Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

4.8 (1,033 reviews)4 h–5 hPuerto VallartaSightseeingAdventureFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 2:00 pm, 2 h 30 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 30 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in Puerto Vallarta20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
  3. 8:40 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 4 h–5 h; we plan for 5 h. Latest sensible start: 10:10 am.
  4. 1:40 pm
    Tour ends20 min back to the pier
  5. 2:00 pm
    Back at the gangway2 h 30 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical Puerto Vallarta call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs up to 5 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:40 am and be back at the gangway around 2:00 pm — 1 h 30 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 3:00 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

We don't have a verified start point for this tour yet, so we assume 20 min each way from the pier — the typical ride in Puerto Vallarta. Check the meeting point on the booking page.

Among the 400 Puerto Vallarta shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 4 h); 86% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Puerto Vallarta call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Experience the Hidden Beach and Marietas Islands with Eco Explorer

Guaranteed 99% access to the Hidden Beach, thanks to more boats and permits than other providers. While access isn’t guaranteed due to weather conditions, we do our best to secure entry.

Plastic-free park: Bring your own reusable water bottle as part of our commitment to conservation.

Comfortable, fast, and safe boats with expert guides to assist you on board, during water activities, and at the Hidden Beach.

Available Tuesday to Sunday. A $30 deposit is required and refundable if access is denied due to weather or natural conditions.

Private Tour Option: 100% guaranteed access for up to 4 guests, unless weather prevents entry. Additional guests can be added for an extra cost—just let us know.

Tour Highlights: Snorkeling, bird watching, and exploring the stunning Marietas Islands.

Max 16 per group English, Spanish

What's included

  • CONANP Bracelet
  • Conservancy donation fee to Bahia Unida
  • Scenic boat ride
  • Light snacks: Apples, bananas, and a sandwich
  • Drinking water provided (cups available; reusable bottles encouraged for sustainability)
  • Qualified guide ensuring a safe and informative experience
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Use of life vest
  • Official permits for access to the Marietas Islands National Park

Not included

  • Entrance fee - Entrance to Hidden Beach is optional and payment is cash only. MXN 600.00 per person
  • Full lunch (only light snacks are provided)
  • Port Fee
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Marietas Islands
    We depart from Marina Vallarta around 9:00 AM. Just 10 minutes into the journey, we reach the mouth of the Ameca River, a scenic spot that’s also a great place to spot dolphins enjoying their morning meal. About an hour into the trip, we arrive at the islands. During the winter months, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, as the ocean often offers incredible wildlife sightings — including dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whales. Once we reach the islands, we’ll provide you with snorkel gear and life jackets. Our team will guide you on how to properly use the equipment and share tips to improve your in-water skills, ensuring a fun and safe snorkeling experience.
    Pass by without stopping

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
We are located at Marina Vallarta, 5 minutes from the airport. (As a reference we are nearby the Flamingos resort and 8 Tostadas restaurant)
We are located at Marina Vallarta, 5 minutes from the airport. (As a reference we are nearby the Flamingos resort and 8 Tostadas restaurant)
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age to access to hidden beach is 10 years old with an adult on the same group. (Must bring ID of minor and adult)
  • People under any influence of alcohol or any drug are not permitted
  • Max age to access to hidden beach is 65 years old (Must bring ID)
  • The snorkeling tour is for ages 6-70 years old (In this case we recommend private family tour)
  • If you are traveling by cruise please be sure to ask for the arrival time in central time.
  • Pregnant travelers are NOT allowed in our tours due to safety of mother and baby.

Traveler reviews

4.8
1,033 traveler reviews
5
88%
4
6%
3
3%
2
1%
1
2%

Read all 1,033 reviews

Operated by Eco Explorer Vallarta. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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