Last checked: 25 October 2026. Lia edits this guide. Sources: CONANP Parque Nacional Islas Marietas visitor information (checked October 2026).
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Key facts
You can only visit the Marietas Islands with an authorised operator, and only a small number of people can enter Playa del Amor each day. If a tour is vague about the beach, assume you are not going in.
| Park fee | 125 MXN per person per day (CONANP wristband) |
| Free entry | Under-12s, older adults and people with disabilities |
| Discounts | Students 75% off; Mexican nationals and foreign residents 50% off |
| Park open | Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00–18:00 |
| Playa del Amor | Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00–17:00 |
| Hidden-beach limit | 116 visitors a day, groups of up to 15, 30 minutes, low tide only |
| Distance | About 9 km from Punta de Mita, 34 km from Puerto Vallarta |
What a trip looks like
Most tours leave from Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or Punta de Mita. The boat circles the islands, where you may see blue-footed boobies, then anchors for snorkelling. Landing on the islands is restricted; the main experience is from the water.
Playa del Amor (the hidden beach)
Playa del Amor sits inside a crater-like opening in one island. You reach it by swimming through a short tunnel at low tide. Visits are capped at 116 people a day, with a life jacket and a guide. Only some tours include it, and spots sell out. Check that your tour explicitly includes Playa del Amor on your date, which must be Wednesday to Sunday.
The park fee
The wristband costs 125 MXN per person per day. Some operators add it to the tour price and some collect it separately, sometimes at a higher amount that includes handling. Ask what’s included before you book.
Choosing a tour
- Confirm the operator is authorised by CONANP for the Marietas.
- Ask whether the hidden beach is included and on which days.
- Departure from Punta de Mita is shorter by boat but further by road.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and seasickness tablets if you need them.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Marietas Islands on your own?
No. Visits must be with an authorised operator.
How much is the Marietas park fee?
125 MXN per person per day in 2026.
Is the hidden beach open on Mondays and Tuesdays?
No. The park is closed on Mondays, and Playa del Amor opens Wednesday to Sunday.
Can children go to the hidden beach?
Check with your operator; they must wear a life jacket and be able to manage the swim.
