Playa del Amor: Incredible Hidden Beach Tour

If you’re looking for a day that combines jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife encounters, and a touch of adventure, the Playa del Amor tour in Jalisco, Mexico, is worth considering. This 7.5-hour excursion promises more than just a picture-perfect beach — it’s a chance to explore one of Mexico’s most unique natural sites, the Marietas Islands, with plenty of opportunities for marine life sightings, snorkeling, and relaxing in pristine surroundings.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances adventure and comfort. You’ll get to see playful dolphins and graceful manta rays, snorkel among vibrant reefs, and relax on a secret beach with an incredible view. Another highlight is the small-group setting, which means more personalized attention and a more relaxed experience. However, keep in mind that the tour includes park fees and marina fees on top of the ticket price, which can add up. Still, for many travelers, the value and the authentic experience outweigh those extra costs.

This tour suits travelers who crave a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and a sense of discovery — ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting to see a truly special corner of Mexico without too much hassle. If you enjoy boat trips, snorkeling, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The Marietas Islands and Playa del Amor are visually unforgettable.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and possibly humpback whales in season.
• Snorkeling Included: Guided snorkel experience offers a chance to see colorful reefs and marine life up close.
• Small Group: Get personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Additional Fees: Park and marina fees are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Seasonal Highlights: Whale watching is possible from December to March.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

The core of this tour is a cruise around the Marietas Islands, a protected marine park brimming with impressive rock formations, caves, and natural arches. As you depart, you’ll immediately feel immersed in scenery that looks like it belongs on a postcard — towering cliffs, hidden coves, and striking geological features that beckon explorers.

Wildlife Watching: The boat ride is often punctuated by sightings of Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, known for their playful leaps, and the gentle glide of Giant Manta Rays beneath the surface. The guides frequently point out Sea Turtles, adding to the sense that this is a lively marine habitat. If you’re here from December to March, keep your eyes peeled for Humpback Whales, which make seasonal appearances and are a real treat.

Snorkeling Adventure: After sailing around the islands, you’ll stop at designated snorkel spots. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll have about 45 minutes in crystal-clear waters to observe the colorful coral reefs and fish. For many, snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium — vibrant, lively, and surprisingly accessible for most skill levels.

Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach): The tour’s centerpiece is reaching the famous Hidden Beach, which is only accessible by boat and, in some cases, by swimming through the natural rock formations. The beach is encased within a large, circular opening in the rocks, offering a surreal view of the sky above. Once on the sand, you’ll have time to relax, soak in the scenery, or take photos — but remember, the number of visitors allowed is limited, so it remains a peaceful escape.

Bird Watching: As you sail past the rugged cliffs, bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting the Blue-footed Booby among other bird species. The natural setting is a haven for diverse birdlife that adds yet another layer of interest to the trip.

Additional Activities: Depending on the season and your guide, you might also get a chance to see whales or enjoy a leisurely pedal along the seaside if your tour includes land-based components. The relaxed schedule lets you savor each moment without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is designed for those who want a full day of exploration without feeling overwhelmed. At $187 per person, it’s not a budget option, but considering the inclusions — a continental breakfast, a deli-style lunch, beverages (including an open bar after leaving the park), and snorkeling — many find it offers good value for the experience.

However, it’s important to note that the Marietas National Park fee of 120 pesos per person and the marina fee of 90 pesos per person are additional costs. These are standard for park visits in Mexico, but they do add to the overall expense. Planning for around $15-$20 in extra fees is advisable.

The tour is operated by Puerto Vallarta Net, which holds a solid 4.4-star rating. Travelers praise the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings, often calling it a “must-do” for nature lovers. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guides explained the marine life and made sure everyone felt comfortable snorkeling.” The small group size fosters a more personalized, less commercial experience, which many travelers appreciate.

The 7.5-hour duration typically takes place in the morning, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or relaxing in Puerto Vallarta. The tour is conducted in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

What to Know Before You Go

To make the most of this experience, pack a beach towel, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit — the latter being essential for the snorkeling and swimming parts. Bringing a change of clothes is also wise, especially if you plan to snorkel or swim. You might also consider bringing spending money for extra snacks, souvenirs, or tips.

Since the trip involves boat travel, expect some rocking — a sense of adventure rather than discomfort — and wear comfortable clothes suited for a day in the sun. The tour operators emphasize eco-friendliness with biodegradable sunscreen, which helps protect the fragile marine environment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who love visual splendor and are eager to see marine wildlife up close. If you’re comfortable on boats, enjoy snorkeling or want to try it, and love natural landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially suitable for those who favor small-group experiences, as this ensures more personal attention and a relaxed vibe.

People who want to combine a little adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty in one day will find this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s less suited for travelers who prefer just lounging on a beach or dislike boat trips, but for most nature lovers and active travelers, it offers a memorable and worthwhile day.

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The Sum Up

This Playa del Amor tour in Jalisco offers an engaging blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and a rare glimpse of one of Mexico’s most stunning hidden beaches. The combination of scenic sailing, snorkeling, and the chance to see dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles makes it compelling. The inclusion of meals and drinks adds value, and the small-group format keeps the experience intimate and personal.

While the extra fees for park and marina access are something to budget for, many find that the overall experience justifies the expense. The opportunity to witness such vibrant marine life and dramatic rock formations makes this tour a standout for adventurous and nature-minded travelers.

If you’re after a day of discovery, serenity, and wildlife in a breathtaking setting, this tour will not disappoint. It’s a solid choice for anyone eager to see a truly unique side of Mexico’s Pacific coast—an adventure that leaves lasting impressions.

FAQ

Is transportation to the tour meeting point included?
Transportation is not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point, which may vary depending on your booking.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

How much are the park and marina fees?
The Marietas National Park fee is 120 pesos per person, and the Marina fee is 90 pesos per person — additional costs to factor into your budget.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a beach towel, biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, comfortable clothes, change of clothes, and some spending money for extras.

How long is the snorkeling experience?
Snorkeling lasts approximately 45 minutes, guided by instructors to ensure safety and the best viewing spots.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
Not necessarily. The guides are experienced, and snorkeling spots are chosen to be accessible, but basic comfort in the water is helpful.

This tour makes for a memorable day full of natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful escapes — a true highlight for those wanting a dose of authentic Mexico that feels both adventurous and effortless.

You can check availability for your dates here: