puerto vallarta hidden beach how to get there
puerto vallarta hidden beach how to get there
That means I might earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy or book something through a link I provide. Once you access the beach, your time there is restricted, as each tour company gets their turn. You will be disappointed. The morning air, especially in winter, and even in spring at times, can be chilly on the boat, so you might want to pack a light jacket or a long sleeved shirt. The trip to the islands takes about an hour and half from Puerto Vallarta. Visiting Hidden Beach is a major attraction of this national park, although there are a number of challenges to accessing the beach, so many visitors are not able to get there, but there are plenty of other activities on offer. 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. However; we picked this because of the great snorkeling claim. Getting out on the water in the Bay of Banderas and with this tour is a great way to see wildlife and Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective. 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. The Hidden beach was the result of a large explosion. We then put on helmets and were told we had exactly thirty minutes inside on the "hidden beach". If birding is your main interest, you may prefer a tour that is geared specifically to this activity, such as the one offered by Birding Mexico or Birding San Pancho, which also offers the opportunity for snorkeling. 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. You can even explore the small cave that is right next to the beach. Top 5 Mexican Traditions You Have to Experience! The Vallarta by Boat tour is definitely not what I would consider a party tour at all but to keep it fun on the way back to Puerto Vallarta the crew played music and some games for guests that wanted to participate. If you do visit the islands, dont forget to practice leave no trace principles and tip your guides. This is a day cruise from the port to the islands. Perhaps one of the worst-kept secrets in international tourism, Mexicos stunning hidden beach, which forms part of the Islas Marietas, is situated just off the coast of the Riviera Nayarit. The closure lasted several months while tons of garbage diapers, tires and other household items and plastic were pulled from around the islands. If you plan on swimming, obviously, youll need a swimsuit. Everything you Need to Know About Radisson Blu Punta Cana, 16 Reasons Why Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is the Ideal Family-Friendly Mexican Escape. 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. Whatis the Advantage of Booking Hotel + Flight Packages? Visibility is best between May and December where you may see up to 100 feet, and water temperatures around 80 degrees F (27 degrees C). After about an hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta we got to the Marieta Islands which is a bird sanctuary. Some people enjoy exploring around the islands on kayaks or stand-up-paddleboard. We snorkel all over the world. Ceviche is fresh fish that cooks in lime juice and is a specialty of many Mexican coastal areas. Many resorts and hotels have trusted tour operators that they have partnerships with. This park became a hugely popular day trip site starting around 2012 due to photos on social media showing the beautiful Hidden Beach located within a crater, and many travelers flock there to have their own Instagram moment. Ive found completely different reviews for companies on Google than on, for instance, Tripadvisor. We instead went to bigger beach on the second island which was nicer and bigger but still stuffed with tourists. For everyone thats participating in the water activities the crew splits you up into groups. Our tour also stopped in Nuevo Vallarta to pick up a few passengers that boarded from there. Unless this was your first time snorkeling there is no other word for it; but poor. You can also depart from Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit), La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Buceras and Punta de Mita though. 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. The island is in fact home to over 80 different bird species and youre almost guaranteed a sighting of a blue-footed booby. The boat travels at a nice slow pace, which is good because then you dont have to worry as much about getting seasick. Be prepared there are a couple of fees collected on behalf of the government, that arent included in the price of a tour ticket. Our guide to the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta will help you find more beauties. Furthermore, in the surrounding water there are over 115 different species of fish including the King Angel Fish. Weve spent over a decade collecting tonnes of first-hand holiday expertise to help you make the right choice from a smorgasbord of gorgeous getaways, providing individual care and attention for every holidaymaker. A post shared by Ocean Lovers United (@ocean_lovers_united). Its also helpful to check a couple of different travel sites too. Plan in advance to get a spot on a tour (access is not permitted to the islands on Mondays and Tuesdays). For that, you apparently There are plenty of people on the Malecn in Puerto Vallarta and on the beach selling tours but just be careful, it might not end in a good experience. If this is something that concerns you, then book a small tour with less people. Most tours include lunch and possibly breakfast. The only way to reach the park is by boat. To get to the beach, you have to jump off the boat and swim through a 50-foot tunnel through the rock. 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. After about an hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta we got to the Marieta Islands which is a bird sanctuary. I love the excitement of planning a new trip and visiting a new destination. All activities are from the boat, as it anchors in the bay and understandably, its very controlled. The snorkeling is very poor at Marietas Island. I recommend booking directly with a tour operator or a reputable third party. After swimming back out we toured around the island where our tour guide described the birds and island. It also appears they leave out the important information about Hidden Beach beach being closed on specific days. Boat Tours & Water Sports in Puerto Vallarta. Imagine a wide, sandy cavern with the waters from the Pacific Ocean creating a picturesque scene. This was in an attempt to prevent coral degradation and the amount of oil pollution in the surrounding waters, as well as to reduce the physical degradation of the island itself. Once everyone is loaded onboard for the Islas Marietas tour, the crew will go over all the safety and life jacket information. Doesn't include access to the hidden beach, which is the main attraction. Once we get out to the secluded swimming hole, we anchor and get to snorkel, paddle board, and tubing. Located just a few miles off the coast of Mexico, Las Islas Marietas are in federal waters off the western Pacific coast of Mexico near the states of Nayarit and Jalisco. Some of my all-time favourite memories are from my holidays. If you need something more substantial, there are a few counter service type restaurants in the port, where you can order a hardier breakfast. An Islas Marietas tour can be