Marietas Islands Snorkeling: Hidden Beach Access Guaranteed

Hidden Beach sits behind a cave you swim through, not a trail you walk.

Private snorkeling at the Marietas Islands with boat, guide, and snorkeling gear included. Hidden Beach access (limited to 116 visitors per day) is optional and available Tuesday through Sunday. The operator holds more official permits than most providers in the region, giving you a higher chance of reaching this secluded beach. Water clarity varies by sea and weather conditions. The experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or cardiovascular concerns.

The experience

You check in with a guide who outfits you with snorkeling gear, then walk to the pier and board a private boat for the ride to the Marietas Islands. Once there, you snorkel in the protected waters (a designated marine reserve where you'll see fish and seabirds), with the guide supporting you throughout. The water clarity shifts with sea conditions, so what you spot changes from day to day.

If you've chosen Hidden Beach access, there's a short wait before your scheduled time to enter. You swim through a cave opening into the beach itself, a world-famous pocket of sand enclosed by rock, where you get roughly 20 to 25 minutes to swim, rest, photograph and absorb the quiet. The Marietas Islands are a plastic-free zone, so bring a refillable water bottle. The boat carries a refill station and eco-friendly cups. The full outing runs about four hours from check-in to return.

The boat is fast and safety-certified, and your guide handles the details: gear setup, entry into Hidden Beach, the rhythm of the day. Hidden Beach access is available Tuesday through Sunday only and cannot be added during booking, but you can request it at check-in. In rare cases, weather or sea conditions prevent entry, though the operator reports a 99% success rate for guests who choose this option. You'll need to bring a valid ID. If you're traveling by cruise ship, confirm your arrival time in central time before booking.

What’s included

• Private boat ride to the Marietas Islands.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit).
• experienced guide in English or Spanish.
• national park permits and CONANP federal government fee.
• conservancy donation to Bahia Unida.
• snacks (apples, bananas, sandwich) and soda.
• water refill station and eco-friendly cups on board.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private Marietas Snorkeling Tour with Guaranteed Access to a Hidden BeachGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed time

Monday-Private BoatGuide in English or Spanish · 09:30Snorkel tour lasting 4 hours on a 28-foot boat

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 39

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Eco Explorer Vallarta

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the security of a private boat and the highest realistic odds of reaching Hidden Beach: the operator's extra permits mean more daily spots than most competitors, and a 99% success rate speaks to the difference. The four-hour window is tight enough to fit a cruise-ship port call or a single morning, yet long enough to snorkel and spend time on the beach itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the chance I'll actually get into Hidden Beach?

The operator reports a 99% success rate for guests who choose Hidden Beach access, with rare exceptions only in unfavorable weather or natural sea conditions. Access is guaranteed for those who select the option at check-in, available Tuesday through Sunday.

How long do I spend in the water at Hidden Beach itself?

Once you swim through the cave entrance, you have approximately 20 to 25 minutes to swim, relax and take photos before returning to the boat.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

All snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit if needed) is provided by the guide during check-in. Bring a valid ID and a refillable water bottle. The boat has a refill station on board.

Is Hidden Beach included in the price, or do I pay extra?

Hidden Beach access is optional and payment is cash only. You can request it at check-in if you didn't add it during booking.

What marine life will I see while snorkeling?

The Marietas Islands are a protected natural area where you'll encounter a variety of fish and seabirds. Water clarity varies depending on sea and weather conditions, so visibility and what you spot shift from day to day.

Can I do this snorkeling trip if I'm pregnant or have a back injury?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries. It's also not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and the minimum age for Hidden Beach is 10 years old (with an adult in your group).