Marietas Islands
Marietas Islands
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Formed as a result of volcanic activity, this group of uninhabited islands is a great place to spot marine wildlife like dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and even humpback whales during winter. It is best known for the photogenic Hidden Beach, a small bay completely enclosed by rock that can only be accessed by a water tunnel at low tide. Boat tours leave from Punta de Mila that's about 15 minutes away and include a mandatory marine park fee. To prevent over tourism, the number of daily visitors to the beach is limited, so book the tour early to secure your slot. – Tripadvisor
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Popular mentions
4.5
3,481 reviews
Excellent
2,116
Very good
762
Average
361
Poor
154
Terrible
88
Guillaume C
Los Angeles, CA65 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Marietas-islands .net is not an actual cruise.
They are a third party that sells tickets and then dispatch the customers to actual cruise that will take you to the hidden beach .
The phone number listed on Google and their What’sApp phone number listed on their website are both permanently disconnected,
There is no way to call them to have any info about your trip. You can try to send them an email, no one will reply.
The day before my trip I received an email from «HoneyMom» giving me the sketchiest info about my departure.
The lady did not even give me an actual address that I could enter in my Uber destination.
She gave me the most vague indication , saying it s near this hospital that has actually changed name but clearly she doesn’t know and thank god I arrived one hour early and received the help of two locals to finally found the building where they register departures.
Once there I was asked by the port security agent which tour company I was going with, I had no idea since Marietas-islands .net. is not an actual cruise company.
I was only given the name of a man to find , after asking to the whole Marina, I finally found that man . I was told to purchase additional port tax ticket and also wrist bands to show I had paid to access to the hidden beach,
I wish this was explained in the email.
Before departure they told us no sunscreen can be used before accessing to the hidden beach ( thank god I am not too pale or I would have burned) and also that no water cameras or even water proof pouches for smart phone were permitted at the hidden beach .
it s a zero plastic policy .
I explained them I had no intention to litter my iPhone in the ocean . They said only Go Pros were allowed . I mean the whole point to go to the hidden beach is to make memories you wanna share.
At this point I was fuming .
I think marietas-islands .net should be forbidden to sell tickets to the hidden beach on behalf those tours .
They are a third party that sells tickets and then dispatch the customers to actual cruise that will take you to the hidden beach .
The phone number listed on Google and their What’sApp phone number listed on their website are both permanently disconnected,
There is no way to call them to have any info about your trip. You can try to send them an email, no one will reply.
The day before my trip I received an email from «HoneyMom» giving me the sketchiest info about my departure.
The lady did not even give me an actual address that I could enter in my Uber destination.
She gave me the most vague indication , saying it s near this hospital that has actually changed name but clearly she doesn’t know and thank god I arrived one hour early and received the help of two locals to finally found the building where they register departures.
Once there I was asked by the port security agent which tour company I was going with, I had no idea since Marietas-islands .net. is not an actual cruise company.
I was only given the name of a man to find , after asking to the whole Marina, I finally found that man . I was told to purchase additional port tax ticket and also wrist bands to show I had paid to access to the hidden beach,
I wish this was explained in the email.
Before departure they told us no sunscreen can be used before accessing to the hidden beach ( thank god I am not too pale or I would have burned) and also that no water cameras or even water proof pouches for smart phone were permitted at the hidden beach .
it s a zero plastic policy .
I explained them I had no intention to litter my iPhone in the ocean . They said only Go Pros were allowed . I mean the whole point to go to the hidden beach is to make memories you wanna share.
At this point I was fuming .
I think marietas-islands .net should be forbidden to sell tickets to the hidden beach on behalf those tours .
