Those tunnel waves decide everything. This private Marietas Islands outing is built around the one-of-a-kind access to Playa Escondida (Playa del Amor)—not just a viewpoint, but a guided swim through a natural opening to reach the beach inside.

I especially like the way the tour keeps things hands-on but not hectic: you’re on a private boat with exclusive attention, and you get real help with the beach-side logistics, including a guide who handles phone safety and captures photos from the best angles. It also includes snorkeling gear, lifejacket, and non-alcoholic drinks, so you can show up light and still feel taken care of.

One possible drawback: it’s a weather-and-sea-conditions experience. If the wind and waves are up, the boat ride can feel longer and rougher, and you’ll be glad you paid attention to the safety checks before you go.

Key highlights to know before you book

• Playa Escondida access on a guided swim through a natural tunnel, not a land walk
• Private boat time from Punta Mita Pier, typically 15–20 minutes depending on conditions
• Photo support for your phone with a waterproof transport option during the beach moments
• Snorkeling equipment + lifejacket included, so you’re not scrambling on arrival
• Playa Nopalera included for walking and exploring natural caves at your own pace
• Limited spaces—reserving in advance makes the most sense

The star is Playa Escondida, and you reach it the hard way

The Marietas Islands section of this tour is all about Playa Escondida (Playa del Amor), and the way you get there is the whole point. Instead of a scenic stop, you swim 80 to 100 meters through a natural tunnel while a certified guide stays with your group in a private setting.

For many people, that’s the difference between a normal excursion and a memorable one. You feel like you earned the beach. You also get a clear sense of why this place is protected: the experience is structured, time-managed, and guide-led, with rules that limit what visitors can bring and do.

When you finally surface inside, you’ve got about 30 minutes on the beach. That time is short enough to feel special, but long enough to relax, take a few photos, and get oriented before the next activity.

Consideration: if you’re not comfortable swimming for any reason—confidence, stamina, or just sea conditions—this stop can feel stressful even with a guide. Moderate fitness is required, and the tour’s design assumes you can handle the water crossing.

Punta Mita boat logistics: quick sailing, but sea conditions matter

The tour departs from Punta Mita Pier. After general directions, you board your private boat and head toward the Marietas. The sailing time is usually about 15–20 minutes, but it depends on the sea state.

Here’s what’s practical to know: this is exactly the kind of trip where wind and waves don’t just change comfort—they can change timing and how you feel on the water. If conditions run rough, the crossing can slow down, and you may need extra patience.

Also, this tour has several “no-fuss until you’re at the beach” policies. You won’t bring shoes down to the activities, and you can’t bring bags, backpacks, suitcases, or food and/or drinks onto the beaches. So you want to think ahead about what stays with you on the boat and what gets stored out of the way.

If you’re the type who likes checklists (I do), consider this your cue to pack for sea day reality: secure your camera/phone in the waterproof container or container the tour provides, and keep your hands free for the moments that matter.

The guided tunnel swim: what to expect and how to prepare

The tunnel swim is guided “always accompanied” by a certified guide in your private experience. That’s a good thing. It means you’re not wandering off or guessing routes, and you’re not doing the hardest part alone.

Still, the specifics matter for you planning your comfort level:

• You’ll swim 80–100 meters through a natural tunnel.
• You’ll be provided a lifejacket.
• You’ll use a waterproof bag or container to transport your phone/camera to the beach area.

This matters because the tunnel isn’t just a distance—it’s a bit of mental focus. You’ll be thinking about your breathing, your pace, and staying calm while navigating a narrow, natural passage.

Practical tip: if you’ve got a touch of claustrophobia or you dislike enclosed spaces underwater, go in honestly about that. The guide will set the tempo, but your mindset still plays a big role in how enjoyable the swim feels.

And yes, you get phone help. The guide transports your phone safely and takes pictures at the best angles during the beach experience. That’s valuable because you don’t have to worry about drop-risk in water, and you can focus on the moment instead of becoming your own photographer.

After the beach: snorkeling and Playa Nopalera caves

Once Playa Escondida time is done, the itinerary moves into classic Marietas water and shoreline exploration.

You’ll enjoy snorkeling with included equipment. Snorkeling gear and a lifejacket are provided, which is especially helpful if you travel with limited swim gear. It also keeps the tour’s pacing tighter, since nobody is waiting for equipment rentals.

Then you’ll visit Playa Nopalera. This part is great for people who like to walk and explore at their own rhythm. You’ll have time to stroll and check out natural caves, rather than being rushed through one fixed viewing spot.

Why this section feels smart: the tour gives you a big “wow” moment first (Playa Escondida), then shifts to lower-pressure exploration (walking and caves) before the return. It’s a nice mix of action and breathing room.

Trade-off: the caves and walking mean you should wear yourself mentally for some uneven natural terrain. The tour also states you can’t go down to the activities with shoes of any kind, so plan for barefoot movement only where allowed and expected.

Returning to Punta Mita with marine life on the water

On the way back, you get a calmer finisher: you can observe marine fauna during the return and then end in Punta Mita after an exclusive experience.

Even if marine sightings aren’t guaranteed, the structure is good. You’re not shoved into another major task right after the swim and snorkeling. Instead, you get a smooth wrap-up, with your brain finally catching up to how much you just did.

This is also the moment when you’ll likely feel how the day’s sea conditions went. If the ocean was choppy earlier, expect some bounce on the return too.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $1,185.47 per group, up to 8 people, for about 3 hours. That’s private-company pricing, so the math matters.

If you fill the group, your effective cost per person drops a lot. If you don’t, you’re paying more for that privacy and the “everyone stays together” boat setup.

So what are you paying for?

• Private tour format (your group only)
• Private boat routing and exclusive attention
• Entry to Playa Escondida (Playa del Amor)
• Certified guided swim through the tunnel
• Snorkeling gear + lifejacket
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Waterproof phone transport and photo help at the beach

For many groups, the real value is the guided tunnel access. Anyone can take a boat ride. Fewer can do the specific swim landing safely and smoothly with phone-focused support and a time-managed beach window.

Food is not included, so plan on eating after. Also, bring drinks if you like, but note the rule: you can’t take food and/or drinks down to the beaches. That means you’ll want them for the boat or transfers, not for the sand time.

What to bring (and what not to bring)

To make the day easy, bring the basics the tour asks for:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera or cell phone (the tour includes waterproof transport)
• Drinks in thermoses or reusable bottles (environment-friendly)

And follow the restrictions closely:

• No shoes when going down to activities
• No bags, backpacks, suitcases
• No food and/or drinks to the beaches
• No throwing garbage into the sea
• No alcohol during your stay in Marietas (allowed only on the way there and back)
• No drones due to CONANP regulations (bird sanctuary protection)

Also note the min and max age: 10 to 64. There’s a moderate physical fitness expectation because the swim is part of the signature experience.

Safety reality check: ask about wind, waves, and radios

Here’s the part I’d treat as non-negotiable before you go. This tour requires good weather, and cancellation due to poor weather can trigger a new date or a full refund. That’s the “official” safety net.

But there’s also an on-the-water reality. One negative experience report I’ve seen from a similar style of day highlights rough conditions (strong wind and waves), a slower-than-usual boat ride, and a question about emergency equipment availability (specifically whether a maritime radio was on board).

I can’t verify what happens on every departure day, but you can protect yourself. Before boarding—or at least before the boat leaves—ask:

• How do you assess wind and waves for today’s schedule?
• What emergency communication tools are on board? (For example, a maritime radio.)

If you’re traveling with kids, older adults, or anyone who gets anxious on choppy water, this is worth doing early. Your comfort and safety decisions shouldn’t be an afterthought.

And if you ever feel unsafe during rough conditions, it’s completely reasonable to speak up through your guide or the crew. Private tours reduce confusion, but they don’t remove your right to request a stop, turnaround, or alternative plan if conditions become a problem.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want a private, guided Marietas experience focused on the exact beach most people only see from a distance.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples or families who want the privacy of a group-only boat
• Travelers who can swim comfortably and want a guided tunnel experience
• Snorkel fans who don’t want to source gear locally
• People who like a mix of beach time plus walking and caves at Playa Nopalera

It’s not ideal if:

• You hate swimming or water passages you can’t control
• You’re very sensitive to wind and boat motion
• You need to bring lots of belongings (the no-bags/no-shoes beach rule will feel restrictive)

Should you book Grimar Adventures to the Marietas?

If your #1 priority is Playa Escondida access—and you’re comfortable swimming and following rules—this tour is a smart way to do it. The combination of the guided tunnel swim, snorkeling with included gear, and the added Playa Nopalera cave walk makes the 3-hour window feel purposeful, not stretched.

Just don’t treat it like a guaranteed smooth day. Sea conditions can change how the boat ride feels, and the rules about what you can bring to the beach mean you should pack deliberately.

If you’re going to book, do it with one extra habit: ask about wind/waves and emergency readiness right before departure. That small step can turn a potentially stressful day into the kind you’ll remember for the right reasons.

FAQ

How long is the Private Tour to Marietas Islands from Punta Mita?

The tour duration is about 3 hours.

How many people are in the group for this private tour?

It’s private, and the group can include up to 8 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at GRIMAR ADVENTURES Excursions Islas Marietas Islands – Ballenas – Whales Watching on Av. Las Pangas 18, and it ends at Av. El Anclote 24, with the final stop at the Punta de Mita pier.

What’s included in the price?

Entrance to Playa Escondida (Playa del Amor), snorkeling equipment, non-alcoholic beverages, a waterproof bag or container for your phone/camera, and a lifejacket are included.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

How do you get to Playa Escondida (Playa del Amor)?

You enter by swimming 80 to 100 meters through a natural tunnel, with a certified guide accompanying you.

What else do you do besides Playa Escondida?

You’ll snorkel with the included equipment and also visit Playa Nopalera to walk and explore natural caves at your own pace.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and your camera or cell phone. The tour also suggests bringing drinks in thermoses or reusable bottles.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring to the beaches?

Yes. Shoes are not allowed for going down to the activities, and you can’t bring bags, backpacks, suitcases, or food and/or drinks to the beaches.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.