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Looking for the best Marietas Islands tours for your trip to Puerto Vallarta? I’ve curated all the best ones for you.
A trip out to the Marietas Islands is a must if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta. Often referred to as “The Galapagos of Mexico,” the Marietas Islands are a small group of uninhabited islands in the Bay of Banderas with a landscape that feels totally unique. It’s really not like something you’d expect off the coast of PV.
The islands have Mexican National Park status and are known for their vibrant marine life. You can see whales, dolphins, manta rays, tropical fish, the area’s beloved blue-footed boobies, and much more.
One especially big draw to the area is the dramatic scenery—in particular “Hidden Beach,” also known as “Playa del Amor,” which is an otherworldly secluded beach located inside a collapsed cave. It’s only accessible when the tide is low.
The IG-famous beach is thought to have been formed as a result of military bomb testing done in the early 1900s. From inside it, you can enjoy the white sand beach within the cave while gazing up at blue sky above you. There really aren’t many places like it and it’s a bucket list experience you won’t want to miss.
When I visited Puerto Vallarta and joined my Marietas Islands tour, I made the mistake of not checking that the tour we booked went to Hidden Beach and ended up on a massive touristy ship with way too many people. It was a really disappointing experience, which is why I decided to write this post so you can avoid a similar fate.
Below, I’ve researched all the absolute best Marietas Islands tours and curated them here for you, to ensure you have an amazing day out at the Marietas Islands that fits your needs.
Short on time? If you want the absolute best Marietas Islands tour experience, here’s what to book:
- Best Classic Marietas Islands Tour From Puerto Vallarta: Book here.
- Best Quick Tour for The Best Chance of Seeing Hidden Beach: Book here.
- Best All-Inclusive Party Boat Tour: Book here.
Plus, don’t miss my other Puerto Vallarta guides to help you plan your trip:
- Ultimate Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
- 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
- Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
- The Top Food Tours to Book in Puerto Vallarta
Complete Guide to the Best Marietas Islands Tours in Mexico
What are the Marietas Islands?
The Marietas Islands are made up of two main uninhabited islands, along with smaller islets and rocky outcrops, off the coast of Mexico in the Bahia de Banderas, or Bay of Banderas.
From Puerto Vallarta, the Islas Marietas take about 1-1.5 hours to reach by boat, or you can choose to visit departing from Punta Mita which takes only 20-30 minutes.
Visiting these islands is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region, as they’re known for amazing marine life and bird watching, unique rock formations and sea caves, as well as excellent snorkeling.
The famous Hidden Beach, a secluded beach tucked inside a cave-like opening that can only be reached through a water tunnel, is one of the top bucket list things to see in the Marietas Islands. Overall, these islands are a stunning place to visit and provide for a beautiful day on the water.
How to Visit the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands, often called the Galapagos of Mexico, are only reachable by boat and the best way to explore them is to go on a guided tour. The area is strictly regulated by the Mexican government in order to protect the local ecosystem, so it’s mandatory to visit only with a licensed operator.
On these tours, an expert guide will safely take you to all the best spots while teaching you about the history of the area and the local wildlife. They also include use of snorkel equipment and oftentimes drinks and snacks too.
Tours come in all different sizes, but my personal recommendation would be to find a smaller tour rather than opt for one of the larger ones. To each his own, but in my opinion, you’ll get a much more intimate, customized, and relaxing experience with a smaller group.
I’ve included options for both below.
Keep in mind that the official CONANP website lists Islas Marietas National Park as closed on Mondays. So make sure to plan for your tour Tuesday through Sunday.
How to Visit Hidden Beach in the Marietas Islands
In order to visit Hidden Beach, which is often people’s highlight of any visit to the Isla Marietas, you have to be booked on a tour with a licensed operator and also ensure that the tour you book attempts access to the Hidden Beach.
The government limits visitor numbers to Hidden Beach on a daily basis, so it’s not possible for everyone to gain access. Plus, the area is completely restricted to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays, so make sure to book your tour Wednesday-Sunday.
Keep in mind that even on a tour, the only way to see the cave is to swim in, so you should feel confident in your swimming abilities before attempting to visit the beach.
Once on Hidden Beach, tours typically are limited to visiting for 20-30 minutes before they must exit the area.
Important Note: A lot of tours will say that they absolutely guarantee access to Hidden Beach, and while some may have really great success rates, the truth is that access to the beach is sometimes out of the control of tour operators due to weather and conditions. That’s why I recommend booking your tour on Viator so you can cancel up to 24 hours before your excursion should weather look iffy.
Quick Tips for Your Marietas Islands Tour
- Book in Advance: The best tours book out in advance, so make sure to secure your spot as soon as you’ve locked in your trip dates.
- Pay Attention to Group Capacity: The smaller the capacity of the tour, the better in my opinion. You’ll get a much more personalized experience this way and will be able to better enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area in peace.
- Book Your Tour Wednesday – Sunday: The national park closes access to Hidden Beach on Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation purposes, so make sure to book your tour between Wednesday and Sunday if you want to visit the Hidden Beach.