arranged at a tour kiosk found throughout the Puerto Vallarara and the Malecn. For sure, La Playa del Amor is the hidden beach that every visitor to Puerto Vallarta should experience. Lastly, I want to acknowledge that Vallarta by Boats Google reviews arent great. But after reading some of the the complaints, many of the things that people dont like are things the tour operator has no control over. If youre unable to access Hidden Beach, you can still visit Playa La Nopalera, another picturesque beach located on the other island. Whilst its not always an easy swim depending on the currents, you will be thankful you made the effort to reach paradise. On my tour there was local beer, margaritas, and of course, water and juice were available the entire cruise. Learn how your comment data is processed. Traveler, road tripper and public lands explorer, I've driven thousands of miles looking for the best sunsets, the perfect campsites and amazing food. As youd expect theres an abundance of marine life, flora and fauna on the islands. The beach is only accessible when the tide is low, otherwise, the tunnel is underwater and its not possible to get through. The cliffs, recesses, and caves of the islands provide nesting areas to a great many species of birds that reside on the island. With your search for the hidden beach complete you may be thinking of more ways to make the most out of your Mexican escape. The hidden beach can be found within an island so the only way to gain access is to take one of the boat trips from Puerto Vallarta across the Pacific Ocean. Youll find some great options in these round-ups of resorts: Islas Marietas National Park is an easy day trip from Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Nayarit. Read the reviews carefully to see why people are actually giving a not so good review. And in 2008 they were added the list of world UNESCO sites. Read our. So, tours to las Islas Marietas are possible year round. It is really for Spanish speaking only. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. Many boats also stop enabling passengers to dive into the waters and do some snorkelling. Although the rumoured military testing wiped out many creatures, they have steadily replenished their stock (so to speak) over the past few decades of relative tranquillity and the islands now house hundreds of plant and wildlife species, including the amusingly named blue-footed boobies. Although its not within a crater, its surrounded by interesting rock formations and lots of the nopal cacti after which it is named. Tipping Etiquette in Mexico How Much Should you Tip? Since the beach was closed on the Tuesday of my tour, when we left the area, the captain did at least move the boat closer to the opening in the rocks so that we could get a better look of how you enter Hidden Beach. Top 10 Summer Activities for Adults in Puerto Vallarta. Once the water activities are complete, the crew opens the bar and serves lunch. If you go, take a towel, swimsuit, reef-friendly sunblock, and a camera (preferably a waterproof one). Between November and March, humpback whales come to Banderas Bay during their yearly migration, so if you visit during this time of year, spotting whales may be an added bonus of your tour, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready if youre hoping to capture the moment. Hey I'm Lori! Additionally, the days that Hidden Beach is open, instead of thousands being granted access, only 116 people are allowed to visit. Part of an underwater mountain range that peaks above the ocean's surface, the Islas Marietas mark the entrance to Banderas Bay from the Pacific. Scientists also think that the islands might not be around forever, so enjoy them while you can. There was plenty of equipment and everyone that wanted to had a turn snorkeling or kayaking or both. Bad Experience. When you book your Islas Marietas tour, make sure to confirm exactly what is included. If your tour includes access to Hidden Beach youll swim through a opening in the island to get to the beach. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Even if you take a tour that specifically includes Hidden Beach, theres no guarantee that you'll actually be able to visit it, as that will depend on the sea conditions on the day of your visit. Ultimately, when the government reopened the islands to tourists, there were stricter guidelines. Unless you get this at a GREAT discount do not do it. I must say it is probably the best place I have ever snorkeled and the island is a gem perfect for a quick getaway or day trip! However, if you want to see whales which is definitely an added bonus then the best time to go is during the months of December to May. From Puerto Vallartas main pier, it can take an hour to an hour and a half depending on wind and sea conditions. Now, as part of the new regulations, only certified licensed tour operators have permission to go to the islands. Why All-inclusive makes sense at Hotel Mousai, Luxurious Shopping Villages Around the World, Best beaches around Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta. The hidden beach at Puerto Vallartas Marietas Islands is one of the highlights of any fabulous vacation to Mexicos Pacific Coast. If you do decide to visit, plan in advance to get a spot on a tour (access is no longer permitted on Mondays and Tuesdays) and follow the guidelines to minimise damage to the environment. The Beach Boys crew aboard the Bora Bora were lovely, fun and full of TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The Marietas islands were formed thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption yet today the islands with their hidden beach are home to hundreds of birds, marine life, and blue footed boobies, a rare breed of bird that can only be seen in a few places around the world that are famed for their blue colored feet. After about two hours there, we all board the boat, and go to another area on the island where lunch and drinks are provided. When you take time to visit the islands you will definitely want to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive, but dont leave the Marietas Islands before you have explored Playa del Amors hidden beach that is located between two of the islands. For my Islas Marietas tour was in February and there were so many whales, there was hardly a time when you looked around the bay, that you didnt see at least one whale breaching or the movement of a tail. Enjoy your time at the hidden beach Mexico by soaking up the sunshine or choose to further explore the rocky archways and caves. Your boat captain and crew cannot control the weather, water or tide. The English speaking families were left to fumble. Once you arrive at the islands, the crew anchors the boat and brings out the kayaks, stand up paddle boards and the snorkeling gear. Most all boat tours leave from this marina so there will be a crowd if its high season or theres a cruise in port. With no real regulations or supervision, visitors caused a lot of damage and destruction to the islands themselves and the coral reefs that surround the islands. However the company tried to force you to buy $60 USD photo packages which I think is terrible and will not return. While some people are kayaking, others in small groups are visiting a beach or checking out the caves on the side of the island.
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