TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Youll wear a life jacket and a helmet (to avoid hitting your head on the roof of the tunnel) but no fins, to avoid damaging the coral. The closure lasted several months while tons of garbage diapers, tires and other household items and plastic were pulled from around the islands. The tour I chose was an all day tour that leaves from the cruise ship terminal in Puerto Vallarta. The boat travels at a nice slow pace, which is good because then you dont have to worry as much about getting seasick. 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. Personal flotation devices are mandatory and shoes, sunglasses, cameras and drones are not allowed. We then put on helmets and were told we had exactly thirty minutes inside on the "hidden beach". 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. 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. The crew presented useful information about the area and the islands throughout the tour in Spanish and English. One important thing they ask that you do, is apply your sunscreen at the beginning of the tour. I've driven over 100k miles solo looking for the perfect scenic drives, the prettiest sunsets and the best places to visit. Your boat captain and crew cannot control the weather, water or tide. 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. Diving excursions are offered by Dressel Divers and Vallarta Adventures. Whilst its not always an easy swim depending on the currents, you will be thankful you made the effort to reach paradise. Tours to the Islas Marietas offered by local companies usually include the option of snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is only accessible when the tide is low, otherwise, the tunnel is underwater and its not possible to get through. Luxury Yacht & Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta. They just dont serve alcohol until everyone is out of the water. After looking at some tour operators websites, its unclear if their tours include Hidden Beach or not. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Continue swimming below the caves and arches to emerge onto the stunning island. Many tour companies charge an extra 100 peso conservation fee (50 pesos goes to CONAMPand 50 pesos to Bahia Unida) which may not be included in the tour cost. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Some of my all-time favourite memories are from my holidays. Here you can soak up the sun, play in the sand, and swim in the calming, cool waters. The Entire thing was amazing. 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. 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. 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. So, hop in and let's go for a ride together. In addition, some of the tour companies have minimum and maximum age limits and state that it is not advisable for pregnant women or people with heart conditions, or any neck, back, or knee issues to participate. However, legend has it that the hidden island was formed by more than a natural wonder. There is a endless stream of tourists swimming in so it is not that hidden. With your search for the hidden beach complete you may be thinking of more ways to make the most out of your Mexican escape. Playa del Amor is a romantic destination that provides one of the most unique days trips on Banderas Bay. The trip to the islands takes about an hour and half from Puerto Vallarta. If you plan on swimming, obviously, youll need a swimsuit. 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. In the 1960s, famous conservationist Jacque Cousteau campaigned for protection of the islands. And if you are wondering theres also a bathroom on board the boat. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". 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. Total Rip Off. To get to the beach, you have to jump off the boat and swim through a 50-foot tunnel through the rock. Doesn't include access to the hidden beach, which is the main attraction. It is really for Spanish speaking only. After about two hours there, we all board the boat, and go to another area on the island where lunch and drinks are provided. Then there is a nice boat ride back to the port, with an open bar. However, I knew this in advance and I still had a great time on the tour. 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. 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. All beaches are special but this one really excels. Things like weather, too many waves and sea sickness. From the moment you enter the hidden beach youll be awe-struck at the beauty and simplicity that awaits. Well the hidden beach is tiny; maybe 50ft - 80ft long. Lastly, I want to acknowledge that Vallarta by Boats Google reviews arent great. To say I have a passion for travel is an understatement! Read our. For that, you apparently For sure, La Playa del Amor is the hidden beach that every visitor to Puerto Vallarta should experience. Hey I'm Lori! When you book your Islas Marietas tour, make sure to confirm exactly what is included. Even if you pre-pay for your tour, its a good idea to get to the marina early. Years went by before anything was done but finally in 2005, the islands were declared a national park. From Puerto Vallartas main pier, it can take an hour to an hour and a half depending on wind and sea conditions. Also, to cut down on visitation all the islands are closed on Mondays and on Tuesdays, you can visit the islands but Hidden Beach remains closed. Once you access the beach, your time there is restricted, as each tour company gets their turn. 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. Making the trip over to the Marieta Islands to see one of Mexicos most unique beaches is 100% worth it. Ceviche is fresh fish that cooks in lime juice and is a specialty of many Mexican coastal areas. Your email address will not be published. Traveler, road tripper and public lands explorer, I've driven thousands of miles looking for the best sunsets, the perfect campsites and amazing food. 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. Unless this was your first time snorkeling there is no other word for it; but poor. Furthermore, in the surrounding water there are over 115 different species of fish including the King Angel Fish. 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. 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! 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. Renowned as a bird sanctuary, the islands are home to 92 species of bird, of which 40% are classified as endangered. We instead went to bigger beach on the second island which was nicer and bigger but still stuffed with tourists. Las Islas Marietas are frequently referred to as Mexicos Galapagos Islands since they are home to more than 44 species of plants and animals and over 100 species of birds. If youre hoping to visit the beach, reserve your tour with a reputable company such as Ecotours de Mexico or Vallarta Adventures well in advance. 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. 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. It also gives you the chance to relax and look for whales. 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. Once the water activities are complete, the crew opens the bar and serves lunch. Once you arrive at the islands, the crew anchors the boat and brings out the kayaks, stand up paddle boards and the snorkeling gear. Many boats also stop enabling passengers to dive into the waters and do some snorkelling. So when you are ready to book an Islas Marietas tour, dont just look at the rating.
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