Mexico
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Nayarit
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Marietas Islands

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Marietas Islands
4.5
#6 of 126 things to do in Nayarit
Islands
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
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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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The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 10 kms
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47
0.5 kmBeaches
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136
Beaches
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See what travellers are saying
  • Erin S
    2 contributions
    Must Do Ocean Adventure
    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
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 December 2022
  • Martin R
    1 contribution
    Hooray for Captain Hector
    We went with Sayulita Entourage. We saw a lot of whales, boobies, and frigate birds. We also snorkeled some, but the water was a bit rough and the visibility wasn't great. The guide, Hector, was great, and Capt. Jose piloted expertly between the rocks with pretty high waves. A worthwhile experience.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 23 January 2023
  • cldcldmrdsld
    Seattle, Washington9 contributions
    Awesome whale watch but terrible snorkeling site
    We went in a snorkel trip to the Islands with Vallarta Adventures. The boat ride there and back was beautiful. The islands are stunning. We saw whales up close which was the best part. Lunch was good, and the secret beach time was also lovely. Overall we had a great day. Unfortunately the snorkeling itself was terrible. The visibility is awful and there isn’t much to see. If this trip had been a whale watching trip I would give 5 stars, but for snorkeling it is not a good location to go in the winter. Visibility may be better in the summer, but right now it is terrible. The islands are beautiful. The crew and boat with Vallarta Adventures was great. They should not be taking people out for snorkeling g to this location however.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 February 2023
  • Saralyn B
    Lebanon, Connecticut150 contributions
    Alley Cat Tours - Marieta Islands
    Alley Cat Tours does a great tour to the Marieta Islands. fun, energetic and the customer service is OUTSTANDING! Eat, drink, swim, snorkel and more! We had a wonderful day and highly recomend it, if we return to the area we will do it again.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 June 2023
  • thaisfuncia
    Sao Paulo, SP293 contributions
    Great Activity for a morning or afternoon
    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.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 18 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,478 reviews
Excellent
2,112
Very good
763
Average
361
Poor
154
Terrible
88
mikeLA
Los Angeles14 contributions
Treacherous
Nov 2022 • Couples
It can be treacherous even if you're skilled. You must swim through an open-ended cave to get to the small beach. The sea level rises and falls while you do this. If you are still in the cave when it rises, you will be forced to the top of the cave because of your life vest. You will be "pinned " in place, under water. I am a 40-years-plus experienced snorkeler, and this was my scariest moment ever. I quickly shed my vest and swam forward underwater. I'd be surprised if no one's drowned here.
Written 10 October 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.
JOSE ANTONIO O
Monterrey, Mexico3 contributions
Great
Jul 2023
Book your tour directly on Cooperativa Punta Mita, great service and about 30% off other options, from Punta Mita Town, takes about 1.5 hr total tour, include Isla Escondida visit, you must swim about 80m but is awsome!
Written 19 July 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.
thaisfuncia
Sao Paulo, SP293 contributions
Great Activity for a morning or afternoon
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 18 July 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.
Saralyn B
Lebanon, CT150 contributions
Alley Cat Tours - Marieta Islands
May 2023 • Friends
Alley Cat Tours does a great tour to the Marieta Islands. fun, energetic and the customer service is OUTSTANDING! Eat, drink, swim, snorkel and more! We had a wonderful day and highly recomend it, if we return to the area we will do it again.
Written 8 June 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.
samson062607
Easley, SC26 contributions
Disappointing waste of a day
May 2023 • Friends
Disappointed and exhausting is how I would describe our Eco Discovery Trip with Vallarta Adventures. You leave your hotel very early to board a boat and travel to pick up others. Then more than an hour to Marietas which are beautiful rocks in the sea. Then onto snorkeling... the trip was long and there were many rules for snorkeling. Many folks were stung by jellyfish that you had to swim through. Then travelled another 1.5 hours to a beach that was really disappointing. You had to race others to the beach to get chairs. There is no sand only pebbles. Then began the long trip back. Many many passengers were motion sick as no one tells you that you spend at least 4 hours traveling on a boat. Very disappointing ! Would never book again
Written 30 May 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.
cldcldmrdsld
Seattle, WA9 contributions
Awesome whale watch but terrible snorkeling site
Feb 2023 • Family
We went in a snorkel trip to the Islands with Vallarta Adventures. The boat ride there and back was beautiful. The islands are stunning. We saw whales up close which was the best part. Lunch was good, and the secret beach time was also lovely. Overall we had a great day. Unfortunately the snorkeling itself was terrible. The visibility is awful and there isn’t much to see. If this trip had been a whale watching trip I would give 5 stars, but for snorkeling it is not a good location to go in the winter. Visibility may be better in the summer, but right now it is terrible. The islands are beautiful. The crew and boat with Vallarta Adventures was great. They should not be taking people out for snorkeling g to this location however.
Written 19 February 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.
Michael H
Oro Valley3 contributions
Not What We Expected
Jan 2023
What they don’t tell you is that 80% of this tour is on the water in the boat cruising to the islands, then to the beach. It is like 45 minutes to each place, and at least when we went, it was windy and rough. Most everyone got seasick. The islands themselves were disappointing. Just some big rocks in the ocean. You can’t get out onto them. You just jump into the water with 100 other people and try to see fish in the cold, murky water. We saw some, but were only able to snorkel for 15 minutes and most of the time were focused on either not running into someone else, or not letting the wind and waves smash you into some rocks. The “private beach” was also disappointing. Too rough for kayaks and paddle boards. No sand either, just a pebble beach that was uncomfortable to walk on in bare feet. The staff is nice and try to make it a fun experience. You also have a chance to see dolphins and/or whales on the way which we did. That was probably the highlight of the trip, but not worth the rest of it. Find a calmer, clearer place closer to Puerto Vallarta and snorkel there.
Written 2 February 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.
Jessica M
2 contributions
So screay
Jan 2023 • Family
Took a tour here, we read positive and negative reviews but decided to adventure to the Martietas Islands. We seen whales the boat ride was great. Never could we have imagined how dangerous the swim to the hidden beach could be. The waves pull you in and out of the cave hitting the sides of the cave. By the time we managed to get to the beach we were so exsuasted for the swim and almost drowning we couldn't enjoy the beach I was so terrified to trying to swim back. We were about half way out swimming as hard and we could a swell would come and push us all the way back to the beach. My husband got caught under water as a wave came which makes the water rise at least 3 feet trapping him under the water. With rock above him. I grew up on the ocean but this was insane. It would not be allowed in Canada as a tour. I'm sure on a calm day when the water is completely flat this would be amazing. Our day was not the ocean had swells. Please be safe. I'd be surprised if no one has ever died here. Our whole tour mates were pretty shaken up.
Written 31 January 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.
Martin R
1 contribution
Hooray for Captain Hector
Jan 2023
We went with Sayulita Entourage.
We saw a lot of whales, boobies, and frigate birds. We also snorkeled some, but the water was a bit rough and the visibility wasn't great. The guide, Hector, was great, and Capt. Jose piloted expertly between the rocks with pretty high waves. A worthwhile experience.
Written 23 January 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.
Erin S
2 contributions
Must Do Ocean Adventure
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 29 December 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.
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Marietas Islands (Nayarit) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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