Islas Marietas

Hours

While open year-round, check with your tour guide for exact hours to visit.

Costs

Tour prices to the Islas Marietas range from $60 to $120 USD per person, depending on the operator and what's included (snorkeling gear, meals, access to Hidden Beach, etc.).

Access to Playa del Amor/Hidden Beach may be subject to an additional charge or require a special permit, so check with your tour operator as to what is required.

Conservation fees are generally included in the tour price, so always check when you're booking.

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About

Hidden beaches, volcanic rock formations, and a rainbow of marine life – the Islas Marietas offer an adventure that is truly otherworldly. The islands themselves are the product of ancient volcanic activity and lie just off the coast of Riviera Nayarit. They've long been a favorite with explorers and conservationists. In the early 1900s, they were used as a military testing ground, which resulted in the formation of a number of caves and open craters. One of the most famous of these is Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach), which is only accessible by swimming through a tunnel in the rock. It's one of the most exclusive beaches in the world.

The islands are a national park and a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve due to their biological wealth. There are very strict visitor numbers and conservation rules in place to protect the delicate habitats of the seabirds, the rare reef fish, and the endangered species such as the blue-footed booby. It's now a haven for eco-tourism, with visitors from all over the world coming to experience the wildness of the place both above and below the water. Tours leave daily from Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta, giving you the opportunity to see the island in all its glory whether you're snorkeling, kayaking, or just lying in the sun.

Islas Marietas: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the most well-known features of the Marietas is Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach). This sun-drenched patch of sand is tucked away in a crater and is only accessible by swimming through a low tunnel (so it's definitely a bucket list item for the intrepid). The islands are also home to a number of rare species of wildlife, including colonies of blue-footed boobies whose blue feet and rather bizarre courtship dances are a joy to see.

Snorkellers and divers will find a paradise of coral reefs and pristine waters teeming with life (colorful fish, manta rays, occasionally sea turtles and dolphins). Above the water, the sheer cliffs and caves provide a stunning setting for kayaking and paddleboarding. The highlight of the season is, of course, whale watching, with humpbacks passing through the waters from December to March, leaping and singing in abundance.

From secret beaches to spectacular wildlife, Islas Marietas is a must for anyone seeking adventure and real natural beauty on a Riviera Nayarit holiday.

Local Tips

Book the tours well in advance, especially for Hidden Beach, as numbers are strictly controlled.
Take reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water.
Respect the conservation rules: don't touch the wildlife, take all your trash with you, and follow your guide's instructions.
Waterproof cameras or phone cases are essential.

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get to Riviera Nayarit?

Traveling to the Pacific paradise of Riviera Nayarit is a breeze for international visitors. Visitors can fly into the Tepic International Airport (TPQ), roughly one hour from San Blas, but most people opt for the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is a short 15-minute drive from Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos. More than 20 airlines offer service into PVR from U.S. hubs like Denver, San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, NYC and Chicago.

Airport taxis from PVR into Nuevo Vallarta cost about $20 (up to 3 people), depending on the current exchange rate. Taxi fare from the Tepic airport to San Blas costs around $55. Visitors will also find rental car agencies in the PVR terminal, though it’s recommended to book ahead of time for more favorable rates. Public transportation in Riviera Nayarit is cheap and entertaining, and while buses do run between towns on a daily basis, the schedules can be somewhat restrictive for those who want to explore at their own pace.

Citizens of the United States and Canada only need to present a passport and tourist card (FMT) to enter Mexico.

What's the weather like in Riviera Nayarit?

Riviera Nayarit Weather & Best Time to Visit

With a tropical climate on the same latitude as Hawaii, Riviera Nayarit weather is great all year round, but each season offers its own unique events.

Riviera Nayarit in fall: Summer weather persists through September and October. Only in November does the low fall down to 54 degrees. Even then, the daytime can still reach a wonderful 84. Sierra Madre’s fog peaks in fall, when there’s a 50% chance of low clouds. Great deals can be found this time of year, and luxury travelers prefer to visit this time of year, when traffic is lower. It’s the season of Dia de los Muertos celebrations, Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, San Blas and La Cruz International Fishing Tournaments, and Motomanía San Blas.
Riviera Nayarit in winter: From December through February, lows can get down to 46 degrees on average, but daytime highs still reach up to 81 degrees. January is the second-wettest month, with 4 inches of rainfall. Winter is the busiest time of year for visitors in Riviera Nayarit. Events this time of year include the Vallarta Cup sailboat races, the Nuevo Vallarta car show, the San Blas International Migratory Bird Festival, and the San Pancho Music Festival.
Riviera Nayarit in spring: Spring temperatures range from 46/86 degrees in March to 55/90 in May. March and April, particularly around Easter time, can be very busy. April through June are the most affordable months to visit. Come this time of year for the Chacala Surf Fishing Tournament, Puerto de Chacala Music Festival, the San Pancho Children’s Circus, and the Taste of Lo de Marcos.
Riviera Nayarit in summer: June is the hottest and wettest month, with an average of 15 inches of rainfall. Two to three hours of afternoon precipitation can be expected in July, August, and September – “the rainy season.” The summer months see lows of 68 and highs averaging around 86. Summer events include the RHA Music Festival, surf and soccer camps, the Bay of Banderas Fishing Tournament, and the V Sea Turtle Festival.

