Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel & Hidden Beach Tour
Snorkel the Marietas Islands & slip through the tunnel to Hidden Beach
You board a fast boat at Marina Vallarta, spend an hour spotting dolphins and rays on the way out, then snorkel the Marietas Islands and swim through a tunnel into Hidden Beach, a secluded cove ringed by rock. The tour includes snorkel gear, life vest, guide, light snacks and water. You're back by early afternoon, and if weather blocks the Hidden Beach, your $30 deposit comes back.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Marietas Islands snorkel and wildlife tour
- Depart from Marina Vallarta at 9:00 AM
- Spot dolphins at Ameca River mouth
- Travel to Marietas Islands (about 1 hour)
- Receive snorkel gear and life jackets
- Guided snorkeling with safety tips
What’s included
Your day includes hotel or marina pickup at 9:00 AM, a scenic boat ride to the Marietas Islands with snorkel gear and life vest, a qualified guide, access to Hidden Beach (subject to weather), snorkeling at the islands, light snacks (apple, banana, sandwich), drinking water, a CONANP bracelet, and official permits for Marietas Islands National Park. A $30 refundable deposit secures your spot, and you're back by early afternoon.
Times
- Every day except Monday and Friday 09:00
- Friday 09:00 09:30
Before you book
Operated by Eco Explorer Vallarta
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
So yeah, the boat leaves Marina Vallarta at 9am sharp, and honestly that first ten minutes is already worth it. You're cutting across the mouth of the Ameca River where dolphins show up most mornings to eat. The ride out to the Marietas Islands takes about an hour, and if you're going in winter, that's when things get weird in the best way. Manta rays, sea turtles, whales sometimes. Our guide points things out, but half the time you just see the water change color and know something big moved underneath. The boat itself is fast and stable, which matters because the ocean out there doesn't mess around.
Once you hit the islands, they hand you snorkel gear and a life vest and actually take time to show you how to use it, not just throw it at you. The Hidden Beach is the main event, and here's the thing: Eco Explorer has more permits and more boats than other operators, so they hit 99% access rates. That's not a guarantee, weather can still shut it down, but it's the closest thing to one you'll get. You swim through this narrow tunnel carved into the rock, and then you're in this pocket beach that's completely enclosed. The water inside is calm, the sand is white, and there's literally nowhere else like it. You get maybe 45 minutes in there, and it goes fast.
The snorkeling itself is solid. You're seeing fish, coral, the usual reef life, but the real draw is the novelty of the place. The boat crew stays with you the whole time, watching, helping if you need it. They bring light snacks (apple, banana, sandwich) and water, and they're serious about the plastic-free thing. You're supposed to bring your own reusable bottle, which is a nice touch if you care about that stuff. The whole day runs about four to five hours from pickup to drop-off, and you're back by early afternoon.
One thing to know: there's a $30 deposit upfront, but it's refundable if weather blocks access to the Hidden Beach. If you want to guarantee entry no matter what, they offer a private tour for up to four people: that one's 100% access unless the ocean literally closes. If you're traveling with kids, minimum age for the Hidden Beach is 10 (bring their ID), and the snorkel tour itself goes down to age 6. Just make sure you're not hungover or on anything when you show up. They don't mess with that rule.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach without arranging your own boat or permits: the 99% access rate and expert crew take the guesswork out of whether you'll actually get in.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What time does the boat leave?
Departure is 9:00 AM from Marina Vallarta. The full tour takes about four to five hours.
Is Hidden Beach access guaranteed?
Eco Explorer achieves 99% access due to more permits and boats than competitors, but weather can still deny entry. A $30 refundable deposit covers this risk. Private tours (up to 4 guests) offer 100% guaranteed access unless weather prevents it.
What's included in the tour?
Snorkel gear, life vest, CONANP bracelet, boat ride, qualified guide, light snacks (apple, banana, sandwich), drinking water, and official permits for Marietas Islands National Park.
What's the minimum age for Hidden Beach?
Minimum age is 10 years old, and the child must be accompanied by an adult. Both must bring valid ID. Snorkeling itself is available for ages 6 and up.
What if I'm traveling by cruise ship?
Ask the tour operator for the arrival time in central time so they can confirm the boat departure works with your ship's schedule.
Is this tour available every day?
The tour runs Tuesday to Sunday. It is not available on Mondays.
What should I bring?
Bring a reusable water bottle (the park is plastic-free), sunscreen, a towel, and valid ID if you're under 10 or over 65, or if you're bringing a minor.
Are there age limits?
Snorkeling is available for ages 6–70. Hidden Beach access is limited to ages 10–65. Pregnant travelers are not permitted on the tour.
What if the weather is bad?
If weather prevents access to Hidden Beach, the $30 deposit is fully refundable. The tour may still operate with modified activities, or it may be rescheduled.
Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel & Hidden Beach Tour
4h–5h · EN · ES
from US$ 99 per person
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