Puerto Vallarta is introducing weekend ferry tours to Las Islas Marías, offering travelers a unique way to explore the archipelago’s natural, historical, and cultural treasures. The new program, announced this week by Retired Admiral Juan Ortiz Guarneros, head of PV’s National Port System Administration (Asipona), aims to make the islands a sustainable destination for visitors from Mexico and abroad.
Starting in 2026, ferries with a capacity of 199 passengers will depart Puerto Vallarta every Friday at 8:00 am, making the five-hour trip to Maria Madre Island and returning Sunday evening.
Tourists can choose from a range of accommodations, from single rooms to family homes for up to eight guests. Some options feature private pools, grills, palapas, sports courts, and golf carts for exploring the island. The package also includes buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus access to the beach club, restaurant, bar, gym, spa, and other amenities, ensuring a comfortable and engaging stay.
The program also includes themed workshops on nautical knots, visits to the archipelago’s historical museum – which chronicles its evolution from a penal colony to a sustainable tourist destination – and behind-the-scenes tours of ferry operations. Sporting and cultural events will occasionally be part of the itinerary, including a duathlon for 365 athletes combining swimming and cross-country running.
Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, Las Islas Marías are home to endemic species like the yellow-headed parrot, caracara, and island raccoon. Visitors can also experience national and indigenous culture through a crafts market near the iconic Mandela Arch.
With this new route, Puerto Vallarta reinforces its role as one of Mexico’s leading tourist ports, offering travelers a dynamic combination of nature, history, culture, and recreation with a focus on sustainability. Trip costs will be announced by the operating company ahead of the 2026 launch. The islands also feature a 1,800-meter airport for private flights.
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