Hidden Beach Boat Tour from Puerto Vallarta

A typical Hidden Beach tour from Puerto Vallarta takes you to the Marietas Islands, about an hour by boat. You spend roughly five hours total, including snorkeling stops where you’ll see fish, occasional dolphins or turtles, and a swim or kayak through a short sea tunnel into the Hidden Beach crater. The beach itself is small and dramatic but you won’t have it alone; boats rotate in and out. Expect a basic lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear included. The ride can be bumpy, especially on the way back if the wind picks up.

Best time is November through April when seas are calmer and visibility is better. Summer and early fall often see rough water that can cancel trips or make the tunnel swim impossible. Expect to pay around $90–$160 per person depending on group size, boat type, and whether it’s a small tour limited to 12–15 people or a larger catamaran. Smaller boats give you more time at the islands and less waiting.

Pick a tour with a maximum of 15 passengers if you want decent snorkeling time and fewer crowds at the beach. Skip the ones that add too many extra stops; they usually rush the Hidden Beach part. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for the rocky entry, and a dry bag if you want to keep your phone safe in the tunnel.