Discovering Playa Escondida: A Secluded Paradise in the Marieta Islands
• Posted June 10 • 2024.
Playa Escondida or Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor or Beach Love, is a spectacular beach located at the bottom of a crater. Yes, you read that right—it's a beach at the bottom of a crater, situated on the Marieta Islands in the Riviera Nayarit along the Mexican Pacific. This incredible spot has become world-famous for the curious fact that it's nestled below or hidden within a stone crater, accessible only by swimming when the tide is low. Indeed, it's truly a hidden beach, not easily accessible and, in fact, entry is restricted. There are specific times and visitor limits because it's protected by the Mexican government. Let's look at the most important aspects of visiting this secluded paradise.
Location of Playa Escondida
As mentioned, Hidden Beach is located in the Marieta Islands, off the coast of the Mexican state of Nayarit. It is approximately 491 miles from Mexico City and can be reached by plane, car, or bus. I always recommend traveling to this part of Mexico by plane for safety reasons.
On the other hand, the Marieta Islands are a small group of uninhabited islands that have been protected by the Mexican government for many years, allowing for the preservation of their rich biodiversity, including the coral reefs that surround the islands. This protection began when the area became very famous as a tourist destination and started to attract increasing numbers of visitors without any control, endangering its fragile ecosystem. In fact, there have been times when access to this area was completely prohibited, but fortunately, it is now possible to visit, always respecting the restrictions in place. Additionally, the area is a national park and not only that, it has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its importance is evident, not only for tourism but also for ecological and natural reasons.
You might also be interested in:
How to Visit Playa Escondida
It is necessary to take an authorized tour to visit this beach, as there is no other way to access it. This is due to the protection the area receives, as previously mentioned. The good news is that there are many tour options available, and they are quite affordable, costing around 100 to 110 USD per adult. These tours generally include:
- Snack
- Life jacket
- Water
- Snorkeling gear
It's important to remember that access to Hidden Beach is by swimming, so it's necessary for the tide to be low. Otherwise, it's simply impossible to reach it, and this is something all tours mention from the start. Access to the beach is not guaranteed due to sea conditions. In fact, they list a series of important restrictions, which include:
- Minimum age: 12 years, and maximum of 65 years.
- Great swimming ability is necessary, as it involves covering a distance of 200 ft to reach Hidden Beach.
- The use of life jackets is mandatory.
- The time allowed inside Hidden Beach ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, due to federal regulations for the protection of the area.
- The use of sunscreen is not allowed.
- Space for people is limited.
- It is better for those with heart conditions, back problems, or spinal issues, or for pregnant women, not to engage in this activity.
Activities at Playa Escondida
At Playa Escondida, we have limited time there, so take the opportunity to walk around, marvel at the impressive crater above you, and appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of the site. Of course, you can also swim a bit, but remember that to get there, you already had to swim about 200 ft, so you might prefer to engage in another activity, such as taking as many photos as you can, snorkeling, or simply exploring the place, always respecting its restrictions. Below is a list of things to do there.
- Snorkeling: Take advantage of the crystal-clear waters and environmental protection, which allows for an almost untouched natural setting. The area around Hidden Beach is perfect for snorkeling and marveling at the marine biodiversity, admiring brightly colored fish and corals on the seabed.
- Photography: As we know, this beach is underneath a crater, hidden inside, so it offers unique landscapes in the world that will undoubtedly fill your camera roll with spectacular photographs.
- Swimming: As mentioned, reaching this beach involves considerable physical effort swimming in the open sea, but once you access through the tunnel, the waters are very calm and very pleasant for swimming if you still have the energy.
- Bird and wildlife watching: The Marieta Islands, home to Playa Escondida, are a refuge for various species of birds and marine fauna. Therefore, observing the wildlife is something you should do.
- Ecological exploration: There is a possibility of touring the beach with tour guides, who will talk about the richness and biodiversity of the area as well as the efforts to protect it, not only with government restrictions but especially the efforts of locals to preserve this place for future generations.
Additionally, it is possible to take spectacular tours around the Marieta Islands, without the need to access Playa Escondida, such as appreciating the iconic Lover’s Arch and marveling at the untouched natural beauty of the rock formations, while admiring the various species of birds found there, including the endemic blue-footed booby. The nickname "booby" comes from its somewhat absent-minded look and clumsy land movements, but in the water, it is an excellent swimmer.
In conclusion, Playa Escondida is a natural treasure of the world. Its incredible location beneath a stone crater and accessible only via a sea tunnel makes this place a true hidden gem, not just figuratively but also and especially in its literal sense. Visiting this place is a must for all of us who love beaches, nature, and unique and different places. And Playa Escondida, in the Marieta Islands, certainly is one.
To see more amazing pictures and leave a comment, go to the Pinterest board for this article: Click
Tastes of La Paz.