Marietas Islands snorkeling & Hidden beach (w/ restrictions)

Introduction

If you’re considering a trip to Puerto Vallarta and want a chance to snorkel in some of the most pristine waters around, this Marietas Islands tour might be right up your alley. It’s an experience that’s highly rated for its intimate setting, guided by knowledgeable naturalists, and the potential to visit the famous Hidden Beach.

What we really like about this tour is how it emphasizes small-group snorkeling—that means more personal attention from guides and a more relaxed vibe. Plus, the inclusion of a boxed lunch and snorkeling gear makes it feel like a well-rounded, hassle-free day. The possible downside? Access to Hidden Beach isn’t always guaranteed because of restrictions set by the government, and that can be a disappointment if that’s your main goal.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, enjoy snorkeling, and are comfortable with a moderate physical activity level. If you’re okay with some unpredictability regarding entry to Hidden Beach and aren’t expecting a luxury cruise, you’ll find this experience both fun and educational.

Key Points

• Small-group setting: Enhances interaction with guides and comfort during activities
• Eco-focused guides: Led by biologists or naturalists with in-depth knowledge of wildlife
• Limited Hidden Beach access: Not guaranteed, based on government restrictions and demand
• Includes essentials: Snorkeling gear, boxed lunch, bottled water
• Great for active travelers: Must be able to swim 200 meters and handle boat transfers
• Price reflects value: Around $120 per person, for a well-organized 5-hour adventure

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

What’s the Experience Like Overall?

We love that this tour promises about 5 hours of snorkeling and wildlife viewing in the Marietas Islands, a protected marine sanctuary. It’s a good length—enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed. The focus is clearly on snorkeling and enjoying nature rather than just sightseeing from the boat.

The tour is designed to keep groups small—usually no more than 10 travelers—which means you get more personalized guidance from the naturalist leading the trip. Several reviews rave about the guides being knowledgeable, caring, and full of interesting facts, especially about the local wildlife and the environment. This makes the experience not just fun but informative.

What’s Included and What Isn’t?

For $120, you get use of snorkeling gear, a boxed lunch (with a sandwich, granola bar, snack, and fruit), and bottled water. This setup offers good value, especially since equipment and food are taken care of. No need to worry about bringing your own gear or snacks, which is a big plus for convenience.

However, there are some additional costs: admission to the islands ($10), and a port fee ($3) per person. Alcoholic drinks aren’t included, and if you’re hoping to visit Hidden Beach, be aware there’s a $10 fee plus restrictions.

How about the itinerary?

Stop 1: Marina Vallarta

Your day begins here with check-in at the Ecotours Vallarta office. The process is straightforward, with staff friendly and ready to assist. This initial step is quick—just about 15 minutes.

Stop 2: Marietas Islands

The core of the trip! Once on the boat, you’ll be taken to the islands, which are a haven for blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life. The boat ride itself is described as calm and scenic, great for relaxing and taking in the views.

The main highlight is snorkeling in the clear waters, exploring the abundant wildlife, and possibly visiting the Hidden Beach (access isn’t always guaranteed). The trip emphasizes small group sizes to maximize your experience, and reviews consistently mention how attentive the guides are.

Visiting Hidden Beach – The Caveat

Access to Hidden Beach is one of the big draws, but it’s also where some disappointment can creep in. Visibility is limited—it’s not always possible to get in, as the caves are heavily regulated by authorities. Tour operators can’t guarantee entry in advance; instead, they do their best to secure spots.

A few reviews point out frustration—one traveler noted that only people aged 10 to 65 can visit, and that the use of a helmet and vest are mandatory. The experience involves about 10 minutes on the beach, and during that time, you’re limited to a brief visit, with some guests needing to stay on the boat if they don’t get in.

The guides do a raffle on board if access is limited, which keeps it fair. If you decide not to go or don’t get a spot, you’ll spend some time relaxing on the boat with the captain. The cave’s water can be quite treacherous, so this part is definitely for those comfortable with a bit of an adventure.

