Isla Marietas National Park

Isla Marietas Overview

Isla Marietas National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, is a small yet ecologically significant marine park located off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, in the Pacific Ocean.

Spanning approximately 22 square miles (57 square kilometers), this protected area consists of two main islands and several islets. The park is famous for its striking natural beauty, including rugged volcanic formations, sea caves, and pristine beaches.

The most iconic feature is the Hidden Beach, also called Playa del Amor, a secluded, sandy paradise inside a collapsed cave, accessible only through a narrow water tunnel. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters that range in hues from deep blue to vibrant turquoise, making them a haven for marine life and a spectacular location for underwater exploration.

The islands’ volcanic origin gives rise to unique geological formations, with dramatic cliffs and caves carved by centuries of oceanic erosion. The terrain is rough and largely devoid of large trees, featuring mostly low-lying vegetation, shrubs, and patches of dry tropical forest.

The landscape is shaped by strong ocean currents and wind, which have contributed to the formation of the park’s distinctive rock arches and tunnels. The clear, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands support an abundance of marine biodiversity, making it a hotspot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Coral reefs and underwater rock formations provide shelter for a variety of sea creatures, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Wildlife is one of the park’s main attractions, particularly its diverse bird population. Isla Marietas is a crucial nesting site for the rare and protected blue-footed booby, one of the few places outside the Galápagos Islands where this species can be observed. Other notable bird species include brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and Heermann’s gulls.

The surrounding waters are home to an incredible variety of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and a wide array of colorful tropical fish. During the winter months, humpback whales migrate to these waters to breed and give birth, offering visitors the chance to witness their spectacular displays. Bottlenose dolphins and orcas are also occasionally spotted in the area.

One of the most popular features of Isla Marietas National Park is Hidden Beach, a partially enclosed stretch of sand surrounded by cliffs and accessible only by swimming through a narrow tunnel. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also major draws, with underwater caves, coral formations, and schools of fish creating a mesmerizing experience.

Kayaking and paddleboarding allow visitors to explore the park’s many coves and inlets while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. Boat tours operate from nearby destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, offering guided excursions that showcase the islands’ biodiversity and geological wonders.

Conservation efforts are a key focus for park management, as the fragile ecosystems of Isla Marietas face threats from tourism, illegal fishing, and climate change. The Mexican government has implemented strict visitor limits and seasonal closures to protect the environment, particularly in sensitive areas such as Hidden Beach. Conservation initiatives have also led to the successful regeneration of coral reefs and the recovery of certain bird populations.

Responsible tourism practices are encouraged, and all visitors must adhere to guidelines designed to minimize human impact. While the park continues to face challenges, ongoing efforts to balance ecological preservation with sustainable tourism have led to significant improvements in the health of its ecosystems.

Park Map

Isla Marietas National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Isla Marietas National Park is one of Mexico’s most important seabird nesting sites, with dramatic cliffs, caves, and beaches providing habitat for numerous bird species.

Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii)
One of the park’s most iconic bird species, the blue-footed booby is known for its vibrant blue feet and elaborate courtship dances.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
Another prominent seabird species, the brown booby nests on the island’s cliffs and hunts fish by diving spectacularly into the ocean.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
With its distinctive red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars above the island, often stealing food from other seabirds.

Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)
A stunning seabird with long, elegant tail feathers, the red-billed tropicbird nests in rocky crevices along the island’s cliffs.

Heermann’s Gull (Larus heermanni)
This coastal gull species is frequently seen foraging along the island’s shores, recognized by its gray body and bright red bill.

Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus)
A small, agile tern species that nests on Isla Marietas, it can be seen diving into the ocean to catch small fish.

Nazca Booby (Sula granti)
Closely related to the blue-footed booby, the Nazca booby is a large seabird with a yellow bill that nests in colonies on the rocky cliffs.

Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Often found near seabird colonies, cattle egrets feed on insects and small animals disturbed by the movements of other birds.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
A nocturnal wading bird, the yellow-crowned night heron is commonly seen near Isla Marietas’ coastal waters, feeding on crabs and fish.

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans)
This graceful seabird hovers above the waves before plunging into the water to catch small fish, often in large flocks.

Isla Marietas National Park, located off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico, is a marine and island sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity, unique rock formations, and coral reefs. The park’s ecosystem supports a variety of marine and terrestrial species, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in the tropical coastal environment.

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
A seasonal visitor to the waters surrounding Isla Marietas, humpback whales migrate to the area for breeding and calving during the winter months.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Common in the waters around the islands, bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals known for their playful behavior and social structures.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Frequently seen in the park’s shallow waters, the green sea turtle feeds on seagrasses and algae and is an essential part of the marine ecosystem.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
A critically endangered species, the hawksbill turtle is often found near the park’s coral reefs, where it feeds on sponges and small marine invertebrates.

Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari)
With its striking spotted pattern, this ray is often seen gliding through the waters of Isla Marietas, feeding on mollusks and crustaceans.

Pacific Manta Ray (Mobula birostris)
The majestic manta ray, with its large wingspan, is a gentle plankton feeder often seen swimming in the deeper waters surrounding the park.

Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
A slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark, the nurse shark is commonly found resting in caves and crevices near Isla Marietas’ rocky reefs.

Mexican Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
A fast-moving reptile, this iguana species thrives in the island’s rocky terrain, basking in the sun and feeding on plants and small invertebrates.

Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus)
A highly venomous marine snake, the yellow-bellied sea snake can sometimes be seen floating on the surface of the ocean, preying on small fish.

Panamic Cushion Star (Pentaceraster cumingi)
A brightly colored sea star, commonly found in the shallow waters around the park’s coral reefs, playing a role in marine ecosystem health.