Islas Marietas

A dramatic group of uninhabited rocky islands near Puerto Vallarta featuring sea caves, hidden beaches, and vibrant marine life perfect for snorkeling and boat tours. The islands are a natural wonder with opportunities to see tropical fish, rays, and explore secluded beach coves.

Things to do

• Snorkeling at Playa del Amor — Explore the hidden beach inside the islands' distinctive heart-shaped cove, accessible only by swimming through a sea cave, where you can encounter tropical fish, rays, and vibrant coral formations.
• Sea Cave Exploration — Navigate the dramatic rocky caverns carved into the islands by waves and time, observing sea birds, bats, and the geological formations that make Marietas geologically unique.
• Marine Life Watching — Spot eagle rays, manta rays, groupers, snappers, and various species of tropical fish in their natural habitat around the island's rocky outcrops and underwater ledges.
• Boat Tour Circuit — Take a guided panga or larger boat tour departing from Puerto Vallarta that circles the islands, stopping at multiple snorkeling sites and offering views of sea arches and rocky formations.
• Sunset Photography — Capture the islands' dramatic silhouettes and golden-hour lighting from boat vantage points, as the rocky peaks become particularly striking in late afternoon light.
• Underwater Photography — Document the vibrant marine ecosystem through snorkeling or diving, capturing schools of fish, rays gliding across sandy bottoms, and the colorful reef life.
• Island Geology Study — Examine the distinctive volcanic basalt rock formations and observe erosion patterns that have created the islands' unique caves, arches, and coves over millions of years.

Food to try

• Fresh Ceviche de Camarones — Shrimp ceviche prepared with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes, typically served as a starter at Puerto Vallarta restaurants near the departure docks.
• Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos — Tacos filled with freshly caught local fish like huachinango or dorado, grilled and topped with cabbage slaw and chipotle crema, available at waterfront establishments.
• Pulpo a la Gallega — Tender octopus seasoned with paprika, olive oil, and served with boiled potatoes, representing the Spanish-influenced coastal cuisine of Mexico's Pacific region.
• Aguachile Verde — A traditional Sinaloan and Nayarit dish of raw shrimp cured in lime juice, green chiles, and cilantro, offering a refreshing taste of Pacific coast seafood culture.
• Fresh Oysters and Clams — Local shellfish harvested from nearby waters, typically served on the half shell with lime and hot sauce at Puerto Vallarta waterfront restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Island Protection Status — Islas Marietas is a protected natural reserve; visitors must follow guidelines by staying with authorized tour operators, not littering, and avoiding disturbance to nesting seabirds and marine life.
• Book Tours in Advance During High Season — December through March sees peak tourist traffic; reserving boat tours ahead of time ensures access and supports the local marine tourism economy responsibly.
• Wear Sun Protection Year-Round — The Pacific sun reflects intensely off water and rock; apply reef-safe sunscreen, wear UV-protective clothing, and bring hats—locals and guides take sun exposure seriously in this tropical climate.
• Learn Basic Marine Safety — Understand current conditions, never touch or chase marine animals, and follow captain instructions for cave navigation; respecting the ocean's power keeps both visitors and ecosystems safe.