The 15 Best Marietas Islands Tours

1.Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,130 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Start early from Puerto Mágico and spend about seven hours on the Bay of Banderas, watching for dolphins, whales, manta rays, and seabirds. Choose snorkeling, kayaking, or SUP near the Marietas Islands, then enjoy a BBQ lunch and drinks at Majahuitas. Guides such as Poncho and Danny are known for lively onboard entertainment.

“90% plus of the time is on a boat with very little time for snorkeling (maybe 30 minutes tops) and you will need to be very fast if you are going to do any kayaking or paddle boarding. The time spent doing activities feels very rushed. However, there is good service for drinks and the lunch is excellent and the location for lunch is great. However I would not recommend this tour. Perhaps if we went to two locations rather then three it would have felt less rushed with more time for activities.”

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2.Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 981 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $99Top rated

From Marina Vallarta, you’ll ride by speedboat to the Marietas Islands with guides such as Rodrigo, Carlos, and Emilio. Snorkel among tropical fish, watch for dolphins, turtles, rays, and winter whales, then swim through a sea tunnel to Hidden Beach if conditions and permits allow.

“The trip out to the island was lovely. The guides were great to work and very kind. They were well prepared and did a great job explaining things. The snorkeling was a lot of fun and we got to see some cool see life.”

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3.Full-Day Trail to 6 hidden Beaches, Colomitos & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 527 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $38

Start in Zona Romántica, ride a local bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then hike a rugged coastal trail past Colomitos and several small beaches. Guides such as Juan, Diego, Victor, and Alex lead the way. Snorkel gear is included, but water conditions decide whether you can use it.

“We had a blast!! So many beautiful beaches. Great hikes and good time on the beach as well!! Diego was great and had a perfect pace!”

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4.Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 403 reviews · 6 hours · from $37Best value

Join a small group of up to 14 with guides such as Juan, Alex, Diego, or Victor for a rugged coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlán to six beaches. You’ll ride local buses, swim at Colomitos and other coves, try snorkeling if sea conditions allow, eat at Playa Las Ánimas, and return by water taxi.

“We had the best time, wonderful family day. Loved how informative our guide Juan was. Very friendly and had a great attitude. Would recommend!”

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5.Los Arcos 5 islands Snorkeling Cliff Jumping and Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 295 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Join Mismaloya Xtreme for a three-hour boat trip from Zona Romantica to Los Arcos. You’ll get cliff-jumping options, snorkeling among tropical fish, a ride through arches and caves, and time at a small beach. Guides including Alfonso, Diego, Max, and Arnold lead the outing.

“Great no-nonsense half day active tour. Plenty of time in the water and back at the hotel before the lunch buffet ends. Alfonso and crew were great.”

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6.Marietas Islands snorkeling & Hidden beach (w/ restrictions)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Join a small group from Marina Vallarta for a five-hour Marietas Islands trip led by a biologist or naturalist. You’ll snorkel, watch seabirds, share lunch, and possibly swim 200 meters into Hidden Beach. Guides such as Maggie, Michael, Cynthia, and Luis add strong wildlife insight, but beach access is never guaranteed.

“The snorkeling for sure!! Margarita was such a great guide as she is a zoologist. Her information on the birds and the fish we saw while snorkeling was fabulous!!”

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7.hidden beach tour guaranteed!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $168

From Punta de Mita, Shark’s Tours takes you by covered boat to the Marietas Islands for a guided swim through a short cave into Playa del Amor. Expect snorkeling, bird watching, La Nopalera Beach, and possible dolphins or humpback whales. Guides such as Daniel, Noé, Jorge, and Jesus assist in the water and take photos.

“We chose this as small group excursion. To no fault of the operators we did not know it was a 75 minute cab ride to get there. We lost $285 by not being familiar enough with the region.”

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8.Guaranteed Hidden Beach • Small Group Tour • Punta Mita

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $173

From Punta Mita, join guides such as Ruben, Chuy, or Johnny for a three-hour Marietas Islands trip. Swim 80 to 100 meters through a natural tunnel to Hidden Beach, then snorkel or visit Playa Nopalera. The covered boat holds no more than eight people.

“We had a great time on our adventure. The swim to the hidden beach was worth it! Ruben and Chewy took great care of us.”

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9.Scuba Diving Marietas Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 107 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $195

From Sayulita, Sebastian Briones and his team take you by boat across Banderas Bay to Punta de Mita and the Marietas Islands for two guided scuba sessions. Equipment, water, transport, and a professional guide are included. Leila may lead your group, with a maximum of seven people.

