Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

A floating day of food and water fun. This six-hour Chica Locca trip combines a scenic cruise across Banderas Bay with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a wet landing at Playa La Nopalera in the Marietas Islands National Park. I especially like the excellent crew service and the fact that meals, premium drinks, and water equipment are included rather than added one by one.

I also like the chance to spot humpback whales from December through April, along with sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and blue-footed boobies. The main consideration is physical: reaching the island and snorkeling area requires swimming from the boat or a smaller tender, so this is not a good fit for anyone with limited mobility or low confidence in the water.

The important details at a glance

• Six hours on the water: The trip includes transportation, food, drinks, guided island time, and the return cruise.
• Playa La Nopalera, not the famous hidden beach: The standard outing visits Nopalera. The enclosed beach shown in some promotional images is a separate option and is not included here.
• Whale season runs from December through April: Sightings are not guaranteed, but the captain may pause when whales appear.
• A full water-toy setup: Snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats, and a waterslide are available without an extra equipment charge.
• Meals are part of the price: You get fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice in the morning, guacamole and chips later, and Mexican fajitas for lunch.
• Price: At $131 per person, the value is strongest if you plan to use the open bar and several water activities.

Cruising north across Banderas Bay

The day begins at one of two Chica Locca pickup points: Paradise Village Pier or the Carlos Co y Usa location. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before setting out. One recent passenger found the meeting spot easy to reach in the heart of Sayulita, with comfortable transportation to the marina, but the supplied details also list two marina starting points. Confirming the pickup address is a smart first step.

Once aboard, the boat gives you room to spread out. It has lower and upper areas for sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the breeze, plus a waterslide for anyone who prefers a little more action. This is not a small, quiet fishing boat. It is designed as a social day on the sea, with staff moving around to serve drinks and help with the activities.

The route follows the north shore of Banderas Bay toward the Marietas Islands. That ride is part of the appeal. You get broad coastal views, open water, and a chance to watch for marine life before reaching the park.

From December to April, humpback whales are present in these waters. Several visitors had excellent sightings, and one captain reportedly stopped more than once to give people a better look. Whales are wild animals, so you should treat this as a welcome possibility, not a promise. Outside whale season, you can still watch for sea turtles, rays, seabirds, and other marine life.

Blue-footed boobies are another memorable sight. Their fishing style and bright feet give the islands a bit of natural theater, especially when they fly close to the boat or plunge toward the water.

Breakfast, guacamole, and an open bar

Breakfast comes early in the cruise, with fresh seasonal fruit, muffins, juice, and coffee. It is a light continental meal, not a full hot breakfast. That works well if you want something easy before swimming, but you may want to eat beforehand if you need a substantial morning meal.

Later, the crew serves fresh guacamole with blue corn chips. It is a useful snack before the island activities and gives the day a local Mexican touch without slowing the schedule.

Lunch is Mexican fajitas with a choice of beef, chicken, or vegetarian filling, plus rice, beans, and corn tortillas. The meal received good marks overall, though one person found the food only fair and wanted more protein at breakfast and more seasoning or hot sauce at lunch. I would set expectations at tasty and practical rather than restaurant quality.

The drink service is one of the tour’s strongest value points. The package includes water, coffee, juice, soda, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other drinks. Staff members are attentive and keep the service moving, which is convenient but also means this trip can feel more like a lively party cruise than a quiet nature outing.

Reaching Playa La Nopalera by water

The Marietas Islands are volcanic formations protected as a marine national park. The setting is the real star: rock walls, clear tropical water, seabirds, and marine life all packed into a small offshore reserve.

At the islands, a guide leads the group toward Playa La Nopalera. You may swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or use a float. The approach includes a wet landing, meaning you enter the water and make your way ashore rather than stepping directly onto a dock.

That detail matters. You need a swimsuit, towel, and enough comfort in the water to manage the transfer. A camera or phone can also be awkward to carry unless you have a waterproof case that can stay secured around your neck. The onboard photographer can take pictures during the water activities and even accompany the group toward shore.

Time on the island may feel brief. One person found about 20 minutes enough to see the beach and surroundings, but you should not expect a long beach visit. The point is to experience a protected island site as part of a larger marine outing, not to spend an afternoon sunbathing on shore.

A key booking detail: Playa La Nopalera is not the enclosed hidden beach shown in some images. The famous cove beach is a separate experience and requires an additional payment. If that particular beach is your main reason for booking, check the exact option before paying.

Snorkeling and water activities

The tour supplies snorkels, life vests, kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats, and other water equipment. That saves you from renting gear separately and lets you choose your level of activity once conditions are clear.

Snorkeling can be excellent. Several outings produced plenty of colorful fish, and the equipment was described as good quality. Still, sea conditions can change the experience. One person found the snorkeling disappointing because high swells forced the boat away from the usual site. That is an important warning for anyone booking mainly to see underwater life.