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al M
Estevan2 contributions
Jan 2020
I booked this excursion at the adventure booking stand in the Paradise Village Mall. I requested an activity for myself and my wife to go snorkeling. The rep at the desk gave us a couple of options. Going through the options with the rep, he suggested this one that included paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkling. I said we were not interested in the other activites we just want to snorkel. His reply was no problem you don't have to do the others, you can just snorkel. They take you to a beach, supply you breakfast and lunch and a open bar all day. So I booked it. Well first off, they left some of us at the marina and had to taxi us in a fishing boat to meet up with the rest of the group with this excursion. Once we finally got close to the island, we anchored and got set up for snorkeling, which was out from the island & not on the beach. They then proceeded to instruct that if you were not a strong swimmer you should not go out in the water, some very important information that would have been good to know before I booked the activity. My wife is not what we consider a strong swimmer so she did not go. So snorkeling was not on the beach and the snorkeling activity was only for about 40 minutes tops, and I was then told to get back on the boat. From there, they started taxiing people to the beach via fishing boats, but again not recommeneded for people that were not good swimmers as you had to get out of the boat and swim 20 meters to the beach. This time I stayed on the boat with my wife and we discussed what we had gotten ourselves into. There was no breakfast, they started pushing apples later in the morning and into the afternoon. They later offered some chips and a pop.To add to this experience once out on the boat they offered us a special experience to the crator beach on the island.... for another $1000 pesos per person, and/or an eco tour for another $200 pesos per person. So just so I am clear I had one chance to snorkel though the day and that was it, no return to the water again for the day. Once all the taxi trips were done, we started heading back and that is when they opened the bar and we received lunch, approximately 3:00 pm. Thank goodness we had a very good encounter with some whales and dolphins on the way back. The crew did their best to make the day as good as possible but the day never even came close to the trip I was lead to believe we were paying for. Very dissapointed to say the least!!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArmyDr
5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We always knew it was a way to get away from downtown, get out on the sea, and see some awesome places. We knew about the docking fee and the conservation fee. We knew they would try to sell us pictures. We knew the free lunch was going to be sandwiches or something like that. And for what we paid for we felt like we got a good deal. However, we had no idea about the private beach, the non-stop drinks and open bar, the Fantastic crew!!!, and even a show put on by the crew at the end. I understand some of the comments where people are frustrated that they didn't go to the Hidden Beach, because they bought the wrong Excursion. Most of them seem like they didn't read the description, or are really hurt about the $5-$7 extra "hidden fees." This trip was easily worth two or three times what we paid for it. The crew alone made it worth that! Our main tour guide's name was David, and he really made sure that we we're all engaged and having fun. The crew constantly refilled or drinks, picked up after us, smiled, and made us feel welcome! I was with my wife, mom and dad. Every one of us enjoyed it tremendously!
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jean l
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
* Know what you are in for*
We signed up for this tour to get away from the resort bar scene and add education and variety to our trip. This excursion is just an extension of the resort bar scene. We were hoping to learn about, and enjoy the serene beauty of Mexico’s ecosystem - this did not happen. There is a lot to appreciate, but Below are things that really disappointed:
*people were throwing cigarette butts into the ocean and garbage was flying off the boat. Ironic since we were on this trip to appreciate wildlife. This is mostly why I’m giving a poor review.
*There was no bird watching. There was little to no educational element. Snorkeling was weak.
*the music on the boat is LOUD and there was a forced party entertainment with gimmicky entertainment. I can get on board with the party scene but wasn’t wanting it on this trip.
*There is little to no transparency as to how the trip would be broken down (80% of the trip was commute and the boat was crowded). We were told breakfast was included, it was not.
*This trip is not for kids or for folks who don’t swim well. The boat never docks, and you have to jump off into a crazy tide to get to the beach. This was not great for our 5 and 7 year old. Again,
transparency and information ahead of time would have been great. Some of the promised parts of the tour were cancelled and we found out while on the boat.
*We saw a few whales and stopped the boat to appreciate them which was great (!) but the guide never stopped talking or telling cheesy jokes on the loud intercom about the whales drinking too many margaritas. Funny for some, but not what we were looking for.
If you are looking to party the week away and dance/shout on a boat and see some cool things, you might like this! The crew works very hard to try to make you happy. They are young party people, but helpful and nice and wanting to please and make you happy. Be warned- not for the weak of stomach! Half the boat got sea sick. We just felt like the experience details were not clear when we booked the trip. Overall, I feel this kind of excursion contributes to the wear and tear on the environment instead of offering an educational appreciation and respect for it. I was just so sad to see drunk people abusing it with their garbage and cigarettes and extremely loud noise pollution.
