Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

If you’ve been thinking about adding a boat trip, snorkeling, and a little bit of adventure to your Puerto Vallarta trip, the Marietas Islands tour might be worth considering. We haven’t done this particular experience ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed info, it’s a trip that many travelers find memorable.

What stands out most are the opportunity to snorkel in a protected marine area with a good chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish, and the possibility of visiting the famous Hidden Beach — a stunning spot that’s only accessible through a water tunnel. However, it’s worth noting that getting to the beach isn’t guaranteed for everyone, and the limited permits mean it’s a bit of a lottery.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is best suited for those who are comfortable in the water, as swimming across the water tunnel and snorkeling are core parts of the experience. Families with older children or travelers with moderate fitness levels tend to enjoy it most. If you’re a weak swimmer or looking for a very relaxed day, this might not be the ideal fit.

This tour looks like a good choice for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore one of Puerto Vallarta’s most beautiful protected areas without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Good chance of visiting Hidden Beach but not a guarantee due to permit limits
• Includes snorkeling gear, snacks, and water for a hassle-free experience
• Private tours available, perfect for smaller groups or families
• Wildlife sightings like dolphins and whales can be part of the journey
• Environmental focus, with conservation fees included in the price
• Moderate physical activity required; swimmers should be comfortable in open water

This snorkeling trip to the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of adventure, nature, and a touch of mystery with the famed Hidden Beach. The cost of $89 per person isn’t excessive, especially considering the scope of what’s included: a scenic boat ride, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and a knowledgeable guide.

The tour typically lasts around 4 to 5 hours, starting at 9:00 AM from Marina Vallarta. The early start is a plus if you want to make the most of your day and avoid the afternoon crowds. A key feature of this experience is the chance to snorkel in waters teeming with marine life. Travelers report seeing everything from dolphins and sea turtles to colorful tropical fish, which makes this more than just a boat ride — it’s a genuine underwater spectacle.

Another highlight is the visit to Hidden Beach, a uniquely shaped cove that’s accessible only through a water tunnel, making it feel like a secret. While the tour provides official permits for access, only a limited number of visitors get in each day, which adds some unpredictability—some reviews mention it’s not a 100% guarantee, but most agree it’s worth the effort if you get the chance.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Day

Starting bright and early at the Marina Vallarta meeting point, you’ll hop aboard a boat that will whisk you across the Banderas Bay. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, with many reviewers mentioning dolphin sightings early in the trip. As you cruise past the Ameca River mouth, you might even catch glimpses of sea turtles or manta rays, especially during the winter months when wildlife activity ramps up.

The journey to the islands is roughly an hour, during which the crew is attentive and safety-conscious. Multiple reviews praise the guides — “Rodrigo was very careful and knowledgeable,” and “Carlos and Cpt. Eric were great,” are some common compliments. The boat crew’s professionalism and friendliness seem to set the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable day.

Once at the islands, the guides will distribute snorkel gear and give instructions on how to use it, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before plunging into the water. Because the reefs are part of a protected national park, the experience is framed by conservation efforts, which are appreciated by many travelers who value eco-friendly tourism.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

The snorkeling itself is described as fabulous, with vibrant tropical fish, and some reviews mention seeing manta rays and whales. However, visibility can vary—some travelers mention murky, cold water, which can dampen the experience slightly. Still, most feel they’ve had worthwhile encounters, especially with the abundance of wildlife.

Hidden Beach and Water Tunnel

The journey to Hidden Beach is one of the tour’s main draws. Access involves swimming through a water tunnel with enough space to breathe but requires a moderate level of swimming skill. A few reviews mention that the swim can be challenging, especially for those who are less confident in the water. One reviewer notes that “the water wasn’t very clear here,” but the experience of reaching the hidden cove makes up for it.

Several travelers praised the crew for helping those who found the swim difficult. “My wife had a tough time, but the crew helped her with a rope and life preserver,” one review states. The time spent at the beach is limited—about 30 minutes—due to government restrictions, which means you’ll want to make the most of your visit.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $89, this tour offers a lot of value. Included are the scenic boat ride, snorkel gear, life jackets, bottled water, snacks, and official permits. These essentials make the experience easier and safer, especially since the area is protected and requires permits.

