From Puerto Vallarta: Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip

If you’re heading to Puerto Vallarta and love the idea of exploring stunning coastlines and underwater worlds, a snorkeling trip to the Marieta Islands might just be the highlight of your trip. We haven’t done it ourselves, but after reviewing the details and traveler feedback, it looks like a well-organized, immersive experience—especially for those who enjoy marine life and natural scenery.

What really catches our eye are the small group size and personalized attention—these make a big difference when you’re out on the water. Plus, the opportunity to see the famous hidden beach, Playa del Amor, adds a memorable touch. On the flip side, the strict regulations around visiting the beach mean you might not always get access, which is worth keeping in mind if that’s what you’re after.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate engaging guides, vibrant underwater scenes, and a good mix of adventure and relaxation. If you’re comfortable swimming and eager to see marine life in their natural habitat, this trip could be right up your alley. But if you’re prone to seasickness or traveling with very young children, you’ll want to weigh those factors carefully.

Key Points

• Small group tours ensure a more personal experience and better attention from guides.
• Snorkeling in the Marieta Islands offers encounters with colorful fish, corals, and possibly sea turtles or dolphins.
• The hidden beach is a major draw, but access is limited and not guaranteed each day.
• Quick boat rides mean more time in the water and less time in transit.
• Safety measures like mandatory life jackets and helmets help keep everyone comfortable and secure.
• Pricing at $131 per person sits within a reasonable range given the experience and inclusions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your Snorkeling Adventure

This trip is a solid choice if you’re after a combination of scenic boat rides, underwater exploration, and a chance to see one of Mexico’s most photographed spots—the Marieta Islands’ hidden beach.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting from Ecotours de México, you’ll hop aboard a fast boat that whisk you out to the Islas Marietas, cutting down travel time and maximizing your time in the park. The ride itself is part of the fun—there’s a rush as the boat speeds across the water, and you’ll get plenty of scenic views along the way.

Once at the islands, you’ll spend up to 3 hours exploring the area. The core activity is snorkeling around the rocky reefs, which are teeming with fish like king angelfish, Moorish idols, and damselfish. The coral formations, sponges, and invertebrates such as starfish and sea urchins create a lively, colorful underwater landscape that makes for fantastic photos.

Marine Life and Underwater Features

From the reviews, it’s clear many travelers loved the vibrant marine life—some spotted sea turtles, stingrays, and even dolphins. The water clarity adds to the experience, allowing you to see the brightly colored fish and coral with ease. The reefs are rocky but not overly deep, making it accessible for most swimmers with basic skills.

The Hidden Beach Experience

The famous hidden beach, Playa del Amor, is a key reason many choose this tour. However, you should know access is highly regulated: only 116 people are allowed per day, and weather conditions or park restrictions might mean you won’t always get inside. Visitors must be comfortable swimming about 250 meters through a rock tunnel and climbing in and out of boats using a ladder. The visit to the beach is limited to 10 minutes, so it’s a quick glimpse rather than a day-long soak.

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Guides and Personal Attention

Our review of the traveler feedback points out that guides are knowledgeable and attentive. One traveler mentioned their guide, Cynthia, was quick to help and keep everyone safe, which is reassuring if you’re new to snorkeling or a bit cautious. The tour is limited to 10 participants, making it easier for guides to focus on safety and make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy.

Duration and Timing

The full experience lasts about 4.5 hours, usually in the morning, which fits well with most travel plans. The trip includes transportation to and from the marina, and the boat ride is quick but lively—adding an element of adventure right from the start.

The Practical Side: Price, Inclusions, and Tips

At $131 per person, this tour offers a good balance between cost and the experience provided. It includes the boat ride, up to 3 hours in the national park for snorkeling and observing marine life, and travel insurance. However, note that entrance fees to the park ($180 MXN) and a boarding fee ($60 MXN) are not included and are paid on-site.

What’s not included? Hotel pickup and drop-off—so you’ll need to make your way to the marina—plus alcoholic drinks and any extra snacks. Bringing biodegradable sunscreen and a face mask or protective covering is recommended, both for personal safety and environmental reasons.

Accessibility and Suitability

The trip isn’t suitable for very young children (under 8 years), pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues, due to the swimming and climbing involved. People over 70, those prone to seasickness, or with recent surgeries should consider their comfort level. The strict regulations and physical requirements mean this experience is better suited for confident swimmers and adventure lovers.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. One traveler from the US called it “the most worthwhile tour” they did in PV, highlighting the fun of riding the waves. A family from the US said their kids had a “great time,” especially with the guides’ attentiveness. Comments about the good value for money and beautiful scenery are common, and many appreciated the knowledgeable guides who kept everyone safe.

A reviewer from Peru simply described their experience as “Muy linda,” reflecting that the trip met expectations in terms of beauty and snorkeling.

The Bottom Line

This snorkeling trip to the Marieta Islands offers a well-rounded adventure with scenic boat rides, vibrant marine life, and a chance to see one of Mexico’s most iconic beaches. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make it a more personalized experience, especially for those who want to enjoy the natural environment without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

The experience is best suited for adventurous swimmers comfortable with water activities and looking for a mix of underwater exploration and scenic views. If you’re after a fast, fun, and informative tour that respects environmental regulations and prioritizes safety, this trip fits the bill.

While the access to the Hidden Beach can be unpredictable, the journey itself—the snorkeling, the boat ride, and the beautiful scenery—more than makes up for it. Just be prepared for the physical aspects and plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the price?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the marina, which is at the end of Proa Street next to the ramp in Marina Vallarta.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to the islands is quick and reliable, taking just enough time to get there comfortably and safely, giving you more time for snorkeling and exploring.

What’s the maximum time I’ll spend in the park?
You’ll have up to 3 hours in the national park, which is ample time for snorkeling and sightseeing.

Are food and drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but some tours provide snacks or lunch. You are encouraged to bring biodegradable sunscreen and a face mask for safety and environmental reasons.

Can I visit the Hidden Beach?
Access is limited and not guaranteed. Only 116 people can visit daily, and conditions may prevent entry. Visits are brief—about 10 minutes—and require swimming through a tunnel and climbing in and out of the boat.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 years old, pregnant women, and people with mobility issues should avoid this trip due to the physical demands and safety considerations.

In all, this snorkeling trip offers a fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Marieta Islands, especially if you’re comfortable in the water and seeking a more intimate experience. The combination of scenic boat rides, vibrant marine life, and the chance to see the famed hidden beach makes it a memorable outing for many travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: