Marietas Islands with Guaranteed Entry to Playa Escondida

The tour started off wonderfully good. We saw amazing whales. Jumping. Flapping fin etc. then we arrived at the entrance. We put on life jackets and helmets and jumped in the ocean. We ended up with a giant pool of jelly fish. They stung the entire family. A week later we still have welts. And pains. It was terrible. The park rangers did nothing. My kids were screaming for their lives. It was one of the worst experience of our lives. If you are going ask about “yelo fish”. Really called jello fish or jelly fish. We will never go back.

We went to the hidden Island with Vallarta Adventures, ( its not cheap) and it was a great 5 hours out as we saw Wild dolphins on the way back. To get to the beach you have to swim 60-100 meters through a cave. On the day we went the sea was quite rough and for every 6 strokes I took I was blown back four. Do not underestimate this swim it is knackering even with life jackets on, and I would not entertain this trip unless you are a very strong swimmer. Due to local laws you are only allowed to spend 15 mins on the island to take your own photos or allow the boat staff to take a set. These are available in book form , framed or just sent to your computer. The cheapest option was US $105. After the beach a 30 min snorkelling event took place but I was so tired after the swim back to the boat that I and probably half the boats total decided to give it a miss. Don't get me wrong it was an enjoyable but expensive morning out but do not undertake it unless you are very strong swimmer.

Meeting whales along the route was amazing. The driver knew where to look and gave us the opportunity to see a whale nearby! The equipment, snacks and directions were less than adequate. After paying for the most expensive tour on the list, we were still charged 81 dollars for photos.