PUERTO VALLARTA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Marietas Island Shamballa II: Snorkel, Wildlife and Secret Beaches off Puerto Vallarta
A guided half-day voyage from Puerto Vallarta that combines snorkeling in a protected marine park, wildlife watching and time to relax on Lover’s Beach.
Marietas Island Shamballa II: Snorkel, Wildlife and Secret Beaches off Puerto Vallarta.
Embark from Puerto Vallarta for a crisp boat run across Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands, where continental breakfast, expert English-speaking guides and the chance to see humpback whales (in season), dolphins, sea turtles and exotic seabirds precede snorkeling in crystal-clear, protected waters and a swim at Lover’s Beach.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seabirds, Turtles and the Blue-Footed Booby
Keep your eyes open during the cruise and at the islands: guides identify seabirds and marine megafauna and you may spot the rare Blue-Footed Booby, sea turtles, manta rays, playful dolphins and—during season—humpback whales.
Snorkel a Protected Marine Park
Don snorkel gear provided by the operator and swim among colorful fish and vibrant coral in the Marietas’ protected waters during a dedicated snorkeling stop.
Open Bar and Lover’s Beach
Between ocean swims and wildlife watching, relax on the boat’s deck with a premium open bar and spend time on Lover’s Beach to swim and soak up the setting.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
The morning begins at the maritime terminal with a continental breakfast aboard, then a scenic cruise across Banderas Bay. Guides narrate wildlife sightings as the boat threads toward the Marietas; once there, you switch to mask and snorkel to explore the marine park, return to the boat for lunch and the open bar, and finish with a beach stop at Lover’s Beach and a last circuit around the islands’ iconic formations.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a camera, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and cash for tips, photos and extras. Note the Marine Park Conservation Fee (220 MXN per person, approx. $8 USD) and the Marina Entrance Fee (33 MXN per person, approx. $2 USD).
The tour includes a continental breakfast (fresh fruit, coffee, sweet bread, juices), lunch (aguachiles, ceviches, chicken salad), a premium open bar, life jackets and mask & snorkel; friendly English-speaking guides are provided.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Marietas Island Shamballa II tour?
The listed duration for the experience is 5 hours.
When does the tour operate and what time does it start?
The tour is available Tuesday through Sunday and departs at 9:00 AM.
Where do I meet for departure?
Meeting point is the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Vallarta; detailed directions are provided with your confirmation.
What is included in the price?
Included are English-speaking tour guides, breakfast, lunch, a premium open bar, life jackets, and mask & snorkel; guests should also expect to pay park and marina entrance fees separately.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund; cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable or accepted.
Are there any health restrictions?
The experience is not suitable for pregnant women and is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions or back/neck problems.