Snacks, Water, Hidden Beach Fee Extra

Overview

This is a speedboat trip from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands with Vallarta Adventures, built around a swim through a cave to reach Hidden Beach. It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes, carries a maximum of 20 travelers, and starts early, with check-in at the Terminal Maritima in Zona Hotelera Norte. You need to arrive 30 minutes before the 07:00 departure and check in with staff in turkish blue uniforms.

The shape of the day is straightforward. After the boat ride out, participants put on helmets and swim through the tunnel to reach the beach, where time on the sand is limited before the swim back out. Snorkeling near the island follows, with use of snorkel equipment included. Several travelers report the crew also slows the boat for dolphin and whale sightings on the way out or back, which reviewers described as a highlight of the ride.

Snacks and purified water are included, though reviewers describe the food as light, so anyone wanting a real meal should plan for after the tour. This trip suits confident swimmers in good physical condition, aged 12 and over. It does not suit cruise passengers, pregnant travelers, people with heart or back problems, or anyone who cannot manage a demanding open-water swim in waves. Beach access depends on sea conditions and is not guaranteed.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Terminal MaritimaCheck in at the Vallarta Adventures area at Terminal Maritima N Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte. Arrive 30 minutes before the 07:00 departure.
2. Speedboat to Marietas IslandsRide out to the islands by speedboat with the group. Travelers mention the crew sometimes stops to observe dolphins and whales along the way.
3. Swim to Hidden BeachPut on a helmet and swim through a cave tunnel to reach the beach inside the island. Access depends on sea conditions and is not guaranteed.
4. Snorkel near the islandSnorkel in the waters around the Marietas Islands using the included equipment. Reviews describe this section as shorter and calmer than the beach swim.
5. Boat back to Puerto VallartaReturn by speedboat to the same meeting point, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

The swim through the cave is the defining part of this tour and it demands real swimming ability.

• Fitness required. The listing asks for a strong physical fitness level and bars travelers with heart, back, spine or knee problems. Reviews describe swimming against currents and waves through the cave tunnel, and one reviewer noted about a third of their boat stayed aboard. Strong swimmers only.
• Pack water. Purified water and snacks are included, but one reviewer said no water was handed out on their trip and they were glad they brought their own. Reviews describe the food as a granola bar and fruit.
• What to wear. The listing recommends a bathing suit, shorts, a sun hat, sunscreen and a towel. Bring these items with you, since there is no hotel pickup and you make your own way to the terminal.
• Marine sightings. Several travelers reported dolphins and whales, including a mother humpback with a calf, spotted from the boat. The crew stops the boat so passengers can watch and take photos.
• Bring ID. The minimum age is 12, and all minors must bring photo ID with a date of birth. Guests close to ages 10 and 65 also need valid official ID due to park regulations. Drones are prohibited to protect endemic birds' flight paths.
• Port rules. Mexico's Federal Maritime Ports enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapers. Federal Security denies access to anyone carrying them, with no refund or date change. Cruise ship passengers cannot book this tour.

Common issues. Beach access is subject to sea conditions and is not guaranteed, and one reviewer reported rough water in the cave tunnel on a day when weather was questionable, describing the swim as dangerous in those conditions. The tour also needs a minimum number of travelers, so it can be cancelled for low numbers or poor weather, with a different date or a full refund offered. One reviewer reported a cancellation without notification. Several extra fees apply on the day: port fees, government fees and an access fee, plus gratuities. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and does not accept pregnant travelers, cruise passengers, or anyone with heart or back problems.

Common Questions