Las Islas Marietas are a small group of uninhabited islands just off the coast of Punta de Mita. These volcanic islands were once used as target practice by the Mexican government in the early 1900's. As a result, caves and other unique rock formations were created; along with years of erosion and weathering.
We are fortunate to have these islands reside a short 15 minute car ride, 20 minute boat ride, from our front door. We faithfully watch the immense, fiery sun dive behind the islands; as we sit atop our surf boards, trying to get the last wave in before darkness falls. A stunning backdrop; looming out of the sea. The islands are protected by the government and labeled as a natural reserve. As a result, there is no hiking on the majority of the islands. There are a few beaches you can swim to and walk across, at the end of a snorkel session. Most of the tour boat captains are rather protective and will report you for misusing the area. The marine life is abundant and the landscape breathtaking. Each time we've come to the islands, we've been lucky to have spotted humpback whales on the boat ride from the mainland. To arrive at the famous [not so] Hidden Beach, you must swim through a cave; which can be a bit gnarly during high tide and rough seas. For me, the best part of the islands are the Blue Footed Boobies who inhabit the islands. I fell in love with these birds when visiting the Galapagos Islands, while living in Ecuador (and no, that was not a lame attempt to make you laugh by saying the word booby).
We are fortunate to have these islands reside a short 15 minute car ride, 20 minute boat ride, from our front door. We faithfully watch the immense, fiery sun dive behind the islands; as we sit atop our surf boards, trying to get the last wave in before darkness falls. A stunning backdrop; looming out of the sea. The islands are protected by the government and labeled as a natural reserve. As a result, there is no hiking on the majority of the islands. There are a few beaches you can swim to and walk across, at the end of a snorkel session. Most of the tour boat captains are rather protective and will report you for misusing the area. The marine life is abundant and the landscape breathtaking. Each time we've come to the islands, we've been lucky to have spotted humpback whales on the boat ride from the mainland. To arrive at the famous [not so] Hidden Beach, you must swim through a cave; which can be a bit gnarly during high tide and rough seas. For me, the best part of the islands are the Blue Footed Boobies who inhabit the islands. I fell in love with these birds when visiting the Galapagos Islands, while living in Ecuador (and no, that was not a lame attempt to make you laugh by saying the word booby).
 Humpback whales migrate here for the winter months |  Underwater is bustling with life |
As our rugged fishing boat bounced us through the waves towards the islands, I felt like a dog must feel as they hold their head outside of a car window. Pure Delight. I was ecstatic to feel the warm, salty air tickle my face and the wind try to whip my trucker hat off my head; tousling my hair. I sat on the front of the boat admiring the beauty of the open ocean; looking back to see a boat load of friends, making my heart feel gratified. There is nothing more incredible than sharing a day with friends in nature. Thank you Nicole, Jen R, Carolyn, Mike, Mark & Sam for sharing a beautiful day with me!
 Carolyn & Mark  |  Swimming through the cave to Hidden Beach  |
I bet some of you only read this post because it had the word 'boobies'. Shame on you; gotcha!
Tomas from Accion Tropical.
Gracias amigas for the sharing these photos with me!