Snorkeling: The Real Star

Many reviews highlight the quality of snorkeling—the water visibility is often described as fantastic, with colorful fish and the chance to see sea turtles or even a baby nurse shark. The guides do a good job of explaining what you’re seeing, thanks to their biologist or naturalist backgrounds.

One review mentions, “The snorkeling was nice and we saw some dolphins and sea turtles,” which underscores how wildlife-rich this area is. The fact that the tour limits group size helps prevent overcrowding, making the snorkeling experience more enjoyable.

The Food and Overall Comfort

The boxed lunch is simple but satisfying—a sandwich, snack, and fresh fruit. Many travelers find it enough to keep them energized without needing extra meals. Bottled water is included, which is handy for staying hydrated.

The boat itself is well-maintained, and the staff is praised for being friendly and informative. The tour is quite organized, with clear instructions and prompt responses to questions.

The Price and Value

At $120 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the guided experience, gear, lunch, and wildlife viewing. Compared to larger, less personalized tours, this one feels more intimate and educational, which many travelers appreciate.

Negative Aspects and Caveats

Not all reviews are glowing, and a few travelers express disappointment about the limited access to Hidden Beach. The unpredictability of whether you’ll get in can be frustrating—especially if that’s your main goal.

Some mention that the water can be cold, so bringing a sweatshirt or a dry towel might make the experience more comfortable. Also, there’s a lack of bathroom facilities on the boat, which might be worth considering if you’re sensitive to that.

Lastly, the late check-in or delays can happen, and the guide’s punctuality was questioned in one review, though this seems to be an exception rather than the rule.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who want a combination of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and some adventure. If you’re comfortable with swimming 200 meters and don’t mind some uncertainty about visiting Hidden Beach, this tour is a fantastic way to explore the islands intimately.

It’s also well-suited for those who love guided nature outings—the guides are experts and passionate about sharing their knowledge. If your priority is wildlife viewing and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

However, if your main goal is guaranteed access to Hidden Beach, you might want to consider that it’s not always possible, and you should be prepared for that possibility. The tour works best for those who are flexible and ready for a fun, educational day on the water.

Final Thoughts

This Marietas Islands snorkeling tour by ECOTOURS VALLARTA offers a well-rounded, eco-conscious adventure that’s perfect for small groups and nature lovers. With expert guides, quality gear, and a focus on wildlife, it stands out from more generic boat rides. While access to Hidden Beach isn’t always guaranteed, many travelers find the overall experience breathtaking and worth the effort.

The tour’s value is enhanced by its personal approach and educational component, making it more than just a snorkeling trip. It’s an opportunity to learn about local wildlife, enjoy stunning scenery, and maybe catch a glimpse of some marine creatures in their natural habitat.

If you’re looking for a day filled with wildlife, snorkeling, and natural beauty, and you’re okay with some unpredictability, this trip could be a highlight of your trip to Puerto Vallarta.

FAQs

Is the Hidden Beach visit guaranteed?
No, access depends on demand, weather, and government restrictions. The tour operator cannot guarantee entry, but they do their best to secure spots.

What is included in the price?
You get snorkeling gear, a boxed lunch, bottled water, and guided instruction from a naturalist or biologist.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, visitors must be between 10 and 65 years old to visit Hidden Beach, and helmets and vests are mandatory for that part of the tour.

How physically demanding is the tour?
You should be able to swim 200 meters comfortably and be able to get on and off the boat with a ladder.

What if I don’t get to visit Hidden Beach?
You’ll spend about 30 minutes on the boat, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The guide may hold a raffle on board if access is limited.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, the $10 island entrance fee and $3 port fee are paid on-site. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 10 travelers, which allows for a more personal and relaxed experience.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?
No, the boat doesn’t have a bathroom, so plan accordingly if you’re sensitive to that.

If you’re after a small-group, wildlife-rich snorkeling adventure with the chance to see Hidden Beach (if luck allows), this tour offers a lot. Be flexible, pack a towel, and enjoy the ride—and the underwater world—off Puerto Vallarta.