Marietas Islands snorkeling & Hidden beach (w/ restrictions)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day of adventure, nature, and that perfect post-snorkel sandwich, look no further than Ecotours Vallarta. My partner and I booked the Marietas Islands tour and were blown away by the entire experience—from the personal touches to the wildlife sightings and, of course, the stunning Hidden Beach. We started our morning with a quick Uber from Bucerías to the marina (about 500 pesos), and checked in at the Ecotours Vallarta office around 8:15 AM. That’s where we met Luis, our warm, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable guide, and Hilda, who got us sorted with our 240 pesos national park fee (cash only!). There were just three of us in the group, which made the day feel extra special. The Boat Ride & Sea Turtle Surprise The boat ride to the Hidden Beach took about an hour and was a bit choppy, but the views were beautiful—and we had a magical moment when Rafa, our captain, spotted a sea turtle swimming nearby. He cut the engine and we coasted slowly toward it, getting just a few feet away before it dipped its flipper in a “see ya later” gesture and dove beneath the surface. Luis gave us a mini marine biology lesson, and we already felt like we’d gotten our money’s worth—and we hadn’t even reached the islands yet. The Hidden Beach & Jellyfish Heads-Up When we arrived at the Marietas, we were lucky enough to get the green light to swim into the Hidden Beach (this access isn’t always guaranteed, so we felt pretty fortunate). Now—here’s something to note: depending on the season, there can be thousands of tiny jellyfish near the entrance to the cave. Definitely ask your tour guide ahead of time if you’re concerned. The swim into the cave is about 200 metres and requires helmets and life jackets (which made me feel much safer). Inside the cave and beach itself? Totally fine—no jellyfish. But on the swim back to the boat, we did get a bunch of little stings. Not painful—more like an annoying burn—but nothing unmanageable. Rafa was ready with vinegar spray and handled it like a pro. Bonus Beach & Snorkeling Spot After drying off and exploring a bit more around the island (including a peek at another potential “Hidden Beach” being slowly carved out by nature), we headed to another area for snorkeling. The first spot was too rough, so we kept cruising until we found a secluded cove with a few other tour boats. Here, we jumped into sparkling blue water with clean snorkel gear and flippers, and it was absolutely gorgeous. We swam alongside schools of colourful fish, spotted ones with glowing turquoise dots, and watched them dart in and out of rock crevices. Luis snorkeled with us, pointing out hidden gems and helping us feel totally at ease. Secluded Beach, Nopales & the Best Sandwich Ever Once we finished snorkeling, Luis brought our gear back to the boat while we explored a quiet beach with soft sand and dramatic rock formations. He showed us nopales (cactus leaves), shared how to prepare them, and told us a bit about the island's abandoned plans for hiking tourism (there’s a random ladder leading up to a plateau—now just used by visiting biologists). Then came lunch: a simple sandwich and some snacks. But after the cave swim, jellyfish, snorkeling, and sun? I swear, it tasted like a gourmet feast. That sandwich will live rent-free in my memory for years. Smooth Ride Home & Happy Hearts The boat ride back to Puerto Vallarta was faster and smoother, and we ended the day feeling totally satisfied, sun-kissed, and grateful. --- Final Tips: Bring cash for fees and tips Ask about jellyfish if you're visiting during warmer seasons Be a strong swimmer for the Hidden Beach portion Bring reef-safe sunscreen and maybe a rash guard Don’t skip the sandwich! This tour was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip. The Marietas are breathtaking, but it's really Luis, Rafa, and the Ecotours team that make it magical. Book it. You won’t regret it.