- Additional Fees: Hidden Beach entrance fees are usually not included in the tour price since access isn’t always guaranteed. If you do get the chance to enter and opt in to visiting, there’s typically a fee of 600 MXN per person though some tours list different prices. Definitely read the fine print before booking so you know what’s included.
- Bring Your Own Water Bottle: The national park is a plastic-free zone. Thus, guests are asked to bring their own reusable water bottle on excursions.
- Where to Book Marietas Tours: Since the success of your Marietas Islands tour and whether you can access Hidden Beach are quite weather dependent, I prefer to book tours through Viator which allows for cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour departure.
- Hidden Beach Names: In addition to being called “Hidden Beach,” you may see it referred to in tour listings as Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) and also Playa Escondida which is the direct translation of Hidden Beach.
- If You Want to See Whales: A Marietas Tour can kind of double as a whale watching tour if you plan on visiting PV between December and March when the migration of humpback whales moves through Banderas Bay. January and February are the best time to see them.
The Best Marietas Islands Tours
1. Best Classic Marietas Islands Tour From Puerto Vallarta
If you want to visit the Marietas Islands including the famous Hidden Beach, this is one of the best Marietas Islands tours for you. While there are a bunch of tours out there, not all of them include a trip to Hidden Beach—which is the main selling point for a lot of visitors.
There are a limited number of permits to visit the beach so it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll be able to make it, but these guys advertise a 97% success rate of visiting Hidden Beach and that’s about as good as you’re going to get without booking a private tour. PS—This company offers private tours as well, which you can book with up to four people.
Not only will you visit Hidden Beach though, you’ll also cruise around the water with the chance to see wildlife like turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, and sometimes even whales. Then you’ll pop into the ocean for a snorkel adventure for a closer look at the local sea life.
Snorkel gear, life jackets, National Park fees, snacks, and water are provided. Just note that this is not a booze cruise and drinking is prohibited. You’ll want to feel confident with your swimming abilities too because you’ll be out in the open ocean and there can occasionally be strong currents.
Tour Details at a Glance:
- Length: 4–5 hours
- Days & Times: Daily at 9 a.m.
- Cost: Prices start at $127 per person including destination fees. However, an additional fee of MXN 600.00 per person is required if you want to enter the Hidden Beach.
- Departs From: Puerto Vallarta
From the Reviews: “This experience was absolutely incredible! Our guides Rodrigo and Abrahim were amazing. We saw whales, turtles, dolphins, and a marina ray. The guides made sure everyone was safe and comfortable, and they were very knowledgeable about the various kinds of birds and fish. We got to the hidden beach and got to explore the caves and listen to all the amazing facts about the area. A 10/10 experience!” —Emeline J.
2. Best Quick Tour for The Best Chance of SEeing Hidden Beach
Another good option for a tour with access to Hidden Beach, this is a small-group Marietas Islands tour for only 8 people. You get to swim, snorkel, take photos at the stone bridge, get up close to the blue-footed boobies, and best of all, they claim guaranteed access to Hidden Beach.
Keep in mind though, that even tours that “guarantee access” to the beach can be denied if poor or dangerous conditions are present.
The tour guides are super knowledgeable about the animals and nature in the area. Plus, snorkeling equipment and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
It’s worth noting that this tour takes off from the Punta de Mita Pier which is a little bit north of downtown Puerto Vallarta but also closer to the islands themselves, so you’ll have less travel time on the boat to get there.
Tour Details at a Glance:
- Length: 3 hours
- Days & Times: Tuesday through Sunday at 8:10 AM, 11:20 AM, and 2:30 PM.
- Cost: $172 per person
- Departs From: Punta Mita
From the Reviews: “This tour was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide was lively and fun, but also super cognizant of our safety and made the entire journey seamless. The blue-footed boobies were perched on the rocks awaiting our arrival. The swim to the hidden beach was exhilarating. And snorkeling off the coast of the island allowed us to see so many colorful fish. This was easily my favorite part of my vacation in the Puerto Vallarta/Sayulita area. It is well worth the money.” –Austin F.
3. Best Private Tour IF Hidden Beach Isn’t Your Priority
For a more private tour experience, this Marietas Islands tour can be booked for groups of up to 7 people and will only include you and your group—so no need to worry about making small talk with strangers.
You’ll board a small boat with your very knowledgeable tour guide and captain and head out on the water for a few hours. On this tour you visit both of the islands that make up the national park and you’ll get to snorkel as well as spend time at Nopalera Beach.
This tour is a bit bare bones because all that’s included is the tour itself and use of their snorkeling equipment (no food, no booze, and etc). The pro, however, is that it’s private so you’ll get to custom tailor the experience and go places that the other public tours don’t necessarily explore.
Tour Details at a Glance:
- Length: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Days & Times: Multiple daily departures between 9 AM and 3 PM.
