Islas Marietas

While we were staying in Nuevo Vallarta, we decided to do a couple of excursions so my family could see a tiny bit more of the Pacific coast.  Having already done and enjoyed a trip the Islas Marietas, we thought it was a great way to spend a relaxing day.  Like I said, I had taken this tour before but this time we went with Vallarta Adventures, and took the Marietas Eco Discovery tour and were not disappointed!

The Marietas Islands are a group of small islands in the Banderas Bay and they are home to a wide variety of marine life, and the water is crystal clear and a lovely, warm temperature.  The day we went required an early start - we left the marina at 7am - but it's definitely worth the early morning.  When we arrived at the first island, we were the only boat there, it was so peaceful avoiding the later in the day rush of tens of boats and hundreds of snorkelers.  The weather didn't seem on our side to begin with; we sailed to the islands in heavy rain and a huge thunderstorm, which led to swimming into the hidden beach and snorkelling during a lightening storm.  My initial thoughts were that it would be terrifying but in actual fact, the sea was still calm and it made for an even more memorable experience; how many people can say they experienced this amazing wildlife and environment in a lightening storm?  

The hidden beach is something out of a movie - you jump into the water and swim through a tunnel of volcanic rock into the 'middle' of the island.  Once you reach the other side of the small tunnel, you reach crystal clear waters, teaming with small fish onto a perfect, white sanded, hidden beach.  The beach is completely surrounded by more rocks, with green fauna growing and playing host to hundreds of birds.  It's truly spectacular and out of this world.  You can explore hidden caves around the beach, relax in the water or snorkel and enjoy the marine wildlife.  On the swim back out to the boat, you have the opportunity to snorkel around the edges of the boat and witness the coral reefs, fish and ecosystems in the bay. I love snorkelling, for me, I feel like I've been transported away from real life and love seeing the fish - I was so happy to have seen a starfish on the sea bed!

After exploring the hidden beach, we had the opportunity to kayak or paddle board - I decided to just swim and watch everyone else enjoy the other activities!  The weather had brightened a lot by the time we visited another island.  This time, we took a smaller speedboat to a beautiful beach, only reachable by boat.  Once again, the sands were soft and pure white, with gentler waves lapping the shore.  The beach was overlooked by a cliff with cacti lining the edges.  A perfect spot to wile away an hour or two and enjoy the sun and beautiful sea.  

Vallarta Adventures provided us with a delicious lunch on the way back to dry land and an open bar.  We were lucky enough to spot dolphins on the way back to and if you visit during between December and March, you may be lucky enough to spot whales.  The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, answer questions about the marine life or the activities. Vallarta Adventures are also trying to become a green company and treat the environment with the respect it deserves.  They try to recycle as well as leave no trace of tourists on the islands - ensuring no rubbish is left or wildlife damaged.  To me, this is so important as we need to maintain the islands and claim responsibility for the environment long after your tour has finished.  

All in all, an awesome day enjoying what Mexico has to offer!

  

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