Guaranteed Hidden Beach • Small Group Tour • Punta Mita

This is a small-group boat tour from Punta Mita to the Marietas Islands and their Hidden Beach. Punta Mita is the closest departure point to the islands, and the whole outing is listed at about 180 minutes. Transport is shared, which the operator says keeps the price lower for travelers who do not mind sharing the boat with others.

The tour starts at Punta Mita Pier, where the team welcomes you, gives general directions and boards the covered boat with a few other travelers. The crossing to the Marietas Islands takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

Reaching the Hidden Beach is done by swimming: you go in through a natural tunnel of about 80 to 100 meters, always accompanied by a certified guide. You spend around 30 minutes on the beach. The guide carries your phone safely and takes photos from the best angles during the visit, and the price includes a waterproof bag or container for phones and cameras.

After the Hidden Beach you snorkel with the included equipment to look at marine life, in an area the operator chooses depending on the day. The tour also stops at Playa Nopalera, described as a good place to swim, walk and explore natural caves. It then returns to the pier at Punta Mita.

This tour suits people who are comfortable swimming and have at least a moderate level of fitness. The listed age range is 10 to 64 years. It is not recommended if you are pregnant or have poor cardiovascular health. Space is limited, so booking well ahead is advised.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a camera or phone, and drinks in thermoses or reusable bottles. Entrance to the Hidden Beach, a life jacket, non-alcoholic drinks and snorkeling gear are included; food is not. The rules are strict: no shoes of any kind on the activities, no bags, backpacks, suitcases, food or drinks on the beaches, no littering, no alcohol on the islands (only on the way there and back), and no drones, per CONANP regulations.