The MariHidden Beach in Nayarit, Mexico

The Marietas Islands, in Nayarit, Mexico, are a group of uninhabited islands that have become famous for their unique beach. The Hidden Beach, or Lovers' Beach (Playa del Amor) as it is called in Spanish, is an enchanting spot where you can swim through a tunnel carved by the sea into a crater.
Marietas Islands

Located just off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, Marietas Islands is one of the most famous attractions in Western Mexico. These pristine and rocky islands are known for their stunning marine life, beautiful beaches, and incredible coral reefs. They are also a protected area that has been declared a national park by the Mexican government.

The islands are composed of two uninhabited islands and a small islet called Isla Redonda, with a total length of around 900 meters. They are surrounded by turquoise waters Deep web links and are considered to be an incredible ecotourism spot. They shelter amazing biodiversity, and their pristine nature attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

These islands were created by volcanic activity over millions of years, so they are incredibly old and unique. They are a paradise of unspoiled tropical beauty above the water, but they also offer some of the best scuba diving in the country and are home to a wide variety of exotic underwater creatures.

For many people, the Marietas Islands are best known for their “hidden beach,” a gorgeous beach hidden in a cave. It was once only accessible to the very rich, but now it is open to tourists who book a tour from the mainland.

This underground beach is a major draw for visitors to the Marietas Islands and the photos of this secluded paradise have become famous around the world. It was first photographed on social media in 2012, and suddenly it became a must-see destination.

To get to the hidden beach, you’ll have to go on a boat that takes about 40 minutes and then swim through an opening in the rock. This is a very special experience, and a great way to spend a day with friends or family.

In addition to the amazing underwater scenery, you can enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in this beautiful bay, which is also known for its large sea turtles, dolphins, and giant manta rays. These are all protected species that live in this bay and can be seen throughout the year.
Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is one of Mexico's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for visitors to the Marietas Islands. It is also one of the most difficult to access, and is protected by the Mexican government.

This unique sand beach is located on the Islas Marietas, a group of islands just west of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The beach is part of the protected Marietas Islands National Park and can only be reached via a guided boat tour.

The boat trip to the islands is about an hour northwest of the city and there are several tour companies that offer day excursions to the Hidden Beach, but wristbands to this unique attraction are limited and must be reserved a few days in advance. Once on the islands, guests don lifejackets and helmets to swim about 75 meters through a rock archway to the beach.

During low tide, the islands are home to a number of small beaches and cute features that make them perfect for photos. The most popular, however, is the Hidden Beach, a crater-like beach that's only accessible through a short tunnel that lets sunlight stream onto it.

Once the crater beach is reached, it's easy to see why so many people want to visit this unique place on their vacation. The sand is soft and white, the water clear and warm, and there's plenty of space for relaxing and enjoying the sun.

When the sun shines, the sand becomes even more beautiful and it's impossible not to want to linger. Sadly, the popularity of this beach was such that it became overrun with tourists, causing all sorts of damage to the fragile marine ecosystem.

To avoid this problem, the National Park enforces strict limits on how many people can visit the Hidden Beach each day. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the beach is closed for visitors. It's a limited-access beach, and there are only 116 passes available every day.
Crater Beach

Hidden Beach is one of the most stunning sights to see in Mexico and it's no surprise that it has become a popular tourist destination. As the name suggests, this mystical beach is located on the Marietas Islands near Punta Mita on the west coast of Mexico. The stunning landscape is a photographer's dream with its pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters.

However, it's important to remember that this spectacular beach is not naturally occurring. In fact, the crater that houses it was made by bomb testing by the Mexican military in the early 1900s.

As you might expect, the area is now a nature reserve and visitors are strictly regulated. This is to protect the fragile flora and fauna in the area.

Despite this, the Hidden Beach is an extremely popular destination for visitors due to its beauty and its rich marine life. Visiting this secret beach is truly a once in a lifetime experience and it is highly recommended that you get the permit before heading to the island.

This secluded beach is only accessible during low tide and there are only five tour operators that have permission to take tourists on group tours. The maximum number of people allowed is 20 so it's best to book your trip well in advance.

You'll be able to find the hidden beach at Playa del Amor on the Marietas Islands, which are northwest of Puerto Vallarta. The only way to access this beach is by swimming or kayaking through a water tunnel.

The beaches on the Marietas are famous for their pristine sand and beautiful ocean views. It's a great place to enjoy the sun and take in a relaxing vacation.

Unfortunately, the islands have a controversial history with the Mexican military that started using them for military testing back in the 1900s. These tests included large explosions and craters that changed the land on the islands. Thankfully, this practice was put an end by international outcry led by scientist and marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau in the 1960s.

Fortunately, the government has since declared these islands a national park and protected them against fishing and hunting. This has resulted in an increase in marine life on the island and a huge boost to tourism. Besides attracting more tourists, the protected areas have also prevented pollution and trash build-up which can negatively impact marine life.
Getting There

One of the most Instagrammable natural wonders in the world, Hidden Beach is a tucked-away paradise on an island off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a secret beach that’s hidden in a cave and can only be reached by swimming or kayaking through a water tunnel, making it even more enchanting than it appears.

While there are some ways you can get to Hidden Beach, the best option is a day trip by boat from Puerto Vallarta. This will take you to Islas Marietas, the islands where Hidden Beach is located, and then across the Pacific Ocean.

The journey to the Marietas Islands takes around an hour and boat excursions depart regularly from Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita and Sayulita. Some boats will stop along the way, allowing you to jump in the water and do some snorkeling or just take a relaxing swim.

If you’re interested in taking a tour to the Hidden Beach, be sure to book with a reputable charter. Most will have two tours — one for the Marietas Islands and another that includes Hidden Beach as well.

Once you’ve chosen the right tour, make sure to check the conditions of the sea before boarding. If the tides are high, access to the tunnel may be blocked. Alternatively, you might not be allowed to visit the beach at all.

To avoid disappointment, book with a reputable company, such as Mike’s Charters and Tours or Vallarta Adventures. They’ll provide private eco excursions, Hidden Beach visits and snorkeling trips that you can tailor to your needs.

For the ultimate experience, you can also book a helicopter tour to see Hidden Beach from above and float on its pristine sands. The flight to the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve is just over an hour and the views are spectacular.

Aside from the stunning scenery, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales on your way to Hidden Beach. This will make the trip even more magical and add to your overall vacation experience!

The mystical Hidden Beach is a true treasure and you can’t come to Mexico without visiting at least once. Thankfully, it’s now protected by the Mexican government to ensure it stays a natural treasure. They’ve limited the number of visitors to 116 per day in order to preserve the flora and fauna on the islands.