Luxury Travel: Marietas Islands & The Hidden Beach

November 3, 2023

Escape to the sandy beaches of sunny Mexico, where you can leave your cares behind and bask in the beauty of the sparkling waves and tropical scenery.

Visit one of the exclusive beach clubs in Punta Mita, walk barefoot down the beach, hand-in-hand with the one you love, and share a kiss while the sun sets in the background, filling the sky with color.

Find out how you can plan the perfect trip to the Marietas Islands near Puerto Vallarta.

Discover Marietas Islands

Islas Marietas National Park is a group of islands formed from volcanic activity that can be found about an hour northwest of Puerto Vallarta.

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They are home to over 100 different species of birds and fish, as well as coral, which is why travel is limited and activities are non-invasive.  They have become an iconic part of the western landscape of Mexico and home to a variety of wildlife such as the famous Blue-footed booby bird.

Islas Marietas National Park is actively engaged in preservation efforts and education to ensure these islands maintain their beauty for as long as possible, in fact you can expect to pay a fee when visiting, which will be used to support conservation efforts.

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Perhaps the most well-known part of the Marietas Islands is Hidden Beach. There are also great activities for adventurers, as well as those looking to relax.


1. Visit the Hidden Beach

Marietas Islands’ Hidden Beach is one of the most iconic places of the Mexican Pacific. Internationally renowned for its uniqueness, it is a great experience to live and an amazing photo to take back home.

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Hidden Beach, also known as “Lover’s Beach” or “Playa del Amor,” is surrounded by rock and accessible only by a 40-min boat ride, followed by swimming about 200 feet through an opening.

Picture a cave where the doorway faces the sky, but with a stunning, secluded beach inside. The impressive opening was most likely created during bomb testing in the early 1900s.

Hidden Beach

Bear in mind that, due to the way to get there -only by swimming in open water, good physical condition is required, but it is definitely a great opportunity to add some fitness activity to your vacations.

Book a Hidden Beach Marietas Islands tour with Punta Mita Adventures to explore this gorgeous getaway in style. Relax on the soft sand and snorkel in the sea with colorful fish and other marine life while enjoying the serenity of your surroundings.

Snorkeling in Punta Mita

Considering that it is one of the most sought-after tours in Punta Mita, and that, for conservation reasons, the number of people who can visit it is limited, the Hidden Beach tour is an activity that must be booked at least three months in advance.

You can easily begin your Hidden Beach Puerto Vallarta excursion from Casa Koko by taking a short golf cart ride from your villa. The Punta Mita pier is practically in your backyard at Casa Koko.

2. Go Whale Watching

If you plan to visit between mid-December and mid-March, then whale watching in Punta Mita and nearby Marietas Islands is a must.

Take a 3-hour excursion, on a comfortable speed boat, to learn all about humpback whales from experienced marine biologists. You can also listen to them sing using special equipment called hydrophones, as well as see them up-close in the wild.

Whales in Punta Mita

Try a Whale Photo Safari for a rare chance at the perfect photo. Our whale behavior experts will help you find the best opportunities for that ideal shot.

3. Take a Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling Tour

Depart from Punta Mita’s pier to board a luxury French sailboat and glide through Banderas Bay and, depending on sea conditions, around Marietas Islands, as you sunbathe on deck with a drink in your hand.

Private sailing in Punta Mita

Keep an eye out for dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales (in the winter), and sea turtles, or simply enjoy the oversized cushions and soft ocean breeze. You’ll also get a chance to learn the basics of sailing or spend some time snorkeling or paddleboarding.

Our friendly crew will be on-hand the entire day, ready to serve snacks, cold drinks, and a delicious, catered lunch created by Casa Koko’s chef, according to guests preferences.

4. Go Scuba Diving in Marietas Islands

Take a fast tender boat at Punta Mita’s pier towards Marietas Islands accompanied by one of our PADI scuba diving masters who are experts in the area.

The best months for scuba diving in Marietas Islands are from November through May, when the water is calmer and warm with temperature averaging at 84°F (26°C). This dive site, which is considered suitable for all levels, will impress you with its visibility.

Scuba diving in Marietas Islands

Travel through these clear waters and see volcanic formations, arches, spires, tunnels, and caves, which create the perfect setting for an amazing experience. You’ll see tropical fish, giant manta rays and other creatures that will convince you that the Mexican Pacific is a truly amazing place for admiring the underwater life.

If you are traveling with family or friends who are not divers but who want to equally enjoy the colorful reef life that can be seen around Marietas Islands, the ideal option is snorkeling. They can join you on the tender boat so you can live the experience together.

Come home to Casa Koko

Whatever activity you choose, you can always come home to Casa Koko, where we’ll pamper you to your heart’s content. Finish the day with a drink or dessert around the firepit on the sand terraces while talking to your loved ones about the best parts of your day.

Or soak in the jacuzzi with someone special before watching the stunning sunset and take the binoculars to spot the gorgeous Marietas Islands in the horizon.

View from the pool at a private villa in Punta Mita

You can book any of these exciting excursions through the links above, or simply make arrangements with your private concierge at Casa Koko.

Although we encourage you to explore all the adventures that Punta Mita and the Marietas Islands have to offer, we completely understand if you never want to leave your villa. After all, opulence like this is pretty hard to walk away from.

Your luxury getaway is waiting. Learn more about the exciting amenities you can enjoy during your visit and be our guest at Casa Koko.

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