Marietas Hidden beach trip from Puerto Vallarta

Booked what looked like a cool excursion. 7am departure. 6:30am check in time. Got an uber from Sayulita at 5:50am and got there right at check in time only to be told that the trip was canceled and we should have received a message. We received no message. The guys who came in right after us to check in for the same excursion did not get a cancelation message either. Instead of being able to cut out losses and just get a refund and an uber back, Elena said we had to wait until 7am for the “internet specialist”(?) to get here so to tell us what our options were for refunds/other excursions. So not only did I waste time waking up early on vacation and paying for a 40-minute uber here, I also have to waste time and wait 30 minutes for my refund and to find out my options. Their own website even says that if access to the beach is denied, they will do snorkeling. That was not presented as an option to us. Waited until 7 then Elena handed me a headset? I wasn’t waiting to talk to a real person. She handed me a phone to talk to someone else? Seriously? If you knew you were going to cancel the excursion, let us know in advance. If two parties on the same excursion didn’t get your cancellation message, then you didn’t send it.

Do not recommend if you don't like to swim in the ocean and wear a helmet to get to your destination also if you don't want to snorkel in bumpy waters. Plus I did the but 2 excursion get one free. Lol not free lol go online and book for cheaper through the Internet not at your resort also they took me back to the port hours earlier since I didn't do the activity but I paid for the full 7 hours. I feel like I got screwed on that other than that the island where neat to see that I did see from the boat. This excursion needs a deeper explanation of what your getting yourself into.

This is one of those tours that sounds incredible on paper, but the way it was handled left us shaken and disappointed. Our Zodiac (inflatable raft) was oversold and overcrowded, four of us sat sideways in the very front. The surf that day was extremely rough, and instead of adjusting speed, the boat flew over waves at 30+ mph. Each hit launched us into the air; my wife thought she injured her back, and I was badly jarred as well. For 45 minutes it felt more like a punishment than an adventure. By the time we arrived, my wife was so seasick she couldn’t attempt the 100-yard swim into the cave. I stayed behind with her, but the guides seemed visibly annoyed. Those who did go said the swim was rough, helmets smacked the rocks, and it was harder than expected. Multiple passengers were sick over the side, and the tour was cut short. At the end, the guide said, “I can’t control the ocean.” Very true, but a responsible operator can control boat capacity, vessel choice, and speed in unsafe surf. A sturdier boat would have handled better, and better judgment could have protected everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Playa del Amor is a stunning natural wonder, but if you book, use caution. Ask what kind of boat will be used, how many people they allow, and be aware that conditions can make this a very tough ride. It’s not for everyone, and it shouldn’t be oversold as casual or easy.