Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour: Kayak & Hidden Beach

You swim 100 meters to reach a hidden beach that sits inside a cove on the second island.

This snorkeling tour departs Puerto Vallarta for the Marietas Islands, where you snorkel at multiple reefs, paddle out on kayaks, and swim to Playa Escondida—a secluded beach accessible only by water. The tour runs 6.5 hours and includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and all snorkeling and kayak equipment; a live guide leads in English or Spanish. You'll need to be a comfortable swimmer, as reaching the hidden beach requires a 100-meter swim in a vest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Marietas Islands and hidden beaches

• Arrive at Marietas Islands
• Snorkel and paddle board activities
• Visit Nopalera Beach
• Swim 100 meters to hidden beach
• Enjoy Playa Escondida views and tranquility

The Experience

The boat leaves Puerto Vallarta in the morning after a light breakfast on board. Once you arrive at the Marietas Islands, the day splits into stations: snorkeling at the main reef, paddling out on kayaks to explore the water at your own pace, and a visit to Playa Escondida—the hidden beach tucked inside a rocky cove on the second island. To get there you swim 100 meters wearing a vest, which keeps you afloat but means you have to be at ease in the water and comfortable with the distance.

Lunch arrives back on the boat after the morning activities, with sodas and water included. The return to Puerto Vallarta includes an open bar, so the trip ends differently than it started. The whole day runs about 6.5 hours from departure to dock. All snorkeling gear and kayak equipment come with you; you bring only a swimsuit and a towel. A guide in English or Spanish stays with the group throughout, and children are welcome from age 12 onward.

What’s included

• Breakfast, lunch and drinks.
• snorkeling equipment and kayaks.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup is not mentioned in the source, so confirm at checkout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Vallarta Magico

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable swimming in open water—you'll need to swim 100 meters to reach the hidden beach—and prefer a shared group boat with meals and activities bundled together rather than coordinating separately.

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Top questions

What's the hidden beach at Playa Escondida actually like once you get there?

Playa Escondida sits inside a cove on the second island and is one of the wonders of the world—a crescent of sand surrounded by rock, excellent for photographs and for sitting in the sea with more tranquility than the main snorkeling sites.

Do I need to be an expert swimmer to do this tour?

You need to be a comfortable swimmer because reaching Playa Escondida requires a 100-meter swim in a vest; the tour description says you have to feel at ease with this activity. Snorkeling itself is suitable for all fitness levels, and the guide is there throughout.

What snorkeling equipment do I get, and do I bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is included with the tour—mask, fins, snorkel and vest. You bring only a swimsuit and a towel; the boat provides everything else.

How much time do you actually spend in the water versus on the boat?

The tour is 6.5 hours total. You snorkel at the main reef, paddle kayaks, and swim to the hidden beach during the morning portion; lunch happens back on the boat, and the return trip includes an open bar.

Can children go on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 12 and up. They'll need to be comfortable swimmers since the tour involves snorkeling and a 100-meter swim to reach Playa Escondida.

What's included in breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast on board includes seasonal fruit, juice, coffee and water. Lunch includes a light meal, sodas and water. The return trip features an open bar with alcoholic beverages.