Marietas Islands snorkeling tour from Punta de Mita: Hidden Beach

Swim inside a volcanic crater that sits below sea level

A guided snorkeling tour from Punta de Mita to the Marietas Islands, where you swim in Hidden Beach—a natural crater formed by volcanic erosion and unique in the world for sitting below the ocean surface. The boat includes a crew and park ranger; snorkeling gear, life jackets, water and soda are provided. Tours run 3.5 hours with a guide in English or Spanish, and children from age 9 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach

• Meet at the adventure meeting point
• Board boat and meet crew
• Arrive at Marietas Islands
• Meet park rangers
• Snorkel in marine life area
• Visit Playa Nopalera beach
• Explore Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach)
• Explore island surroundings

The Experience

You meet at the departure point in Punta de Mita, board a boat with the crew, and head out to the Marietas Islands. A park ranger joins you—they protect this natural reserve and share what makes the islands work as an ecosystem. The boat ride itself is part of the day; you'll see the islands take shape on the water before you arrive.

Snorkeling is the main event. The crew takes you to one of the best reef zones in the Mexican Pacific, where schools of fish move through coral and the water is clear enough to see the whole scene. After that first swim, you visit Playa Nopalera, a small white-sand beach where you can stand, dry off and take photos. Then comes Hidden Beach—Playa Escondida—the singular reason most people book this tour. It sits inside a volcanic crater below sea level, formed millions of years ago by the island's natural erosion. You swim into it, float in the crater and understand why it's unique in the world. The tour wraps with time exploring the islands' surroundings, including the stone bridge, another crater formation that's a popular photo spot.

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided and fitted before you enter the water. Bottled water and soda come with you on the boat. The whole outing runs 3.5 hours from start to finish. A guide speaks English or Spanish throughout, and the crew handles safety and logistics so you focus on the reef and the birds—more than 80 species live on these islands, including the rare blue-footed booby, which is an emblem of the place.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and life jackets.
• bottled water and soda.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• a park ranger who protects the reserve and shares information about the islands.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Marieta Sport Fishing

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Punta de Mita and want a guided boat departure to Hidden Beach and the reefs—you'll snorkel from the boat rather than kayak or swim on your own.

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Top questions

What is Hidden Beach and why is it so unusual?

Hidden Beach, or Playa Escondida, is a natural crater formed by volcanic erosion and sits below sea level inside the Marietas Islands—it's the only beach in the world with this geology. You swim into the crater, float inside it, and see the volcanic rock walls around you.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to join this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the crew provides snorkeling gear and life jackets. Children from age 9 are welcome. The reef zone where you snorkel is one of the best in the Mexican Pacific, so even beginners see plenty of fish and coral.

What birds and marine life will I see?

The Marietas Islands are home to more than 80 bird species, including the rare blue-footed booby, which is an emblem of the islands. In the water, you'll encounter schools of fish moving through coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life typical of the Pacific coast.

How long is the boat ride from Punta de Mita to the islands?

The entire tour runs 3.5 hours from the meeting point in Punta de Mita through the return. That includes the boat ride, snorkeling time, beach stops and exploration of the islands' surroundings.

What's included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, bottled water, soda, all fees and taxes are included. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and a park ranger accompanies the group to explain the islands' natural reserve.