Discover this spot with an unusual beach full of vegetation and surrounded by spectacular marine wildlife.
In Riviera Nayarit lies a lost paradise. It is the Marietas Islands, a small archipelago full of blue-footed and brown-footed boobies who awkwardly walk on land but fly gracefully. Here, nature appears in many forms: bottlenose dolphins, giant manta rays, olive ridley turtles, and humpback whales that arrive in winter to escape the intense cold of Alaska.
The spectacle is complete when the whales leap, and at the bottom of the clear water, coral reefs with sponges, anemones, and sea urchins can be seen—a marvel for those who want to snorkel, as they can find here the perfect opportunity to discover and admire marine richness up close.
The Marietas Islands are worth visiting; no human inhabits them. Their rocky territory holds only tunnels and caves. One of their biggest attractions is the Hidden Beach (known by some as the Beach of Love), located on Redonda Island. It is a crater with an artificial beach created by the impact of a bomb during military tests in the last century. It is an oasis of white sand and crystal-clear water inviting relaxation, accessible only by swimming or kayak.
Being a Biosphere Reserve—and therefore a protected natural area—this space is only for swimming and relaxing, while spotting numerous species that have made it their temporary or permanent home.
Tip: You cannot stay overnight in the Marietas Islands. The best is to stay in Punta de Mita or Puerto Vallarta and hire a tour operator there to take you to the islands.
How to get there
Access is by sea from any of these ports: Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, and Punta de Mita.
Must-do activities in the Marietas
- A kayak or boat ride.
- Snorkeling or diving around the islands to discover the wealth of marine species (it’s prohibited in the Hidden Beach).
- Admire the boobies, which remind one of ancient times, as well as the surprising variety of birds.
- Dolphin and humpback whale watching. The season to witness this magnificent natural phenomenon is between December and March.
