Hidden Beach Boat Trip from Puerto Vallarta

You’ll spend most of the day on a boat (usually 45–90 minutes each way) heading to the Marietas Islands. The main event is a short swim or kayak through a narrow sea cave that opens onto a small sandy beach hidden inside a crater. Expect to share the space with 20–50 other people on busier days; it’s striking but not deserted. Snorkeling around the islands is decent—lots of tropical fish and occasional turtles—followed by lunch and an open bar on the return. The whole trip takes 6–8 hours.

Best time is November through May when seas are calmer and the cave swim is safer. Summer and early fall often bring rough water that can cancel trips or make the cave inaccessible. Expect to pay around $120–$220 per person depending on whether you choose a group catamaran or a smaller private boat. Private trips cost more but let you avoid the crowds and set your own pace.

Pick a smaller group or private boat if you dislike crowds and want decent snorkeling time; the big party boats are louder and spend less time in the water. Skip the hidden beach entirely if you have shoulder or back issues—the swim or kayak through the cave can be choppy and requires decent fitness.