A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Bay of Banderas off Jalisco's coast, the Marietas Islands feature the famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), accessible only by swimming through a rock tunnel. The islands are a protected marine sanctuary with exceptional snorkeling amid sea turtles, manta rays, and diverse fish.
The Marietas Islands sit roughly an hour by boat from Puerto Vallarta at the mouth of Banderas Bay, an uninhabited volcanic archipelago protected as a national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since the 1960s. The islands' best-known feature, Playa del Amor or Hidden Beach, is a circular patch of sand inside a collapsed cave roof, reached by swimming or snorkeling through a short rock tunnel that is only passable at low tide; access is capped daily by permit to limit ecological impact. Beyond the hidden beach, the surrounding waters offer some of the best snorkeling near Puerto Vallarta, with sea turtles, manta rays, tropical reef fish, and, during the winter migration season, the chance to hear humpback whale song underwater. Most trips run as full-day tours departing in the morning, combining a stop at Hidden Beach with additional snorkeling spots around the islands and a beach or boat lunch; the water is calmest and visibility best earlier in the day before afternoon winds pick up. Because permits are limited and tours frequently sell out during high season (December through April), advance booking is strongly advised.
Good to know
- Hours
- Tours typically 9AM-4PM
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- snorkelers, nature lovers, adventure seekers
Location
Islas Marietas, Jalisco, Mexico (boat access from Puerto Vallarta)
20.6944, -105.5567 View on map
Highlights
- Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) reached through a rock tunnel
- Protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with volcanic sea cliffs
- Snorkeling with sea turtles, manta rays, and reef fish
- Winter humpback whale activity in the surrounding waters
Tips for visiting
- Reserve tours well in advance as entry is limited to protect the ecosystem
- Must be a confident swimmer to access Hidden Beach
When to visit
Morning tours offer calmer seas and better visibility; the December-to-April dry season also brings the chance of whale sightings en route.
Accessibility
The islands have no piers or paved paths, and reaching Hidden Beach requires swimming through a tunnel, making the site largely inaccessible to visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Tours run as full-day excursions, typically six to eight hours including transit time from Puerto Vallarta.
Is it worth it for kids?
The boat tour and snorkeling suit families with confident young swimmers, but the swim to Hidden Beach through the rock tunnel requires strong swimming ability and is not recommended for small children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed, though waterproof cameras are recommended for the tunnel swim and snorkeling, and drones are prohibited within the protected park.