- Cost: From $400 for up to 7 people
- Departs From: Punta Mita
From the Reviews: “The crew was very nice and helpful. We saw whales on our way to the islands, dolphins, sting rays, blue footed boobies, and beautiful fish when we snorkeled. The islands were beautiful!” –Heather S.
4. Best Eco-Minded Tour With Hidden Beach Access
If you’re looking for a Marietas Islands tour that feels a bit more nature-focused and personal, this private snorkeling tour is a great option. It’s run by Eco Explorer Vallarta and gives you a more intimate way to experience the islands with a company that is committed to conservation of the area.
The boat tour includes a private ride out to the Marietas Islands, where you’ll get to snorkel, take in the scenery, and learn more about the local marine ecosystem along the way. Since it’s a private tour, the experience can be a bit more personalized to your group’s pace, which is always a huge plus—especially if you’re more interested in wildlife, snorkeling, and actually appreciating the nature around you.
This tour also includes “guaranteed” Hidden Beach access, which is a major perk since permits are limited and not all tours can get you there. Just note that officials still have the jurisdiction to restrict entry if there are dangerous conditions making it unsafe to enter. Finally, an entrance fee for Hidden Beach is not included in the base tour price and must be paid separately in cash.
Snorkeling equipment, snacks, refreshments, the boat ride, National Park permits, and government fees are included, making this a pretty seamless private option if you want a more elevated and eco-minded day out on the water.
Tour Details at a Glance:
- Length: 4 hours
- Days & Times: Daily, except Mondays. Hidden Beach visits are Wednesday through Sunday only.
- Cost: From $650 per group for up to 4 people. An additional MXN 600 per person fee applies if you want to enter Hidden Beach.
- Departs From: Puerto Vallarta
From the Reviews: “Awesome trip, the guide and captain were really nice. We had a really good time watching whales and snorkeling at the Marieta island. I would highly recommend this tour for family. We were just four on the boat and so were very well taken care of.” –Janki P.
5. Best Small-Group Premium Experience
The big tours with tons of people can be fun, but I personally prefer the vibe of a smaller tour. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy this small group Marietas Islands tour. There are less than 10 people on board and the tour can be personalized to focus on what you and the others in the group are most interested in seeing and experiencing.
It’s a 4–5 hour journey where you’ll be able to swim, snorkel (use of equipment is included), visit Hidden Beach and the marine geyser, and watch for wildlife like birds (including the blue-footed booby) and even whales if you’re visiting in the winter. If you’re interested in surfing, you can add on an optional surf class for only $30 USD.
At the end of the tour, you’ll get to enjoy freshly-prepared shrimp ceviche and a cold beer. Most tours don’t include alcoholic beverages, so this definitely sets this tour apart from the rest.
Tour Details at a Glance:
- Length: 4–5 hours
- Days & Times: Daily at 9 AM.
- Cost: From $210 per person.
- Departs From: Punta Mita
From the Reviews: “This was the best experience I have had going to Marietas Islands and I have gone 4 times. Eduardo made this trip so incredibly special for our group. He had a marine biologist teach us about whales and dolphins. He had the very best guides direct us to the hidden beach and take 100s of photos for us to remember the experience. Eduardo went above and beyond for our group. He will customize the experience for your group. Can’t wait to go again.” –Jill F.
6. Best All-Inclusive Party Boat Tour
If you’re looking for less of a quiet nature tour and more of a fun, full-day boat experience, this all-inclusive Marietas Islands tour is one of the better options. It’s run by Chica Locca Tours and has more of a lively, social vibe with a bigger boat, open bar, food, music, and tons of water activities.
This tour takes you out to the Marietas Islands for a full day on the water, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, float on water mats, and enjoy the boat’s waterslides. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks are all included. So it’s a good choice if you want something that feels easy and all taken care of from start to finish.
Just know that this is definitely a larger-group tour—the max capacity listed is 66 travelers—so I wouldn’t book this one if you’re looking for a super intimate or quiet Marietas Islands experience. But if you’re traveling with friends, celebrating something, or want more of a lively boat day with plenty of food, drinks, and activities, this is a solid pick.
Hidden Beach access is not automatically included and, according to the operator’s current info, costs an additional 1,700 MXN per person in cash, with very limited availability. There are also age restrictions, so I’d only book this one if Hidden Beach isn’t your top priority or if you’re okay with requesting it as an add-on.
The real selling point here is the all-inclusive boat-day experience.
Tour Details at a Glance:
- Length: 6 hours
- Days & Times: Varies by selected meeting point/date.
- Cost: Check current pricing on Viator, as rates can vary by date and departure point.
- Departs From: Multiple meeting points; you’ll need to choose your meeting place before booking.
From the Reviews: “This tour was wonderful. The staff were kind and attentive. We got to see birds, whales, and dolphins which were all very exciting. The food was amazing and the vibes were excellent. We also opted for the Hidden Beach addition and that was beautiful and well worth it. I would absolutely book this tour again if I’m ever back in PV!” —Caitie D.
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