CONANP 2026 Restrictions at the Marietas Islands: What to Know Before Booking
The 3 CONANP rules you need to know
CONANP (Mexico's National Commission of Protected Natural Areas) has applied 3 strict rules at the Marietas Islands National Park since 2016:
- 116 daily passes for accessing Playa del Amor
- Weekly closure on Mondays and Tuesdays of the entire park
- Prohibition of non-biodegradable sunscreen throughout the park
Rule 1 · 116 daily passes
Playa del Amor is the only beach inside a volcanic crater in Mexico. Its ecological fragility led CONANP to limit access to 116 daily passes since 2016. These passes are assigned to authorized tour operators and cannot be purchased directly on the island.
Consequence for you: book in advance, especially in high season (December to April) when the quota sells out days in advance.
Rule 2 · Weekly closure Mondays and Tuesdays
The entire park remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow ecosystem regeneration. No exceptions, even in high season.
Consequence: if you book a Marietas Islands tour, you cannot choose Mondays or Tuesdays. Sport fishing tours do operate those days because they don't enter the park.
Rule 3 · Biodegradable sunscreen mandatory
Regular sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that bleach coral and kill marine life. CONANP requires:
- Using only biodegradable sunscreen (labelled "reef-safe" or "coral-safe")
- Applying it before boarding, never in the park
- Not applying at Playa del Amor, not even biodegradable
Other restrictions
| Restriction | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drones | Prohibited without special CONANP permit |
| Food | No food allowed at Playa del Amor |
| Pets | Prohibited throughout the park |
| Cigarettes | Smoking prohibited |
| Minimum age Playa del Amor | Recommended from age 8 |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended for Playa del Amor access |
What if you don't follow the rules?
CONANP can apply fines from $5,000 MXN up to $50,000 MXN, plus temporary park access ban. Authorized operators are responsible for informing and enforcing these rules.
Why are these restrictions applied?
Between 2010 and 2016, the Marietas Islands suffered severe damage from over-tourism: coral bleaching, beach erosion, marine fauna death. Restrictions aim to:
- Allow coral regeneration
- Reduce human footprint on the islands
- Maintain marine biodiversity
- Guarantee the experience for future generations
Secure your Hidden Beach pass
Avoid missing out on the 116 daily passes. Book now with Stripe and get instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go on my own without a tour?
No. CONANP passes are only issued to authorized operators. There is no way to buy individual passes or reach the park without a boat.
Are there fishing tours on Mondays and Tuesdays?
Yes. Sport fishing tours operate in open waters outside the national park and are not subject to the CONANP closure. Check availability.
What happens if it rains?
If the Port Captain closes navigation for safety, the tour is rescheduled at no cost or refunded 100%. Light rain does not prevent the tour.
