Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach & Snorkeling

Swimming into a Hidden Beach Through a Tunnel of Rock

You board a covered boat at Punta Mita Pier, cross to the Marietas Islands in 15–20 minutes, then swim through a natural tunnel to reach Hidden Beach for 30 minutes of photos and floating. After snorkeling in the day's best spot with included gear, you visit Playa Nopalera's caves before returning to the pier. The whole experience is coordinated so the small group moves together without rush, and your phone stays dry in a waterproof bag the guide carries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to Marietas Islands

• Depart from Punta Mita Pier
• Board shared boat with group
• Sail 15-20 minutes to islands
• Swim through tunnel to Hidden Beach
• Stay 30 minutes at Hidden Beach
• Guide takes photos and secures phones
• Snorkel with provided equipment
• Visit Playa Nopalera for swimming and exploring
• Return to Punta Mita Pier

The experience

The boat cuts across the water toward Punta Mita, and then you see it: the Marietas Islands rising up, dark and jagged, with no obvious way in. That's the thing about Hidden Beach: you don't walk onto it. You swim. The guide meets you at Punta Mita Pier, hands out a lifejacket, and explains the route: 80 to 100 meters through a natural tunnel carved into the rock, always with a certified guide beside you. It takes maybe five minutes, and then you're inside a cove that feels completely sealed off from the rest of the world.

The crossing from Punta Mita takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the sea, and the boat's covered, which matters if the sun gets intense. You're sharing the experience with a small group, that's why the price stays reasonable, and the pace is coordinated so nobody's rushing or waiting around. Once you're at Hidden Beach, you get about 30 minutes to float, take photos (the guide carries your phone in a waterproof bag and shoots from the best angles), and just sit with the fact that you're standing on a beach most people can't reach by foot. After that, you move to snorkeling in the areas the team picks based on what's happening that day: the marine life changes, so they choose the spot with the best visibility and activity. Then there's Playa Nopalera, where you can swim, walk, and poke around natural caves before heading back to the pier.

What's included takes the logistics off your shoulders: entry to Hidden Beach, the lifejacket, the boat with a roof, snorkeling gear, non-alcoholic drinks, and a waterproof container for your camera or phone. You bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a reusable bottle if you want extra water. Shoes stay off the boat (nobody goes down to the beaches in them), and bags, backpacks, or food don't come along either. The rules exist because the Marietas are a bird sanctuary, and the operation respects that. You need to be at least 10 years old and in moderate physical shape. Pregnant travelers and anyone with cardiovascular concerns should skip this one. Spaces fill up fast, so book ahead.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance to Hidden Beach, lifejacket, covered boat transportation from Punta Mita Pier, snorkeling equipment, non-alcoholic beverages, and a waterproof bag to protect your phone or camera while the guide photographs you at the best angles. The guide accompanies you through the natural tunnel and coordinates the pace so the group moves together to Playa Nopalera for swimming and cave exploration before returning to Punta Mita.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 08:10, 11:20 and 14:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Child (10 to 15 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Grimar Adventures Punta Mita

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to reach Hidden Beach without arranging your own boat and guide. The small-group format keeps the price down while the certified guide handles the tunnel swim and photo work, leaving you free to float and explore.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 15 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long is the swim through the tunnel to Hidden Beach?

About 5 minutes. The distance is 80 to 100 meters, and a certified guide accompanies you the entire way.

What's the boat crossing time from Punta Mita to Marietas Islands?

15 to 20 minutes, depending on sea conditions. The boat is covered.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, lifejacket, and a waterproof bag for your phone or camera are all included.

Can I bring my phone or camera to the beaches?

Yes, but it stays in a waterproof bag that the guide carries. The guide also takes photos at the best angles during your time at Hidden Beach.

What's the minimum age for this tour?

10 years old. Travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness. Pregnant travelers and those with poor cardiovascular health are not recommended for this activity.

How long do you spend at Hidden Beach?

Around 30 minutes.

Can I wear shoes on the boat or beaches?

No. Shoes of any kind are not allowed on the boat or at the beaches.

Are alcoholic drinks allowed?

No alcohol is permitted during your stay at the Marietas. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided and included.

How many people are in the group?

It's a small-group tour with shared transport. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a camera or phone. You can also bring drinks in a reusable bottle. Bags, backpacks, and food are not permitted.