Marietas Islands Tour: Discover Playa Escondida and Playa Nopalera + Food

The Marietas Islands Tour offers a captivating journey into one of Mexico’s most protected and scenic marine sanctuaries. This 6.5-hour adventure departs from Puerto Mágico in Jalisco, providing a high-speed boat ride to explore Playa Escondida and Playa Nopalera. The tour is perfect for those who enjoy snorkeling, scenic views, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere on the water. It includes complimentary food and an open bar, making it an enjoyable mix of adventure and relaxation.

A key feature of this experience is the flexibility it offers: guests can choose to visit only Playa Nopalera or challenge themselves with the full visit to Playa Escondida, known for its secluded beauty. Both options include snorkeling, ensuring plenty of underwater exploration. However, this tour is best suited for people comfortable in the water and in good physical condition, due to the need to swim 60 meters and wear safety gear to access the hidden beach.

Key Points

• Duration: 6.5 hours of exploring the Marietas Islands from Puerto Mágico
• Flexible options: Visit Playa Nopalera only or both Playa Nopalera and Playa Escondida
• Includes snorkeling, food, and open bar
• Departure point: Puerto Mágico, with easy access and free parking
• Physical requirements: Must be able to swim 60 meters, wear life jackets and helmets
• Not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or people with health issues
• Advance booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departure from Puerto Mágico at Puerto Vallarta

The tour begins at Puerto Mágico (Maritime Terminal), where guests are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The meeting point is straightforward: enter the building, take the escalators to the second floor, and look for the Beach Boy module with its screens and signage. Staff in blue polo shirts are available to assist with directions. For those arriving by car, free parking is available at Puerto Mágico.

This organized process helps ensure a smooth start, and the location’s coordinates are 20.653335571289062, -105.24076843261719. The ease of access and parking options make this tour convenient for travelers staying in or near Puerto Vallarta.

Navigating the Meeting Point and Boarding Process

Once at Puerto Mágico, guests find the Beach Boy module easily, thanks to its prominent screens and signage. The staff in blue polo shirts are welcoming and ready to help with check-in, especially if there’s any confusion. Arriving 45 minutes early is recommended to avoid rushing and to allow time for safety instructions and gear fitting.

The tour features a speedboat or catamaran, which provides a fast-paced ride across the water to the islands. The boat’s open deck allows for spectacular views of the coastline, and the high-speed nature of the trip adds an element of thrill for sea lovers. Expect to be on the water for about 6.5 hours total, including travel time, snorkeling, and beach visits.

Full Exploration of the Marietas Islands

This tour revolves around two main beaches: the secluded Playa Escondida and Playa Nopalera. The full experience takes you to both beaches, with a focus on entering Playa Escondida through a rocky passage, which requires wearing helmets and life jackets for safety.

Playa Escondida is notable for its mysterious and remote atmosphere, accessible only via this guided, supervised route. Once there, guests have limited time—15 to 20 minutes—to explore and enjoy the scenery. In contrast, Playa Nopalera offers a more relaxed environment, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in calmer waters.

Both stops provide opportunities to swim and snorkel, with snorkeling gear included. The waters are expected to be clear, and marine life is abundant, making this a rewarding activity for underwater enthusiasts.

Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters

Snorkeling is a key part of the tour, with the included gear enabling guests to observe the marine ecosystem of the islands. The calm waters around Playa Nopalera are ideal for beginners and those seeking a leisurely swim.

Participants are required to know how to swim and be comfortable in the water, as the snorkeling involves some swimming (up to 60 meters). The tour emphasizes safety, requiring all to wear life jackets and helmets when accessing Playa Escondida, ensuring a secure experience despite the adventurous route.

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Food and Drinks on Board

The tour is complemented by complimentary food and an open bar during the trip. The food offerings are designed to keep guests energized for the day’s activities, while the refreshing drinks add a celebratory touch to the water-based adventure.

Guests should note that biodegradable sunscreen is recommended, as it’s less harmful to marine life. The presence of food and drinks aboard helps create a relaxed, social atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after snorkeling or beach visits.

Physical Requirements and Safety Precautions

This experience is best suited for healthy, active participants who can swim 60 meters comfortably. The tour explicitly states that pregnant women, individuals with back, neck, or heart problems, or severe vertigo should avoid participation.

Safety gear, including life jackets and helmets, is mandatory for navigating the rocky passage to Playa Escondida. The total time spent at the hidden beach is limited to comply with federal regulations, but the visit remains a highlight of the tour.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

The tour caters to individuals aged 12 to 65 years. Younger or older guests may not be able to participate in the entry to Playa Escondida due to safety and physical requirements. The fit and healthy nature of the activity ensures a safe experience for most adventurous travelers, but those with health concerns should consult with their doctor beforehand.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking this tour offers flexibility thanks to the reserve now, pay later option. Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, providing peace of mind if plans change. This makes it a practical choice for spontaneous travelers or those with unpredictable schedules.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for sea lovers, adventurers, and those who enjoy snorkeling and boat rides. It suits active travelers comfortable in the water and eager for a short, intense exploration of the islands’ hidden beaches.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or anyone with significant health issues. The limited beach time and rigorous safety protocols reflect the tour’s focus on adventure and safety.

The Sum Up: A Unique Marine Escape from Puerto Vallarta

The Marietas Islands Tour provides a compact, exciting way to experience Mexico’s marine beauty. The choice between visiting just Playa Nopalera or both beaches makes this a flexible outing for different comfort levels and interests. The snorkeling, seafood, and refreshing drinks elevate the day into a lively, enjoyable excursion.

While the adventurous route to Playa Escondida requires good swimming ability and comfort with safety gear, the stunning scenery and marine encounters make it worthwhile. The organized meeting point, easy access, and cancellation policy add to the experience’s convenience.

For those seeking a water-based adventure that mixes nature, fun, and a touch of mystery, this tour is a strong choice—especially for active, water-loving travelers ready for a short, intense exploration of the Marietas Islands’ secret beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, since entering Playa Escondida requires knowing how to swim and swimming 60 meters, it isn’t suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring for this tour?
Guests should bring passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, change of clothes, towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, water shoes, cash, and a daypack.

Are there any restrictions on who can participate?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, neck, or heart problems, non-swimmers, or individuals prone to seasickness.

How long do we spend at Playa Escondida?
The time at Playa Escondida is limited to 15 to 20 minutes due to federal regulations.

What safety measures are in place?
All participants must wear life jackets and helmets to navigate the rocky passage, ensuring safety during the entry to Playa Escondida.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, thanks to the flexible booking policy.

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