Are there good surfing spots in Riviera Nayarit?

Mexico is known to have some of the best surfing spots in the world. The beach town of Sayulita is hiding one of Mexico’s most incredible surfing spots. Sayulita is conveniently located just 40 km north of Puerto Vallarta, in the neighboring state of Nayarit.

Make a day of it and participate in the surfing camps that are great for beginner and intermediate surfers. If you would like to work on your surfing skills extensively, you can attend the weeklong surf camp.

What activities are there in Riviera Nayarit?

Zip-line through the jungle, horseback ride along the coast, join an ATV off-road tour, enjoy the excitement of deep-sea fishing, bird-watch or even participate in a sea turtle rescue and release program. Learn the history and culture of the Nayarit area with a guided tour. Take a surfing lesson, whale-watch or swim with the dolphins, or hop on a paddleboard. Riviera Nayarit is also home to several popular golf destinations.

There are endless activities on land and at sea along the Riviera Nayarit!

Surfing

With more than 20 beaches to surf on along the coastline, the Riviera is every surfer’s paradise because it has waves all year long. People have been known to travel for thousands of miles just to catch a wave as they surf.

Snorkeling

This refers to the practice of swimming in a body of water with a snorkel mask on. This activity is the perfect way to access the nature under the sea. Tourists carry out this activity to view the coral reefs with fish of all colors and all types of marine species. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to indulge in this fun activity.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a classic sport offered by most beach destinations, with Nayarit being no exception. This service and equipment are readily available at most of the vacation rentals.

Flyboarding

This is the most recent addition to sports on the Riviera. It’s quite innovative because you will get to fly in the air above the sea and watch the whales, and dolphins from above when the water pushes forward.

Kitesurfing

This activity is considered to be an extreme sport due to its difficult nature. Beginners are encouraged to start at Bucerias because it has the best winds from the Pacific Ocean meant for practicing this extreme sport.

Stand up Paddle (SUP)

This is a form of boarding or surfing which is slightly different from the traditional surfing. Here, the surfers use the paddle to ride through the waves. It is quite popular and there are quite a number of paddlers and surfers in this area, many of whom are used to competing on a national level.

Sailing

At Banderas Bay there is always wind present to fill the sails, making it the perfect place to sail along the Riviera. The sea is very friendly and relatively calm, thus allowing you to set sail and sail safely.

Sport fishing

This is a tradition along the Riviera with several tournaments taking place each year at different venues. The waters along the Riviera have a lot of fish, so you’re always guaranteed an adventure once you decide to go out into the sea to fish.

Diving

This is not for the faint-hearted, but if you want to know how beautiful the sea is then this is the sport for you. Equipment like masks and oxygen tanks are always readily available at the beaches and if you’re a beginner, a trainer is at hand.

Can you keep a secret? We do not normally give away secrets, but we do have an insider’s perspective on the pieces of paradise that you should revel in. Their beaches and seafronts are ideal for the water sports. These small villages are:

Punta Mita
Sayulita
Nuevo Vallarta
San Blas
Bucerias

What type of shopping can I do in Riviera Nayarit?

Riviera Nayarit shopping is a large draw, with Huichol and Cora handicrafts travelers won’t find elsewhere. Peruse the pottery at the Ixtlã N Del Rio archaeological site, blue pottery in Ahuacatlan, wood and palm leaf furniture in Jala, or carved stone crafts in Santiago Ixcuintla. Paradise Plaza is one of the most well-known shopping malls in Riviera Nayarit, offering a great selection of jewelry, shoes, beach items, imported goods, boutiques, and restaurants.

Shopping options range from high-end clothing and jewelry to a wide variety of local shops. Neighborhood markets offer artisan handiworks, fine linens, traditional Mexican jewelry, and other must-have items to celebrate your vacation. Pick up a hand-woven hat and delicious Mexican candies. Select unique art pieces from the many galleries.

Many visitors love shopping in the quaint town of Bucerias, known for its local artist community. Other recommendations include:

Plaza Ollin in Punta de Mita (designer clothes)
Splash of Glass in Bucerias (make your own souvenir)
The Tianguis in La Peñita (open-air food and handicraft market)
Luna Layne in San Pancho (handmade textiles and traditional folk art)
Mexica Tiahui in Sayulita (handmade jewelry and unique souvenirs)

Can you sail in Riviera Nayarit?

Bahia Banderas Bay offers steady ocean currents and moderate winds, ideal for sailing the Pacific.

Nuevo Vallarta Tours offers luxury sailboat rentals, catamaran charters, private sunset sails, Marietas Islands wildlife tours, snorkeling, and kayaking. These excursions offer views of dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and possibly whales, depending on the season. You can swim, snorkel, or partake in other beach activities while Riviera Nayarit boating. Departures can be arranged from any major marina in Puerto Vallarta, including Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and La Cruz.