If you are visiting Sayulita then a trip to the Marietas Islands is one experience you absolutely should not miss. After spending the day sailing across the Pacific Ocean with Ally Cat Sailing Adventures, snorkelling around islands, wildlife spotting and soaking up the views from the luxury catamaran with cocktail in hand, we can say this was one of the highlights of our time in Sayulita.
The Marietas Islands are famous for the dramatic volcanic landscapes, hidden beaches, crystal clear water and unique wildlife including the iconic blue footed boobies. Located just off the coast of Riviera Nayarit, these protected islands are one of the most popular day trips from Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta but not all tours are created equal.
We chose to do the luxury catamaran experience with Ally Cat Sailing Adventures and honestly it exceeded our expectations. From the service onboard to the food, drinks and overall atmosphere, it felt much more than premium and relaxed than many of the larger party-style boat tours operating in the area.
In this honest review, we cover:
- what the Marietas Islands tour is really like
- what is included with Ally Cat Sailing
- whether the Hidden Beach is worth it
- our full experience onboard
- important things to know before booking
- if this is actually the best Marietas Islands tour from Sayulita
If you are wondering whether this tour is worth the money, who is it best for and what to expect on the day, this guide will help you decide if it deserves a spot on your Mexico itinerary.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Is the Ally Cat Marietas Islands Tour Worth It?
Yes, absolutely – if you want a more premium Marietas Islands experience with better food, drinks, service and a less crowded atmosphere than standard budget tours.
WHAT ARE THE MARIETAS ISLANDS?
Islas Marietas National Park are a small group of UNESCO protected volcanic islands off the coast of the Rivera Nayarit, Mexico. These volcanic islands are home to some unique wildlife including the blue-footed boobies which make perfect bird spotting opportunites from the boat. There are a few beaches that can be visited, the most famous one is called Hidden Beach.
WHY WE CHOSE ALLY CAT SAILING
After researching multiple tours we chose Ally Cat Sailing Adventures due to their smaller group feel. We didn’t want just another ‘party boat’ tour. Ally Cat Sailing Adventures had better inclusions such as their luxury catamaran, open bar and quality food. Their team were passionate about good service and the environment, giving interesting information about the wildlife.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Hotel pickup
- Catamaran cruise
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Open bar
- Snorkelling gear
- Slides
- Paddleboards/kayaks
- Marine guide
- Wildlife spotting
OUR HONEST EXPERIENCE ON THE TOUR
This is our experience with Ally Cat Sailing Adventures from start to finish. We hope it gives you a clear understanding of what you can expect on your day trip.
Pickup & Check-In Experience
Met met at Pákeke Sayulita on the main road and checked in with the waiting staff member. It was easy and seamless, we could even grab a coffee while we waited for the transport to arrive. Perfectly on time a bus and some mini van taxis pulled up. We were put into one of the taxis and off we went to the harbour, about 30 minutes away.
Boarding the Catamaran
Once at the harbour we boarded the ‘Fat Cat’ luxury catamaran. It was out of this world, a new boat and just beautiful. A continental breakfast of fruit, cake and coffee was set up so we grabbed ourselves a plate and found a spot to relax. The boat was spotlessly clean and comfortable. The boat was not crowded at all and vibe was great! The staff were friendly and welcoming as we all settled in.
Sailing to the Islands
We set off sailing for the Marietas Islands, the ride was smooth and easy. Lounging around watching the views, even spotting some whales passing by. We were served some snacks which were delicious and cocktails were flowing! As we neared we got our first view of the islands. The islands are stark and rise from the water dramatically. We sailed around a little and learnt about the unique blue-footed boobie birds and the other wildlife.
Hidden Beach / Beach Stop
We made our first stop at one of the beaches on the Marietas Islands. We didn’t go to the famous hidden beach (that is a different specific trip which requires a permit and swimming requirements. You have to swim under a cave before reaching the beach) however it was stunning. The sand was perfectly white and the water was crystal clear. Honestly think this is better than the hidden beach as you can roam around freely, we found a boat wreck, cliffs and sunbaking. Our guide also tooks us through a little cave in the cliffs so we could experience what that was like.
Snorkelling Experience
The second stop was for snorkelling. The water was crystal clear making it easy to see the many fish. Swimming was not difficult, the guide led our group around the island walls to see as much as possible.
Food & Drinks Onboard
The food and drinks onboard were excellent. We ate lunch once we were back on the boat and were served up a big plate of fresh quesadillas, rice, beans, guacamole, salsas, fresh tortillas, and veggies. All the food from breakfast, our snacks and lucnh were of a very high quality and made fresh that day. Even as a gluten free traveller I was looked after with the chef preparing my food separately.
