Viator Rating : 5 (971 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.9/10 (Solid Experience)
Puerto Vallarta
Marietas Islands: Snorkel & Hidden Beach Tour
Overview
Experience the beauty of the Marietas Islands with the Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach, departing from Marina Vallarta and passing the Ameca River Mouth! This adventure, led by Eco Explorer, offers a chance to see the famous Hidden Beach and explore the amazing Marietas Islands, islands off Puerto Vallarta.
What to Expect:This tour is perfect for people who love nature and want to see amazing sea life and birds. The tour includes snorkeling in the clear waters around the Marietas Islands and bird watching to see the different kinds of birds that live there. The highlight is visiting the Hidden Beach, a secret beach inside one of the islands.
The tour includes a donation to Bahia Unida, a CONANP Bracelet, light snacks like apples, bananas, and a sandwich, and drinking water. Snorkeling gear and life vests are also provided, along with official permits to enter the Marietas Islands National Park. Please note that lunch, government fees, and tips are not included. This tour is known for its excellent quality and low supplier cancellation rate, ensuring a reliable and unforgettable experience. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Visit the Hidden Beach: See the amazing Hidden Beach inside the Marietas Islands. A once in a lifetime opportunity.
Snorkel in Clear Waters: Snorkel and swim in the clear waters around the Marietas Islands and see lots of colorful fish.
Watch Beautiful Birds: See many different kinds of birds that live on the Marietas Islands.
Enjoy a Boat Ride: Take a fun boat ride around the islands and enjoy the beautiful views.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the tour guides are friendly and helpful.
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Many reviewers loved the snorkeling and seeing the fish.
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Visitors enjoyed the boat ride and the beautiful views.
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The Hidden Beach was a highlight for many people.
Some visitors mentioned that access to the Hidden Beach can be limited.
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A few reviewers wished there was more time at the beach.
The Journey
Marina Vallarta
Begin your adventure from Marina Vallarta, a sophisticated coastal hub known for its luxury yachts, world-class restaurants, and upscale shopping. This vibrant marina offers a stunning backdrop of Banderas Bay, providing a perfect starting point for excursions and a taste of the refined lifestyle of Puerto Vallarta. Experience the lively atmosphere as you set sail, leaving behind the scenic views of this premier destination.
Ameca River Mouth
Witness the confluence of the Ameca River and the Pacific Ocean, a thriving ecosystem teeming with marine life. This estuary serves as a feeding ground for dolphins, making it an ideal spot for wildlife observation. The rich biodiversity and picturesque scenery create a memorable experience as you observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat against the backdrop of lush coastal landscapes. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species that also call this area home, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Islands off Puerto Vallarta
Journey to the stunning islands off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, where crystal-clear waters invite you to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems. These islands offer exceptional snorkeling opportunities, allowing you to swim alongside colorful fish and other fascinating sea creatures. During winter months, the voyage itself turns into a spectacle, with chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and even majestic whales breaching the surface. The islands are a paradise for underwater exploration and wildlife encounters.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a donation to Bahia Unida, a CONANP Bracelet, light snacks (apples, bananas, and a sandwich), drinking water, snorkeling gear, a life vest, and official permits for the Marietas Islands National Park. It does not include lunch, government fees, or gratuities. Make sure to bring your own reusable water bottle to help keep the park plastic-free.
Hot Tip
Some people say that going earlier in the morning might give you a better chance to get into the Hidden Beach because it's less crowded. Also, bring a waterproof camera to take pictures of all the amazing fish and birds!
Review Summary
People find this tour highly valuable for accessing the exclusive Hidden Beach and diverse marine life near Puerto Vallarta. The most frequently praised aspects include the high probability of Hidden Beach access, quality of snorkel equipment provided, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and sightings of dolphins and sea turtles[1][4]. Common concerns mention that water visibility can vary seasonally, limited permit availability makes access uncertain despite tour operators' best efforts, and the plastic-free policy requires bringing your own reusable water bottle[1][2]. Travelers consistently recommend booking private tours for guaranteed access if budget allows, and note that early morning departure times are typical for better conditions.
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
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