We signed up for this tour to get away from the resort bar scene and add education and variety to our trip. This excursion is just an extension of the resort bar scene. We were hoping to learn about, and enjoy the serene beauty of Mexico’s ecosystem - this did not happen. There is a lot to appreciate, but Below are things that really disappointed:
*people were throwing cigarette butts into the ocean and garbage was flying off the boat. Ironic since we were on this trip to appreciate wildlife. This is mostly why I’m giving a poor review.
*There was no bird watching. There was little to no educational element. Snorkeling was weak.
*the music on the boat is LOUD and there was a forced party entertainment with gimmicky entertainment. I can get on board with the party scene but wasn’t wanting it on this trip.
*There is little to no transparency as to how the trip would be broken down (80% of the trip was commute and the boat was crowded). We were told breakfast was included, it was not.
*This trip is not for kids or for folks who don’t swim well. The boat never docks, and you have to jump off into a crazy tide to get to the beach. This was not great for our 5 and 7 year old. Again,
transparency and information ahead of time would have been great. Some of the promised parts of the tour were cancelled and we found out while on the boat.
*We saw a few whales and stopped the boat to appreciate them which was great (!) but the guide never stopped talking or telling cheesy jokes on the loud intercom about the whales drinking too many margaritas. Funny for some, but not what we were looking for.
If you are looking to party the week away and dance/shout on a boat and see some cool things, you might like this! The crew works very hard to try to make you happy. They are young party people, but helpful and nice and wanting to please and make you happy. Be warned- not for the weak of stomach! Half the boat got sea sick. We just felt like the experience details were not clear when we booked the trip. Overall, I feel this kind of excursion contributes to the wear and tear on the environment instead of offering an educational appreciation and respect for it. I was just so sad to see drunk people abusing it with their garbage and cigarettes and extremely loud noise pollution.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YtheLongFace
34 contributions
Dec 2019
A true spectacle of the bay. We took a sail to the Marietas and Hidden Beach expecting to have a great day and were blown away with the marine life, birds and of course the swimming around the islands and into the Hidden Beach. To know that not too long ago overfishing and a fire almost destroyed this gem, we never expected such beauty. Wow! I would go again as I don’t think we really experienced everything there is to see in a single visit.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Realitychecked
Bellevue, WA27 contributions
Oct 2020
We went on a private tour of Islas Marietas and Hidden beach with Recorridos Turisticos. I wanted to leave from Punta De Mita instead of Puerto Vallarta because I wanted less time on the water getting there (I get seasick sometimes). From Punta De Mita, it only takes 15 minutes to get to Islas Marietas and it's the shortest distance.
Captain Chopo and our guide did a great job and were careful with our safety. Our guide took tons of photos of us. Thank you so much! Swimming through the waves and shallow cave into the Hidden Beach is something we'll always remember. The whole tour was 3 hours (30 minutes of that being travel time on the boat). Prices were reasonable and less than advertised elsewhere.
Captain Chopo and our guide did a great job and were careful with our safety. Our guide took tons of photos of us. Thank you so much! Swimming through the waves and shallow cave into the Hidden Beach is something we'll always remember. The whole tour was 3 hours (30 minutes of that being travel time on the boat). Prices were reasonable and less than advertised elsewhere.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piggyrichelle
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Couples
Beware of what you’re getting yourself into. They will tell you it’s $60 USD for everything but actually you don’t even go to the hidden beach. It’s an EXTRA $1000 pesos to go to the hidden beach. It is NOT worth it. Don’t waste your time. We spent the whole day disappointed. Also, there are two fees before you even get on the boat. There is a boarding fee and a ticket fee. It is not worth it unless you know someone who’s can personally take you there. Do not think you’re going to see the private hidden beach. It’s not included! BEWARE!
