Since the beach was closed on the Tuesday of my tour, when we left the area, the captain did at least move the boat closer to the opening in the rocks so that we could get a better look of how you enter Hidden Beach.
Renowned as a bird sanctuary, the islands are home to 92 species of bird, of which 40% are classified as endangered. 
These islands shelter amazing biodiversity and are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Mexico since theyre home to the blue-footed boobie as well as many other seabird species.
Traveler, road tripper and public lands explorer, I've driven thousands of miles looking for the best sunsets, the perfect campsites and amazing food.
As the Marieta Islands and Hidden Beach gained popularity, visitation got out of hand. The Mexican Government once used the Marietas Islands as a bomb testing and explosive site in the 60s, which is what caused the crater that forms the hidden beach in the first place.
After about two hours there, we all board the boat, and go to another area on the island where lunch and drinks are provided. We instead went to bigger beach on the second island which was nicer and bigger but still stuffed with tourists.
Your boat captain and crew cannot control the weather, water or tide. We then put on helmets and were told we had exactly thirty minutes inside on the "hidden beach".
The snorkeling is very poor at Marietas Island.
There are dozens of rocky outcroppings under the water but the two main uninhabited islands Round Island and Long Island are the biggest land masses of the islands and the islands you can see. The closure lasted several months while tons of garbage diapers, tires and other household items and plastic were pulled from around the islands.
For my Islas Marietas tour was in February and there were so many whales, there was hardly a time when you looked around the bay, that you didnt see at least one whale breaching or the movement of a tail. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Come along for the ride!
When you take time to visit the islands you will definitely want to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive, but dont leave the Marietas Islands before you have explored Playa del Amors hidden beach that is located between two of the islands.
The Hidden beach was the result of a large explosion.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. In the 1960s, famous conservationist Jacque Cousteau campaigned for protection of the islands. The whole experience just adds to the mystery of the trip.
It was pretty incredible. We were supposed to go snorkeling but a couple of people got stung by jellyfish swimming from the hidden beach to the boat and the majority of the group did not want to go. Not worth the $80 per head for 40 minutes of snorkeling and 20 minutes on a beach, yet we were at sea for 8 hours.
Throughout the year you might also be able to observe orcas, stingrays, various species of sharks, as well as giant manta rays, sea turtles, and maybe even a dolphin pod. Their ceviche was very good but the other salads were just adequate. Some people enjoy exploring around the islands on kayaks or stand-up-paddleboard. There was some controversy in recent years due to the sheer volume of visitors that were landing on the sandy shores official figures put the number as somewhere in the region of 2,500 visitors daily and as a result the Islas Marietas were, to the dismay of many, closed temporarily in May 2016. If your tour includes access to Hidden Beach youll swim through a opening in the island to get to the beach. more. If you would like to enjoy the park fully and possibly access Hidden Beach, your best bet is to go with an organized tour such as those offered by Vallarta Adventures, Islas Marietas Tours, or Eco Tours Vallarta.
Making the trip over to the Marieta Islands to see one of Mexicos most unique beaches is 100% worth it.
Once everyone is on the boat, the official tour is begins.
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With the exception of hurricane season, the Pacific coast of Mexico generally experiences good weather all year long.
Completely hidden from sight the only way to catch a glimpse is from an aerial viewpoint or to embark on a voyage of discovery.
The staff with Vallarta Adventures were great and helpful.
While the Islas Marietas are technically under the jurisdiction of the state of Nayarit, they are arguably a more popular destination for tourists in the coastal Jalisco town of Puerto Vallarta.
Because of the temperate water temperature, every year, thousands of humpback and gray whales make their way into the Bay of Banderas to mate and give birth. Visibility is best between May and December where you may see up to 100 feet, and water temperatures around 80 degrees F (27 degrees C).
Anyone that wants to stay onboard the boat can do so. Part of an underwater mountain range that peaks above the ocean's surface, the Islas Marietas mark the entrance to Banderas Bay from the Pacific. The islands are located 2,953 feet (900 meters) apart from one another in Banderas Bay, a few miles off the coast of the state of Nayarit.
They just dont serve alcohol until everyone is out of the water.
Most of these tours are not recommended for people with limited mobility and are not accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Although many people wish to visit, access to the beach is strictly limited to 116 visitors per day and is also dependent on the tide, wind, and waves.
If it does includes breakfast, its probably a continental breakfast.
Tourist trap.
Today, however, it is one of Puerto Vallartas most treasured destinations for a day trip or diving excursion.
In the 1900s test bombs are known to have resulted in the unique topography of the islands along with a plethora of caves and rock formations.
While some people are kayaking, others in small groups are visiting a beach or checking out the caves on the side of the island. However; we picked this because of the great snorkeling claim. Despite recent controversy and temporary closure, the islands continue to make for one of the countrys most extraordinary destinations, and boast a wealth of flora, fauna and marine life.
The boat tours will take you just close enough but due to the islands geography (more on that later), youll need to swim the last stretch to reach the hidden beach itself. The morning air, especially in winter, and even in spring at times, can be chilly on the boat, so you might want to pack a light jacket or a long sleeved shirt. You can even explore the small cave that is right next to the beach. This is collected on behalf of the government.
Even if you paid for it. Personal flotation devices are mandatory and shoes, sunglasses, cameras and drones are not allowed.
Well the hidden beach is tiny; maybe 50ft - 80ft long.
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In the first half of the 1900s, the Mexican government conducted military testing on the islands, and the resulting explosions, along with erosion, created some interesting rock formations, including the famous beach.
Since that time, many steps have been taken to protect the delicate ecosystem on the islands and in the surrounding water.
For sure, La Playa del Amor is the hidden beach that every visitor to Puerto Vallarta should experience. In fact, the boat ride to reach them takes little more than an hour and there are a selection of companies and schedules to choose from. The Marieta Islands were formed thousands of years ago as a result of underwater volcanic eruptions. While planning an Islas Marietas tour for myself, I realized that the internet is full of vague information about how to get to the islands and just what you can or cant do there.
read more, The Entire thing was amazing. Be prepared there are a couple of fees collected on behalf of the government, that arent included in the price of a tour ticket.
This park became a hugely popular day trip site starting around 2012 due to photos on social media showing the beautiful Hidden Beach located within a crater, and many travelers flock there to have their own Instagram moment.
Although its not within a crater, its surrounded by interesting rock formations and lots of the nopal cacti after which it is named.
A post shared by Francisco Cavi (@cavitours).
Sometimes the current is strong and this can be a tough swim. One important thing they ask that you do, is apply your sunscreen at the beginning of the tour.
The Beach Boys crew aboard the Bora Bora were lovely, fun and full of The Marietas islands were formed thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption yet today the islands with their hidden beach are home to hundreds of birds, marine life, and blue footed boobies, a rare breed of bird that can only be seen in a few places around the world that are famed for their blue colored feet.
The English speaking families were left to fumble.
read more.
Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food.
Awful - Beach Boy Marietas islands Tour - Don't Do It!!!
In the past, almost anyone could tour the islands.
You do not get to go onto the hidden beach.On the way back the bar opens and the staff put on an entertaining show.On the whole a good trip! (This stands for Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources and the fee helps preserve and maintain the park) Once you pay this fee, youll be given a wristband to wear for the duration of the tour that shows you paid your fee. My family waiting over 30 minutes to get on a boat to go to the beach for 20 minutes.
From the moment you enter the hidden beach youll be awe-struck at the beauty and simplicity that awaits. The hidden beach at Puerto Vallartas Marietas Islands is one of the highlights of any fabulous vacation to Mexicos Pacific Coast. Unless this was your first time snorkeling there is no other word for it; but poor.
You could choose one "activity" per person. Additionally, the days that Hidden Beach is open, instead of thousands being granted access, only 116 people are allowed to visit.
Thank you for your support. We were supposed to go snorkeling but a couple of people got stung by jellyfish swimming from the hidden beach to the boat and the majority of the group did not want to go. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. Even if you pre-pay for your tour, its a good idea to get to the marina early.
So, tours to las Islas Marietas are possible year round.
However, if you want to see whales which is definitely an added bonus then the best time to go is during the months of December to May. Heres what you need to know if you want to see the islands. Boat excursions depart regularly from Puerto Vallarta, the journey takes about an hour. Since access to the islands is limited, the tour is much more of a day out on the water tour than a lay on the beach tour. They will do their best to make it happen but if they decide that its too dangerous, they will cancel the swim to Hidden Beach.
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The Vallarta by Boat tour is definitely not what I would consider a party tour at all but to keep it fun on the way back to Puerto Vallarta the crew played music and some games for guests that wanted to participate. Here you can soak up the sun, play in the sand, and swim in the calming, cool waters.
Its closest to Punta de Mita, from where the boat trip is only about 15 minutes. Enjoy your time at the hidden beach Mexico by soaking up the sunshine or choose to further explore the rocky archways and caves. After about an hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta we got to the Marieta Islands which is a bird sanctuary.
On my tour there was local beer, margaritas, and of course, water and juice were available the entire cruise.
This is possibly the best spot in western Mexico for scuba diving. Studies have shown that there should only be a maximum of 625 visitors landing there daily, but this figure was tripled or quadrupled in practice.
To do this swim you need to be a strong swimmer and over twelve years of age.
Known for providing the best scuba diving, snorkeling, and even watching whales haunts, the Marietas Islands are a great spot for all kinds of underwater activities.
Perhaps one of the worst-kept secrets in international tourism, Mexicos stunning hidden beach, which forms part of the Islas Marietas, is situated just off the coast of the Riviera Nayarit. Whatis the Advantage of Booking Hotel + Flight Packages? To say I have a passion for travel is an understatement!
This area is home to seahorses, large manta rays, tropical fish, and eels, amongst other sea life. Unless you get this at a GREAT discount do not do it.
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