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A new ferry linking Puerto Vallarta to the Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve will begin service this week, opening a maritime route to the Mexican Pacific archipelago located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) off the coast of Nayarit.
Officials from the Turística Integral company and the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) unveiled the ferry that will launch a new maritime route connecting Puerto Vallarta to the Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve. Located in the Mexican Pacific, the archipelago sits approximately 112 km (70 miles) off the coast of Nayarit.
The presentation took place on the morning of Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, which will serve as the departure point for the ferry.
Service is scheduled to run once or twice per month (refer to the calendar below), with the inaugural voyage set for Friday, January 16, 2026. The crossing is expected to take approximately five hours.
Vessel Features and Logistics
The vessel assigned to this route is a two-level ferry featuring both Tourist and Executive sections, with a total capacity for 119 passengers. Manufactured in China and acquired by Turística Integral in 2022, the ship was specifically commissioned for the nautical journey to the Islas Marías.
Puerto Vallarta will now replace Mazatlán, Sinaloa, as a primary departure hub for this tour. Currently, the only other active departure point for the islands is San Blas, Nayarit.
All-Inclusive Experience and Pricing
The tour is designed as a comprehensive travel package that includes round-trip transportation, accommodation, buffet-style dining, and guided activities within the protected area. Travelers will also have access to various amenities, including a beach club, bar, restaurant, spa, and gym.
Pricing for the 3-Day/2-Night Package:
- Mexican Nationals: $10,740 MXN
- International Visitors: $12,090 MXN
Pricing for the 4-Day/3-Night Package:
- Mexican Nationals: $13,875 MXN
- International Visitors: $15,800 MXN
About the Islas Marías
The Islas Marías is a Pacific archipelago historically famous for housing a federal prison—often called the “Mexican Alcatraz”—which operated for 114 years until its closure in 2019.
In 2000, the area was declared a Biosphere Reserve, and in 2010, it earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The archipelago consists of four main islands: María Madre, María Magdalena, María Cleofas, and San Juanito, all of which boast immense biodiversity.
Since 2021, following the decommissioning of the prison, the site has been transformed into an ecotourism destination managed by CONANP (the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas), the federal agency responsible for conserving Mexico’s natural resources.
Key Attractions:
- Nature: Chapingo Beach and various hiking trails.
- History: The Temple of Guadalupe, Plaza Juárez, and the Site Museum.
- Landmarks: Laguna del Toro and the Punta Halcones Lookout.
- Puerto Balleto: Located on Isla Madre, this settlement was officially designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in 2023.
Contact and Reservations
For more information regarding the Islas Marías tour, visit their official pages on Facebook and Instagram. You can also book through their call center at (56) 24 33 30 58 or via email at contacto@visitaislasmarias.com.
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