Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach
About Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach
This boat tour takes you from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands National Park, a protected group of islands off the northern edge of Banderas Bay. You snorkel, watch seabirds and, if conditions allow, visit the famous Hidden Beach tucked inside an island crater. The operator, Eco Explorer, says it has more boats and permits than most providers to improve your chances of reaching the Hidden Beach, and the tour holds a 4.8 rating from over 1,000 reviews.
The trip lasts 4 to 5 hours and runs Tuesday to Sunday. Hotel pickup is not included: you meet at Marina Vallarta, about 5 minutes from the airport, near the Flamingos resort and 8 Tostadas restaurant. Guides speak English and Spanish. A private tour option is also offered for up to 4 guests, with guaranteed Hidden Beach access unless weather prevents entry.
Itinerary
- Marietas Islands
What’s included
- CONANP Bracelet
- Conservancy donation fee to Bahia Unida
- Scenic boat ride
- Light snacks: Apples, bananas, and a sandwich
- Drinking water provided (cups available; reusable bottles encouraged for sustainability)
- Qualified guide ensuring a safe and informative experience
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Use of life vest
- Official permits for access to the Marietas Islands National Park
Meeting point
We are located at Marina Vallarta, 5 minutes from the airport. (As a reference we are nearby the Flamingos resort and 8 Tostadas restaurant)
What to expect on the day
After check-in at Marina Vallarta you board a fast boat and cross Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands. Your guide helps on board and in the water, and you get snorkel gear and a life vest for time in the water around the islands. The guide also points out the birdlife the islands are known for.
Guests who choose the optional Hidden Beach visit go with the guide to the beach, if weather and natural conditions allow access. Light snacks of apples, bananas and a sandwich are served, plus drinking water, before the boat returns to the marina. The park is plastic-free, so bring a reusable water bottle.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: scenic boat ride, qualified guide, snorkel equipment, life vest, official Marietas Islands National Park permits, CONANP bracelet, conservancy donation to Bahia Unida, light snacks and drinking water. Prices start from about $109 USD per person.
- Paid at check-in: the optional Hidden Beach entrance fee of MXN 600 per person, cash only. A $30 deposit is also required, refundable if access is denied due to weather or natural conditions.
- Not included: port fee, a full lunch, and gratuities.
What to bring
- A reusable water bottle, since the park is plastic-free.
- Photo ID for every adult and minor visiting the Hidden Beach, plus Mexican pesos in cash for the entrance fee.
- Swimwear, a towel and a hat for time on the boat and in the water.
Tips for a better day
- Plan for Tuesday to Sunday: the tour does not run on Mondays.
- Cruise passengers: ask the operator for the arrival time in central time so you do not miss the boat.
- Families with young kids: the operator suggests the private family tour if your group includes children who are too young for the Hidden Beach.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: swimmers and nature lovers who want to snorkel in a national park and try for the Hidden Beach.
- Consider another option if: you want a longer, more relaxed day with food and drinks on board. The Yelapa all-inclusive catamaran is a slower-paced alternative.
Restrictions
Travelers need at least a moderate level of fitness. The snorkeling tour is for ages 6 to 70. Hidden Beach access is limited to ages 10 to 65, and minors must be with an adult in the same group, with ID for both. Pregnant travelers are not allowed, and the tour is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed on board.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
FAQ about Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach
How long is the Marietas Islands snorkel tour?
The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours from Marina Vallarta.
Is hotel pickup included for the Marietas Islands tour?
No. You meet at Marina Vallarta, about 5 minutes from the airport, near the Flamingos resort and 8 Tostadas restaurant.
How much is the Hidden Beach entrance fee?
Entrance to the Hidden Beach is optional and costs MXN 600 per person, cash only. A port fee is also not included.
Is access to the Hidden Beach guaranteed?
Not fully, because weather can close it. The $30 deposit is refunded if access is denied, and the private option for up to 4 guests guarantees access unless weather prevents entry.
What is included in the price?
The boat ride, guide, snorkel gear, life vest, national park permits, CONANP bracelet, a conservancy donation and light snacks with water.
What are the age limits for the Hidden Beach?
Hidden Beach visitors must be 10 to 65 years old with ID, and minors must be with an adult in the same group. The snorkeling tour itself is for ages 6 to 70.
Can I go if I am pregnant?
No. Pregnant travelers are not allowed on this tour for safety reasons.
What should I bring to the Marietas Islands?
Bring a reusable water bottle because the park is plastic-free, ID for the Hidden Beach, and pesos in cash for the entrance fee.
Which days does the tour run?
The tour is available Tuesday to Sunday.
What is the cancellation policy?
You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.