Marietas Islands Travel Guide

About the Marietas Islands

The Islas Marietas are a group of small uninhabited islands located in Banderas Bay, about 37 kilometers off the coast of Puerto Vallarta near the town of Punta de Mita. The islands are a protected national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to diverse marine and bird life. They gained international fame for the "Hidden Beach" (Playa del Amor) -- a beach concealed within a collapsed volcanic crater, accessible only through a short water tunnel.

The islands were formed by volcanic activity and were used as military testing grounds in the early 1900s. The bombing and erosion created the unique rock formations and caves seen today, including the crater that houses Hidden Beach.

Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor)

The Hidden Beach is a small sandy beach inside an open-air crater on one of the islands. To reach it, you swim or wade through a short tunnel (about 24 meters long) at low tide. Inside, a pocket of sand is surrounded by crater walls open to the sky, with turquoise water lapping at the shore.

Important Access Notes

• Limited daily visitors -- The Mexican government strictly limits the number of visitors per day (currently around 116 people) to protect the ecosystem. Access permits must be arranged through authorized tour operators.
• Tide-dependent -- Access through the tunnel is only possible at low tide and in calm conditions. Tours are sometimes cancelled due to weather or high tides.
• Book well in advance -- Due to visitor limits, tours to Hidden Beach sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Book at least several days ahead.
• Not guaranteed -- Even with a booking, conditions may prevent access on a given day

Snorkeling and Wildlife

Even without Hidden Beach access, the Marietas Islands offer excellent snorkeling around the island perimeter:

• Coral and rock formations -- Tropical fish, sea urchins, manta rays, and occasionally sea turtles
• Blue-footed boobies -- The islands are one of the few places in Mexico where these distinctive seabirds nest. Best seen from November through May.
• Humpback whales -- From December through March, humpback whales are often spotted during the boat ride to the islands
• Sea caves -- Kayak and paddleboard around the island's coastline to explore cave formations

Tour Options

All visits must be with an authorized operator:

• Snorkeling tours -- Typically include boat transportation, snorkel equipment, and time around the islands (approximately 1,500-2,500 MXN per person)
• Hidden Beach tours -- Include the snorkeling plus the permit to access Hidden Beach (approximately 2,500-4,000 MXN per person)
• Kayak and paddleboard tours -- Some operators offer these as alternatives

Tours typically depart from Punta de Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, or Puerto Vallarta marina. The boat ride takes 30-60 minutes depending on departure point.

Visiting Tips

• Bring biodegradable sunscreen -- Required for protecting the marine environment
• Water shoes -- Helpful for the tunnel passage and rocky areas
• Motion sickness -- The boat ride can be rough on the open ocean. Take precautions if sensitive.
• Respect the rules -- No touching coral, no collecting shells, no feeding wildlife

Best Time to Visit

November through May offers the best conditions -- calmer seas, whale watching, and blue-footed booby nesting season. The rainy season (June to October) brings rougher seas and more tour cancellations.

Plan Your Visit

The Marietas Islands are a highlight of the Pacific Coast 7-Day itinerary. Book through an authorized operator in Puerto Vallarta or Punta de Mita.