Located off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, the Marietas Islands are a stunning archipelago consisting of two small islands and a few islets. These islands are famous for their stunning natural beauty, with crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and a diverse range of marine life.
The Marietas Islands are a popular destination for tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta, and it’s easy to see why. With so much to see and do, a trip to these islands should definitely be on your bucket list.
Getting to the Marietas Islands
There are several tour operators in Puerto Vallarta that offer tours to the Marietas Islands. These tours typically include transportation to and from the islands, snorkeling equipment, and a guide to show you around.
The trip to the islands takes about an hour, and along the way, you’ll have the chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. Once you arrive at the islands, you’ll be amazed by the stunning beauty of the crystal-clear waters and the towering cliffs that rise up from the ocean.
Exploring the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are a protected marine reserve, and as such, visitors are not allowed to walk on the beaches or the rocky areas. However, there are plenty of ways to explore the islands while still respecting the natural environment.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities on the Marietas Islands, and for good reason. The clear waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even whales and dolphins if you’re lucky.
If you’re not a fan of snorkeling, there are still plenty of ways to explore the islands. You can take a kayak tour around the islands, which allows you to get up close and personal with the stunning rock formations and the abundant marine life.
Another popular activity is bird watching, as the Marietas Islands are home to a number of endemic bird species, including the blue-footed booby and the red-billed tropicbird.
Environmental Conservation
It’s important to note that the Marietas Islands are a protected marine reserve, and visitors are expected to respect the natural environment. You should not leave any trash behind and should avoid touching or disturbing the marine life or the nesting birds.
The Mexican government has taken steps to protect the islands, including limiting the number of visitors each day and prohibiting certain activities that could harm the natural environment.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the impact of tourism on the Marietas Islands, particularly with regards to the coral reefs and the marine life. As visitors, it’s important to be mindful of our impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint.
Final Thoughts
A trip to the Marietas Islands is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Puerto Vallarta. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of marine life, the islands offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
However, it’s important to remember that the islands are a protected marine reserve, and visitors are expected to respect the natural environment. By being mindful of our impact on the environment and taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we can help ensure that the Marietas Islands remain a beautiful and pristine destination for generations to come.