Marietas Islands, off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is currently gaining a lot of attention by tourists. Many have visited this site before but couldn’t understand the wow factor involved until after an impressive and beautifully detailed capture of this beach was photographed by Thomas Porty.
The Marietas Islands in Mexico is said to have formed centuries ago due to volcanic activity and are entirely uninhabited. The islands are about an hour long boat ride west-northwest from the coast of Puerto Vallarta and are visited daily by hundreds of tourists, yet no one can legally set foot on the islands.
The Mexican government in the early 1900s began conducting military testing on the islands taking advantage of the fact that they were uninhabited. Large explosions and bombings during these testing is said to be the cause for the formation of the many incredible caves and rocks.
After a massive international uproar, prompted by scientist Jacques Cousteau in the late 1960s, the government eventually decided to label the islands a national park, thereby protecting it against any fishing, hunting or human activity. As of now the only human activity that is legal near the islands is snorkeling and kayaking tours that occur daily.
A water tunnel in the Marietas Island lead swimmers to the hidden beach. It is approximately a forty to fifty feet swim through the cave with about five to six feet of space above water level to the rock. As it is not an underwater tunnel, there is no necessity for a scuba gear or to even hold your breath. 13 more images after the break...
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Nearest city: Tepic, Mexico is closest to Puerto Vallarta, making it easily accessible. Other cities like Punta Mita and Zapopan are also fairly close to Puerto Vallarta, making it easy to reach.
How to get there: direct flights are available from almost all major cities to Puerto Vallarta at Gustave Diaz Ordaz International Airport, located just north of Puerto Vallarta. Getting to the hidden beach, Marietas Islands, Puerto Vallarta is relatively simple considering availability of boats that can be booked in advance or on spot for any number of people.
Best time to visit: Puerto Vallarta weather remains pretty much same throughout the year. However, following winter rains, the water of the beach becomes exceptionally clear, taking marine experience of the place to a whole different level.
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