Marietas Islands Tour: enter the hidden beach 100% GUARANTEED

Exploring the Marietas Islands Tour: Your Guaranteed Access to the Hidden Beach

Our review of the Marietas Islands tour in Puerto Vallarta highlights an experience that’s both adventurous and well-organized. Without claiming to have personally taken the tour, we’ve gathered insights from travelers and the tour provider to give you a clear picture of what to expect. This tour promises 100% guaranteed access to the famous hidden beach—a feat that many other tours cannot promise—and offers a compact, intimate experience with plenty of unique sights.

Two features that stand out for us are the small-group format, which enhances comfort and safety, and the diverse itinerary, including snorkeling, birdwatching, and visiting spectacular rock formations. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that accessing the hidden beach requires a swim of about 100 meters through a tunnel, which might be challenging for some, especially in rough seas or for those with limited swimming ability.

This tour best suits travelers who enjoy a blend of adventure, wildlife spotting, and scenic beauty in a setting that feels personal rather than crowded. If you’re someone who values expert guides, small-group intimacy, and a well-rounded experience on the water, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Guaranteed access to the iconic hidden beach makes this tour stand out among other options.
• Small group size (max 8 people) offers a more personalized and comfortable experience.
• Multiple activities including snorkeling, birdwatching, and sightseeing make for a varied day.
• Expert-guided safety and support are emphasized, especially for the swim to the hidden beach.
• Environmental care is highlighted—no shoes, no trash, and reef-safe sunscreen recommended.
• Price-to-value ratio is high, given the variety of experiences packed into approximately 3 hours.

The Itinerary Unpacked: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at GRIMAR ADVENTURES in Corral del Risco, with a straightforward meeting point easily reachable by public transportation or local taxi. The covered boat takes you on a scenic ride across the Pacific to the islands, with the boat capacity kept small—max 8 travelers per trip—to ensure comfort. Several reviews note that most travelers find the meeting instructions clear, although some mention minor difficulty finding the exact spot, highlighting the importance of following provided directions.

First Stop: The Marietas Islands

Once on the water, you’ll quickly notice the stunning scenery—cliffs, caves, and the famous Puente de Piedra—a natural stone bridge that makes for a fantastic photo. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, and travelers often mention spotting whales or dolphins en route, thanks to the expert navigation and local knowledge of guides like Ruben and Chuy.

The Hidden Beach – Beach of Love

The main event is reaching the hidden beach, a spot that’s become world-famous thanks to social media. The tour offers 100% guaranteed access, which is rare. This involves swimming approximately 100 meters through a tunnel, always supported by the guide, who ensures safety and navigates active currents. Many reviews appreciate the careful guidance, with one traveler noting, “The swim to the hidden beach was worth it,” while others advise that swimmers should be comfortable in the water.

Access is not just about the swim; it’s about experiencing an incredible natural formation—the secluded, sandy cove surrounded by cliffs, with wildlife like blue-footed boobies nesting nearby. During the swim, guides are attentive, and the experience feels safe and organized, something that numerous travelers praise.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

After visiting the beach, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in colorful waters teeming with marine life. The snorkeling gear and lifejackets provided mean you can comfortably explore the underwater world for about 25 to 30 minutes. Reviews rave about the vivid fish and coral—”loads of different types of fish,” as one guest describes.

Visiting Playa Nopalera and the Bufadora

Next, the tour takes you to Playa Nopalera, where you can walk along the beach, explore caves, or take more photos. Approximately 30 minutes are allotted here, giving you a taste of the island’s quieter, natural beauty. Several travelers mention that this beach is a great spot for relaxing and photographing the scenery.

The Bufadora, a natural blowhole that spits water with impressive force during waves, is another highlight. Guides often point out the geological wonder and explain its formation, making it both a fun and educational stop.

Birdwatching and Unique Rock Formations

The area is home to diverse bird species, including the Blue-legged Booby Birds, which you can observe nesting and soaring overhead. The stone figures and natural sculptures carved by the sea and wind add to the surreal landscape. These sights are often described as picturesque and awe-inspiring.

The Experience: What Makes It Special

Small-group tours mean more personalized attention and fewer crowds—something many reviews emphasize. For example, travelers mention that “the boat was only 6 of us plus guides,” making it easier to ask questions and enjoy each stop. This intimacy also enhances safety, which is crucial for the swim to the beach and snorkeling.

Guides like Ruben are consistently praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and safety-first attitude. Many reviews mention how guides go beyond mere directions—they help spot whales, assist with swimming, and take photos, making the experience more memorable.

Value for money is another strong point. At around $164 per person, including all gear, water, and entry fees, the tour offers a compact, multi-activity experience that would be challenging to replicate independently. Travelers often compare it favorably to larger, less organized excursions, praising the smooth coordination and high-quality service.

What to Expect in Terms of Timing and Duration

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it suitable for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick yet enriching adventure. The itinerary is packed but efficient, with each stop offering enough time to explore, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Because the tour emphasizes environmental protection, travelers are asked to wear reef-safe sunscreen, avoid bringing food or bags to the beaches, and refrain from throwing trash into the sea. The swim through the tunnel requires moderate physical fitness, and for safety reasons, children under 10 or over 65 may not be suitable for the swim. Many reviews reinforce the importance of following guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is a great pick for adventure-minded travelers who enjoy being active—swimming, snorkeling, and exploring natural formations. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides appeal to those seeking a personalized experience rather than large tour buses. It’s also ideal for wildlife lovers, as the area hosts a variety of bird species and sometimes whales and dolphins.

If you’re comfortable in the water, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, this tour delivers. It’s particularly suited for those wanting guaranteed access to the celebrated hidden beach, as well as anyone interested in learning about the area’s geology and wildlife.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers looking to tick off the iconic hidden beach with confidence, this tour is a solid choice. The small-group setup ensures comfort, and the variety of stops makes the 3-hour trip feel full and rewarding. The emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, and local expertise shines through in the reviews, which repeatedly praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

While the swim through the tunnel might be a hurdle for some, most agree that the effort is worthwhile, especially when accompanied by competent guides. The snorkeling, birdwatching, and geological sights add layers of interest that extend beyond just the beach.

This tour is best suited for active travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a well-rounded, intimate experience in the Marietas Islands. If you’re after a straightforward, adventure-packed trip that guarantees access to a bucket-list spot, this experience checks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is the access to the hidden beach really guaranteed?
Yes, the tour explicitly promises 100% guaranteed access, which involves swimming through a tunnel. Guides support you during the swim, so as long as you’re comfortable in the water, you should reach the beach.

How long is the swim to the beach?
Approximately 100 meters, guided by the crew to ensure safety. It’s a vigorous swim through a tunnel, so some physical fitness and comfort in the water are helpful.

What is included in the tour price?
All needed gear—lifejackets, snorkeling equipment—non-alcoholic beverages, waterproof bags, transportation aboard a covered boat, and entry to the hidden beach.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 10 years old, and the maximum age is 65. The swim requires moderate physical fitness, so younger children or older adults should assess their comfort level.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), camera or phone for photos, and drinks in reusable bottles. Avoid bringing bags or food to the beaches.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Safety is a priority, especially with ocean conditions.

Final Words

The Marietas Islands tour offers a compact, exciting adventure that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and the thrill of reaching the secluded hidden beach. Its small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and focus on environmental care elevate it above many standard excursions.

It’s a perfect choice for those who value authentic experiences and personalized service, and who are prepared for some water activity. If you’re ready for a memorable 3-hour trip that delivers on adventure, scenery, and the promise of that legendary secret beach, this tour deserves a place on your Puerto Vallarta itinerary.