Marieta Tours · Punta de Mita
A short, small-group trip from the fishermen's cooperative in Punta de Mita, the closest pier to the islands. You spend about 15 minutes on the boat each way and close to three hours at the Marietas, with Hidden Beach entrance, snorkelling and birdwatching on the list.
Marieta Tours leaves from the cooperative marina in Punta de Mita, at the northern tip of Banderas Bay. CONANP puts the islands about 9 km from Punta de Mita and 34 km from Puerto Vallarta, and that difference is the whole pitch of this trip. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, which leaves close to three hours at the islands in a 3.5-hour tour.
The listing covers a lot in that time: the park fee and port tax, snorkel gear, hydrating drinks, a stop at Playa La Nopalera and birdwatching (the islands hold more than 50 species, including Mexico's largest brown booby colony). It also lists Hidden beach entrance, described as Playa Secreta, a beach inside a cave below sea level. Getting in still depends on the tide and swell, and the park only opens the Hidden Beach Wednesday to Sunday. Ask the operator when you book whether your date includes the landing.
The group is small, ten at most, and guides get named in reviews again and again. The age window runs from 10 to 70, and the trip isn't for people with heart problems. Bring cash, a camera and biodegradable sunscreen; drones and strollers stay behind. One guest found the meeting point a bit of a walk from the boats, so arrive early.
Find Marieta Tours at the Cooperativa Punta de Mita marina. Give yourself a few minutes: one guest found the boats a short walk from the meeting point.
A fast hop across from the tip of the bay. You're at the Marietas before most Puerto Vallarta boats are halfway.
Tide and park permitting, the guides take you into Playa Secreta. Life jacket on, no fins.
Snorkel the reef with the gear provided, then stop at Playa La Nopalera.
Boobies, frigatebirds and terns on the cliffs, with the guides pointing them out.
The short ride back to the marina, about 3.5 hours after you left.
★★★★★Eduardo was an excellent host. This has been one of our top favorite excursions we have ever done.
★★★★★The tour guides Eduardo and Fabian took good care of us and knew every angle for photos.
★★★★★Excellent tour from start to finish, the tour operator provided excellent service and accompanied us at all times.
★★★★★Totally Awesome, staff is very knowledgeable and fun and accommodating.
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About 15 minutes each way on this trip. Punta de Mita is the closest pier to the islands, about 9 km away.
The listing includes "Hidden beach entrance", described as Playa Secreta, a beach inside a cave below sea level. It depends on the tide and swell, and the park opens the Hidden Beach Wednesday to Sunday only. Confirm with the operator for your date.
Yes. The listing includes the park fee and the port tax. The CONANP fee is 125 MXN per person, so it's one less thing to carry cash for.
Children under 10, people over 70 and anyone with heart problems. Drones and strollers aren't allowed on board.
Ready to book
The shortest crossing, from Punta de Mita, with the park fee, snorkelling and Hidden Beach entrance listed. Groups of ten at most.
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