Sail to Playa Escondida in Puerto Vallarta with Food and Snorkeling

This boat tour from Puerto Vallarta sails to the Marietas Islands to visit Playa Escondida, the hidden beach also known as the Beach of Love, and Playa Nopalera. Snorkeling and kayaking are included, along with breakfast, lunch and an open bar on board. The day is long, with roughly 30 minutes at the check-in point and several hours at sea.

The meeting and check-in point is at the departure port, which has cafes, shops and a boutique where you can buy what you need, and free parking. Once aboard, the boat sails through the bay and out into open water. During the crossing, which the operator gives as around 120 minutes, you have breakfast (eggs with ham, hot cakes and juice) while the crew explains the tour and prepares you for the islands.

At the Marietas Islands you first receive a brief talk about water activities and beach access. The first activity is snorkeling among the islands' marine life, followed by an optional boat ecotour led by a marine biologist who talks about local flora and fauna. Then come free time at Playa Escondida and Playa Nopalera, and a choice between kayaking or relaxing on a floating mat. A meal of roast beef, chicken, chorizo, mashed potato, tortillas, salad and sauces closes the stay, and the open bar continues until you return to the dock.

Read the conditions carefully, because they are strict. The minimum age is 12 and the maximum is 65. Only people with excellent swimming skills should book, as you must swim about 75 m (200 ft) in open sea, and the entrance to the hidden beach is by swimming only. Playa Escondida is limited to 116 visitors per day and, under federal regulations, time inside is 15 to 20 minutes. A life jacket is mandatory in all water activities. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

Costs beyond the price are a dock tax of 35 MXN and a conservation bracelet of 220 (MXN presumably, so confirm), both mandatory, plus souvenirs, tips and photos. Bring cash for photos, extra activities and tips. The journey back has music, dancing, contests and the open bar; alcohol is only for over-18s. Activities may change without notice because of weather and sea conditions.