Hidden Beach Marietas Islands
tours/Beach & Snorkeling/Hidden Beach Marietas Islands

Hidden Beach Marietas Islands

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A couple embraces in the clear waters of Hidden Beach, Marietas Islands.Blue-footed boobies perch on a rocky cliff in a Marietas Islands ecotourism birdwatching tour.
Rocky arch formations at Hidden Beach, Marietas Islands, one of the most stunning Mexico ecotourism destinations.Aerial view of Hidden Beach in Marietas Islands, a secluded sandy cove surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.A woman enjoys the clear waters and sandy shore of Hidden Beach, Marietas Islands, one of Mexico's most iconic destinations.A woman is snorkeling and discovering the vibrant marine life that inhabits the Marietas Islands.A flock of dolphins leap through the waters of Marietas Islands.

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the Hidden Beach at Marietas Islands, just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. This unique secret beach, also known as Playa del Amor or Lover’s Beach, is nestled inside a volcanic crater and is accessible only by swimming through a narrow cave tunnel.

Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this hidden beach, where turquoise waters meet golden sands beneath an open sky. The Marietas Islands Hidden Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, offering a truly unique setting.

3 to 5 hours5 Hours

Minimum 10 years oldMin. 10 years old

ActiveActive

Family Activities in Puerto Vallarta.Families

Couples iconCouples

Small groupsSmall groups

To book this experience in Private
contact us at 1-888-526-2238
or [email protected]

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE FAMOUS LOVER’S BEACH IN PUERTO VALLARTA


The Marietas Islands Hidden Beach, also called Lover’s Beach, Playa Escondida, or Playa del Amor, is an iconic destination near Puerto Vallarta. Its unique formation and secluded location have made it a symbol of natural beauty in Mexico and a must-visit for travelers seeking Puerto Vallarta’s secret beach.

To reach the Hidden Beach, visitors swim through a cave tunnel at low tide, emerging onto a secluded stretch of sand about 80 feet long, surrounded by rock walls. This adventure is unforgettable and exclusive, as access is limited and regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem.

  • Thrilling speed boat ride across the bay to Marietas Islands

  • Guided swim through the Lovers’ rock arch into the Hidden Beach

  • Snorkeling mask and safety equipment

  • Light snack on board

  • Please arrive at Vallarta Adventures’ check-in point at least 45 minutes before departure.
  • Minimum age: 10 years old / Maximum age: 65 years old
  • Participants must be fit and able to swim 200 ft. (60 mt) from boat to beach. Distance may vary based on sea conditions.
  • Access to the Hidden Beach is limited to 15–20 minutes per federal regulations.
  • Beach access is subject to sea conditions and is not guaranteed.
  • Please refrain from using sunscreen, even biodegradable, as it is harmful to marine fauna and flora.
  • Due to federal regulations and for your safety, life jackets and helmets are required to go through the rock passage into the beach.
  • In accordance with National Parks’ regulations and in an effort to protect the flight path of endemic birds, drones are prohibited in this tour.
  • An additional $ 180 pesos Conservation Fee per person will be collected at check-in
  • Expecting mothers and persons with back or neck, heart, balance, or/and dizziness conditions are restricted from this activity.
  • Swimsuit & towel
  • Sun protective clothing
  • Light sweater (during winter months)
  • Extra cash for dock fees, conservation fees, and photos

Explore Playa Escondida, the Marietas Islands’ hidden beach, and experience standing inside a volcanic crater open to the sky and the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and golden sand, this hidden island near Puerto Vallarta is a true natural wonder.

Discover stunning natural rock formations, cliffs, and rare bird species, including the blue-footed booby. Our expert guides share insights into the Marietas Islands’ history, vibrant marine life, and ongoing conservation efforts to protect this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Your adventure begins with a scenic speed boat ride from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands. Upon arrival, you’ll gear up with a helmet, snorkeling mask, and life jacket before jumping into the water. Guided by our expert staff, you’ll swim about 200 feet through a cave tunnel to reach the Hidden Beach. This thrilling journey is the highlight of the Marietas Islands Hidden Beach tour.

The Hidden Beach is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most Instagrammable spots. Capture unforgettable photos inside this iconic crater and share your adventure at the Marietas Islands’ secret beach with the world.

Swim through caves and stone arches, observing over 100 species of birds and fish, including the famous blue-footed booby. Snorkel in the protected waters of Marietas National Park to see colorful tropical fish, sea urchins, eels, puffer fish, and sometimes sea turtles and manta rays. From December to March, you may even witness humpback whales during their annual migration.

The Marietas Islands were shaped by the forces of nature and history. Born from ancient volcanic eruptions, they later witnessed dramatic explosions and bombings during Mexican military testing in the early 1900s. It's these very events that gave birth to the stunning caves and rock formations that you'll have the opportunity to explore on this excursion.Marietas Islands National Park, in Bahía Banderas includes two islands and is a National Park, Ramsar site, and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2005. It has grassland vegetation and 98 fauna species, with a catalog listing the 31 most common ones.

Access to the Hidden Beach depends entirely on sea conditions reaching the Hidden Beach cannot be guaranteed on any tour. The federal authorities responsible for the protection of the Marietas Islands National Park will be in charge of denying access if they deem the conditions are not optimal and safe for visitors.

This tour is designed to explore the wonders of the Marietas Islands while snorkeling and bird-watching. In winter, there are high chances that you can admire one of the most impressive shows in nature, the migration of the majestic humpback whales during their annual breeding season

Even in the rare cases where sea conditions do not allow access to the beach, this tour remains a fantastic eco-tour that nature lovers will undoubtedly appreciate.

Per federal regulations, sunscreen is not permitted at Hidden Beach. Unfortunately, sunscreen (even biodegradable ones) can have a negative impact on the environment and potentially harm the wildlife and fragile plant life that call the Marietas Islands home.

We recommend wearing a protective sun shirt and hat to protect your skin during the journey.


Your safety is our top priority. Our expert bilingual staff is regularly trained on safety procedures to ensure safety in and out of the water. Each vessel is equipped with safety features and life jackets for everyone on board.


Preserving Puerto Vallarta’s unique natural environment is an essential part of our ethos. As part of your Puerto Vallarta Hidden Beach tour, you’ll learn about sustainability and conservation efforts and how you can make a difference during your visit and in your own hometown. To get more information, visit our Sustainability page.

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