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Marietas Islands wilderness guide
National Park · Nayarit, Mexico

Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and the famous hidden beach, offering stunning marine experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities.

National Park1,380

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,380

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and the famous hidden beach, offering stunning marine experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Marietas Islands, located off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, are a group of small, uninhabited islands known for their impressive biodiversity and protected status as a national park. The islands are a haven for marine life, featuring colorful coral reefs and abundant fish species, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. One of the most famous attractions of the Marietas Islands is Playa del Amor, also known as the 'Hidden Beach,' which is a secluded beach located inside a crater. To access this beach, visitors must swim through a tunnel during low tide. Beyond the beach, the islands are home to a variety of birds, including the blue-footed booby, which draws birdwatchers from around the world. The history of the islands includes their use as military testing grounds, which inadvertently shaped some of the unique landscapes visible today. The Marietas Islands offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, attracting both eco-tourists and sun-seekers alike.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Marietas Islands

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Oceanfront Serenity at Punta Mita, Nayarit★ 7.8⌖ 6 miSnorkeling
Punta Mita

Oceanfront Serenity at Punta Mita, Nayarit

Punta Mita on Mexico’s Pacific coast offers calm bays and volcanic beach formations ideal for snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. Easily accessed by car from Puerto Vallarta, this coastal spot is family-friendly and best visited November to April for mild weather and vibrant marine life.

SnorkelingView Details→
Relaxing on the Sands of Playa De Los Muertos★ 8.1⌖ 14 miSwimming
Playa De Los Muertos

Relaxing on the Sands of Playa De Los Muertos

Playa De Los Muertos in Nayarit, Mexico, is a popular beach known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets. Perfect for swimming and enjoying local cuisine, it attracts visitors year-round. Busy in summer, this spot offers a blend of cultural activities and seaside relaxation.

Sun-Kissed Serenity at Manzanilla Beach★ 8.2⌖ 15 miSnorkeling
Manzanilla Beach

Sun-Kissed Serenity at Manzanilla Beach

Experience the serene Manzanilla Beach with its unique blend of sandy shores and rugged coastlines. Ideal for snorkeling and hiking enthusiasts. Expect vibrant marine life with the best conditions early in the morning. Perfect for family-friendly outings year-round, though busier in summer.

SnorkelingView Details→
Discover the Natural Wonders of Riviera Nayarit★ 8.5⌖ 17 miSurfing
Riviera Nayarit

Discover the Natural Wonders of Riviera Nayarit

Explore Riviera Nayarit's pristine beaches on Mexico's Pacific coast. From surfing in Sayulita to whale watching in Banderas Bay, it's perfect for adventure seekers. Winter is the best season for activities and incredible marine life sightings.

Seaside Tranquility at Las Caletas, Cabo Corrientes★ 8.2⌖ 18 miSnorkeling
Las Caletas, Cabo Corrientes

Seaside Tranquility at Las Caletas, Cabo Corrientes

Visit Las Caletas in Cabo Corrientes for a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Accessible only by boat, this spot offers snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and hiking through lush jungles. Enjoy a tranquil beach setting framed by tropical greenery, perfect for unwinding.

SnorkelingView Details→
Sun-Kissed Shores of Playa Punta Negra★ 7.8⌖ 22 miSnorkeling
Playa Punta Negra

Sun-Kissed Shores of Playa Punta Negra

Explore the tranquil Playa Punta Negra in Jalisco, Mexico. Known for its snorkeling opportunities and beachcombing, it offers stunning views of the Sierra Madre mountains and a peaceful beach environment. Ideal for an adventure-seeking traveler during the dry season.

SnorkelingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach)✦ Blue-footed boobies and diverse birdlife✦ Vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling✦ Cave kayaking opportunities
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Marietas Islands

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Marietas Islands
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Marietas Islands
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Marietas Islands
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Marietas Islands
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Marietas Islands.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Access is only available via authorized tours that provide permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Marietas Islands

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Punta Mita
⌖ 6.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Punta Mita, Nayarit

A luxurious coastal retreat offering a blend of tropical beach adventures and mild inland hiking, perfect for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

November to AprilExplore Town
Sayulita
⌖ 14.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sayulita, Nayarit

A vibrant beach town offering a blend of surf culture, jungle trails, and tropical adventure along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

November to AprilExplore Town
Bucerías
⌖ 15.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bucerías, Nayarit

A vibrant coastal town blending relaxed beach life with dynamic ocean and jungle adventures along Mexico’s Pacific Riviera.

November to AprilExplore Town
San Francisco (San Pancho)
⌖ 17.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit

A vibrant coastal town offering a laid-back beachside atmosphere combined with jungle trails and active water sports.

November to AprilExplore Town
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
⌖ 17.78 miles
Gateway Basecamp

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit

A charming coastal fishing town offering a peaceful, authentic vibe with rich marine activities and nearby natural landscapes for active outdoor enthusiasts.

November to MayExplore Town
San Vicente
⌖ 20.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Vicente, Nayarit

A serene coastal village offering authentic rural charm with direct access to some of Nayarit's untouched natural playgrounds, appealing to adventurers seeking quiet intensity.

November to MayExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Marietas Islands

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Private Vallarta Adventure: Hikes, Hidden Beaches & PhotoshootsPuerto Vallarta, Jalisco · 22.30 mi away
All Adventures· Vallarta Experiences

Private Vallarta Adventure: Hikes, Hidden Beaches & Photoshoots

Spend a private day in Puerto Vallarta’s coastal jungle with a photographer and guide — hike to waterfalls, find secluded beaches, visit off-grid towns and stage curated photoshoots (including discreet nude options). Expect varied terrain, local culture, and plenty of editing time for your final images.

Full day (8–12 hours)

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.