Rented a Private Boat and Headed to a New Adventure in the Marietas Islands. Do you know this hidden paradise in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico? After seeing these photos, believe me, you’ll add it to your list of places to visit. If you like adventures, aren’t afraid of the ocean, and know how to swim, go ahead! We’ll tell you how to get to the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit.
Several years have passed since my visit to Puerto Vallarta, and I will never forget my adventure on the Marietas Islands. It’s a trip that wasn’t planned in the official guide, but I had been hearing about the famous Marietas Islands for a while and didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit such a wonder. First of all, you should make sure they are still open to the public. The islands have been closed on several occasions due to the overcrowding of tourists and the degradation of their ecosystem. You can check their status on the Islas Marietas website.
The Marietas Islands are completely uninhabited, which is not surprising, since their space is really tiny. They used to be used by the government to carry out military practices, but now they are officially protected. Fishing is totally prohibited in the area. Only a small group of tour operators have official certification to get here.
During my adventure, I had the opportunity to document my entry into this hidden paradise of Nayarit. This is what you could expect if the tide is high at the time you go: you will have to be well accompanied by an authorized guide and know how to swim perfectly to enter through its submerged cave. If the tide is low, you will have no difficulty accessing.
Renting a Private Boat to Get to Marietas Islands
There are dozens of tourist boats that will take you to this point located an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta. But this is an experience to live in peace and tranquility. That’s why I recommend you do the same as I did: if you have the opportunity, try to rent a private boat with an instructor and, in return, you will live one of the most incredible experiences of your life. It’s a good investment.
It may not be cheap (it cost me about 200 dollars to rent the boat), but if you do it with another person, the expense is not so great, since you can split it. During my journey to the Marietas Islands, I came across a pleasant surprise: dolphins that followed our boat and jumped with the waves. The guide told me that during the winter it is also common to encounter humpback whales.
Of course, I warn that there is an important “but” to take into account: access to Marietas Islands is never guaranteed. Everything depends on how the tide is on the day of your visit. If the tide is low, then access will be extremely easy. If the tide is high, your instructor will observe the terrain and make the decision of whether or not it is safe to proceed to this islet.
In my case, I was very disappointed to arrive and find that the tide was high at that time. Still, I convinced my instructor of my abilities to swim underwater and we decided to go ahead. We had to go through two caves that filled and emptied with water every few seconds, following the rhythm of the waves. We had to take advantage of the moments when the water went down to quickly propel ourselves to the next cave. I’m not going to lie to you: there was a moment when the current swept me up and I almost hit my head against the cave, but my guide managed to grab me and propel me down to avoid the incident. For this reason, once again, it is vitally important to go with an expert.
Once the test was passed, on the other side a virgin beach awaited us that, although it was quite small, was still magical. It is recommended to be in this area for about 20-30 minutes. If the tide is low, I warn you that you will have to deal with many groups of tourists, so the risk was worth it. Of course, it is not suitable for everyone, but as you can see from the video and images, the experience is unique.
https://www.instagram.com/p/7mKpuFAEE9The visit is also highly recommended for snorkeling lovers. If the water is not very choppy, you can easily observe the ecosystem of Marietas Islands and live one of your best snorkeling adventures among its reefs. In this corner of the world, absolute peace and calm are “breathed.”
If you opt for a tour, there are two types currently available: one that takes you to Hidden Beach and another without access to the beach. In both cases, water and drinks are usually included. It is recommended to make the reservation months in advance, as demand is high.
Taking Care of the Ecosystem
As a nature lover, I ask that if you visit the Marietas Islands, take care of the environment and do not throw garbage into the water. It is becoming more and more common to see how access to the Marietas Islands is restricted due to tourist garbage that is destroying the ecosystem. It is a beautiful place to snorkel, so don’t ruin it.
If you are planning a trip to Marietas Islands and have questions, ask us in the comments. Don’t forget to bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, and your GoPro or other submersible camera. Drones are totally prohibited.
Recommended Hotels
If you visit Puerto Vallarta, stay at the Villa Premier hotel, with direct access to the beach and an excellent restaurant.
In the heart of Puerto Vallarta you can also find Casa Kimberly Boutique Hotel is a 5-minute walk from Playa Camarones and 600 meters from the city center. This accommodation has an outdoor pool, garden, terrace and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta.