Snacks include apples, bananas, and sandwiches—simple but satisfying. You’re also encouraged to bring your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and help reduce plastic waste, as the islands are plastic-free.

What’s not included is a full lunch, which some might find disappointing if they’re expecting a full meal on board. The government entry fee to Hidden Beach is cash-only and costs MX$600 per person, which adds to the total cost if you decide to go to the beach. Many reviews suggest budgeting for this, as the chance to walk on the sand and swim in the secluded cove is truly special.

The Group Size and Tour Dynamics

This tour caps at 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Many reviewers mention how friendly and attentive the crew was, with guides like Rodrigo, Charlie, and Eduardo earning high praise. The group size strikes a good balance between social and private, and private tours can be organized if you prefer a more exclusive outing.

If traveling with family, note that the minimum age for visiting Hidden Beach is 10 with an adult, and the maximum age is 65. The snorkeling tour itself is suitable for ages 6–70, but active swimming skills are recommended for the best experience.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings
• Well-organized, eco-conscious operation
• Friendly, knowledgeable guides
• Access to the famous Hidden Beach (pending permit availability)
• Good value for money considering all that’s included

Cons

• The visit to Hidden Beach isn’t guaranteed for everyone
• Water visibility can be unpredictable
• Moderate physical activity required, not suited for everyone
• Limited time at the beach due to government rules
• Cash-only entrance fee for Hidden Beach

If you’re someone who appreciates close encounters with nature, enjoys snorkeling, and doesn’t mind a bit of swimming, this tour offers a rewarding experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see the iconic Hidden Beach but are also happy to spend time exploring the vibrant marine environment around the islands.

Families with children over 10 who are confident swimmers might find this a fun adventure, but weaker swimmers or those with mobility issues will want to consider their comfort level. The guides do their best to assist, but the swim through the water tunnel can be challenging.

Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the tour’s focus on conservation and the inclusion of a conservancy donation. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the possibility of dolphin, whale, and manta ray sightings, particularly during the winter months.

In short, for those looking for a combination of adventure, scenic beauty, and wildlife, this trip ticks many boxes — assuming you’re prepared for a bit of physical activity and some unpredictability regarding the Hidden Beach access.

Can I visit the Hidden Beach on this tour?
Yes, there’s a good chance that your group will be able to access Hidden Beach, as the tour provides official permits. However, because of limited permits, it’s not guaranteed for everyone. The tour offers a better chance than other options, but it still depends on daily permit availability.

What’s included in the price?
The $89 fee covers the boat ride, snorkeling gear, life vests, bottled water, snacks, and the necessary permits for the national park. You’ll need to pay the government fee of MX$600 in cash if you want to visit Hidden Beach.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The snorkeling activity is available for ages 6–70, but children over 10 can access Hidden Beach with an adult. Since swimming through the tunnel requires comfort in water, it’s best suited for kids who are good swimmers.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your water bottle (preferably reusable), sun protection, and possibly a towel or change of clothes. They provide snorkeling gear, but you might want to bring reef-safe sunscreen (though some tours discourage it to protect the corals).

How long does the trip last?
The tour runs approximately 4 to 5 hours, starting at 9:00 AM from Marina Vallarta.

Can I organize a private tour?
Yes, private tours can be arranged on request, which is ideal if you want a more personalized experience or are traveling with a small group or family.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, the tour is committed to conservation, with fees included in your ticket that support local environmental efforts. They also encourage travelers to bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste.

In the end, this snorkel and Hidden Beach tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining marine wildlife, scenic boat rides, and access to one of Mexico’s most iconic hidden spots. The guides seem knowledgeable and caring, adding value to the adventure.

It’s particularly good for travelers looking for an active, nature-focused day that isn’t overly commercialized. While the chance to visit Hidden Beach isn’t guaranteed, most travelers leave feeling they’ve seen something special — and that the journey was worth it.

If your trip to Puerto Vallarta is about discovering natural beauty, enjoying the ocean, and trying a bit of swimming in clear waters, this tour is a solid pick. Just remember to manage expectations around the beach access and bring your swimming confidence. It’s a fun, memorable way to explore Mexico’s coastal wonders.