Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour with Playa Escondida Entry

Swim, snorkel and kayak through an island archipelago in one morning, then eat and drink on the boat all afternoon

This snorkeling tour departs from Puerto Mágico near Puerto Vallarta and takes you to the Marietas Islands for a full day of swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, with guaranteed entry to Playa Escondida. The package includes all water equipment, a professional guide in English or Spanish, breakfast, a meal, and an open bar. Children are welcome from age 10, and the tour runs Tuesday through Sunday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Marietas Islands activities

• Depart from Puerto Mágico
• Swim in Marietas Islands
• Snorkel around the archipelago
• Kayak in the islands
• Enjoy a full day outdoors

The Experience

The boat leaves Puerto Mágico and heads out to the Marietas Islands archipelago, where you'll spend the morning in the water. You swim and snorkel at multiple stops, then kayak around the islands—all equipment is provided and the guide leads from the water. The real draw is Playa Escondida, a hidden beach inside a sea cave that most island tours can't guarantee access to; this one does, so you'll actually get inside it instead of circling past.

Breakfast happens on the boat before you hit the water. By afternoon, after hours in the sun, you're back aboard eating a meal and working through the open bar while the boat idles or moves slowly between stops. The day runs seven hours total, which means you're out early enough to be back by evening. The guide stays with the group throughout and speaks English or Spanish, so there's no language barrier for instructions or questions about what you're looking at.

Infants can come if they sit on an adult's lap, and the operator says the activity suits all fitness levels—though you will be swimming and paddling for hours, so some comfort in the water helps. Public transportation runs near the departure point if you're not driving yourself. The tour runs every day except Monday, so Tuesday through Sunday gives you most of the week to choose from.

What’s included

• All snorkeling and kayaking equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket, kayak).
• a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• breakfast and a meal.
• open bar throughout the day.
• guaranteed entry to Playa Escondida.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Landing Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water with a group and don't want to arrange your own boat, guide or equipment—everything is set up and waiting when you arrive. The guaranteed Playa Escondida entry is what separates this from other island snorkeling tours in the area.

Traveler reviews

3.33★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly is Playa Escondida and why does this tour guarantee entry when others don't?

Playa Escondida is a beach tucked inside a sea cave on one of the Marietas Islands, accessible only by water and only when conditions allow. This tour builds the guarantee into the booking, so you're not gambling on whether the cave opening will be passable on the day you go—it's part of what you're paying for.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling versus sitting on the boat?

The tour is seven hours total. Most of the morning is spent in the water at multiple snorkeling and kayaking stops around the islands. The afternoon shifts to the boat, where you eat, drink and rest between water activities or on the return journey.

Do I need snorkeling experience or my own gear?

No experience is required, and all equipment for snorkeling and kayaking is included—mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket and kayak. The guide will be in the water with you and can help with setup and technique.

Can my 10-year-old come, and what about younger kids?

Children are welcome from age 10 onward. Younger children can come if they sit on an adult's lap, though they won't be able to snorkel or kayak themselves.

What days does this tour run and how do I get to Puerto Mágico?

The tour departs Tuesday through Sunday from Puerto Mágico, which is near Puerto Vallarta. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have your own transport; the operator recommends checking local transit before your trip.