Naturalist Guide, Snorkel, Box Lunch

Overview

A marine biologist or naturalist leads this trip out of Marina Vallarta to the Marietas Islands, a protected national park off Puerto Vallarta. The group travels by super panga, a 30-foot open boat with toilets on board, and spends roughly three hours at the islands. Time there splits between snorkeling with provided mask, snorkel and fins, and, for those who secure a spot, a short visit to the Hidden Beach inside a cave. Snorkel gear comes with the tour, while helmet and life jacket are mandatory for the Hidden Beach itself.

Lunch is a box affair: a sandwich, granola bar, snack, one fruit, and bottled water. Many reviewers praise the guiding, naming their guide as a highlight and crediting the crew's knowledge of the islands' birds, fish and conservation story. Dolphins, sea turtles, whales and blue-footed boobies all show up in reviews, though sightings obviously vary.

The trip suits confident swimmers in decent shape. Entering the Hidden Beach means swimming through a cave opening against the current, timing the waves, and climbing a ladder on and off the boat. It is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant travelers, wheelchair users or people with back problems, and the Hidden Beach itself is limited to ages 10 to 65.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina VallartaCheck in at the Ecotours Vallarta office on Proa Street, location 20 in Marina Vallarta, near the ramp at the end of Calle Proa, half a block past the 8 Tostadas restaurant.
2. Boat ride to the islandsTravel out to the Marietas Islands by super panga. Reviewers describe the crossing as long and sometimes bumpy, so seasickness medication is worth considering.
3. Marietas IslandsAround three hours at the national park for snorkeling and, if entry spots are granted, a short visit to the Hidden Beach. The park entrance fee is not included in the tour price.
4. Return to the marinaThe boat heads back to the same meeting point at Marina Vallarta, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, from the listing details and from what travelers report back.

• Be a strong swimmer. The Hidden Beach entry involves swimming against the current through a cave opening whose size changes with the tide.
• Prepare for motion. Multiple travelers note the boat ride out is long and not smooth, with bumpy waves at times. Anyone prone to seasickness should take medication beforehand.
• Bring little. Gear, lunch, snacks and bottled water are all provided. One reviewer pointed out you spend most of the day on the boat and need almost nothing of your own. Drones are prohibited under park rules.
• Hidden Beach limits. Entry to the Hidden Beach is capped by park authorities and never guaranteed in advance. If the group gets only partial entry slots, the operator runs an on-board raffle. Visitors aged 10 to 65 only, ten minutes on the beach, helmet and vest required.
• Food and drink. The listing includes a box lunch with a sandwich, granola bar, snack and one fruit, plus bottled water. Several reviewers mention the snacks and sandwich being plentiful and the lunch tasting good.
• Wildlife watching. Reviewers report dolphins, sea turtles, whales, a baby nurse shark and blue-footed boobies on this route. The guide's commentary on birds and fish comes up again and again in reviews.

Common issues. Entry to the Hidden Beach is controlled by the national park and cannot be guaranteed; if not everyone gets in, the remaining visitors wait on the boat with the captain for roughly 30 minutes, since swimming and snorkeling are not allowed in that area. Two park and port fees are payable on top of the tour price, and one reviewer reported the national park fee is not refunded when beach entry does not come through. One reviewer reported a late guide and a delay collecting a passenger booked on the wrong tour. The tour needs a minimum number of travelers and good weather to run, otherwise a new date or a full refund is offered. It is not wheelchair accessible and requires ladder entry to the boat.

Common Questions