Snorkeling Marietas Islands Private Boat Hidden Beach

Swim through a tunnel to a beach no road reaches, then snorkel where the islands meet open water.

A private snorkeling tour departing from Punta Mita that takes you by boat to the Marietas Islands, where you swim through a natural tunnel to access Playa Escondida, spend time on the hidden beach, then snorkel at Playa Nopalera with a certified guide. The boat ride takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on sea conditions; the full experience lasts about three hours and includes snorkel equipment, a lifevest, water and a container to keep your phone dry while your guide photographs the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private tour to Marietas Islands

• Depart from Punta Mita Pier
• Receive directions and board private boat
• Sail 15-20 minutes to Marietas Islands
• Swim 80-100 meters through natural tunnel
• Enjoy 30 minutes at Playa Escondida
• Guide protects phone and takes pictures
• Snorkel with included equipment
• Visit Playa Nopalera and explore caves
• Return to Punta Mita with marine fauna viewing

The Experience

The tour starts at Punta Mita Pier, where your guide gives you directions before you board a private boat headed for the Marietas Islands. The crossing takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on the state of the sea. Once you arrive, the real thing begins: you swim 80 to 100 meters through a natural tunnel—always with your certified guide alongside you—to reach Playa Escondida, a beach accessible only by water. You get roughly 30 minutes on the sand while your guide keeps your phone safe and takes pictures of the experience.

After Playa Escondida, you move into the snorkeling portion of the day. Gear is provided, and you head to Playa Nopalera, where you can walk and explore caves at your own pace before getting back in the water. The return journey to Punta Mita gives you a chance to spot marine life on the way back, closing out a tour that stays private from start to finish.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment and lifevest.
• bottled water and soda.
• a waterproof container to keep your phone or camera safe while your guide photographs the experience.
• certified guide throughout.
• private boat from Punta Mita Pier.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by shark´s tours

Is this one for you?This tour works best if you're comfortable swimming and want to reach a beach most visitors never see—the private boat and certified guide mean you're not navigating the tunnel or the snorkel sites on your own, and the three-hour timeframe keeps the day manageable without feeling rushed.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the water like between Punta Mita and the Marietas Islands?

The crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes and depends on sea conditions. Your guide provides personalized attention throughout, and the boat is private, so the pace and timing stay in your control.

How do you actually get to Playa Escondida?

You swim through a natural tunnel that runs 80 to 100 meters, always accompanied by your certified guide. The tunnel is the only way to reach the beach, and your guide stays with you the entire way.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

Snorkel equipment is included in the tour. You also get a lifevest, bottled water, and a container to keep your phone or camera dry while you're in the water.

Can I explore Playa Nopalera on my own?

Yes. At Playa Nopalera, you can walk and explore the caves at your own pace after the snorkeling portion of the tour.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The boat crossing takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on sea conditions. Your guide will assess conditions at departure and provide guidance; the private nature of the tour means timing can adjust to what's safe on the day.