Marietas Islands Snorkel & Hidden Beach

The boat ride to the islands offered wonderful views of the bay. The islands are gorgeous. The swim to the hidden beach was exhilarating. And it was very special to visit such a remote beautiful feature of Mother Nature.

This was an extremely disappointing experience due to rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, late start from local tour operator, no boxed/bag lunch, but the ham sandwiches that were provided were in a box together, no chips or cookies to go with sandwich, and in spite of me disclosing in reservation that I am a pescatarian, no dietary accommodations were made. When we arrived at Marietas Island, the gate keepers to Hidden Beach told Carlos our guide that we needed to check back in an hour to see if we would be granted access to Hidden Beach, we were late; however, the group that left office before us, experienced the hidden beach. Thus, Carlos took us to what he deemed as "a good spot" near Marietas Island to snorkel, negative, the water was murky, only thing we could see was debris, i.e., twigs, branches, so we got back in the boat, and went to another spot near the small beach. When we arrived other people were in the water snorkeling and had swam to the beach. Finally, we were able to see various size fish that were all beautiful, we swam to the beach and took a few pictures, checked time with Carlos, we had gone over an hour, so we got back on the boat, and returned to Hidden Beach only to be denied access, the tide was too high. We basically paid to ride two (2) hours in a boat, a waste of time going to and getting in water that Carlos recommended for us to snorkel, the time was not carefully monitored to ensure we made it back, to the entrance of Hidden Beach, to see if we would be permitted to enter. Since were unable to enter Hidden Beach, the $25.00 entry fee was refunded, which was great, but we spent $98.00 to be disappointed.

The host (Carlos) was awesome. However, we paid a lot of money to snorkel for 15 min and stay 15 min on one of the Marietas beaches. We couldn’t get access to the hidden beach but still paid well over $100 even after getting the hidden island fee refunded. We were told we had access to Hidden beach once we got there but then was told we couldn’t get in. My personal belief is that we could’ve but we would’ve had to wait but the company couldn’t wait because the boat had to be returned. That’s my personal belief. The only reason we chose this one is because of hidden island, so unless you want to take your chances (there’s a limit imposed per day on visitors), you can find another excursion for much cheaper just to snorkel and stay on a beach for 15 min to take pictures. Also our lunch included a small ham sandwich with a sliver of cheese.

The guide and tour was awesome, but no one but me and my friend wear a mask during the trip. The snorkel equipment was not sanitized, just something to avoid fog in the goggles.

Carlos was AMAZING. I had a great time, I travelled by myself and he made me feel welcome. He is extremely knowledgeable and I felt safe. The Islands and the beach is absolutely STUNNING. A must see when you're in PVC.

Our guides were so friendly and helpful. There was a delay so we got to see the blue footed boobies, and experienced a bonus snorkel to another hidden beach spot.

BEWARE, you are not guaranteed entrance to the hidden beach. The tour operator will collect entrance fee to the hidden beach before you board the boat, even when they know you will not be allowed to enter and you will be left in the middle of the ocean floating on a boat while the rest of the group swims to the beach. Tour operator only cares about filling all the spaces on the boat, not really about you making the full tour. Customer service is terrible. They don't give a rat's behind about your customer's satisfaction as long as they have already collected payment. While the tour operator does not have control over who enters and who does not to Marietas Island, they do have the obligation to notify guests and let them decide if they want to do the tour or re-schedule until access is confirmed. I will go back to Marietas, never with this company... be warned, you will regret if this happens to you, -and it happens a lot to many foreign tourists- ask questions, do not fall on this false advertisement and poor communication trap.

Visiting hidden beach. Beautiful beach and very exiting adventure. Carlos was a very good gide and told us a lot of interesting things about the island

Our capital and guide were great. Glad we finally got to see it. So excited that they let us bring our cameras and even took a great picture for us.

Fantastic!!! 8 of us went out with Carlos and Santiago!! Carlos was so enjoyable and knowledgeable about all the sea life. We stopped a couple times to watch sea turtles (which were so cool). The snorkeling was super - we saw so many beautiful fish!!! Carlos stayed with us the entire time to ensure we didn’t venture off onto the coral and rocks. Hidden Beach was just incredible!! We did only have about 30 minutes to swim there and check it out, but that was fine- very cool! Then we boated around the rest of the Marietta islands to check out. It was just a well done, safe tour with great people!! Thanks for an awesome experience!!😀