Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 72 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta worth booking?
Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta is a 3.5-hour experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from $89 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 72 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (72)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $89 per person
Take a walk on the iconic Lover's Beach in Banderas Bay. The Marietas Islands are an ecologically diverse sanctuary with a stunning hidden beach nestled just out of sight. Take advantage of a small group format as you journey to the islands in our comfortable boat transportation. Swim through cave formations and rock archways, admiring the extraordinary terrain and more than 100 species of unique birds and fish that call these islands home. On your return journey, watch for playful wild dolphins jumping out of the water and putting on a show. Get up-close to see these beautiful creatures from the sea-level perspective of our small boat excursion in an incredible and unforgettable experience.
What you get
About this experience
Take a walk on the iconic Lover's Beach in Banderas Bay. The Marietas Islands are an ecologically diverse sanctuary with a stunning hidden beach nestled just out of sight. Take advantage of a small group format as you journey to the islands in our comfortable boat transportation. Swim through cave formations and rock archways, admiring the extraordinary terrain and more than 100 species of unique birds and fish that call these islands home. On your return journey, watch for playful wild dolphins jumping out of the water and putting on a show. Get up-close to see these beautiful creatures from the sea-level perspective of our small boat excursion in an incredible and unforgettable experience.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Purified water
- Use of snorkel equipment
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Gratuities
- Port fees, Puerto Vallarta
- Government fees
- Access fee
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Puerto Vallarta
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Vallarta Adventures check-in area and staff in turkish blue color uniform. Check in with our team before proceeding to the boarding area.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Vallarta Adventures check-in area and staff in turkish blue color uniform. Check in with our team before proceeding to the boarding area.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Vallarta Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Minimum age: 12 years (All minors must bring an ID with a photo and date of birth)
- Due to federal regulations, and in an effort to protect the flight path of endemic birds, drones are prohibited in this tour
- Bring a bathing suit, shorts, a sun hat, sunscreen and a towel
- IMPORTANT: Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour
- Please be advised that Mexico's Federal Maritime Ports operate a strict No-Drug Policy, including electronic cigarettes, vapers, and all kinds of drugs. Please be advised not to bring them to any of our tours. We cannot offer a refund or change of day for any guest to whom Federal Security has denied access.
- Beach access is subject to sea conditions and is not guaranteed.
- Guests close to ages of 10 and 65 are required to bring a valid official ID due to park regulations.
- People who suffer from heart disease, back, spine or knee problems cannot participate in this activity
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 72 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
72 verified traveler reviews for Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Must do!!
Seriously, I cannot even explain how amazing this experience is! We journeyed to the archipelago and saw the the beautiful volcanic rock formation. It was ok dangerous conditions to snorkel, but the guide was very informative of the history and pointing out the blue footed booby birds. The snorkeling at the hidden spot was amazing! We also very much enjoyed the paddle boards and banana boat. Lunch was fabulous. This company has high quality standards, which shows with the food , unlimited drinks, and staff!! Such an amazing experience!!
via Tripadvisor
Not Worth the Money
Very disappointing. We booked this tour mainly for Hidden Beach, but it was closed due to water conditions. We understood there would be a backup tour, but it was only about 10 minutes and mostly just watching waves hit rocks. The snorkeling was also very cloudy and we barely saw any fish. Definitely did not feel worth the price.
Response from the operator: Hola Jake, We’re genuinely sorry that we fell short of the experience you were hoping for. We understand how disappointing it must have been to have Hidden Beach unavailable, especially when it was a main reason for choosing this tour. Thank you for sharing your experience so honestly. We’ll make sure your feedback is shared with our team and taken seriously. Warm regards,
via Tripadvisor
Well worth the cost of the adventure
Great experience. The guides keep the party going the entire time and the drinks keep coming. Had a blast!
