Marietas Islands and its Hidden Beach: Small Groups Tours

If you’re considering a trip to Jalisco, Mexico, a tour of the Marietas Islands offers one of those experiences travelers talk about long after they return home. This guided small-group safari promises a mix of adventure, wildlife, and iconic scenery, all wrapped into a manageable four-hour outing. While no tour is perfect, this one hits a lot of high notes for those eager to explore nature’s hidden gems without the crowds.

We’re impressed by how this tour combines offbeat sights like the Secret Beach and Skull Reef with thrilling activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and even the chance to “fly” underwater with the Subwing.

That said, it’s worth noting that some parts are seasonal or limited, which might affect your plans if visiting outside certain months. If you’re someone who loves authentic natural encounters and a touch of adventure, this tour is likely a great fit.

However, it’s not ideal for non-swimmers, small children, or travelers with mobility issues. The price reflects its all-in-one nature and personalized feel, making it a solid value for those wanting a well-rounded day of exploration. Overall, it offers a memorable slice of coastal Mexican beauty and activity—perfect for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of everything.

This experience made our article of Jalisco’s 3 Best Tours & Things To Do.

Key Points

• Limited Group Size: With fewer than 9 people per boat, expect a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Variety of Activities: Snorkeling, surfing, whale-watching, bird-watching, and the Subwing adventure keep the day dynamic.
• Seasonal Highlights: The Secret Beach is only accessible from December to April, so timing matters.
• Food and Refreshments: Enjoy a tasty lunch featuring shrimp ceviche and beers, adding a relaxing moment to your excursion.
• Safety and Accessibility: Guides bring life rings and flippers; the tour is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility challenges.
• Authentic Encounters: Expect to see unique wildlife such as blue-footed boobies and damsel fish harvesting their own food.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Group Size

The tour begins at the lobby of Hotel Ancora Mita, where your guide will meet you. Traveling in a small group (under nine participants) ensures that the experience feels more personal and less like a cattle call. This setup allows for better interaction with the guide and more flexibility in exploring each site.

The Marine Tunnel and Hidden Beach

One of the standout features is swimming through a marine tunnel to reach the famous Hidden Beach. We loved how this part combines gentle adventure with a sense of discovery—it’s not just swimming but a journey through underwater caves and waterways. The guide’s presence with a life ring and flippers reassures even less confident swimmers that they’re in safe hands.

Access to the Hidden Beach is seasonal, meaning it’s only open from December through April. If you’re visiting outside this window, you might find that the tour focuses more on other highlights, but the overall experience remains rewarding. The cave systems and waterways at the beach add an element of exploration that feels genuinely off the beaten path.

Snorkeling at Skull Reef

Next up is snorkeling around the Skull Reef. Here, we loved the chance to see the Damsel Fish—the only fish known to harvest their own food. The reef’s unique formation, resembling a skull, offers an Instagram-worthy backdrop while giving you a chance to observe vibrant marine life in a relatively shallow, accessible spot.

The guide’s expertise shines here, pointing out the various fish and explaining their behaviors, making it educational as well as fun. The reef’s calm waters make it suitable for beginners, and the snorkeling gear is provided, so no need to bring your own unless you prefer.

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Bird Watching and Wildlife

The tour also offers a chance to see blue-footed booby birds and other local avians. Bird watching adds a peaceful element and gives a broader appreciation for the island’s ecosystem. We found it rewarding to see these unique creatures in their natural habitat, away from the crowds.

The Secret Beach (Seasonal)

From December to April, the Secret Beach is accessible—an extraordinary feature, given that it’s only open a few months of the year. Access is via the marine tunnel, and the experience of arriving at this secluded spot is unforgettable. The clear waters, soft sands, and feeling of having truly discovered something private make it a highlight.

If you visit outside this window, the tour still includes viewing the second crater of Rounded Island, known as the Stone Bridge. This natural archway is impressive, with water jets from the Marine Geyser adding a dramatic touch.

Whale-Watching and Other Natural Wonders

Between December and April, whale-watching is possible. We loved the chance to spot humpback whales during their migration season, adding another layer of excitement to the trip. The tour guides are attentive to wildlife sightings and will share interesting facts during these moments.

The Marine Geyser is another fascinating feature—large jets of water shooting upward, creating a spectacle that photographers will appreciate.

Surf and Underwater Flying: The Subwing Experience

For those eager to try something truly different, the tour offers a beginner surf lesson on the best beach suited to learning waves. It’s a gentle introduction that helps newcomers feel comfortable in the water.

Most memorable, perhaps, is the Subwing experience—a device towed behind the boat that lets you glide underwater like a dolphin or even perform simple acrobatics. We found this to be a surreal, almost playful way to feel like you’re flying through the ocean, a definite highlight for adventurous spirits.

Lunch and Relaxation

After all the activity, you’ll enjoy a lunch of shrimp ceviche and beers at Anclote Beach. The food is simple but well-prepared, and the relaxed setting offers a nice break to reflect on your morning adventures. This meal adds great value to the overall experience, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the food.

Price and Value

At $191 per person, this tour is priced to reflect its all-inclusive nature—snorkeling gear, activities, wildlife viewing, meals, and a small-group setting. When you consider the variety of experiences packed into four hours, plus the personal attention from guides, it’s a reasonable investment for a memorable day in one of Mexico’s most beautiful coastal areas.

Compared to larger, less personalized tours, this one offers a more intimate connection with the environment, which many travelers find worth the extra cost.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing is key—if you want to visit the Secret Beach, plan your trip between December and April.
• Bring swimwear and sunscreen—the sun can be intense, and you’ll spend much of the day in the water.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people with back problems, or those who aren’t comfortable in the water.
• Transportation to the meeting point (Hotel Ancora Mita lobby) is not included, so plan accordingly.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible but not designed for mobility impairments or non-swimmers.
• Consider booking in advance; you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand with a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This experience is a solid choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty in a small-group setting. We loved the way it combines authentic natural encounters like snorkeling and bird watching with unique features like the Secret Beach and Subwing. The inclusion of a delicious lunch makes it feel like good value, especially for those who appreciate a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring offbeat spots, watching whales, or just soaking in spectacular views without the hassle of large crowds, this tour will likely delight you. It’s best suited for active travelers over 10 years old who want an authentic taste of the Marietas Islands’ wild side.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the lobby of Hotel Ancora Mita, where the tour departs.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure! The guide provides gear, but it’s good to have your own sunscreen and a towel.

Can non-swimmers participate?
While the tour is accessible with the guide’s help and safety gear, it’s not recommended for non-swimmers or those who are uncomfortable in the water.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 10 years old or travelers with mobility issues, due to activities like swimming and boat transfers.

When is the Secret Beach accessible?
Only from December to April, due to sea currents that limit access at other times.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about four hours, usually in the morning, which is perfect for fitting into a day’s schedule.

What are the main highlights?
Snorkeling at Skull Reef, visiting the Hidden Beach, bird watching, whale-watching (seasonal), surfing, and the Subwing experience—all in one compact trip.

Taking everything into account, this tour offers a well-rounded, exciting, and intimate way to enjoy the Marietas Islands. Whether you’re after wildlife, adventure, or simply stunning scenery, it’s a day that’s likely to leave lasting memories—just be sure to choose your timing carefully!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby