The park hosts tremendous biodiversity: its an important feeding and nesting site for several species of seabirds and the islands are surrounded by a marine sanctuary, so underwater exploration will reveal a multitude of tropical fish, sea turtles, and giant manta rays in the crystal clear water. This is a day cruise from the port to the islands. Lunch was ceviche with tortilla chips and two other kinds of salads. The most famous one found in the islands is the blue footed booby. That means I might earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy or book something through a link I provide. 
And if you are wondering theres also a bathroom on board the boat. We instead went to bigger beach on the second island which was nicer and bigger but still stuffed with tourists.Overall it was not a great experience; huge tourist trap. From the moment you enter the hidden beach youll be awe-struck at the beauty and simplicity that awaits. 
Sometimes referred to as Playa del Amor or Lovers Beach because of its secluded location, the beachs origin is most unromantic, as it is the result of bombings that took place during military testing on the islands, combined with erosion over time. After about two hours there, we all board the boat, and go to another area on the island where lunch and drinks are provided. Lastly, I want to acknowledge that Vallarta by Boats Google reviews arent great. 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. Now; the ride to the island and the return trip was loads of fun. This is possibly the best spot in western Mexico for scuba diving. We then put on helmets and were told we had exactly thirty minutes inside on the "hidden beach". Between November and March, humpback whales come to Banderas Bay during their yearly migration, so if you visit during this time of year, spotting whales may be an added bonus of your tour, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready if youre hoping to capture the moment. Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta A Neighborhood Guide To the Best Restaurants, 11 Awesome Places to Visit Near Las Vegas, How to Take an Islas Marietas Tour + See the Hidden Beach, 7 of the Best Reasons to Visit the Alabama Black Belt on a Road Trip, a change of clothes in case yours get wet. The Hidden beach was the result of a large explosion. On my tour there was local beer, margaritas, and of course, water and juice were available the entire cruise. Rumours circulated on social media that the government was selling the islands, though this was quickly dismissed and the islands were in fact reopened in August 2016. It also appears they leave out the important information about Hidden Beach beach being closed on specific days. Sometimes the current is strong and this can be a tough swim. In fact, its thought that the bombing is what caused or at least revealed the Hidden Beach feature. Once we get out to the secluded swimming hole, we anchor and get to snorkel, paddle board, and tubing. As weve mentioned the islands are uninhabited, making them perfect sites for military testing by the Mexican government. They just dont serve alcohol until everyone is out of the water. So, hop in and let's go for a ride together. 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. In order to undo some damage, coral will be replanted, the number of visitors will be strictly limited to just over 100 per day and diving is no longer permitted. From Puerto Vallartas main pier, it can take an hour to an hour and a half depending on wind and sea conditions. Here you can soak up the sun, play in the sand, and swim in the calming, cool waters. Part natural beauty and part man-made the result is simply breath-taking. Playa del Amor is a romantic destination that provides one of the most unique days trips on Banderas Bay. Youll find some great options in these round-ups of resorts: Islas Marietas National Park is an easy day trip from Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Nayarit. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 
Come along for the ride! 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. Thanks for your description, the activities are for all you want to have a different excursion day, on the national park as well known Marietas Islands, and remember if you want to visit Hidden Beach book in advance as there is a limited per day. Be prepared to pay in cash on arrival at the dock. Now, as part of the new regulations, only certified licensed tour operators have permission to go to the islands. Things like weather, too many waves and sea sickness. The only way to reach the park is by boat. If you go, take a towel, swimsuit, reef-friendly sunblock, and a camera (preferably a waterproof one). Thank you for your support. As a result, the Mexican government decided to implement conservation measures and to limit the number of people visiting each day to 116. 
Follow the guidelines to minimize damage to the environment such as not touching the coral reef, or the wildlife, and dont leave anything behind on the island. Whilst its not always an easy swim depending on the currents, you will be thankful you made the effort to reach paradise. To do this swim you need to be a strong swimmer and over twelve years of age. Your boat ride will bring you as close as possible to Playa del Amor but youll then need to swim over to the hidden beach. Hey I'm Lori! In Mexico, thats typically yogurt, fruit, toast and juice or coffee. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. We snorkel all over the world. 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. Since coral reefs are extremely sensitive to the chemicals found in sunscreen, applying it early gives the sunscreen time to soak into the skin instead of sliding off into the water and causing more damage to the coral reefs. Many resorts and hotels have trusted tour operators that they have partnerships with. It used to be prohibited to explore the islands on foot, but as a sustainable tourism option, Mexicos National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), has opened an interpretive trail at the northwestern end of Isla Larga, starting at Playa La Nopalera, Walking this short but interesting 1,000-foot trail offers the opportunity to enjoy the interesting landscape from a different perspective, see nesting seabirds, various species of reptiles such as green iguanas and Mexican spiny-tailed iguanas, as well as a few different kinds of snakes, and some interesting endemic plant life. Required fields are marked *. 
Most all boat tours leave from this marina so there will be a crowd if its high season or theres a cruise in port. The tour I chose was an all day tour that leaves from the cruise ship terminal in Puerto Vallarta. Many boats also stop enabling passengers to dive into the waters and do some snorkelling. My advice is to bring your own snacks. Diving excursions are offered by Dressel Divers and Vallarta Adventures. The government initiated a huge clean up and restoration of the entire area. There is a endless stream of tourists swimming in so it is not that hidden. Whatis the Advantage of Booking Hotel + Flight Packages? However, I knew this in advance and I still had a great time on the tour. For that, you apparently To say I have a passion for travel is an understatement! There were also other snacks available for purchase onboard but they were kind of pricey. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. After about an hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta we got to the Marieta Islands which is a bird sanctuary. Some of the chairs were under an awning in case you didnt want to be in the sun. more. 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. The Beach Boys crew aboard the Bora Bora were lovely, fun and full of My wife and I signed up to visit Marieta Islands "Hidden Beach" via Vallarta Adventures. You can also depart from Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit), La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Buceras and Punta de Mita though. While some people are kayaking, others in small groups are visiting a beach or checking out the caves on the side of the island. We then put on helmets and were told we had exactly thirty minutes inside on the "hidden beach". The Marieta Islands were formed thousands of years ago as a result of underwater volcanic eruptions. 
Once everyone is loaded onboard for the Islas Marietas tour, the crew will go over all the safety and life jacket information. 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. So that meant Hidden Beach was closed. Wildlife observation can always be enjoyed, and even those who arent much into birdwatching will appreciate seeing a striking species like the blue-footed booby or a red-billed tropicbird. Why All-inclusive makes sense at Hotel Mousai, Luxurious Shopping Villages Around the World, Best beaches around Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta. Ceviche is fresh fish that cooks in lime juice and is a specialty of many Mexican coastal areas. 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. However the company tried to force you to buy $60 USD photo packages which I think is terrible and will not return. Their ceviche was very good but the other salads were just adequate. However, an outcry led by Jacques Cousteau in the 1960s put an end to this practice, along with any other harmful human intervention. The Beach Boys crew aboard the Bora Bora were lovely, fun and full of As luck would have it, the only day that I had available for a tour was a Tuesday. Not so much a secret anymore but the beach remains invisible from the outside nevertheless. 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! Some of the activities you can enjoy on the Marietas Islands include scuba diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing and lounging on the beach that is located in the middle of the crater. And it was advertised as a bilingual tour, it is not. The tide and the weather have to be just right to enter through the rocks so fair warning, even if you book a tour that has Hidden Beach access theres always a chance you might not be able to get to the beach. 
Boat Tours & Water Sports in Puerto Vallarta. Today, however, it is one of Puerto Vallartas most treasured destinations for a day trip or diving excursion. After swimming back out we toured around the island where our tour guide described the birds and island. Everything you Need to Know About Radisson Blu Punta Cana, 16 Reasons Why Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is the Ideal Family-Friendly Mexican Escape. Renowned as a bird sanctuary, the islands are home to 92 species of bird, of which 40% are classified as endangered. When you book your Islas Marietas tour, make sure to confirm exactly what is included. Furthermore, in the surrounding water there are over 115 different species of fish including the King Angel Fish. Otherwise known as the Playa del Amor, the soft sand and clear aquamarine waters are more popularly referred to as the hidden beach, and while its tricky to reach, its even harder to say goodbye to! If you plan on swimming, obviously, youll need a swimsuit. 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. 
2000, Visit the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico: Best Things to Do, Find Out Which Island in Tahiti is Right for You, The Top 10 Things to Do in the Cook Islands, 10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Mexico, The Top 5 Places to Go Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, Plan a Romantic Trip to Puerto Rico With These Things to Do, Top Things to Do When You Visit Florida's Key Largo, The 8 Best Great Barrier Reef Tours of 2022, 15 Fun Diversions for the Whole Family on Oahu, Hawaii, Romantic Getaways in 2019: Go Here, Not There. Some of my all-time favourite memories are from my holidays. Although its not within a crater, its surrounded by interesting rock formations and lots of the nopal cacti after which it is named. Tours to the Islas Marietas offered by local companies usually include the option of snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. 
Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. With the exception of hurricane season, the Pacific coast of Mexico generally experiences good weather all year long. However, legend has it that the hidden island was formed by more than a natural wonder. The tour departs at 9am and returns around 5pm. read more, The Entire thing was amazing. I would not recommend this activity and would suggest visiting Sayulita or just a regular beach instead. 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. This location was first made famous for its diving and snorkeling by the famous oceanographer and explorer, Jacques Cousteau. Tipping Etiquette in Mexico How Much Should you Tip? My son left his snorkel mask on his chair and it was picked up by someone on the cruise, and we were charge 600 pesos. For my Islas Marietas tour, I used Vallarta by Boat. The strange formation of the hidden beach is said to be due to military explosives testing in the 1900s, which left several craters and caves on the islands. 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.
Yet one of the biggest draws is undeniably the wealth of enchanting marine life that can be spotted in the coral reefs around the island; you can potentially spot anything from dolphins to eels and turtles, and even humpback whales between December and March. The island is in fact home to over 80 different bird species and youre almost guaranteed a sighting of a blue-footed booby. Some other useful items you might want on your Islas Marietas tour are: Along with day trips to Yelapa and Mismaloya, an Islas Marietas tour is a must when visiting Puerto Vallarta or Nayarit. I'm Lori - southerner, traveler, road tripper and public lands lover. Plus, they also have the accolade of being a UNESCO biosphere reserve. A post shared by Ocean Lovers United (@ocean_lovers_united). 
If you do decide to visit, plan in advance to get a spot on a tour (access is no longer permitted on Mondays and Tuesdays) and follow the guidelines to minimise damage to the environment. Top 5 Mexican Traditions You Have to Experience! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You can even explore the small cave that is right next to the beach. Your email address will not be published. After swimming back out we toured around the island where our tour guide described the birds and island. I've driven over 100k miles solo looking for the perfect scenic drives, the prettiest sunsets and the best places to visit. Even if you pre-pay for your tour, its a good idea to get to the marina early. The hidden beach at Puerto Vallartas Marietas Islands is one of the highlights of any fabulous vacation to Mexicos Pacific Coast. Some people enjoy exploring around the islands on kayaks or stand-up-paddleboard. 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. The snorkeling is very poor at Marietas Island. Best All Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Distribucin, abundancia y conservacin de la avifauna de las islas Marietas, Nayarit, Mxico. Our tour also stopped in Nuevo Vallarta to pick up a few passengers that boarded from there. The islands are completely uninhabited and have been classified as a national park since 2005, known as Parque Nacional Islas Marietas. 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. 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. 
My family waiting over 30 minutes to get on a boat to go to the beach for 20 minutes. Then there is a nice boat ride back to the port, with an open bar. Once everyone is on the boat, the official tour is begins. 
Are you visiting Puerto Vallarta want to see the Marietas Islands? Invisible from the outside, no boats can make their way into the petite bay, so would-be visitors must hop into the water and swim under the rocks to reach their paradisiacal destination where only swimming and sunbathing is allowed. The trip to the islands takes about an hour and half from Puerto Vallarta. Booking an Islas Marietas tour gives you a chance to see some of the wildlife on and around the islands and if youre lucky, fish, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and even whales in the waters around the islands. Birders will have the opportunity to spot some of the many bird species.
After about an hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta we got to the Marieta Islands which is a bird sanctuary. The Entire thing was amazing. Even if you take a tour that specifically includes Hidden Beach, theres no guarantee that you'll actually be able to visit it, as that will depend on the sea conditions on the day of your visit. All beaches are special but this one really excels. Making the trip over to the Marieta Islands to see one of Mexicos most unique beaches is 100% worth it. The boat ride is a great chance to partake in some whale-watching with humpback whales regularly glimpsed in the waters. Southerner Says: Obviously some tours allow cameras because I see photos of Hidden Beach all the time but on this tour it was not allowed. If this is something that concerns you, then book a small tour with less people.
In the 1960s, famous conservationist Jacque Cousteau campaigned for protection of the islands. Although the rumoured military testing wiped out many creatures, they have steadily replenished their stock (so to speak) over the past few decades of relative tranquillity and the islands now house hundreds of plant and wildlife species, including the amusingly named blue-footed boobies. I recommend booking directly with a tour operator or a reputable third party. We cant find a country that matches your search. If you do visit the islands, dont forget to practice leave no trace principles and tip your guides. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". 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. Islas Marietas | Christian Frausto Bernal/Flickr, worst-kept secrets in international tourism. Below the surface, you can see volcanic formations with arches, spires, tunnels, and caves, as well as several different species of coral, and abundant sea life.
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The crew presented useful information about the area and the islands throughout the tour in Spanish and English. 
The boat travels at a nice slow pace, which is good because then you dont have to worry as much about getting seasick. 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.
One important thing they ask that you do, is apply your sunscreen at the beginning of the tour.
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