Marietas Islands wilderness guide
National Park · Nayarit, Mexico

Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and the famous hidden beach, offering stunning marine experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities.

National Park1,380

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,380

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and the famous hidden beach, offering stunning marine experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Marietas Islands, located off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, are a group of small, uninhabited islands known for their impressive biodiversity and protected status as a national park. The islands are a haven for marine life, featuring colorful coral reefs and abundant fish species, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. One of the most famous attractions of the Marietas Islands is Playa del Amor, also known as the 'Hidden Beach,' which is a secluded beach located inside a crater. To access this beach, visitors must swim through a tunnel during low tide. Beyond the beach, the islands are home to a variety of birds, including the blue-footed booby, which draws birdwatchers from around the world. The history of the islands includes their use as military testing grounds, which inadvertently shaped some of the unique landscapes visible today. The Marietas Islands offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, attracting both eco-tourists and sun-seekers alike.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Marietas Islands

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach)✦ Blue-footed boobies and diverse birdlife✦ Vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling✦ Cave kayaking opportunities
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Marietas Islands

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Marietas Islands
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Marietas Islands
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Marietas Islands
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Marietas Islands
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Marietas Islands.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Access is only available via authorized tours that provide permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Marietas Islands

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Punta Mita, Nayarit
⌖ 6.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Punta Mita, Nayarit

Punta Mita is a premium beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast offering surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, and snorkeling. Surrounded by protected marine parks and tropical forests, it’s ideal for travelers seeking water and land adventures with comfort.

November to April
Explore Town
Sayulita, Nayarit
⌖ 14.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sayulita, Nayarit

Sayulita is a lively Pacific coast town famous for surfing, jungle hikes, and vibrant beach life. It offers diverse outdoor activities, pleasant weather, and rich local culture, perfect for adventure travelers seeking a tropical playground.

November to April
Explore Town
Bucerías, Nayarit
⌖ 15.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bucerías, Nayarit

Bucerías, Nayarit, offers an inviting coastal escape with world-class surfing, serene paddleboarding, jungle hikes, and vibrant markets. This Pacific beach town is perfect for travelers seeking a lively yet relaxed adventure destination.

November to April
Explore Town
San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit
⌖ 17.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit

San Francisco (San Pancho) in Nayarit is a charming beach town with excellent surfing, jungle hikes, and great wildlife watching. Its relaxed vibe and access to protected nature areas make it perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a quieter alternative to nearby hotspots.

November to April
Explore Town
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit
⌖ 17.78 miles
Gateway Basecamp

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a quiet fishing town on Mexico’s Pacific coast known for its marina, water adventures, and nearby nature preserves. It offers sailing, snorkeling, biking, and fishing amid a relaxed coastal setting.

November to May
Explore Town
San Vicente, Nayarit
⌖ 20.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Vicente, Nayarit

San Vicente, Nayarit, is a quiet coastal town where surfers, snorkelers, and hikers find tranquil waves, lush trails, and colorful marine life. Its remote beaches and nearby protected areas make it a perfect base for authentic Pacific adventures.

November to May
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Marietas Islands

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

6 Days of ILCA Coaching & Training in Paradise
ADVEXPEDITION
Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

6 Days of ILCA Coaching & Training in Paradise

A concise guide to a six‑day ILCA coaching program run in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico, collating the verified logistical facts available and what to check with the operator before you go.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip