A private Marietas safari from Punta de Mita

About this experience

This is the private version of Marieta Tours' shared safari. The boat, the captain and a bilingual guide are yours for three hours, for up to six people, leaving from the cooperative pier in Punta de Mita. The crossing from there is the shortest in the bay, so most of the time goes on the islands, not the ride.

The listing covers snorkel gear, a stop at Playa La Nopalera, birdwatching, drinks, and the port and park taxes. With nobody else on board you choose how long to stay in the water and when to move on. The price is per group, from $368, which works out well for a family or a group of friends and less well for a couple.

The Hidden Beach isn't part of the base price. Playa del Amor admission shows up among the extras, so ask the operator before you book whether they can add it on your date: only permitted operators may land there, the beach is open Wednesday to Sunday, and the park allows 116 people a day. The listing marks the trip as wheelchair accessible, which is rare on the Marietas; ask about boarding at the pier. It isn't suitable for people with respiratory problems.

• Your own boat and a bilingual local guide
• Up to six people, one price for the group
• A short crossing from Punta de Mita
• Snorkelling, Playa La Nopalera and birdwatching
• Port and park taxes included
• Listed as wheelchair accessible

How the day runs

1. Before you goMeet at the pier

   Meet your guide at the cooperative pier in Punta de Mita.

2. A short rideCross to the islands

   The quick hop from the tip of the bay to the Marietas, on your own boat.

3. At the islandsSnorkel at your pace

   Mask and snorkel on, with the guide in the water or on board. Stay longer where the fish are good.

4. At the islandsPlaya La Nopalera and the birds

   A stop at the open beach on the second island, and a slow pass along the cliffs for boobies and frigatebirds.

5. ReturnBack to Punta de Mita

   The ride back to the same pier, about three hours after you set off.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Ask about the Hidden Beach extra when you book, not on the boat. Landings are capped and need a permitted operator.
• If anyone uses a wheelchair, ask the operator how boarding works at the pier before you pay.
• Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and put it on at least 30 minutes before you swim, as the park rules ask.
• Agree the plan with your guide at the start: more snorkelling, more birds or a longer beach stop.
• The park is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.

Read next:

• Where to leave from
• With kids

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Marietas Islands Safari from Punta de MitaThe shortest crossing: 15 minutes from Punta de Mita, close to three hours at the islands, ten guests at most.★ 4.5 · 3.5 hours · from $154Hidden Beach Tour from Nuevo VallartaThe swim into the Hidden Beach crater, then snorkelling, breakfast, lunch and an open bar. Small boat, 12 guests at most.★ 4.6 · 6.5 hours · from $168Marietas Snorkeling Trip from Puerto VallartaFive hours of small-group snorkelling at the Marietas, starting in Puerto Vallarta: no drive north to another pier.★ 4.9 · 5 hours · from $135