Protected waters, sea caves and the Hidden Beach · 6–8 hours · Departing from Nuevo Vallarta or Marina Vallarta
The Marietas Islands sit off Punta de Mita at the northern tip of Banderas Bay — an uninhabited archipelago protected as a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve. Their volcanic walls are riddled with caves and arches, and the reef around them holds parrotfish, damselfish, moray eels, rays and, in winter, passing manta rays. Blue-footed boobies nest on the cliffs; they are one of the few colonies in mainland Mexico.
Playa Escondida — the Hidden Beach — is the collapsed crater everyone has seen in photos. Access is strictly regulated by CONANP, the Mexican national parks authority: a limited number of visitors per day, a permitted operator, a life vest and helmet, and entry by swimming through a low tunnel. It is not guaranteed on any given date, and it closes entirely when swell or quota make it unsafe. We will tell you honestly before you book whether a permit is realistic for your day; the snorkeling itself does not depend on it.
From Marina Vallarta the crossing is about 1.5–2 hours each way, which is why this is a full-day charter. Departing from Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz cuts the run considerably and buys you more water time at the islands.
Board, briefing, and head north across Banderas Bay toward Punta de Mita. Dolphins are common on this stretch.
Anchor in the lee of the islands. First snorkel session on the reef — clear water, reef fish and, if the swell allows, a look into the sea caves and arches.
Break for lunch on board, paddleboards and floats in the water, and a second snorkel or a tender ride along the cliffs to spot blue-footed boobies.
Cruise the Punta de Mita shoreline and its surf breaks on the way out, with an optional swim stop at a calmer cove.
Afternoon run back across the bay with the Sierra Madre on the horizon, docking before or around sunset.
Year-round, with the clearest water and calmest crossings from November through May. Summer brings warmer water but occasional afternoon swell and reduced visibility after rain.