4 photosMarietas Island Discovery
A small-group inflatable boat to the Marietas Islands, snorkeling through sea caves and rock arches. When the sea and tide allow, you swim ashore to the hidden beach.
Starting price based on the currently published rate. Final pricing and availability require confirmation.
Request this service- Boat
- Inflatable, small group
- Departures
- Maritime Terminal or Nuevo Vallarta
- Swim
- Up to 100 m, boat to beach
- Minimum age
- 12 years
Locally fulfilled by MexiTravels · booked, confirmed and supported by Villa Experience.
About the experience.
The Marietas are a protected group of islands off the northern tip of Banderas Bay, home to more than 100 species of birds and fish. This trip runs in a small group aboard an inflatable boat, with a guide who points out the wildlife as you circle the islands.
You snorkel among cave formations and rock archways, and the day is built around Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor), the hidden beach inside the island. Reaching it means swimming up to 100 meters from the boat, and access depends entirely on the sea and the tide on the day.
Dolphins are sometimes seen on the way. In winter the return crossing doubles as a whale watch, when humpbacks come down from Alaska to breed and raise their calves in the bay.
What’s included
- Light snacks
- Bottled water
- Life jacket
- Snorkeling equipment
Good to know
- Minimum age 12; maximum weight 260 lb (118 kg). Not available to cruise-ship passengers.
- Access to the hidden beach is not guaranteed and depends on sea conditions and tide. Guests must be strong swimmers, able to swim up to 100 meters from the boat to the beach.
- Not suitable during pregnancy, or for guests with heart, respiratory, back or spine conditions, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, impaired sight or hearing, or any condition that limits physical performance.
- Sunscreen is not allowed on the hidden beach and drones are prohibited. Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot take part.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a light sweater, cash for souvenirs and photos, and the SEMARNAT park fee of 85 pesos per person.
Request Marietas Island Discovery
Send your preferred date and details. We confirm availability with our local partner and reply with a confirmed price and a secure payment link.
- 1Request
- 2We confirm
- 3Pay securely
- 4Itinerary
Answered plainly.
01Is landing on the hidden beach guaranteed?
No. Access depends entirely on sea conditions and the tide on the day, and it means a swim of up to 100 meters from the boat.
02How is this different from the Marietas & Majahuitas tour?
This is a small-group trip on an inflatable boat, built around snorkeling the caves and arches and the swim to the hidden beach. The Marietas & Majahuitas tour adds secluded Majahuitas beach and includes lunch and an open bar.
03Are there any fees on the day?
Yes. The SEMARNAT national park fee of 85 pesos per person is paid separately, so bring cash.
04Is there an age or weight limit?
Guests must be at least 12 years old and weigh no more than 260 lb (118 kg).
05How far ahead should we book?
Space on this trip is very limited, so send your dates early. We confirm availability and the price in writing before you pay.
Plan the rest of the stay.
Marietas Islands & Majahuitas
The protected Marietas Islands for snorkeling and kayaking, then secluded Majahuitas beach, with lunch and an open bar on the way home.
Marietas Islands Catamaran Tour
A two-deck catamaran to the protected Marietas Islands, with a naturalist guide on the crossing and time to snorkel, swim, kayak or paddleboard when you arrive.
Whale Watching Photo Safari
Each winter, humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to calve. This small-boat safari is built around finding them and giving you time to watch.