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The Islas Marietas are a small group of uninhabited volcanic islands off the tip of Punta de Mita, at the mouth of Banderas Bay. Once used for military target practice, they were protected as a national park in 2005 and are now part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Rugged cliffs, arches, and caves shelter seabird colonies and clear water rich in marine life.
The islands' most famous feature is Playa del Amor, often called the Hidden Beach, a patch of sand inside a crater-like opening in the rock, reached by swimming through a short tunnel. Access is tightly limited by permit and conditions to protect it, so not every tour includes a landing. Most excursions focus on snorkeling reefs around the islands, where tropical fish and sea turtles are common, and on the caves and rock formations sculpted by waves. Birdwatchers come for nesting seabirds, including blue-footed boobies. In winter, the surrounding waters are prime for humpback whale watching.
Tours depart from Punta de Mita and nearby Corral del Risco, from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and from Puerto Vallarta, with smaller boats also leaving from Sayulita and El Anclote. The islands suit snorkelers, wildlife lovers, and families. Rules on landing and the number of visitors change from time to time, so checking with operators beforehand is wise.
WiserMap travel guideIslas Marietas Mexico Playa del Amor and Blue Footed BoobiesPlan a boat trip to Islas Marietas in Nayarit: Playa del Amor, snorkeling reefs, blue-footed boobies, humpback whale season and Punta de Mita departures.Read the guide
Also called the Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor is a small sandy beach inside a crater-like hollow, open to the sky and reached by swimming through a short tunnel from the sea. Visits are tightly limited and permitted only on certain days. Book with an authorised operator, and expect to wear a life jacket.
The Islas Marietas are two main uninhabited volcanic islands, the rounder Isla Redonda and the longer Isla Larga, plus smaller islets, about 8 kilometres off Punta de Mita. Boats circle both to see cliffs and wildlife. Landing is restricted, so most tours stay on the water.
The islands form a protected national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve, created to protect seabirds, reefs and marine life after years of damage from bombing practice and over-tourism. Strict daily visitor limits and rules apply. Use reef-safe sunscreen and follow the guides' instructions.
Clear water around the islands holds reefs with tropical fish, including angelfish, parrotfish and moray eels, plus sea turtles and rays. Tours anchor at designated spots for snorkelling. Visibility is best in the calmer months, and touching coral or feeding fish is not allowed.
The islands are home to large colonies of seabirds, especially blue-footed boobies, along with brown boobies, frigatebirds and terns. Boats pass close to nesting cliffs, where the birds are easy to watch. Bring a camera with zoom, and keep voices low near the colonies.
From about December to March, humpback whales gather in the Bay of Banderas to mate and give birth, and the waters near the islands are a top place to see them breaching. Many tours combine whale watching with the islands. Choose operators that respect the official distance rules.
Waves have carved the volcanic rock of the islands into arches, caves and tunnels, which boats and kayaks pass close to on calm days. The formations are best seen from the water in the morning light. Sea conditions decide access, so trips may change at short notice.
Some tours from Punta de Mita and the Bay of Banderas include kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the island shores, giving a close and quiet view of the cliffs and wildlife. Calm mornings are best. Wear a hat and sun protection, as there is no shade on the water.
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Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal from Tepic, Nayarit, MEXICO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Fernando Flores from Caracas, Venezuela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
