Marietas Islands Snorkeling & Hidden Beach Experience

This snorkeling trip goes to the Marietas Islands National Park, one of Mexico's most protected marine reserves, with a possible visit to the Hidden Beach. It is run with a marine biologist and naturalist guides, and the group is small, with no more than 10 guests, aboard a comfortable, safe and fast boat. The operator says the trip focuses on snorkeling and on enjoying the islands rather than on a rushed schedule.

The day starts with check-in at the operator's office, where your certified guide meets you (about 15 minutes). Then the boat takes you to the islands for roughly 180 minutes. You explore beaches and scenery among blue-footed boobies and other wildlife, and the guides share insights about the ecosystem, marine life, seabirds and conservation work. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, on-board restrooms and meals are included.

The Hidden Beach needs particular care in the planning. Access is regulated by the Mexican government and depends on permits, weather, ocean conditions, swimming ability and age, and only 116 visitors per day are allowed, so entry cannot be guaranteed. If conditions allow, your guide takes you there at no extra cost. If there are not enough places for the whole group, a bingo raffle on board decides who goes. Those who don't enter stay on the boat with the captain for about 30 minutes; snorkeling and swimming are not allowed at the beach itself.

The Hidden Beach visit has its own rules: an age range of 10 to 65 years, about 10 minutes on the beach, and a mandatory helmet and vest. Children under 8 are not allowed on the tour at all. Everyone must be able to climb in and out of the boat by ladder, and travelers should have a high level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers, or for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Entrance fees, the port fee, gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included. Drones are prohibited under the rules set by CONANP, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas. Visitor numbers can vary with demand, weather and tide, so keep your plans flexible.