Playa de Amor - Hidden Beach on Marieta Islands

Marietas Islands originally formed many thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, and are completely uninhabited. The islands are a long time sailing west-northwest off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.

In early 1900, the Mexican government began testing soldiers on the islands because no one lived there. After years of scientific research and intensive efforts to legally protect the archipelago, first advocated by Jacques Cousteau, who was finally declared Marietas Islands National Park national park in 2005. The park covers about 1,400 hectares.

On one of the islands is Playa de Amor, more commonly known as Hidden Beach. To achieve this secluded paradise, visitors to swim through a small tunnel, opening to the beautiful beach seen here. There are a number of tour operators offer day trips to the ecological wonder.