Everything you need to know about the Hidden Beach in the Marietas Islands
A few years ago, an image of an underground beach went viral—and Lover’s Beach became the number one tourist attraction that travelers swooned to know. Located just a few minutes from Punta de Mita in the Riviera Nayarit, this unique beach was created by volcanic activity and is part of the Marietas Islands National Park, which was declared a National Park and Natural Protected area in Mexico, as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Haven’t been here yet? Well… Here’s what you need to know!
There are two different tours to explore the Marietas Islands in the Riviera Nayarit
If you’re considering a tour to Lover’s Beach, you should first know you have two options. There’s one tour that allows you to enter Lover’s Beach, which means you can enjoy the view from inside the crater. The other option is to stay off-island—basically you don’t go into Lover’s Beach, but you do snorkel and paddle board around the outside (only if the tour you purchased offers it). Some tours include a visit to La Nopalera beach, a true paradise on earth! Be sure to specify which tour you want: the Marietas Islands Tour or the Lover’s Beach Tour.
Where to buy the tour
If you want a recommendation for the tour with access to Lover’s Beach, then go directly to the Corral del Risco co-op in Punta de Mita. They operate with the required permit to access the beach. Another option is to purchase it through a third-party activities and tour operator in the Riviera Nayarit, but make sure you’re very clear about which tour you want.
How do you access Lover’s Beach
Now that we’re clear there are two types of tours to the Marietas Islands, the next thing you should know and keep in mind when you reserve the Lover’s Beach tour is how you actually get in. To enter Lover’s Beach, you’ll have to swim in from outside the Marietas Islands. It’s not a very long swim and you can only access it if the tide allows. It’s also mandatory to wear the life jacket brought by the tour operators. What days can you tour? To keep this beautiful place protected, the National Park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Also, they only allow a maximum of 116 people to visit per day—that helps to control access and monitor any environmental impact.
General info
The Marietas Islands are home to many different species of flora and fauna, including the blue-footed booby, the frigate bird, and the Olive Ridley turtle; it’s also the best place to watch for humpback turtles during season. This is why we ask you not to bring in any bottles, plastics, or any other type of waste that can make garbage and contaminate the National Park.
We invite you to enjoy this and all the other natural attractions in the Riviera Nayarit. Remember to add the #rivieranayarit hashtag to all your social media posts—we’d love to see your pics in paradise!