You can also kayak or use a stand-up paddleboard around the island area. These options are useful if you want to enjoy the water without putting your face in it. The boat’s waterslide adds another layer of fun, especially for families and adults who enjoy a playful atmosphere.

The crew provides supervision and water guidance. Their attentiveness is one of the most consistent strengths of the trip. Staff members help with equipment, monitor safety, serve drinks, and make sure people know what to do next. Families with children have found the crew especially careful, but children still need to be comfortable around open water and able to follow instructions.

If you prefer not to enter the water, you can remain on the main boat, relax in the sun, and enjoy the scenery. That can still make for a pleasant day, but the price makes more sense when you plan to use at least some of the water equipment.

Why the crew matters so much

The Chica Locca service is a major part of the experience. Guides are energetic without being described as pushy, and they keep an eye on people during the wet landing and water activities.

Saul has been singled out for attentive service aboard the boat. Kano has also helped people with local taco recommendations, a small but useful bonus if you are staying in the area. The crew’s friendly approach helps the day feel organized without becoming stiff.

The photographer is another unusual feature. Candid and action shots are taken throughout the day, including in the water and near the island. Photos are not included in the $131 price, but you can view and purchase them afterward. This is handy if you want pictures without risking your phone during the wet landing.

Do not feel that you need to buy photos. Treat them as an optional extra, and bring a waterproof case if taking your own pictures is important.

The return ride: lunch, drinks, and a waterslide

After the island visit, you return to the boat for lunch, more drinks, and additional time in the water. The pace becomes less structured. You can swim, use the slide, sit on deck, or simply watch the coastline pass.

The trip back across Banderas Bay is when the outing shifts into a relaxed social cruise. Music, dancing, cocktails, and the ocean breeze may appeal to you after the more active island portion. If you want a quiet ride, choose a seat away from the main activity areas and spend time on the upper deck when available.

The boat has enough space for both movement and rest. That matters on a six-hour outing, since a crowded vessel can make a full day on the water tiring. The roomy design gives you more choice about how much sun, noise, and activity you want.

Is $131 a good value?

At $131 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Marietas Islands. The price makes sense because it bundles several costs that can quickly add up elsewhere:

• Boat transportation across Banderas Bay
• Breakfast, snacks, and lunch
• Premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Snorkeling and water equipment
• Guides and water supervision
• Guided access to Playa La Nopalera
• Scenic cruising and possible whale watching

The value is particularly strong for people who will use the open bar, water toys, and included meals. It is also appealing if you want one simple booking instead of arranging separate transport, food, and equipment.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike group activities, or plan to stay dry on the boat. It is also not the right purchase if the enclosed hidden beach is your priority, since that requires a different option and extra payment.

The 4.7 rating from 40 reviews and the 95 percent perfect transport score suggest a dependable operation, but you should still allow for weather and sea conditions. Snorkeling quality and whale sightings cannot be controlled by the crew.

Who should book this Marietas Islands trip?

I would recommend it for couples, families with older children, and friends who want a full day rather than a short island transfer. It works especially well for people who enjoy mixing nature with food, drinks, swimming, and a bit of music.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors to the Marietas Islands who want equipment and guidance provided. You do not need to plan separate rentals, and the crew can help you get into the water and choose an activity.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone with mobility impairments, because the island visit requires a wet transfer and swimming. It may also disappoint serious snorkelers if rough water changes the planned site. If underwater viewing is your only goal, look for a tour built around snorkeling rather than a large all-day party boat.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Languages are English and Spanish. Bring swimwear and a towel, and add a waterproof phone case if you want to take your own pictures.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an all-inclusive day on the water with whales in season, a capable crew, open drinks, Mexican food, and plenty of ways to play. The strongest points are the service, roomy boat, included equipment, and the chance to combine the Marietas Islands with a fun cruise instead of treating the visit as a simple beach stop.

Skip it if you need a quiet small-boat nature trip, have limited mobility, or care mainly about the famous enclosed beach. For everyone else, $131 is a fair price for a busy but well-organized day that gives you plenty to do even if the sea conditions change.

FAQ

How long is the Marietas Islands boat tour?

The tour lasts six hours, including the cruise across Banderas Bay, time at the Marietas Islands National Park, meals, water activities, and the return trip.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit, muffins, juice, and coffee. You also receive guacamole with blue corn chips and a lunch of beef, chicken, or vegetarian fajitas with rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other drinks.

Is the famous hidden beach included?

No. The standard tour visits Playa La Nopalera. The enclosed cove beach shown in some promotional images is a separate option that requires an additional payment.

What water activities are available?

You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, swim, use floating mats, and ride the boat’s waterslide. Equipment such as snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards, and life vests is provided.

Can I see whales on this tour?

Humpback whales inhabit Banderas Bay from December through April. Sightings are possible but are not guaranteed. Sea turtles, rays, seabirds, and tropical fish may also be seen during the year.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A waterproof case is useful if you want to carry a phone or camera during the wet landing and water activities.