with Breakfast, Lunch & Open BarA six-hour Marietas day from Puerto Vallarta with breakfast, lunch and an open bar on board.★ 4.7 · 6 hours · from $119Marietas Islands Safari from Punta de MitaThe shortest crossing: 15 minutes from Punta de Mita, close to three hours at the islands, ten guests at most.★ 4.5 · 3.5 hours · from $154