Nuevo Vallarta, Open Bar, 6.5 Hours

Overview

This 6.5-hour trip from Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta heads out across the Bay of Banderas to the Marietas Islands. The boat carries a maximum of 15 people, and the listing includes Hidden Beach entrance in the booking, though tide and park rules still decide on the day. Along the way, breakfast and later a light lunch are served on board, with an open domestic bar running through the day.

The signature moment is the swim itself. To reach Hidden Beach, guests swim roughly 80 meters through a tunnel wearing a life jacket, then spend 15 to 20 minutes inside the beach and the park around it. After that, the tour moves to other spots around the islands for snorkeling with provided gear before sailing back to the pier.

It suits confident swimmers who want the Hidden Beach experience, since reaching the beach requires swimming in open water. Note that transport to the pier and the per-guest government tax for the Hidden Beach bracelet are not in the ticket price.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Paradise Village PierCheck in at Paradise Village Public Pier on Blvrd Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. Hotel pickup and transport to the pier are not included.
2. Board and breakfastBoard the boat, maximum 15 people, and start with a continental breakfast while the expedition leader briefs the group on the day ahead.
3. Sail to the islandsCruise across the Bay of Banderas toward the uninhabited Marietas Islands, with scenic views and wildlife watching along the way.
4. Islas Marietas National ParkSwim about 80 meters through a tunnel, wearing a life jacket, to reach Hidden Beach. Spend 15 to 20 minutes in the national park before moving on.
5. SnorkelingUse the provided mask, snorkel, fins and vest to explore the marine life around the islands.
6. Lunch and returnEat a light lunch on board with drinks from the open domestic bar, then sail back to Paradise Village Public Pier. The park visit and related activities are listed as a 7-hour block, optional components included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from the open-water swim to the extra tax and what to bring.

• Swim fitness. The tunnel swim to Hidden Beach is about 80 meters in the open sea with a life jacket. One reviewer, who exercises regularly, found it manageable but reported other guests struggling badly, so assess your own fitness before booking.
• Long crossing. One reviewer noted the boat is roughly 2.5 hours of sailing out from land, and another said the transfer feels long. One traveler said the staff's attention made the journey time pleasant.
• Cash for the tax. A government tax of 220 pesos per guest for the Hidden Beach access bracelet is not included and must be paid separately. Cash is on the operator's what-to-bring list.
• Wildlife watching. Several reviewers reported whales, turtles, rays and seabirds on the crossing, some at close range. Whales in particular drew repeated praise, with guests describing breaches and close approaches on the water.
• Food and bar. Continental breakfast, a light lunch and an open domestic bar are included. Multiple reviewers called the food and drinks a highlight, some naming it their favorite meal of their Puerto Vallarta trip.
• What to pack. The listing advises swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes and cash. Photos are not included, so plan to bring a camera or phone for the islands and any whale activity.

Common issues. Transport to the departure pier is not included, so travelers need to make their own way to Paradise Village. The 220-peso Hidden Beach bracelet tax is extra, as are photos and tips. The tunnel swim demands real swimming ability in open water, and one reviewer described guests becoming sick from overexertion during it. Snorkeling depends on sea conditions; one reviewer reported that jellyfish and sea conditions kept their group from snorkeling. One reviewer also felt the price was high, though they still judged it worth paying.

Common Questions