The Marietas Islands are Banderas Bay's most famous trip — a UNESCO biosphere reserve north-west of Puerto Vallarta, home to the iconic Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) tucked inside an open-roofed crater. Boat-only access, strict permit caps (116 people per day at Hidden Beach), and tour pricing of $80 to $120 in 2026 make this a plan-ahead trip rather than a same-day booking. This guide covers permits, the best operators, and what the day actually looks like.
Why the Marietas
Bombing tests in the 1960s blew open the crater roof, leaving a perfect circular beach inside an island. Mexican biologist Jacques Cousteau lobbied for protection in the 1970s; UNESCO declared the islands a biosphere reserve in 2008. Today the islands host 92 fish species, 44 marine plants, 100+ resident humpback whales in season, and the famous blue-footed boobies that nest March to August.
Permits & Daily Limits
After erosion damage in 2015, Mexico's SEMARNAT closed Hidden Beach for nearly a year. It reopened in 2017 with permanent caps: 116 people per day across all operators, 30 minutes maximum per group on the beach, no sunscreen on entry, life jacket mandatory. Each operator gets a small daily allocation, which is why pre-booking is essential. The wider Marietas snorkel and dive zones remain open year-round without daily caps.
Tour Pricing
| Tour Type | 2026 Price (USD) | Includes Hidden Beach? | Duration |
|---|
| Standard group tour | $80–$110 | Sometimes (operator-dependent) | 7–8 hrs |
| Premium catamaran | $130–$190 | Usually yes | 8 hrs |
| Snorkel-only (no Hidden Beach) | $60–$80 | No | 6 hrs |
| Private boat charter (8 pax) | $1,100–$1,800 | Yes (with permit) | 8 hrs |
| Eco-tour with biologist | $130–$170 | Yes | 8 hrs |
🧮
Mexico Trip Cost Calculator
Plan a Vallarta marquee-tour stack that pairs Marietas with Los Arcos, Sayulita and whale season.
Top Operators
- Vallarta Adventures: The biggest catamaran operator. Premium "Marietas Encounter" $159 includes Hidden Beach permit, three snorkel sites, full lunch.
- Wildlife Connection: 12-pax small-boat operator with marine biologists. $130 to $150. Best for nature-focused travelers.
- Punta Mita Charters: Departures from Punta de Mita cut the boat ride to 25 minutes. Several premium operators based here.
- Ecotours de Mexico: Eco-certified, biologist-led, smallest carbon footprint. $145.
- Marietas Cancun-style party catamarans: Cheaper ($85) but loud, no Hidden Beach permit. Skip if you came for the beach.
What to Expect on the Day
- 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. pickup: Hotel pickup or self-drive to marina. Bring towel, swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen only.
- 8:30 a.m. departure: 60 to 80 min boat ride. Premium boats serve breakfast and Mimosas.
- 10:30 a.m. snorkel stop 1: Outer reef, 45 minutes in the water.
- 11:30 a.m. Hidden Beach: Swim through the 25 m tunnel (life jacket and helmet provided). 30 minutes on beach.
- 12:30 p.m. lunch: Catered onboard or at a partner beach.
- 2:00 p.m. snorkel stop 2: Different reef, often with sea turtles.
- 4:00 p.m. return: Dock by 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. depending on departure point.
When to Go
- December to March: Whale season. Many tours add a humpback diversion en-route.
- March to August: Blue-footed booby nesting on outer cliffs.
- April to June: Calmest seas, clearest water (15 to 20 m visibility).
- July to October: Warmest water (28 to 30 °C) but afternoon storms.
- September: Lowest tourism, biggest discounts. Hurricane risk modest.
Many cheaper "Marietas tours" do NOT actually include Hidden Beach — they only circle the islands and snorkel an outer reef. Confirm "Playa del Amor / Hidden Beach access included" in writing before paying.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen (regular sunscreen is confiscated at the gate).
- Quick-dry swimsuit + lightweight cover-up — rocks at the tunnel entrance are abrasive.
- Waterproof phone case (Hidden Beach photos are why you came).
- Cash for tips (MXN 200 to 400) and any drinks beyond what tour includes.
- Motion-sickness pills if you are sensitive — the bay can chop up.
