Marietas Islands: Private Safari Hidden Beach & Surf Tour

Swim through tunnels snorkel reefs taste ceviche see rare birds

You’ll swim through a marine tunnel into Playa Escondida, snorkel Skull Reef’s clear waters, watch blue-footed boobies nesting on Marietas Islands cliffs, and share fresh shrimp ceviche with your group on deck. With a local guide leading every step — plus optional surf lessons if you’ve got energy left — expect moments that stick with you long after salt has faded from your skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marietas Islands Safari and Activities

• Swim to Playa Escondida crater
• Enter caves at Playa Escondida (if tide low)
• Snorkel at Calavera Reef
• Swim to Secret Beach
• Visit Stone Bridge crater
• Watch blue-footed booby birds
• Whale watching (Dec to Mar)
• See marine geyser at La Bufadora
• Enjoy shrimp ceviche meal
• Optional beginner surf lesson

The Experience

Someone’s shaking a plastic bag of goggles and masks, and I’m still dripping from the swim — salt drying on my arms, hair all over the place. Our guide, Luis, just grinned and pointed at the dark slit in the rock ahead. “That’s your tunnel,” he said. Didn’t look like much from the boat, but once you’re in it — cold water up to your chin, echoey splashes all around — you forget about everything except getting through. The swim to Playa Escondida is maybe 80 meters? Felt longer with my heart thumping. But then you pop out into this crater beach that doesn’t even look real. Light bouncing off the walls. A couple of us just stood there catching our breath, not talking for a second.

Afterwards we tried snorkeling at Skull Reef. I kept fogging up my mask (classic) but Luis showed me how to spit in it — which worked better than I want to admit. Saw schools of fish darting between rocks and these blue shadows that might’ve been rays? Someone shouted about a pufferfish but I missed it. On the boat again, we cruised close to Isla Larga where pelicans and those blue-footed boobies hang out — they really do have bright blue feet, by the way. Never thought birdwatching would be a highlight for me but there’s something funny about them waddling around.

The Secret Beach was only open because of some weird current thing (Luis explained it but honestly I zoned out), so we swam over while everyone else cheered each other on. The rocks here are sharp if you grab them wrong; I scraped my palm and got salt in it — stings at first but then you forget because the water is so clear you can see your toes even when it gets deep. At Puente de Piedra we drifted under this stone archway where everything went quiet for a minute except for gulls screeching overhead. Someone made a wish out loud (I won’t say what).

Lunch was shrimp ceviche with orange juice and avocado — never had it like that before, kind of sweet and tangy at once. We ate sitting on the boat with wet towels wrapped around us and beers sweating in our hands. If you come December to March there’s whales too; we saw one spout way off in the distance but mostly just swapped stories with Luis about growing up near Punta Mita (he says he still can’t surf well). There’s an option for beginner surf lessons at a beach nearby but honestly after all that swimming I was happy just watching the waves roll in.

Top questions

How far is the swim to Playa Escondida?

You’ll swim approximately 80 meters (about 6-7 minutes round trip) through a marine tunnel with life jackets and your guide.

Is whale watching included in this Marietas Islands tour?

Whale watching is possible from December 10 to March 23 when whales migrate through the area; sightings depend on timing and luck.

What food is included during the tour?

The tour includes Acapulqueño-style shrimp ceviche prepared fresh onboard; dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Can beginners join the surf lesson?

Yes, beginner surf lessons are available as an optional add-on at a friendly-wave beach for an extra $30 USD per person.

Are children allowed on this private safari?

The activity is suitable for children over 10 years old and adults under 65 years old who are comfortable swimming.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and life jackets are included in your day trip package.

What wildlife might we see during birdwatching?

You’ll likely spot blue-footed boobies, pelicans, gulls, and other seabirds nesting around Marietas Islands’ cliffs and beaches.

Does the tour include Secret Beach access?

If sea currents allow (which varies seasonally), your guide will lead a short swim to Secret Beach during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by small boat from Punta Mita or nearby marina, entrance fees for Marietas Islands marine park, guided swims through tunnels and craters, use of snorkeling equipment with life jackets provided by your local guide throughout each stage of the safari, fresh Acapulqueño-style shrimp ceviche lunch served onboard (with options for dietary needs), bottled water, beer tasting or soft drinks as you relax on deck after swimming or surfing lessons if you choose to add them before heading back late afternoon.