Full day · Islas Marietas
Hidden Beach Tour: Swim Into the Islas Marietas' Secret Beach
The full classic tour —snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, Nopalera Beach, breakfast, lunch and open bar— plus 30 to 45 minutes inside Hidden Beach, the most famous crater beach in the Mexican Pacific.
At a glance: the same full day as the classic tour —breakfast, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, Nopalera Beach, grilled lunch and an open bar on the way back— with an extra very few people get to enjoy: 30 to 45 minutes inside Hidden Beach, which you reach by swimming through a rock tunnel. Limited spots set by CONANP and for ages 12 to 60 only.
The beach hidden inside an island
Hidden Beach sits inside a crater open to the sky on Isla Redonda. You can’t see it from the sea: you swim a few meters through a natural tunnel and come out onto a white-sand beach surrounded by volcanic rock walls. It is one of the most photographed places in Mexico, which is why CONANP limits how many people can enter each day.
Your day
- Check-in at the pier and payment of the CONANP bracelet and port tax.
- Breakfast on board during the 2 hour 15 minute ride to the Islas Marietas National Park, with a talk about its wildlife and conservation rules.
- Hidden Beach: at your assigned time slot, you swim through the tunnel wearing a life jacket and the safety gear your guide provides, and enjoy 30 to 45 minutes inside the crater.
- Snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding on the outer reefs, plus a stop at Nopalera Beach.
- Grilled lunch on board and an open bar on the way back, once outside the protected area.
Eco note: to protect the island, climbing up or walking the inland trails is not allowed.
Requirements to enter Hidden Beach
- Age: 12 to 60. Children under 12 and adults over 60 are not allowed in. If you’re traveling with kids or older adults, the classic tour is the best choice.
- You must know how to swim and feel comfortable in open water.
- A life jacket is mandatory, and you must follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
- Access depends on tide and swell: if CONANP suspends it for safety, we’ll let you know.
What’s included
- 🏝️ Hidden Beach access (30 to 45 minutes), with a guide.
- 🍽️ Continental breakfast on board: fresh fruit, yogurt with granola, coffee and sweet bread.
- 🥗 Grilled lunch: chicken, beef, ribs, salads, salsas, guacamole and pico de gallo.
- 🍹 Domestic open bar on the way back: served after leaving the 1.5 km perimeter of the protected area.
- 🤿 Full water gear: snorkels, life jackets, kayaks and paddleboards.
- 🥳 Music and party vibe on board on the way back.
Not included
- CONANP bracelet and port tax, paid at the pier (see current amounts in the booking box).
- Photos and souvenirs.
- Tips for the crew.
Schedule and meeting point
- Days: Wednesday to Sunday. Hidden Beach is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so the ecosystem can recover.
- Departure: 9:00 AM from the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal (Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Northern Hotel Zone). Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
- Alternate meeting point: Nuevo Vallarta pier, departing at 8:15 AM.
Tips and what to bring
- ✔️ Book ahead: Hidden Beach spots are the first to sell out.
- ✔️ Take motion-sickness medication before boarding.
- ✔️ Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel and a change of dry clothes.
- ✔️ Biodegradable sunscreen (apply before boarding) and sunglasses.
- ✔️ Cash for the bracelet, port tax and tips.
Want to know more before booking? Read our guide to visiting Hidden Beach.
Last updated: October 17, 2026