The Marietas Islands are Banderas Bay's most famous trip — a UNESCO biosphere reserve north-west of Puerto Vallarta, home to the iconic Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) tucked inside an open-roofed crater. Boat-only access, strict permit caps (116 people per day at Hidden Beach), and tour pricing of $80 to $120 in 2026 make this a plan-ahead trip rather than a same-day booking. This guide covers permits, the best operators, and what the day actually looks like.
Why the Marietas
Bombing tests in the 1960s blew open the crater roof, leaving a perfect circular beach inside an island. Mexican biologist Jacques Cousteau lobbied for protection in the 1970s; UNESCO declared the islands a biosphere reserve in 2008. Today the islands host 92 fish species, 44 marine plants, 100+ resident humpback whales in season, and the famous blue-footed boobies that nest March to August.
Permits & Daily Limits
After erosion damage in 2015, Mexico's SEMARNAT closed Hidden Beach for nearly a year. It reopened in 2017 with permanent caps: 116 people per day across all operators, 30 minutes maximum per group on the beach, no sunscreen on entry, life jacket mandatory. Each operator gets a small daily allocation, which is why pre-booking is essential. The wider Marietas snorkel and dive zones remain open year-round without daily caps.
Tour Pricing
| Tour Type | 2026 Price (USD) | Includes Hidden Beach? | Duration |
|---|
| Standard group tour | $80–$110 | Sometimes (operator-dependent) | 7–8 hrs |
| Premium catamaran | $130–$190 | Usually yes | 8 hrs |
| Snorkel-only (no Hidden Beach) | $60–$80 | No | 6 hrs |
| Private boat charter (8 pax) | $1,100–$1,800 | Yes (with permit) | 8 hrs |
| Eco-tour with biologist | $130–$170 | Yes | 8 hrs |
🧮
Mexico Trip Cost Calculator
Plan a Vallarta marquee-tour stack that pairs Marietas with Los Arcos, Sayulita and whale season.
Top Operators
- Vallarta Adventures: The biggest catamaran operator. Premium "Marietas Encounter" $159 includes Hidden Beach permit, three snorkel sites, full lunch.
- Wildlife Connection: 12-pax small-boat operator with marine biologists. $130 to $150. Best for nature-focused travelers.
- Punta Mita Charters: Departures from Punta de Mita cut the boat ride to 25 minutes. Several premium operators based here.
- Ecotours de Mexico: Eco-certified, biologist-led, smallest carbon footprint. $145.
- Marietas Cancun-style party catamarans: Cheaper ($85) but loud, no Hidden Beach permit. Skip if you came for the beach.
What to Expect on the Day
- 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. pickup: Hotel pickup or self-drive to marina. Bring towel, swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen only.
- 8:30 a.m. departure: 60 to 80 min boat ride. Premium boats serve breakfast and Mimosas.
- 10:30 a.m. snorkel stop 1: Outer reef, 45 minutes in the water.
- 11:30 a.m. Hidden Beach: Swim through the 25 m tunnel (life jacket and helmet provided). 30 minutes on beach.
- 12:30 p.m. lunch: Catered onboard or at a partner beach.
- 2:00 p.m. snorkel stop 2: Different reef, often with sea turtles.
- 4:00 p.m. return: Dock by 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. depending on departure point.
When to Go
- December to March: Whale season. Many tours add a humpback diversion en-route.
- March to August: Blue-footed booby nesting on outer cliffs.
- April to June: Calmest seas, clearest water (15 to 20 m visibility).
- July to October: Warmest water (28 to 30 °C) but afternoon storms.
- September: Lowest tourism, biggest discounts. Hurricane risk modest.
Many cheaper "Marietas tours" do NOT actually include Hidden Beach — they only circle the islands and snorkel an outer reef. Confirm "Playa del Amor / Hidden Beach access included" in writing before paying.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen (regular sunscreen is confiscated at the gate).
- Quick-dry swimsuit + lightweight cover-up — rocks at the tunnel entrance are abrasive.
- Waterproof phone case (Hidden Beach photos are why you came).
- Cash for tips (MXN 200 to 400) and any drinks beyond what tour includes.
- Motion-sickness pills if you are sensitive — the bay can chop up.