PUERTO VALLARTA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Inside Playa Escondida: An Eight‑Hour Catamaran Passage to the Marietas’ Hidden Beach
A calm, two‑level catamaran cruise to the protected Islas Marietas that combines wildlife viewing, snorkeling and a swim through a small cave to the famed Playa Oculta.
Inside Playa Escondida: An Eight‑Hour Catamaran Passage to the Marietas’ Hidden Beach.
Set out from the mainland on a relaxed, eight‑hour cruise aboard a two‑level catamaran to the protected reserve of the Islas Marietas. The day is a study in concentrated wildness—blue‑footed boobies and frigatebirds wheel above while, below the surface, turtles and octopus move through the current. The itinerary culminates in a swim to the famous Playa Oculta, reached by a roughly 75‑metre swim through a small cave; onboard meals, an open national bar and water‑sport equipment round out the experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Birds and Sea Life up Close
The Marietas are a living theater: expect to encounter seabirds such as blue‑footed boobies, brown boobies and frigates, and marine species under the water including turtles, octopus and billfish.
Playa Oculta — The Hidden Beach
A signature stop is the secluded Playa Oculta, a protected sand bowl accessible only by swimming through a short cave; access is controlled and visitor numbers are limited, so reservations are recommended.
Meals, Drinks and Water Sports
The cruise includes a continental breakfast, a served lunch (beef burger with salad, cold soup and fries), an open national bar and equipment for snorkeling, kayaking and stand‑up paddleboarding.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip unfolds at the pace of the sea: a lengthy, calm transit to the islands (about 90 minutes), wildlife sightings from the deck, stops for snorkeling and paddling, a beachfront swim through a low cave into an enclosed sand bay, and relaxed meals and drinks back on the catamaran—an easy but full day on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and when to consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, hat and sunglasses, comfortable sandals or sneakers, a camera and extra cash for activities outside the program; snorkeling, kayak and paddle‑board equipment are provided onboard.
The cruise includes a continental breakfast, a served lunch (beef burger with salad, cold soup and fries), a national open bar and water‑sport equipment (snorkel, kayak, paddle board).
Bring extra money for tips and for required per‑person taxes not included in the tour price.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is eight hours in duration.
Do I need to reserve the hidden beach in advance?
Yes—Playa Oculta is inside a protected area with a limited number of visitors per day, so reservations are recommended.
Will there be food and drinks on board?
Yes—continental breakfast and a served lunch are included, and the tour provides a national open bar.
Is snorkel and kayak equipment provided?
Yes—snorkel gear, kayaks and paddle boards are included as part of the tour.
Are there any additional fees I should expect?
Tips and certain per‑person taxes (such as the SEMARTAP and port captaincy taxes) are not included and should be budgeted separately.
How do I get to the hidden beach?
Access requires swimming approximately 75 metres (about 200 feet) and passing through a small cave to reach Playa Oculta.
How long does it take to reach the islands from shore?
The transit to the islands takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.