If you haven’t recognized the destination as a must-see, you have probably seen a photo of Hidden Beach, also known as Lover’s Beach, located on one of the islands that make up the Marietas Islands National Park. It is a secluded sandy cave on the northwest end of Bahía de Banderas, near Puerto Vallarta and just fifteen minutes away from Punta Mita in Nayarit.

The hidden gem of Marieta’s Beach in the Islands of Nayarit’s Hidden Beach inspires tens of thousands of tourists from around the world to embark on a trek. This natural wonder, formed by volcanic activity, is home to a variety of different types of coral reefs and marine life, including humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of fish. Located near the shores, visitors can frolic in the waters and witness the unique scenery that the coastal strip of Nayarit’s Riviera offers during the winter season.

Why is Hidden Beach so magical and beautiful, with so many people assuming that it can’t be truly experienced until they see photographs of it themselves?

This section of Marietas Islas National Park has been completely enclosed, not by one but by two invisible elements – air and sea – creating a natural wonder of the world. The opening onto Hidden Beach, created long ago by artillery tests, is a mistake assuming that this is not more than a stream that lets the sun onto the beach. Once inside, you are greeted by the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean meeting the white sand beach, creating a picturesque cave that opens up to the sky.

In the first half of the 20th century, the residents of Marieta Islands made an ideal location for testing bombs, where no human beings had lived.

The reason why many of the rock formations and caves in the fascinating archipelago are likely man-made is because the destruction of the islands’ ecosystem began in the 1960s, which is when scientist Jacques Cousteau started protesting. Eventually, the islands were christened Marietas Islas Nacional Parque in 2005, and once the remarkable flora and fauna returned to the islands, peace was restored.

What Sets the Hidden Beach Apart

Hidden Beach is a tropical island oasis, accessible only when the tide is low. It is a paradise for lovers and dreamers, with its white sand, crystal blue waters, and lush, private surroundings.

Will you not feel alone, even if you’re millions of miles away from your everyday life? Does it really matter that you’re basking on the beach under the sun, through streams lined with vegetation in a cave-like roof?

One thing fosters this sense of isolation: the Hidden Beach can only be accessed through a water tunnel that must be swum with a snorkeling mask but no fins, ensuring the safety of the delicate sea bed. As you pass through the rock arch, make sure to wear a helmet and life jacket. Our primary concern is your safety.

To comprehend the importance of good swimming skills, you might need to possess exceptional physical condition and abilities. While exploring Hidden Beach, some visitors may feel less rewarded and more like they are reaching a destination due to the challenging currents of the Pacific Ocean. However, it is relatively easy to navigate as there is approximately six feet of water clearance above the level needed to traverse.

Explore Islas Marietas National Park

There are two methods of exploring the Marietas Islands.

Continue reading if that is what you are seeking. It is crucial to note that this excursion does not visit Hidden Beach. Instead, it will transport you to the stunning Majahuitas beach, where you can relax and sunbathe for a period or engage in enjoyable aquatic activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or riding the inflatable banana. This 7-hour ecotourism adventure, known as the Marietas Islands Eco Discovery tour, will provide you with the opportunity to comfortably explore the islands and enjoy snorkeling.

“When booking the beach, keep in mind that there are time regulations due to federal restrictions, limiting the time to 20 minutes. The hidden beach, commonly known as the Beach Hidden inside the arch rock, can be reached by swimming or jumping from a boat. To access this beach, you will need to take a 5-hour excursion to the Marietas Islands on the Discovery Island Beach Hidden tour. This tour offers the option to take the iconic photo at the Discovery Island Beach Hidden, in case you are only interested in that.”

Tourists are prohibited from accessing the other islands. The group of islands previously suffered from a level of destruction that safeguarded the plant and animal life in this protected area. Only uncomplicated, non-harmful activities are permitted within and near the Marietas Islands in this national park.

Visitors must pay a fee to enter this national park, which aims to preserve the national heritage of the Mexican part. Additionally, it is important to note that hunting or fishing activities are not allowed in the Marieta Islands National Park.

Conservation efforts have included temporary closures of the islands to allow time for replanting coral, in order to limit the impact visitors have on the natural beauty and habitats of the islands, which are home to a variety of fish and bird species.

How to Reach a Concealed Shore

Vallarta Adventures provides tours to Hidden Beach from Puerto Vallarta, as well as from Punta Mita via speed boat in smaller groups. The journey to Marieta Islands National Park, which takes about an hour, is a delightful experience that concludes with an exhilarating (yet secure) swim against the current, all while passing through the remarkable sea cave.

Access to the beach is never guaranteed, however, Vallarta Adventures’ Marieta Islands Hidden Beach tour is one of the most excellent ways to witness this astonishing and environmentally diverse paradise on earth, as a safe ocean environment is necessary for a visit to the Hidden Beach.