Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas)
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
The small, uninhabited Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas) are located in the Bay of Banderas off Mexico's Pacific coast. Classified as a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, the islands are famous for their abundance of flora and fauna, and the dramatic beauty of Hidden Beach. It's a great place to visit if you want to trade the crowds of the beach resort scene for some natural delights.
The basics
The islands are a haven for creatures such as dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies. You can see wildlife from a boat, but visitors can only set foot on one area of the government-protected islands, a strip of sand dubbed the Hidden Beach.Â
Marietas Islands snorkeling and scuba diving tours from Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are the most popular ways to experience the islands and their tropical fish and coral reef, and some tour companies sweeten the deal with open bars. Whale-watching tours also run in winter.
Things to know before you go
Diving and snorkeling tours typically last three to five hours, but some longer options include other activities such as kayaking.
Many diving tours require PADI certification, but beginner options are available.
There is a cap on the number of daily visitors, and while you don't need to obtain Marietas Islands tickets, you do need to book your tour in advance.
How to get there
The boat ride from Punta de Mita on the Riviera Nayarit to Marietas Islands National Park takes about 45 minutes. Due to strict government protections, you must take a boat tour from a licensed tour operator.
When to get there
The whale-watching season runs from December through March. For snorkeling and scuba diving, June through September offers the best visibility and warmest temperatures.
Conservation in the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are an MAB Biosphere Reserve, meaning they are part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere program to improve the relationship between humans and the environment. Because the islands have become increasingly popular, causing interference and possible damage to the ecosystem, the Mexican government authority known as the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) has closed the islands to the public in the past. Enjoy visiting while you can and keep in mind the fragile nature of this important ecological environment.
Ways to explore
As a protected reserve, access to the islands is strictly controlled—you will pay a conservation fee as part of any tour, and only 116 people are allowed entry to Hidden Beach daily (on a first-come, first-served basis). Visiting the islands takes anywhere from four to eight hours, with fast motorboats departing from Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. If you’re not early enough to access Hidden Beach, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t worry; there’s still plenty to see and do. Bird-watching, snorkeling, and kayaking are all popular activities and ideal ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of the islands.
Accessibility
Hidden Beach is only accessible by swimming or kayaking through a tunnel, and accessibility is dependent on which tour boat you take.
Age limits
Children must be 12 or older to visit Hidden Beach.
What to pack
Water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit
What to wear
Hat, sunglasses, light beach coverups
Not allowed
Swimming without life jackets, alcohol, littering, removing anything from the reserve
Amenities
Good for scuba diving and snorkeling
Address
The islands are accessible by boat, and tours depart from the towns of Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Typically, you can choose between small 6- to 8-person speedboats or larger 12- to 15-person catamarans, depending on your budget and the size of your group. Make sure to book your tour as far in advance as possible, as they fill up quickly.
Driving
There's no way to drive to the Marietas Islands.
Public transportation
Public transportation isn't available to the Marietas Islands.
Best times to visit
The earlier the better, especially if you want to visit Hidden Beach. Beware of operators leaving late in the morning, as the islands close access by 5pm.
Best days to visit
Hidden Beach is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the islands are closed to visitors on Mondays.
Best months to visit
Aim for November to May for warm, dry weather.
Special events
From December to March, you can see humpback whales that gather near the islands on a whale-watching excursion.
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