The Marietas Islands' Hidden Beach — Playa del Amor, a circular stretch of sand tucked inside a collapsed cave roof, reachable only by swimming or kayaking in through a short tunnel — is one of the most photographed spots on Mexico's Pacific coast, and one of the easiest days to book from Sayulita. Tours run from town regularly, but access to the Hidden Beach itself is capped and regulated, so a little planning goes a long way. Here's what to actually know before you book.
What the Marietas Islands are
The Islas Marietas are a small, uninhabited volcanic archipelago protected as a national marine park, sitting in Banderas Bay roughly halfway between Sayulita and Punta de Mita. They're known for two things: the Hidden Beach itself, formed decades ago when a cave roof collapsed and left a circular pocket of sand open to the sky, and the marine park's genuinely excellent snorkeling — clear water, colorful reef fish, and, depending on the season, sightings of manta rays, sea turtles, and even migrating humpback whales offshore.
Getting to Hidden Beach is not guaranteed
This is the part most first-time visitors don't realize: access to Playa del Amor is limited and regulated by the national park to protect the site, and it isn't automatically included on every Marietas tour. Confirm directly with your operator whether Hidden Beach entry is part of the itinerary (some tours are snorkeling-only), and know that entry can be closed on a given day for conservation monitoring or rough ocean conditions — the park prioritizes safety and preservation over guaranteed access. Build in a "we might not get in" expectation, and treat it as a bonus if you do.
When entry is running, expect to swim or float roughly 30 meters through a partially submerged tunnel to reach the beach — a life jacket is mandatory for this, provided by your operator, and basic swimming comfort is genuinely necessary since you're in open water for a stretch of it.
Booking a tour from Sayulita
Several licensed operators run trips booked out of Sayulita, including Ally Cat Sailing Adventures, Chica Locca Tours, Sayulita Entourage, and Wild Mex — look for operators who are explicit about following the park's conservation rules, since that's a decent proxy for a well-run trip generally. A standard day tour includes the boat ride out, snorkeling stops around the islands, and (when conditions and access allow) the Hidden Beach swim, typically running most of a day door to door.
One thing worth knowing before you book: the boat itself typically launches from a marina near Punta de Mita or La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, not from Sayulita's own beach — Sayulita doesn't have the marina infrastructure the crossing requires. Sayulita-based operators handle this by meeting guests at a spot in town (often a dive shop or a designated pickup point) and providing round-trip transport to the boat as part of the package, so you're not driving yourself out there. Confirm the meeting point, pickup time, and transfer length when you book.
Prices vary by operator and boat type — a shared group tour runs noticeably less than a private charter — so get a quote directly and confirm exactly what's included: snorkel gear, lunch, and Hidden Beach access can all be either bundled in or charged as add-ons depending on the company.
What to pack and what's not allowed
Only reef-safe, oxybenzone-free sunscreen is permitted in the marine park — regular sunscreen is effectively banned, and it's worth applying it well before you board rather than at the dock. Beyond that: a swimsuit you can move in, a light cover-up, water shoes if you have them (the entry point to the Hidden Beach has some rock scrambling), and a dry bag for your phone if you want photos, since you'll be in and out of the water most of the day. Touching or standing on reef is off-limits everywhere in the park, not just around the Hidden Beach.
Best time to go
December through May — Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit's dry season — brings the calmest seas and clearest water for both the boat ride and the snorkeling, and it overlaps with the tail end of humpback whale season for a chance at sightings en route. Trips run year-round, but the June-through-October rainy season brings choppier water and lower visibility, so if the marine life and photos are the priority, plan around winter and spring. Weekends and holiday weeks fill up fastest — book a few days ahead in high season if you have a specific date in mind.
Where to stay for the trip
Since the day actually starts with a meeting point in central Sayulita before the shuttle out to the boat, staying close to town matters more than being right on the beach. Vista Panoramic at Caivama is a short walk down to the plaza, an easy base for an early pickup and a well-earned pool afternoon once you're back. Browse the rest of our Caivama Collection powered by Arrival Getaways for more options.
FAQ
Is Hidden Beach access guaranteed on a Marietas Islands tour?
No. Entry is regulated by the national park and can close for conservation monitoring or rough conditions. Confirm with your operator whether it's included, and treat access as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Do I need to know how to swim to visit the Hidden Beach?
Yes, basic swimming comfort is necessary — you'll swim or float roughly 30 meters through a tunnel to reach the beach, wearing a mandatory life jacket provided by your operator.
What sunscreen can I wear in the Marietas Islands marine park?
Only reef-safe, oxybenzone-free sunscreen is permitted. Apply it before you arrive rather than at the dock.
When is the best time to visit the Marietas Islands from Sayulita?
December through May, the dry season, for the calmest water and best snorkeling visibility — with a chance at humpback whale sightings on the boat ride through the winter months.
Planning a Marietas Islands day from Sayulita? Stay close to town at Vista Panoramic at Caivama, part of our full Caivama Collection powered by Arrival Getaways.
