Travel Guide to Marieta Islands Hidden Beach

The Marieta Islands hidden beachis one of the most talked about tourist attractions in Riviera Nayarit Mexico. For years the island getaway has attracted visitors with its mysterious charm and unique experiences, and while the protected national park isn’t meant for beachside bbqs and lounging in the sun all day, it is one of the beaches near Puerto Vallarta that you won’t want to miss on your next vacation. Before you book your tour, discover everything you need to know about the Marieta Islands and the best of Puerto Vallarta beaches.

The Story Behind the Most Popular Tourist Attraction in Riviera Nayarit Mexico

Of all the beaches near Puerto Vallarta, the story behind the Marieta Islands hidden beach is by far the most interesting. Far enough away from the coast and with no human inhabitants, the islands were the perfect site for the artillery testing that was being carried out by the Mexican military in the first half of the 1900s. It wasn’t until decades after the famous explorer and scientist Jacques Cousteau fought for its protection that the archípelago was named the Marieta Islands National Park. While beautiful in their own right, it is the man-made crater that was carved out of the top of one of the islands by an explosion that has given the islands their international acclaim. The explosion revealed the hidden white-sand beach and fascinating rock formations that lay below, giving visitors a mesmerizing place to sunbathe and countless details to explore.

Where are the Marieta Islands?

The Marieta Islands are located off the coast of Riviera Nayarit Mexico near the town of Punta Mita, about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. Easily accessible by boat and offering unique opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and bird watching, the islands provide an escape for those seeking the best of Puerto Vallarta beaches.

How do I get to the Marieta Islands hidden beach?

The only way to get to the Marieta Islands hidden beach is by boat, and while you can get there on your own vessel, if you have hopes of visiting the beach on your island getaway, you’ll likely need to hook up with a local tour guide to get a pass and you’ll need to pay a national park fee. Since 2005, when the islands were declared a national park, conservation efforts have been made to limit the negative effects of human activity on the delicate marine and island ecosystems that call the area their home, resulting in a limited number of visitors being able to explore the beach on any given day. Regardless of how you arrive, it is the tide that ultimately determines who gets to set foot on the hidden beach. When the tide is high, the water tunnel you need to travel through to get to the beach is closed off, preventing anyone from making their way in. When the tide is low, you’ll still need to swim a significant stint, but the stunning views, crystalline waters, and lust surroundings make it tItaly rewarding.

What activities are there to do on my Marieta Island getaway?

A visit to this beach near Puerto Vallarta will likely be different from any you’ve ever experienced before. The hidden beach is great for snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring a bit, but activity here is limited and you’re not likely to spend more than an hour inside the crater. On the outside, however, visitors indulge in some of the best scuba diving, bird watching, and whale watching in Banderas Bay. It is important to keep in mind though that when you visit the Marietas Islands, most of your day will be spent on your boat or in the water. Climbing onto the islands, hunting and fishing, or hiking atop the rocks is strictly prohibited and because of high demand and the desire to protect the natural flora and fauna of the islands, time spent here is limited. Regardless, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your day at this unique hidden beach in Riviera Nayarit Mexico.

On your next trip to Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, be sure to check this beauty off your bucket list. Whether you make the trip on a private boat or sail in with a tour, you’ll have more than enough photo opts and memorable moments to share with everyone back home.