The Marieta islands or Tres Marietas islands is a group of small uninhabited islands in the state of Nayarit a few miles of Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico. Are very popular tourist destinations because abundant marine life since the islands are protected from fishing and hunting by the Mexican government. The Marietas Islands are located in the southeast of the city of Tepic, Nayarit, is one of the biosphere reserves protected by UNESCO in the world.

Traveling from the Mexico city, can reach Puerto Vallarta by flight, at the central bus or taxis which are outside the airport take the road to Punta Mita and after 20 to 25 minutes, enter the deviation of the Anclote Beach. If traveling by road on arrival in Puerto Vallarta can be accessed by truck to Punta Mita. There are various service providers that take tourists to the area, while appreciate a spectacular view of the Mexican Pacific. You will find evidence of why it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Marietas is called an archipelago of four formations: two islands and two islets. The first has a height is 54 meters, one kilometer wide and 600 meters wide, approximately, the second is 43 meters high, is a little more extensive than the first, and has a width of 700 meters. They are within the municipality of Bahia de Banderas.

The depth of the area allow sports such as diving and snorkeling, underwater photography and climbing on the cliffs. Water activities are especially attractive by the presence of type rocky reefs, which by its cliffs allow several species of nesting sea birds. State Government and the Municipality of Banderas Bay, offers visitors recreational activities all year round, festivals, sporting events, dining, and competitions of various kinds. One special attraction is the visit of hundreds of whales in the months of December to April, why it is convened annually to the sighting of species such as the humpback. For organized tours and because of the respect that should be at the gestation process in the first few weeks has not ended, officially scheduled days between December 15 and March 31. The whales choose Mexican waters to fulfill a life cycle: the procreation. Once they born, for several weeks after the whales have their calves with them, they begin to adapt in the waters by its temperature, salinity and currents are suitable for them. While no whales give birth to their calves, they passed submerged in the sea and run every fifteen minutes breathing; while the calf are always floating offering the show. Addition to whales, other marine species are of great attraction and biological importance; giant mantas, dolphins and coral formations are found which are characterized by systems of tunnels and caves that allow diving to appreciate the hundreds of fish and plants that offer a colorful great view. The point to known and visited Islands is Playa Escondida, also known as Hidden Beach.

These uninhabited islands are a great place for bird-watching, diving, snorkeling, or just exploring. Blue-footed booby birds (found only here and in the Galápagos) dawdle along the islands’ rocky coast, and giant mantas, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish swim among the coral cliffs. The islands are honeycombed with caves and hidden beaches including the stunning Playa de Amor (Beach of Love) that appears only at low tide. Humpback whales congregate around these islands during the winter months, and pangas can be rented for a do-it-yourself whale-watching excursion. You can also visit these islands aboard one of the numerous day cruises that depart from the cruise-ship terminal in Puerto Vallarta.

Marieta Islands are very close to Punta Mita, in the heart of Banderas Bay, which together constitute a sanctuary for the conservation of various species of birds. They are also attractive for travelers which explore the reef systems, ideal for diving and snorkeling. Although you cannot visit on foot the Marietas Islands, who have taken the adventure from the Riviera Nayarit, have reported seeing in the place large sea turtles, stingrays, and even wild dolphins around. Marietas islands are protected by the government, it is important to note that you should not bring anything out of the boat for example cigarettes, food, drinks, etc. All you can bring with you is your life jacket, snorkel and waterproof cameras. Once returned to the boat is not allowed not bring anything from the islands souvenirs such as sand, rocks, shells, basically nothing. Things to take before the tour: Towel, comfortable beachwear, Sunscreen, in winter a light sweater, camera (If it is not waterproof you can leave it in the boat, because to enter hidden beach is possible to do it just swimming).

Put sunscreen early and not just before descending the boat, and take some time to put suntan lotion to be absorbed. If anyone believe that you can navigate with ease can take a pill to prevent morning sickness before boarding. If you do not have waterproof camera, buy special covers for camera or camera phones, but check the depth before use it. Another option is to check whether the tour has photo service. Bring some money because like most people working in tourism and dedicated to serve the tourists usually they will ask for a tip. The Marietas Islands were found on offshore Nayarit Punta Mita. However there are different ways to get from different parts such as Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta where thousands of domestic tourists begin their journey to the islands. It is noteworthy that no one is allowed to stay in the islands only two way tours. You will not find campgrounds or hotels, and no commerce allowed in the islands.

You will find crystal clear waters and white sands, no one could imagine that the islands were used by the government for military exercises. And now the Marietas islands are protected by the Mexican government. The Marietas are a group of uninhabited islands a few miles east of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is forbidden to explore the islands. Special permission by the government to walk around it is needed. This is the reason why only a very small group of tour operators are permitted to bring the general public to visit the islands in an area designated for tourists to watch the spectacular beauty that can be found here. It is important to emphasize that life in the Marietas has to be respected, so you cannot fish or hunt. It is perhaps for this reason that many consider to Marietas one of the few ecological sanctuaries in the world, and it is not surprising that it has become a very interesting tourist destination. The water here is so clear that you can see a 10 meters deep, but best of all are its reefs, swim in these waters makes you feel at peace, just like swimming in a giant aquarium.