Private SAFARI to Marietas Islands including Hidden Beach & Surf

This private safari-style tour to the Marietas Islands is run by a local operator in small groups of fewer than 10 people per boat; groups of 4 or more can book the boat privately. The day strings together several distinct stops around the islands, mixing swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, and — depending on the season — whale watching and surfing.

The first stop is Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach), reached by swimming about 80 meters round trip from the boat through an underwater tunnel into the crater, wearing life jackets and accompanied by a guide; if the tide isn't too high, it's also possible to duck into two caves right on the beach. From there the group moves to the Calavera Reef area for roughly 35 minutes of snorkeling, again with life jackets and guide supervision, to look at the marine life in this protected area.

A visit to Secret Beach follows — accessible only a few months of the year because of shifting sea currents — where a short swim of about 10 meters brings you to what the operator calls one of the most beautiful beaches in the bay, framed by dramatic rock formations and arches. The tour also passes a second crater on Isla Larga known as "Puente de Piedra" (Stone Bridge), where the boat pulls in beneath the arch itself.

Bird watching around Isla Circular and Isla Larga is part of the route, with the blue-footed booby as the star species among the birds nesting on the islands. Between December 10 and March 23, the tour adds whale watching, since these waters serve as an entry and exit point for the humpback whales' migration, sometimes with calves alongside their mothers. Nearby, the "Blowhole" north of Isla Larga produces a marine geyser effect as the boat approaches.

A seated stop for food follows: the crew prepares an Acapulco-style shrimp ceviche with boiled shrimp, orange juice, oregano, olive oil, avocado, ketchup, tomato, onion, and serrano peppers, and dietary restrictions can reportedly be accommodated with alternative options. A beginner surf class on a beach known for small, friendly waves suited to learning is also part of the experience — though it's worth noting the listing isn't fully consistent here: the inclusions list it as part of the price, while the itinerary describes it as an optional extra costing around $30 USD per person. It's worth confirming directly with the operator at the time of booking.

Occasionally the tour's start may be delayed by about an hour if the tide is too high to swim through the tunnel comfortably; the operator says it notifies guests of this one or two days ahead of time. The activity is intended for children over 10 and adults under 65.

The price includes lunch, a life vest, snorkeling equipment, and both alcoholic and carbonated beverages, along with bottled water and the beginner surf class. Gratuities are not included. The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health; service animals are allowed and public transportation options exist nearby.