A brief 2.5-hour boat trip from Punta Mita takes you to the Marietas Islands for guided snorkeling and a relaxed stop at Playa Nopalera. Small groups, certified guides, and protected reefs make this a focused marine excursion ideal for travelers comfortable in the water.
A brief 2.5-hour boat trip from Punta Mita takes you to the Marietas Islands for guided snorkeling and a relaxed stop at Playa Nopalera. Small groups, certified guides, and protected reefs make this a focused marine excursion ideal for travelers comfortable in the water.
Salt-licked wind and the slap of small waves set the scene as travelers step onto a shaded roofed boat at Punta Mita Pier. The engine hums, the coastline slips astern, and in under 20 minutes the Marietas archipelago reappears as sculpted rock rising from clear water — an island that seems to dare you to come closer.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Grimar Adventures Punta Mita · Punta Mita, Nayarit
Salt-licked wind and the slap of small waves set the scene as travelers step onto a shaded roofed boat at Punta Mita Pier. The engine hums, the coastline slips astern, and in under 20 minutes the Marietas archipelago reappears as sculpted rock rising from clear water — an island that seems to dare you to come closer.
These offshore islets carved by Pacific swell are volcanic in origin; decades of wave erosion and seismic uplift have created caves, arches and cliffs that host breeding seabirds and a lively reef ecosystem. The Marietas have a complex conservation history — once used for military training, now protected as a national park — and local guides blend natural history with practical navigation of fragile habitats.
On this small-group outing, expect guided snorkeling in shallow reefs for roughly 25–30 minutes where parrotfish, angelfish and wrasse forage among rocky outcrops. Later the boat lands at Playa Nopalera: a compact shore of sand, tide pools and small sea caves to explore on foot. The return trip offers another chance to watch dolphins or frigatebirds riding coastal thermals.
Practical edge: arrive 20 minutes early, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swim towel and a lightweight cover-up; strikes of sun and splash are constant. Fitness needs are moderate — basic swimming comfort is required and guides always provide lifejackets. Weather can change quickly; morning departures usually find calmer seas and clearer water for snorkeling. Keep electronics in a waterproof bag and respect no-touch rules for coral and wildlife to leave the islands as alive as you found them.
No — this particular small-group tour visits Playa Nopalera and snorkeling sites around the Marietas but does not include access to Playa Escondida.
Yes — the tour supplies masks, snorkels, fins and lifejackets; guides assist with fit and safety briefings before entering the water.
Non-swimmers can participate but should notify the operator; lifejackets are mandatory and guides stay close, though some water comfort is recommended.
The tour may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient travelers; cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund per the operator’s policy.
Grimar Adventures Punta Mita operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Salt-licked wind and the slap of small waves set the scene as travelers step onto a shaded roofed boat at Punta Mita Pier. The engine hums, the coastline slips astern, and in under 20 minutes the Marietas archipelago reappears as sculpted rock rising from clear water — an island that seems to dare you to come closer.
Salt-licked wind and the slap of small waves set the scene as travelers step onto a shaded roofed boat at Punta Mita Pier. The engine hums, the coastline slips astern, and in under 20 minutes the Marietas archipelago reappears as sculpted rock rising from clear water — an island that seems to dare you to come closer.
These offshore islets carved by Pacific swell are volcanic in origin; decades of wave erosion and seismic uplift have created caves, arches and cliffs that host breeding seabirds and a lively reef ecosystem. The Marietas have a complex conservation history — once used for military training, now protected as a national park — and local guides blend natural history with practical navigation of fragile habitats.
On this small-group outing, expect guided snorkeling in shallow reefs for roughly 25–30 minutes where parrotfish, angelfish and wrasse forage among rocky outcrops. Later the boat lands at Playa Nopalera: a compact shore of sand, tide pools and small sea caves to explore on foot. The return trip offers another chance to watch dolphins or frigatebirds riding coastal thermals.
Practical edge: arrive 20 minutes early, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swim towel and a lightweight cover-up; strikes of sun and splash are constant. Fitness needs are moderate — basic swimming comfort is required and guides always provide lifejackets. Weather can change quickly; morning departures usually find calmer seas and clearer water for snorkeling. Keep electronics in a waterproof bag and respect no-touch rules for coral and wildlife to leave the islands as alive as you found them.