Marietas Islands: Nayarit's natural paradise
Destinations 09/12/2025
Located off the Mexican Pacific coast, the Marietas Islands are one of the natural places you can't miss. They boast incredible beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a wealth of marine biodiversity. This small archipelago, part of the state of Nayarit, has already become a favorite destination for those seeking nature, adventure, and responsible ecotourism.
The Marietas Islands are located just 8 kilometers off the coast of Nayarit and very close to Puerto Vallarta. This group of islands is part of a protected natural area managed by CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas), which guarantees their conservation and visitor control.
To get there, you must book a tour to the Marietas Islands with authorized operators, departing mainly from Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, or Sayulita. These tours include boat transportation, a certified guide, and snorkeling equipment, ensuring a visit that is respectful of the ecosystem.
From Puerto Vallarta, the boat ride takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the swell. This is the most popular option, as many tour operators offer excursions to the Marietas Islands with complete packages that include food, drinks, and water activities.
During the trip, it's common to spot dolphins, manta rays, and, in season (December through March), even humpback whales migrating through the waters of Banderas Bay.
The charming Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Sayulita is also an ideal spot for visiting the Marietas Islands. With its laid-back, surfing vibe, this bohemian haven is just 40 minutes from Punta de Mita. From there, you can board a boat to the archipelago or book a tour to the Marietas Islands that includes transportation from your accommodation.
If you prefer a more relaxing plan, you can spend the morning strolling through Sayulita's colorful streets and galleries, enjoying Sayulita Beach, and in the afternoon, embark for the Marietas to admire the sunset over the Pacific.
Among the archipelago's treasures is Playa del Amor, a natural cavern with a circular opening. This unique formation, a product of erosion, can only be visited in small groups and with prior reservation, to protect its fragile ecosystem. The experience is short, but unforgettable.
If you don't manage to get in, don't worry; the park's surroundings are equally spectacular for swimming, snorkeling, or exploring natural caves.
To protect this paradise, access to the archipelago is only permitted through tours operated by authorized agencies. These tours typically include:
The state of Nayarit offers much more than idyllic beaches. You can explore coastal towns like San Pancho, famous for its art and relaxed atmosphere. Visit Lo de Marcos, ideal for relaxing without the crowds and trying the classic pescado zarandeado, a typical regional delicacy.
And, of course, don't miss Sayulita, where surfing, galleries, and local cuisine combine with an authentic and lively vibe. It's the perfect complement to your trip to the Marietas Islands.
After exploring the Marietas Islands in Nayarit and touring the region's beaches, the ideal break awaits you at Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta.
Located on the oceanfront, this resort combines comfort, fine dining, and spectacular views of Banderas Bay. Its spacious rooms, infinity pools, and All-inclusive plan make it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the Mexican Pacific.
Where are the Marietas Islands and how to get there?
The Marietas Islands are located just 8 kilometers off the coast of Nayarit and very close to Puerto Vallarta. This group of islands is part of a protected natural area managed by CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas), which guarantees their conservation and visitor control.
To get there, you must book a tour to the Marietas Islands with authorized operators, departing mainly from Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, or Sayulita. These tours include boat transportation, a certified guide, and snorkeling equipment, ensuring a visit that is respectful of the ecosystem.
Marietas Islands, Nayarit: access from Puerto Vallarta
From Puerto Vallarta, the boat ride takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the swell. This is the most popular option, as many tour operators offer excursions to the Marietas Islands with complete packages that include food, drinks, and water activities.
During the trip, it's common to spot dolphins, manta rays, and, in season (December through March), even humpback whales migrating through the waters of Banderas Bay.
Transportation Options from Sayulita
The charming Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Sayulita is also an ideal spot for visiting the Marietas Islands. With its laid-back, surfing vibe, this bohemian haven is just 40 minutes from Punta de Mita. From there, you can board a boat to the archipelago or book a tour to the Marietas Islands that includes transportation from your accommodation.
If you prefer a more relaxing plan, you can spend the morning strolling through Sayulita's colorful streets and galleries, enjoying Sayulita Beach, and in the afternoon, embark for the Marietas to admire the sunset over the Pacific.
The famous Love’s Beach
Among the archipelago's treasures is Playa del Amor, a natural cavern with a circular opening. This unique formation, a product of erosion, can only be visited in small groups and with prior reservation, to protect its fragile ecosystem. The experience is short, but unforgettable.
If you don't manage to get in, don't worry; the park's surroundings are equally spectacular for swimming, snorkeling, or exploring natural caves.
Tours and Excursions to the Marietas Islands
To protect this paradise, access to the archipelago is only permitted through tours operated by authorized agencies. These tours typically include:
- Transportation by boat or catamaran from Puerto Vallarta or Punta de Mita.
- Snorkeling or kayaking equipment.
- Certified ecotourism guide.
- Stops to swim, observe marine wildlife, or simply enjoy the scenery.
What to do in Nayarit besides the Marietas Islands
The state of Nayarit offers much more than idyllic beaches. You can explore coastal towns like San Pancho, famous for its art and relaxed atmosphere. Visit Lo de Marcos, ideal for relaxing without the crowds and trying the classic pescado zarandeado, a typical regional delicacy.
And, of course, don't miss Sayulita, where surfing, galleries, and local cuisine combine with an authentic and lively vibe. It's the perfect complement to your trip to the Marietas Islands.
Stay at Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta
After exploring the Marietas Islands in Nayarit and touring the region's beaches, the ideal break awaits you at Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta.
Located on the oceanfront, this resort combines comfort, fine dining, and spectacular views of Banderas Bay. Its spacious rooms, infinity pools, and All-inclusive plan make it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the Mexican Pacific.
