From Nueva Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour

Discover the Full-Day Marietas Islands Adventure from Nuevo Vallarta

The From Nueva Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour offers a memorable day exploring Jalisco’s stunning Marietas Islands within the Bay of Banderas. This 6.5-hour trip is perfect for those eager to see the famous Hidden Beach and enjoy a variety of activities like snorkeling and whale watching. Departing from the Paradise Village Public Pier, the tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience. The price includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and unlimited drinks, providing excellent value for the comprehensive itinerary.

While the journey can be longer than expected—around 2.5 hours each way—the experience compensates with beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and the chance to explore uninhabited islands. This tour is especially suited for active travelers comfortable with ocean activities and who appreciate knowledgeable guides committed to conservation. However, it’s less suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those prone to seasickness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day trip lasting approximately 6.5 hours starting from Nuevo Vallarta
• Guaranteed entry to the Hidden Beach after swimming through an 80-meter tunnel
• Limited small group size of 12 participants for a more personalized experience
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and unlimited drinks, with scenic boat rides and wildlife encounters
• Activities include snorkeling, whale watching, and exploring multiple islands
• Tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or non-swimmers

Departure Point and Meeting Details at Paradise Village

The tour departs from the Paradise Village Public Pier, conveniently located next to the Paradise Village Hotel in Nuevo Vallarta. The exact coordinates are 20.69293785095215, -105.29386901855469. Travelers should arrive ready for a scenic boat journey, which is part of the adventure. The group size is limited to 12, allowing guides to give personalized attention and ensure safety during all activities.

What to Expect on the Boat Ride from Nuevo Vallarta

Starting with a continental breakfast onboard, the trip kicks off with scenic views of the ocean and the Bay of Banderas. The boat, operated by All pvr tours, is comfortable and designed for small groups, enhancing the overall experience. The journey to the islands takes about 2.5 hours each way, offering plenty of opportunities to spot whales, turtles, rays, and seabirds. Guides are known for their knowledgeable commentary and focus on marine conservation.

Exploring the Marietas Islands: Hidden Beach and Other Highlights

The main highlight is reaching the famous Hidden Beach, which requires swimming through an 80-meter tunnel with life jackets. The guides carefully lead guests through this adventure, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Once at the beach, visitors have time to take photos and enjoy the scenery before heading back.

Beyond the Hidden Beach, the tour allows time for snorkeling, where you can observe colorful fish and marine life with provided gear. The uninhabited islands themselves are unspoiled and offer scenic landscapes and birdwatching opportunities. During the trip, guides sometimes adjust plans based on weather conditions—occasionally opting for whale watching if the sea is rough.

More Great Tours Nearby

Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters

Snorkeling is a central part of the experience, with gear provided. Amidst vibrant coral and schools of fish, travelers can expect to see turtles, rays, and in some cases, whales during the season. However, some reviews mention jellyfish or poor conditions for snorkeling on certain days, so flexibility is advised. Guides are praised for their helpfulness in assisting with gear and safety, though some note that swimming to the Hidden Beach can be challenging for less experienced swimmers.

Wildlife Watching: Whales, Turtles, and Bird Species

Wildlife sightings enhance the tour’s appeal. The Bay of Banderas and surrounding waters are teeming with whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, especially during peak seasons. The blue-footed boobie and other seabirds are often visible around the islands, offering excellent photo opportunities. Several reviews highlight whale sightings, with breaches and close approaches that make the trip unforgettable.

Onboard Food, Drinks, and Crew Service

The tour includes delicious meals prepared onboard, with breakfast at the start and lunch served during the return sail. Passengers also enjoy unlimited drinks, including beer, cocktails, and soft drinks, which contribute to a relaxed atmosphere. The crew is frequently praised for their friendly and attentive service, making guests feel well cared for throughout the day.

Pacing and Physical Requirements

The long boat ride—up to 2.5 hours each way—means travelers should be prepared for a full day at sea. The swim through the tunnel to Hidden Beach is approximately 80 meters long and requires wearing a life jacket; it’s best suited for active and confident swimmers. The tide and weather conditions can influence accessibility—sometimes the entrance to the Hidden Beach is not guaranteed if seas are too rough.

Safety, Conservation, and Guide Expertise

The guides are highly appreciated for their knowledge and commitment to conservation. They ensure safety during activities like swimming and snorkeling, providing equipment and instructions. Several reviews mention the helpfulness of staff, especially when encountering challenging conditions or seasickness. The tour emphasizes environmental preservation, making it suitable for eco-conscious travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers comfortable with ocean activities and long boat rides. The small group size enhances interaction with guides and makes the day more personalized. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, snorkelers, and those eager to see whales. However, due to the physical nature of swimming through tunnels and the ocean journey, it’s less suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or non-swimmers.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is praised for its scenery, wildlife, and food, some reviews note that sea conditions can impact accessibility to the Hidden Beach. Weather and waves may prevent entry, so flexibility is key. The boat ride can be long and sometimes crowded if the boat is not adequately prepared, but small groups help mitigate this. Travelers should also be aware of sea sickness risks and wear appropriate gear.

Final Thoughts on the Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour

This full-day adventure from Nuevo Vallarta delivers a blend of natural beauty, wildlife sightings, and active experiences. The scenic boat rides, knowledgeable guides, and quality onboard meals make it a compelling choice for adventurous travelers looking to explore the Bay of Banderas and the Marietas Islands.

The guaranteed entry to the Hidden Beach is a major highlight, though weather can influence access. With a small group setting and environmental awareness, the tour appeals most to those who enjoy ocean activities and wildlife. While it requires some physical effort and patience, the memories of whales breaching and snorkeling are well worth it for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entrance to the Hidden Beach guaranteed?
Entrance is guaranteed, but it depends on weather and sea conditions. If the conditions are rough, access might be limited or not possible.

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The boat journey takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, making it a full-day trip.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and cash for optional purchases. Equipment such as snorkeling gear is provided.

Is snorkeling included, and what might I see?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided. Expect to see colorful fish, turtles, rays, and possibly dolphins or whales during peak seasons.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women due to the physical demands and ocean conditions.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience and better safety oversight.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby