From Punta de Mita, Optional Hidden Beach

Overview

This half-day trip from Punta de Mita packs the essentials of the Marietas Islands into 3.5 hours: a boat ride across Bahía de Banderas, a guided circuit of the national park, snorkeling, and time on an island beach. It runs with a qualified guide licensed for the islands. The famous Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor, is on the menu as an option rather than a guarantee.

The meeting point is the OXXO at Punta de Mita, in front of the glorieta, where you collect a life vest and the CONANP bracelet before a short safety talk. The boat crosses the bay, with seabirds to watch for and, in whale season, possible humpback sightings. Around the islands the guide covers the geology, history, and conservation rules of the reserve, then you snorkel with provided gear and visit a beach.

Hidden Beach access depends on conditions and the daily capacity the park sets, and the guide checks with National Park authorities on the day. If it opens, you pay MXN 900 per person in cash to the captain, get safety equipment and instructions, and swim to the entrance with the guide alongside.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at OXXO Punta de MitaGather at the OXXO Punta de Mita PVA, frente a la glorieta, to collect your life jacket and CONANP bracelet and hear the safety briefing.
2. Cross Bahía de BanderasA guided boat leg of 1.5 hours across the bay, with commentary on the area and a chance to spot whales in season.
3. Tour Islas Marietas National ParkA further 1.5 hours guided around the islands, covering history, geology, and wildlife, with snorkeling and a beach stop included.
4. Playa del Amor, optionalA 1-hour guided visit to the Hidden Beach if conditions and daily capacity allow. Extra fee of MXN 900 per person, paid in cash to the captain.
5. Return to Punta de MitaRelax on the boat ride back to the OXXO meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day run more smoothly, from the cash-only Hidden Beach fee to what the listing asks you to bring.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. You meet at the OXXO Punta de Mita PVA, frente a la glorieta, so factor in your own transport to that spot in time for the briefing.
• What to bring. The listing asks for swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. The cash matters because the optional Hidden Beach fee of MXN 900 per person is paid in cash directly to the captain.
• Hidden Beach odds. Access to Playa del Amor is not guaranteed. It depends on sea conditions and the daily cap set by the National Park, and your guide checks availability with the authorities during the tour, so treat it as a bonus.
• Food and drink. Drinking water is supplied on board, with cups available, and the operator encourages a reusable bottle. The listing does not mention any other refreshments, so bring anything else you might want.
• Fitness and swimming. The Hidden Beach entry involves a swim to the entrance with the guide, and snorkeling is part of the main tour.
• Park rules. Littering and touching marine life are not allowed. The guide covers the conservation rules that protect the reserve during the briefing.

Common issues. The main limitation is that Hidden Beach access is conditional: it depends on weather, sea state, and the daily capacity allowed by the National Park, and the decision is made on the day. The MXN 900 entrance is a separate, cash-only payment to the captain. There is no hotel transfer, so you must make your own way to the OXXO meeting point in Punta de Mita. Beyond drinking water, the listing does not mention any other refreshments.

Common Questions