Private, 4 Hours, Optional Hidden Beach

Overview

This is a private, four-hour boat trip out of Marina Vallarta with Eco Explorer Vallarta, built around the Marietas Islands. Your group travels alone, which reviewers appreciated, with one family noting they were only four on the boat and felt well looked after. The boat departs at 09:30 from Proa street 22A in the marina, next to the fishing center.

The headline draw is Hidden Beach, reached by swimming through a short cave tunnel, and the listing promises access to it. The activity itself is optional and carries a separate cash fee at the site. Beyond that, the trip includes snorkeling with provided gear. Reviewers reported large schools of fish, dolphins approaching the boat, and whale sightings.

Snacks and sodas are on board, along with all the park permits and conservancy donations for the boat itself. Two government charges are not in the price: MXN 100 per person and, for anyone doing Hidden Beach, MXN 600 per person in cash. Anyone with back problems, heart conditions, or a pregnancy is advised not to book.

What's Included

Included

Use of snorkeling equipment
Boat ride to Marietas Islands
Conservancy donation fee to Bahia Unida
CONANP (Federal Government) fee
Permits for national park
Snacks: apples, bananas, and a sandwich
Soda/Pop

Not Included

Lunch
Government fees (MXN 100.00 per person)
Entrance fee: Hidden Beach activity is optional and payment is cash only. (MXN 600.00 per person)

Itinerary

Meet at Marina VallartaArrive at Eco Explorer Vallarta, Proa street 22A, next to the fishing center near restaurant Mariscos 8 Tostadas. Bring an ID, since boarding is refused without one.
Boat ride to Marietas IslandsDeparture is at 09:30 for the crossing to the islands. The ride over is part of the trip, with the boat arriving at the national park.
Hidden Beach (optional, extra fee)Those who choose it swim through a short cave tunnel into the beach, following the guide's instructions. This activity costs MXN 600 per person, cash only, paid at the site.
Snorkeling sessionSnorkel around the islands with provided equipment. Reviewers described abundant fish in the water.
Return to the marinaThe tour ends back at the meeting point at Marina Vallarta.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this trip fits your group, especially around the swim into Hidden Beach and the extra fees.

Fitness and swimming. The listing asks for a moderate fitness level, and the swim through the cave to Hidden Beach is the demanding part. One reviewer described it as seconds at the lowest point before the cave opens, and said staying calm with a breast stroke is key. Cardio stamina helps.
Extra cash fees. A government fee of MXN 100 per person is excluded from the tour price, and Hidden Beach costs a further MXN 600 per person, cash only, for those who opt in.
Bring your ID. Every guest must show an ID at check in. The operator states that anyone without one will not be allowed to board the boat.
Food and drink. Snacks include apples, bananas and a sandwich, with sodas provided. There is no lunch, so eat beforehand if your group wants more.
Private group feel. Only your group participates. One reviewer mentioned being four on the boat and feeling very well taken care of.
Wildlife viewing. Reviewers mention dolphins swimming up to the boat, plenty of fish while snorkeling, and whale sightings on the crossing.

Common issues. Two fees are not in the tour price, and Hidden Beach specifically requires cash. Weather can cancel the trip, in which case the operator offers a different date or a full refund, and a minimum traveler count applies with the same options. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with back problems or heart conditions, or anyone over the recommended maximum age of 65 for the Hidden Beach activity. Cruise passengers need to confirm arrival times in central time.

Common Questions

Is Hidden Beach Access Really Guaranteed?

The listing title promises access and the tour is built around visiting it, but tide and park rules still decide on the day. The Hidden Beach activity itself is optional and costs MXN 600 per person in cash, paid separately on site. The minimum age for it is 10 years with an adult from the same group.

What Is Included In The Price?

Snorkeling equipment, the boat ride to the Marietas Islands, snacks of fruit and a sandwich, sodas, and the park permits, CONANP fee and a conservancy donation to Bahia Unida. Lunch is not included, and a government fee of MXN 100 per person is paid separately.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At the Eco Explorer Vallarta office on Proa street 22A in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, next to the fishing center and near restaurant Mariscos 8 Tostadas. Departure is at 09:30 and the trip ends back at the same point. Everyone must show an ID at check in.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The recommended minimum age is 10 years old, and the Hidden Beach activity requires a minimum age of 10 with an adult in the group. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before the 09:30 start, based on local time. Changes are not accepted inside that window. Poor weather or an unmet minimum traveler count results in an offer of a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

An ID for check in and cash for the excluded fees. The Hidden Beach entry is MXN 600 per person, cash only, and the government fee is MXN 100 per person. Snorkeling gear is provided.