Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel and Hidden Beach

Exploring the stunning natural wonders of Puerto Vallarta’s Marietas Islands is a must-do adventure for any traveler. This guided snorkeling tour provides an intimate experience, taking visitors to marvel at the vibrant coral reefs and spot diverse marine life. The highlight? Traversing a scenic water tunnel to the exclusive Hidden Beach, a true gem of the region. With expert guidance, a delicious box lunch, and a daily visitor limit, this 4-hour tour offers an unforgettable way to take in the area’s breathtaking beauty. However, there’s more to discover about this captivating excursion.

Key Points

• The Marietas Islands tour offers a 4-hour experience with a 97% chance of visiting the secluded Hidden Beach accessible via a water tunnel.
• The tour includes expert guidance, box lunch, fruit, and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, with a 99% success rate for Hidden Beach access.
• The Hidden Beach has a strict daily limit of 116 visitors to preserve the ecosystem, with Eco Explorer offering more permits than competitors.
• The tour departs from Marina Vallarta at 9 am, with opportunities to spot wildlife like dolphins, turtles, mantas, and whales during the scenic journey.
• Participants must be between 10 and 65 years old, and certain health restrictions apply for accessing the Hidden Beach.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour "Marietas Islands Snorkel and Hidden Beach" provides an exhilarating opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes of Puerto Vallarta.

Priced from £114.30 per person, the 4-hour tour offers a 97% chance of visiting the renowned Hidden Beach. Guests can expect to snorkel amidst abundant marine life and access the Hidden Beach, which is only accessible through a water tunnel.

The tour includes expert guidance, a box lunch, and fruit. With a daily limit of 116 visitors, Eco Explorer secures more permits than other providers, ensuring a 99% success rate in accessing the Hidden Beach, which is only open Wednesday through Sunday.

Experience Highlights

With the Marietas Islands Snorkel and Hidden Beach tour, guests can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and discover the abundant marine life. The experienced snorkeling guides provide expert leadership, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure.

The tour highlights include:

1. Snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs and schools of colorful fish.
2. Exploring the secluded Hidden Beach, accessible only through a scenic water tunnel.
3. Enjoying a delicious box lunch and fresh fruit onboard the boat.

The tour provides an exceptional opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of the Marietas Islands, offering a truly immersive and enriching experience for visitors.

Access and Capacity

Only 116 persons are permitted daily at the Hidden Beach within the Marietas Islands. This strict limit is in place to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

However, Eco Explorer has more permits available than other providers, giving them a 99% success rate in accessing the Hidden Beach. This hidden gem is only accessible Wednesday through Sunday, so visitors should plan their schedules accordingly.

The limited daily capacity and exclusive access days ensure an intimate and sustainable experience for those fortunate enough to explore this remarkable natural wonder.

Wildlife and Scenic Views

Departing from Marina Vallarta at 9 am, the tour offers great views of the Ameca River, and there’s a chance of spotting dolphins along the way.

During the winter months, visitors may also be lucky enough to catch glimpses of turtles, mantas, and whales.

The tour’s scenic journey provides an opportunity to appreciate the region’s diverse marine wildlife and natural beauty.

The tour’s experienced guides ensure guests make the most of these wildlife viewing opportunities, enhancing the overall snorkeling experience.

The Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach offer a unique and memorable adventure, showcasing the area’s stunning coastal landscapes and abundant marine life.

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What to Bring

Travelers should bring a swimsuit, towel, light sweater, hat, and biodegradable sunscreen to get the most out of the snorkeling experience.

It’s also recommended to bring extra cash for photos and souvenirs, as well as the $25 USD Hidden Beach deposit and $3 USD conservation fee.

Certain restrictions apply – the minimum age for the Hidden Beach is 10 years with adult supervision, and it’s not suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, pregnant travelers, or those under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

The maximum age for the Hidden Beach is 65 years.

Restrictions

The tour imposes certain restrictions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

First, there are age requirements – the minimum age is 10 years, with adult supervision required for the Hidden Beach portion.

Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant individuals, as well as those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Finally, the maximum age for the Hidden Beach access is 65 years.

These restrictions help maintain the integrity of the experience and protect the fragile ecosystem of the Marietas Islands.

Inclusions

The tour includes a boat ride to the Marietas Islands, where guests can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and explore the Hidden Beach.

Life vests, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a box lunch are provided. A conservation donation and national park permits are also included in the price. Gratuities for the experienced guides are covered as well.

The tour departs from Marina Vallarta at 9 am, ensuring plenty of time to enjoy the scenic Ameca River and potential wildlife sightings along the way.

With a 99% visitor access success rate, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to access the elusive Hidden Beach.

Fees and Deposits

Aside from the tour price, there are a few additional fees and deposits required for the Marietas Islands Snorkel and Hidden Beach excursion.

Visitors must pay a $3.00 USD boarding fee in cash at check-in. Plus, there’s a $25.00 USD cash deposit required at check-in for accessing the Hidden Beach. This deposit is fully refundable upon return from the beach.

Lastly, there’s a $3.00 USD conservation fee that’s included in the tour price. These fees and deposits help maintain the natural beauty and environmental sustainability of this unique destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour provides complimentary snorkeling gear, so it may not be necessary. Guests are welcome to use the provided equipment if they prefer.

Is There a Minimum Number of People Required for the Tour?

There’s no minimum group size for this tour. Participants can book as individuals or in small groups. The tour will operate as long as there’s at least one person signed up within the maximum daily capacity.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour provides life vests, and participants can opt to explore the Hidden Beach without snorkeling if they prefer. However, basic swimming skills are recommended for the snorkeling portion.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Hidden Beach?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the Hidden Beach. However, they must pay a $25 USD cash deposit at check-in, which is refundable upon exiting the beach. Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Is There an Opportunity to Explore the Marietas Islands Further?

The tour provides an opportunity to explore the Marietas Islands beyond just the Hidden Beach. Visitors can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and see abundant marine life around the islands during the 4-hour excursion.

Recap

Enjoy the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s Marietas Islands. Explore vibrant coral reefs, spot marine life, and discover the hidden gem of the Hidden Beach. With expert guidance, a delicious lunch, and limited daily access, this snorkeling adventure offers an intimate and unforgettable experience amidst the region’s stunning coastal landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: