Shark's Hidden Beach, 3 Hours

Overview

This three-hour trip with Shark's Tours runs from Punta de Mita to the Marietas Islands, and its listing sells guaranteed entrance to Hidden Beach, also called Love Beach, as the main draw; tide and park rules still decide on the day. Groups are capped at 8 travelers. You meet at the Punta de Mita Tourism Cooperative, on Avenida Las Pangas in Corral del Risco, right in front of the small marina, and the tour ends back at the same spot.

The outing combines several things in a short window. Expect a boat ride out to the islands, time at Hidden Beach itself, and snorkeling with the provided equipment. Travelers describe clear water and plenty of tropical fish around the islands, and several report whale sightings on their trips.

Snorkel gear, life jackets, non-alcoholic drinks, and a dry container for phones and cameras are all included. Lunch and private transportation are not, so plan to eat before or after and to arrange your own way to Punta de Mita. The swim into the cave involves current and waves, so this tour suits reasonably confident swimmers in moderate physical shape rather than beginners or travelers with mobility limits.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Punta de MitaCheck in at the Punta de Mita Tourism Cooperative, Av. Las Pangas 1, in front of the small marina.
2. Boat to Marietas IslandsRide out across the bay toward the islands.
3. Swim to Hidden BeachSwim through the short tunnel into Hidden Beach. The swim demands some effort against the current.
4. Snorkel stopUse the included snorkeling equipment around the islands. Several reviewers describe clear water and plenty of tropical fish.
5. Return by boatHead back toward Punta de Mita. The tour ends at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in traveler feedback and in the operator's own notes.

• Be a strong swimmer. Several travelers said the current and waves push back against you in the tunnel passage, especially on the way in. Guides reportedly help, and one reviewer noted they will even tow weaker swimmers.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. You make your own way to the cooperative at Punta de Mita, and one reviewer found the departure point about an hour from the hotel zone, which adds taxi cost.
• Bring your own mask. Snorkeling equipment is included, but at least one traveler recommended bringing your own mask and snorkel if you have them. A dry container for phones and cameras is provided on board.
• Photo help. Multiple reviewers praised the guides as photographers who know the good angles at Hidden Beach. Letting the guide handle the camera leaves you free to enjoy the short time inside the cave.
• Birds and smell. Travelers describe seeing lots of birds around the island. One trade-off: a reviewer noted the island smells strongly because of the birds, so be prepared.
• Boat fitness. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level, and the swim and boat access both call for some agility.

Common issues. The listing rules out wheelchair users, pregnant travelers, and anyone with back problems or serious heart conditions, and asks for a moderate fitness level. Weather matters too: the operator states the experience requires good conditions, and cancellations for poor weather come with a different date or a full refund. One reviewer felt rushed at Hidden Beach and said the guide did not help much with the swim, while another found the check-in process unorganised and the taxi fare from the hotel zone expensive.

Common Questions