Marietas Islands: Snorkeling & Hidden Beach Small Group Tour

Summary

Snorkeling blue waters, wild birds overhead, maybe Hidden Beach

You’ll meet your small group at Marina Vallarta before heading out to snorkel around Marietas Islands with a biologist guide who actually points out wildlife you’d miss alone. If you’re lucky in the draw, you’ll swim into the famous Hidden Beach for ten minutes—otherwise you’ll relax on board watching birds wheel overhead. Expect real conversation, salty air, and honest moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me my snorkel mask right after she made a joke about my sunburn — I guess it was obvious I’d underestimated the Puerto Vallarta sun. We were just ten people at Marina Vallarta that morning, shuffling around with excitement and a little nervousness. Our guide, Diego (he’s a marine biologist, which I didn’t expect), checked everyone’s gear and then started talking about the Marietas Islands and how only a handful of people get to actually set foot on the Hidden Beach each day. He said there’d be a bingo draw for spots if too many wanted in. Someone groaned but laughed — it made the whole thing feel less like a tourist factory and more like we were all in on some secret lottery.

The boat ride out was quick but choppy; salt spray everywhere, hair sticking to my face. The islands looked almost fake from a distance — bright white rocks dotted with blue-footed boobies (Diego pointed them out right away). When we stopped for snorkeling, I could smell sunscreen mixed with ocean and something almost metallic in the air. Slipping into the water felt colder than I thought it would. There were fish everywhere — yellow flashes darting past my mask, and Diego kept diving down to point out things I’d have missed otherwise. At one point he surfaced holding up a tiny shell, grinning like he’d found treasure.

I didn’t win the bingo for Hidden Beach (my luck), so I stayed on the boat while half our group geared up with helmets and vests. You only get ten minutes inside anyway — park rules are strict, which honestly made me trust these guys more. While they disappeared through that tunnel (it really does look as wild as Instagram shows), those of us left behind watched frigatebirds circling overhead and just… sat quietly together for a bit. The light bounced off the water in this way that made everything feel softer somehow.

Lunch was simple — sandwich, fruit, nothing fancy but tasted good after swimming. On the way back Diego told stories about conservation efforts here, how even guides can’t always promise access to every spot because of tides or park quotas. He said sometimes people get upset about missing Hidden Beach but “the islands are still worth it.” And yeah, I think he’s right. That stretch of quiet on the boat is what I remember most now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marietas Islands snorkeling and beach visit

• Meet certified guide at office
• Snorkel and explore Marietas Islands
• Discover beaches and wildlife

Top questions

How do you get to Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta?

The tour departs from Marina Vallarta by boat directly to Marietas Islands.

Is access to Hidden Beach guaranteed on this tour?

No, entry is limited by daily quotas and weather; spots are raffled onboard if needed.

What’s included in the Marietas Islands snorkeling tour?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, box lunch (sandwich, fruit), and guidance from a biologist or naturalist.

How many people are on each boat?

The group size is capped at 10 participants per boat for a small-group experience.

Are there age or health restrictions for visiting Hidden Beach?

Yes—only ages 10 to 65 can enter Hidden Beach; good physical fitness is required.

What happens if you don’t get into Hidden Beach?

You stay on board with the captain for about 30 minutes enjoying scenery and wildlife watching.

Can you snorkel at Hidden Beach itself?

No—park regulations prohibit snorkeling or swimming in the actual Hidden Beach area.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

Yes—a box lunch with sandwich, snack bar, fruit is included for each guest.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified guide at Marina Vallarta for check-in before heading out by comfortable boat in a small group (max 10). All snorkeling gear is provided along with bottled water and a simple box lunch—think sandwich and fresh fruit—plus expert guidance from naturalists or marine biologists throughout your time exploring Marietas Islands’ waters and wildlife before returning to shore.