Response from the operator: Hola, Sounds like you found the perfect combination of adventure, great energy, and nonstop fun! Our guides love creating an atmosphere where guests can let loose, enjoy the journey, and celebrate every moment along the way. We’re happy to know the experience was worth it and left you with such great memories. We hope your next adventure with us is just as exciting! 😊 Warm regards,
via Tripadvisor
Potential medical disaster handled with professionalism and kindness. :)
I wanted to give a formal thank you to your crew on the hidden beach excursion. My boyfriend ended up with severe cramping, chest pain, and low oxygen levels (it turned out he had a massive but undiagnosed electrolyte imbalance we didn’t know about, he was pretty sick) and the team we were with was amazing. I am a nurse and when I decided we probably needed to get him back to the pier, they didn’t hesitate to make it happen. We met the med boat and they had an ambulance waiting. He got great care and we made it home safely a few days later. We also really appreciated that they made sure to let the other people on the boat know they would get to go back and finish their snorkeling after we got dropped off. We were concerned about that and thought it was great they made that happen even though it meant they would be out longer. Very impressive and great customer service and care. I wish I remembered their names but it was the morning excursion on Saturday the 14th. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation. We very much recommend Vallarta Adventures. As an aside, the two young ladies who were the photographers took some great pics (before my boyfriend really started to feel unwell) and made me feel like I was in a professional photo shoot. Super fun, well organized, professional excursion.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. First and foremost, we are truly sorry that your day took such an unexpected and concerning turn. We sincerely hope your boyfriend is now feeling much better, and we’re very glad to know he received the care he needed and that you both made it home safely. 💙 At the same time, it means a great deal to us to hear your kind words about our team. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests is always our top priority, and we’re proud that our crew responded quickly, professionally, and with care during such a critical situation. Your recognition—especially coming from a healthcare professional—means more than we can express. We also truly appreciate you highlighting the team’s efforts to support both you and the rest of the group. Creating a balance in moments like that is not always easy, and your acknowledgment will mean a lot to them. Although you don’t recall their names, we will make sure to share your message with the team from the morning excursion on Saturday the 14th—they will be deeply grateful for your appreciation. 🙌 Thank you as well for your kind words about our photographers—we’re so glad they were able to capture some special moments for you before everything unfolded 📸✨ We are very grateful for your recommendation and for your trust in us during such an important moment. We truly hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back again in the future under much more relaxed and joyful circumstances. Warm regards,
via Tripadvisor
Hidden beaches
We did the hidden beaches and horseback riding in Puerto Vallarta with Phillip (guide), Charlie (boat driver), and Franco (photographer). The beach where we ate lunch was tucked away, and so beautiful! The amenities were clean and the lunch was fantastic grilled meat and veggies. The waters were rough the day we went so we weren't able to snorkel. We visited another village where we made tortillas and took a 15 minute horse ride through the village and a river. It was just the right amount of time. We hiked to a waterfall, and there were lots of opportunities to buy tequila, fruit, and souvenirs. The views were amazing! If you pick up the iguanas on the beach they charge you $6, so beware. Phillip was a great guide. He grew up in the US, so communication was super easy, and his personality was friendly and humorous. The crew took great care to keep us safe, and even went out of their way to boat out to the whale breaches we spotted. Would definitely recommend!
Response from the operator: Hola Darla, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience on the Sea Safari Tour! We’re thrilled that Phillip, Charlie, and Franco made your day so memorable. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the beautiful hidden beachs, delicious lunch, tortilla-making, horseback ride, and waterfall hike. We’re glad the crew went out of their way to ensure safety and even brought you closer to the whale breaches—what a special touch! Your recommendation means a lot, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure! 😊 Warm regards,
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Vallarta Adventures, who run 26 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Vallarta Adventures runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puerto Vallarta.
How much does Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta cost?
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Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puerto Vallarta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puerto Vallarta is not rushed.
Is Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 72 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Puerto Vallarta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta?
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Around 25 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puerto Vallarta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puerto Vallarta and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puerto Vallarta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
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On Outty we rank every Puerto Vallarta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Signature Taco Tour in PV with Vallarta Eats. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Puerto Vallarta?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta?
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Included: Snacks; Purified water; and Use of snorkel equipment. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop off; Gratuities; Port fees, Puerto Vallarta; and Government fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta?
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Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Vallarta Adventures check-in area and staff in turkish blue color uniform. Check in with our team before proceeding to the boarding area. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta?
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Across 72 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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