“I had two days of excursions with Oceano Adventures. First day I went diving and the second day I went snorkeling and entered the Hidden Beach. Both days were awesome🤩 I had not been diving in over 5 years so I was quite nervous but Sebastian reassured me that they would go over everything to make sure I felt comfortable before we descended. And Leila the dive instructor/guide was phenomenal!!🏆 Her passion for diving, the ocean the wildlife on land, and in the sea just beamed thru her. Enjoyed all the fish and bird talk. 🐟🦅🐠🦜 I got over my nerves and really enjoyed both dives. The Hidden Beach was…”

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10.Six Hidden Beaches Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41

Meet in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, ride a local bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then hike 3.6 kilometers through jungle, stone paths, and six southern beaches. Guides such as Isaac, Rocco, Juan, and Carlos lead the route. Finish with seafood at Las Ánimas and return by boat and bus.

“We had a wonderful time. Isaac was a great guide. The beaches were beautiful. The hike was moderate. I recommend wearing your swimsuit as there are no places to change and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The fresh fruit towards the end of the hike was delicious. I highly recommend this tour.”

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11.Private Marietas Snorkeling Tour – Hidden Beach Access Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Take a private four-hour boat trip from Marina Vallarta to the Marietas Islands. Your guide supplies snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks, then leads you through clear water and seabird habitat. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can pay cash for a timed swim through the cave to Hidden Beach.

“My family most enjoyed the adventure into the Hidden Beach. If you stay calm, breast stroke in, and follow your guides instructions you will be fine. It only takes seconds to clear the lowest point and then your clear as the cave opens up. It helps to have cardio stamina as well. I saw terrified faces as we were exiting and they were entering. Staying calm is key. After, we went snorkeling. Our guide took the time to show us how to properly secure our snorkel gear. It was truly an unforgettable experience.”

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12.Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $125

Spend 4 to 6 hours exploring Puerto Vallarta’s underwater sites with Eco Explorer Vallarta. Los Arcos welcomes beginners, while Marietas requires certification. Guides including Eric, Carlos, Nahum, and Javi provide patient instruction, equipment, and safety help. Dolphins and seasonal whales may appear during the boat ride.

“We saw and had the most amazing dolphin viewing experience in addition to the scuba. We also had a chance to see two pods of whales. It was a memorable and very exclusive trip as only a few other boats were around, not like the usual tourist swarms during other trips where you see dophins and whales.”

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13.small groups SAFARI to Marietas Islands including Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $212

From El Anclote, Eduardo and his crew take you by small boat to the Marietas Islands for a guided swim through the tunnel to Hidden Beach, snorkeling, bird and whale watching, the La Bufadora blowhole, and shrimp ceviche onshore. The tour suits confident swimmers ages 10 to 65.

“We did this as a group of 5. All of us loved the experience. Eduardo was a great tour guide. Lunch was great as well. Highly recommend this tour!”

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14.Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 74 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $87

Spend about nine hours aboard a catamaran from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands. You get breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, beach time at Playa la Nopalera, music, and drinks, but Hidden Beach and the ecological boat tour cost extra.

“We have been on the same tour with Vallarta Adventures and it was so much better. This tour tries to up sale you from the minute you get onboard. You won’t see any blue footed boobies on this tour unless you pay extra to go closer to shore in a smaller boat. The chairs are extremely uncomfortable and the crew does no entertaining on the way back. The other tours engage the guests and time goes very fast. We learned our lesson to stick with Vallarta Adventures next time we entertain our guests from out of town.”

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15.Snorkeling at Los Arcos 5 islands Hidden Beach and Cliff Jumping

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $44

Join Mismaloya Xtreme for a 3.5-hour Puerto Vallarta outing to Los Arcos. You’ll make a safe rock jump, snorkel among arches and tropical fish, then rest at a boat-only beach. Guides including Ivan, Brian, and Kevin have been praised for friendly help. Pickup and return transport are included.

“Great time, great guide. Thanks Brian! Cliff jump was fun, but a hard climb for a semi-fat old guy. Snorkeling was fantastic, quality gear, and sooo many fish! Even a spotted eagle ray!( I had to look it up.). Ride back I got seasick, but it didn't spoil the trip. Thanks Mismaloya Xtreme!!”

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