MARIETAS ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

 

Marietas Islands National Park The Marietas Islands where recently declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO MAB, protecting 44 species of flora and fauna found in different risk categories. Sanctuaries for reproduction, feeding and resting of some migratory seabirds like the blue-footed booby birds. Owning a great variety of coral species and definitely the biggest diversity of reef fish in the whole Bay of Banderas.
These beautiful islands hide lots of underwater landscapes of amazing beauty and color, offering the perfect scenario for scuba diving, snorkeling & paddle boarding, and is also home of the worldwide famous “Hidden Beach”. Punta Mita is the closest harbor and geographically the nearest village to the islands.
The Marietas Islands were originally formed many thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, and are completely uninhabited. After a massive international outcry, started by scientist Jacques Cousteau in the late 1960s, the government eventually decided to label the islands a National Park and therefore protected against any fishing, hunting or human activity. Protection by the government has created an environment conducive to the development of the marine ecosystem. Currently, the Mexican government allows only a few companies to go to the islands for public tours because of conservationist efforts.
These islands are a paradise, even when you think you’ve seen everything, something new comes to surprise.