Drinks were cold and delicious! There was more than enough on offer with Pacifico and Corona beer and cocktails such as margarita, tequila sunrise, pina colada, rum punch, daiquiris and of course water, soft drinks and juices.
We never even had to get up as the staff were so organised serving everyone where they were sitting. Drinks were offered when you finished one and food was brought out to each person readily.
Sailing back to the harbour
On the way back to the harbour the staff got everyone up dancing and having a blast. Drinks were flowing, it was a great time. There was no pressure to join but everyone did! We stopped off for a little bit of fun, there was a lily pad, slides and paddle boards to play on. The music was going and the vibe was high.
IS ALLY CAT BETTER THAN OTHER MARIETAS TOURS?
We really belive that Ally Cat Sailing Tours are better than other Marietas Islands Tours. In fact we felt sorry for the other boats we saw! This is the best tour for midrange or luxury travellers who want a fun and high quality day out.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING
These are the tips you need to know to do a Marietas Islands Tour:
- If you are prone to seasickness you may want to take medication, we had no problem.
- It is not a hidden beach tour as this requires fees and locked in bookings well in advance.
- Please bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine life.
- The Ally Cat tours sell out! Book as soon as possible.
- The best months to visit are November to May
- Dec-March is whale season so you will have a high chance to see some on the way to the islands.
- If you don’t like swimming or snorkelling you can stay on the big boat and just relax in the sun.
Enjoying this guide? Support our blog by buying us a coffee
BEST TIME TO VISIT MARIETAS ISLANDS
The best time to visit the Marietas Islands is between November to May, due to the good weather and calm seas. If you go during December to March it coincides with whale season so you would have a great chance to see them while sailing to the islands.
WHAT TO PACK
You really don’t need a lot to go on a Marietas Islands day trip but these are the things I would make sure I had with me.
- towel
- swimsuit
- waterproof phone pouch/waterproof camera
- cash tips (the service is excellent!)
- motion sickness tablets
- sunscreen
- hat
- sunglasses
- wear shoes you can leave at the harbour as you will not take them with you
FAQ MARIETAS ISLANDS TOUR
Is the Marietas Islands tour worth it?
Yes! A Marietas Islands Tour is definitely worth it. We loved our day out on the water. We learnt all about the landscapes and animals, we even sighted some whales even though it was out of season. The food and drinks were excellent, this was such a fantastic way to spend a day.
Can you visit Hidden Beach?
Not on this tour. You need to book a specific hidden beach tour and pay the access fee. However I honestly didn’t miss going there. The beach we went to was beautiful, we had an incredible experience learning about the wildlife and it wasn’t crowded.
Is Ally Cat Sailing good?
Yes! Ally Cat Sailing Adventures is honestly one of the best tours we have done. The crew are professional and friendly. Everything from the boat to food and drinks, tour and booking were of a high quality.
How long is the tour?
The Marietas Islands tour goes for 6 hours.
Are drinks included?
Yes, drinks are included in the Ally Cat Sailing Marietas Islands Tour, everything from soft drinks and juice to beer and cocktails. They are free flow all day!
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, if you don’t want to swim you can stay on the big boat. I could have easily stayed aboard for the whole trip and soaked up the views and the sun.
Can you see whales?
Yes you can see whales on the Ally Cat Sailing Marietas Island Tour, we saw some and it wasn’t even whale season. During December to March is the best time.
Is this tour family friendly?
Absolutely, we saw lots of families on board, with children from very young to teens.
Who this tour is BEST for
This tour is best for couples, groups, first time visitors and luxury travellers. We loved it as mid-range traveling couple. It was the perfect mix of fun without being pushy and very high quality service.
It is not for budget backpackers, the elderly or those with a physical impediment (unless you are happy to stay on the boat)
This was genuinely one of our favourite experiences in Sayulita and one of the best boat tours we’ve done in Mexico. If you’re visiting during peak season we’d recommend booking early because spots on the catamaran do fill up.
Plan your trip:
👉 Read next: Sayulita 3 Days in Sayulita, Mexico: Beaches, Marietas Islands, San Pancho & Where to Stay (2026) Guide
👉 Plan your trip: Mexico Travel Guide
👉 Don’t miss: Mexico City is the vibrant city break you need to indulge in
Want to see it all in action? Watch our full Mexico series on YouTube (subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our travel guides) and follow along on Instagram @passport_nomads and @kelly___buckley for real-time travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes moments.
