Undiscovered Riviera Nayarit

Located a few miles off the shore of Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, the protected Marieta Islands are a prime ecological destination in Mexico for everything from whale watching to scuba diving.

The uninhabited islands are home to Hidden Beach (also called Playa de Amor), a white sand beach at the bottom of a huge crater that can only be reached by swimming through a tunnel. But don’t worry about claustrophobia – the roof of the tunnel rises about six feet above the surface of the water.

Nature activities abound on the Marieta Islands, starting with prime whale watching opportunities. The shallow waters of Banderas Bay create the perfect environment for humpback whales to mate and nurture their young, and the official whale watching season runs from December through March. Visitors can get as close as 30 feet from the whales during excursions in the area.

One option for a whale watching tour is operator Punta Mita Expeditions, which offers the excursions during the winter season. In addition, the eco-friendly company’s three-hour Ocean Adventures Marine Safari is a great option for other activities on the Marieta Islands. The excursion includes a boat ride across the bay to the islands for snorkeling, paddleboarding, bird-watching, and potential dolphin sightings.

Bird-watching is another popular activity around the islands. 17 species of local birds can be found in the area year-round, while 70 migrating bird species can be spotted seasonally. The blue-footed booby, American oyster fisherman, roseate spoonbill, American wood stork, and American skimmer are among the species to seek out.

And, if bird-watching doesn’t float your boat, Punta Mita Expeditions also offers scuba diving, surf lessons, sport-fishing, and spear-fishing opportunities to get visitors out in the natural beauty of the Marieta Islands.

Click here to start planning your trip to Riviera Nayarit.