Getting to the crater beach at Islas Marietas National Park is a strictly regulated process. You must book a tour with a permitted operator, ride a boat across the bay, and swim through a narrow ocean tunnel.
Where do boats to Hidden Beach depart from?
Tours leave from Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, or Punta Mita.
Punta Mita is the closest departure point. It sits about 5 miles (9 km) from the islands. Puerto Vallarta is located 24 miles away.
How do you enter the Hidden Beach?
You must swim 80 meters (260 ft) through a natural rock tunnel.
The tunnel connects the open ocean to the interior crater. The swim takes 10 to 15 minutes. Strong open-water swimming skills are required. You must wear a mandatory life jacket and helmet provided by your tour operator.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
Guaranteed hidden beach-marietas islands.3 h 4.8(161)from $152
No. Private, unpermitted boats are not allowed to enter the protected areas.
You must book an authorized tour. Access is highly restricted by CONANP to just 116 people per day. Unpermitted boats cannot approach the beach.
Are there age restrictions for the swim?
Yes. The minimum age for the Hidden Beach swim is typically 10 to 12 years old.
The maximum age limit is generally 60 to 65 years old. This rule ensures all swimmers have the physical strength to navigate the 80-meter tunnel independently.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
How much does a Hidden Beach tour cost?
Authorized boat tours range from $79 to over $190 USD, but prices change by platform.
Make sure your chosen tour explicitly includes Hidden Beach access. You also need cash in Mexican Pesos for a CONANP park fee and a 40-50 MXN port departure fee.
Private SAFARI to Marietas Islands including Hidden Beach & Surf4 h to 5 h 4.9(81)from $195