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJaneM
54 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Yeah,i know check it out, but somehow my son and wife booked us into a trip to the islands without knowing that you had to be a strong swimmer to get to playa del amour beach. The first part of the snorkeling was not too bad but you had to keep up with the group, and my daughter in law didn't swim (yeah I know) After that, the trip to the hidden beach was swimming against the current to get to it, and through a cave, and I'm a bit claustrophobic, and a senior. So just be aware. The boat ride was about 2 1/2 hours each way because we stopped to whale watch on the way. That was wonderful. So if you are a good swimmer, don't book a whale watching tour, make the trip to Merietas islands instead. I believe you'll pay about the same price anyways, and have more adventure
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin S
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
My husband and I went on this excursion and had the most amazing time. There were tons of fish where we snorkeled, and we stopped off at an island beach to kayak and ride around on the banana boat. Lunch was delicious, with large build your own sandwiches, and pasta/potato salads. We saw Humpback whales which came super close to the boat, and there were dolphins riding the waves behind us. Most importantly the crew on this boat was INCREDIBLE. They were so kind, upbeat, funny and responsible. We felt very safe, and fully entertained. I believe the main host was Ryan/Bryan, and he and the rest of the crew performed a show on the boat at the end of the trip. As well, the photographers found plenty of spots and opportunities to take great photos of me and my husband, which was super appreciated. This trip is an absolute must do, be sure to bring money for photos and to leave a good tip because the crew really deserves it for all their hard work
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thaisfuncia
Sao Paulo, SP326 contributions
Jul 2023
Its a nice easy and pleasant boat tour. It lasts around 2,5 hours, the travel is about 20 min each way, so not to worry about it. We took the regular boat for 8 people, and was ok. You go around and see the island, birds, some snorkelling and beach time (very tiny beach). I would say its nice and recommend.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alejandra E
Queretaro City, Mexico2 contributions
Hola.
¿Qué agencia u opción es recomendable contratar para ir a Islas Marietas (no tengo interés en Playa Escondida), que incluya paseo y alimentos?
Cristy Muñoz
1 contribution
Hola, todas son recomendables, ya que te ofrecen distintos paquetes y costos. Segun tus intereses podras elegir el que mas te convenga, en cualquier lugar podras encontrarlos, en tu hotel, en la marina, en las playas, en el malecon, etc
Ricardo Ramos
Mexico City, Mexico
Hola. He leído que la opción más económica es rentar las lanchas desde Punta Mita, saben si estos tours en específico se pueden reservar, y si entran a la Isla del Amor y hacen snorkeling? O estás actividades solo se hacen con las agencias que ofrecen los tours?
Hola!
Muchas gracias por tu comentario, estoy buscando un tour local presisamente algo no tan largo como los tour de agencias mas grandes, ire en un par de semanas.
Es relativamente facil o complicado al llegar a punta de mita, contratar ese tour que tu realizaste? o sabes si tiene algun telefono de contacto de casualidad.
personas de la tercera edad podrian hacer este tour o es dsemasiado cansado para esa edad
tatiana t
Chihuahua, Mexico25 contributions
por favor indicanos en que tour visitaste la isla
Quest35595794718
Ixtapaluca, Mexico1 contribution
Del hotel RIU Puerto Vallarta hay salidas a las islas marietas ?
F D
22 contributions
How good of a swimmer do u have to be? How long is the swim, I get very nervous in the ocean, do they give u life jackets?
Chori N
Mexico City, Mexico1 contribution
Hola !
Que agencia o tour recomiendan para ir a la isla del amor? De preferencia con las 3 B.
Muchas gracias desde ya.
Alex L
4 contributions
If we are sailing through, can we get a permit to visit the island and beach with our boat? Or do we have to use one of the adventure services?
Stephanie A
8 contributions
How much did u pay to go see the hidden beach? And also who did u book with? Thanks
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Claim your listingMarietas Islands - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Marietas Islands
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Marietas Islands:
- Islas Marietas Eco Discovery (From $119.00)
- Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive (From $112.89)
- hidden beach tour (From $165.30)
- Marietas Sail, Snorkel and Beach (From $95.00)
- Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach (From $120.00)
- Restaurants near Marietas Islands:
- (6.51 mi) Spice Market
- (5.88 mi) Parrotfish Punta De Mita
- (5.80 mi) Tuna Blanca
- (6.57 mi) El Surf Club
- (6.65 mi) Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana
- Attractions near Marietas Islands:
- (0.15 mi) Vallarta Adventures
- (6.19 mi) Mita Aventuras Surf School
- (6.12 mi) Punta Mita Expeditions
- (9.23 mi) Vista Paraiso - Day Tours and Activities
- (5.88 mi) Best Riviera Tours