Private Safari, Meal Included

Overview

This is a private boat outing from Punta de Mita run by Oceanus Lifetime, built around the Marietas Islands and the famous Hidden Beach. Only your group is on board. The day mixes snorkeling, time at Hidden Beach reached by a short swim through a water tunnel, possible surf lessons for beginners, and a stop at El Anclote, with a shrimp ceviche lunch prepared Acapulqueño style and a beer tasting served at the end.

The flow goes something like this: a 09:00 start from the pier at Playa Anclote, a run out to the islands for a series of short stops covering Hidden Beach, snorkeling spots and beaches only reachable by boat, then time at El Anclote before returning to the same meeting point. Several reviewers described seeing pods of humpbacks, including mothers with calves, from the boat.

It suits confident swimmers aged roughly 10 to 65 who want a full water day without a big shared crowd. Access to Hidden Beach requires swimming through a tunnel, so the operator asks for moderate fitness and warns that high tide can delay that part of the day.

What's Included

Included

Use of snorkeling equipment
Lifevest
Lunch
Alcoholic beverages (Beer Tasting.)
Soda/Pop (water and soft drinks)
Bottled water
Surf class for beginners

Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet at Playa AncloteMeet at Av. El Anclote 20, Punta de Mita, at the pier on the beach. Start time is 09:00, and the tour returns to this same point.
Marietas Islands stopsA sequence of stops around the islands in segments of 30, 35, 30, 15, 25, 30 and 15 minutes, covering Hidden Beach, snorkeling and beaches accessible only by boat. Admission tickets are included for these stops, with one segment listed as admission free.
El Anclote, included hourOne hour at El Anclote with admission included, typically the lunch and beer tasting portion of the day.
El Anclote, extra-fee hourA further hour at El Anclote where the admission ticket is not included, so budget for anything spent during this free time.
Return to the pierThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Playa Anclote.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape whether this day works for you, from the swim into Hidden Beach to what the meal actually involves.

Swimming ability. Hidden Beach is reached by swimming through a tunnel from the boat, wearing a life vest, with a guide leading the way. Several reviewers described the swim as manageable but said you need to be a reasonably strong swimmer. If the tide is high, the operator may hold the start back by about an hour and will notify you a day or two ahead.
Private group feel. The listing confirms this is a private activity with only your group participating. Reviewers repeatedly contrast this with the larger boats they saw at the islands, saying the smaller setting made the day feel personal and unhurried.
Food and drink. Lunch is a shrimp ceviche prepared on the spot, with boiled shrimp, orange juice, oregano, olive oil, avocado, tomato, serrano chili, ketchup and onion. Beer tasting, water and soft drinks are included. Reviewers called the ceviche a highlight of the day.
What to bring. Gratuities are not included. Plan for anything you might want to spend during the extra-fee hour at El Anclote.
Wildlife sightings. Reviewers often mention the bird life, fish and coral around the islands, along with humpback whales, sometimes with calves. Sightings are never promised, and what you see depends on the day.
Fitness and age limits. The operator states the activity suits children over 10 and adults under 65, and asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Common issues. The swimming entry to Hidden Beach is the main physical filter, and one reviewer who was nervous about the tunnel said the guides made it feel safe and easy. Weather and tide matter: poor weather can cancel the day, with a different date or full refund offered, and high tide can push the start back by roughly an hour. The final hour at El Anclote carries an admission charge that is not covered. Wheelchair users cannot join, and the service is not suited to pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Common Questions

Is Lunch Included On This Tour?

Yes. A shrimp ceviche made Acapulqueño style is prepared for the group, along with a beer tasting, bottled water, water and soft drinks. Reviewers frequently single out the ceviche as one of the best parts of the day. Gratuities are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At the pier on Playa Anclote, Av. El Anclote 20, Punta de Mita, with a 09:00 start. The day ends back at the same pier.

How Do You Get To The Hidden Beach?

You swim a short distance from the boat through a tunnel, wearing a life vest, with a guide in the water alongside the group. Reviewers who felt unsure said the guides made it feel safe, though strong swimming helps. If the tide is high the operator may delay the swim by about an hour and will notify you a day or two in advance.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children?

The operator states the activity is suitable for children over 10 and adults under 65. It works best for kids who swim well and can handle a fairly full water day. Service animals are allowed, but the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted, with cut-off times based on local time. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I Need To Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

No, snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, along with a surf class for beginners. Bring swimwear, a towel and anything you want for the free time at El Anclote. Gratuities are not included.