Marietas Islands vs Hidden Beach: Are They the Same? 2026 Differences
Quick answer: they are not the same
The Marietas Islands are a complete archipelago (national park) of several islands and islets. Hidden Beach (or Playa del Amor) is a beach inside one of those islands. That is: Hidden Beach is inside the Marietas Islands, but not all Marietas Islands are Hidden Beach.
What are the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands National Park is a volcanic archipelago in Banderas Bay, Nayarit. It consists of:
- Isla Larga (the largest)
- Isla Redonda (where Playa del Amor is)
- Isla Norte
- Several islets and reefs
Declared National Park in 2005 and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It hosts over 90 seabird species, turtles, dolphins and humpback whales in season.
What is Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach (also called Playa del Amor or Playa Escondida in Spanish) is a beach inside a crater opened by military bombings during World War II. It is located on Isla Redonda and is only accessible by swimming through a 30-meter natural tunnel.
Comparison table
| Feature | Marietas Islands | Hidden Beach |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Archipelago (national park) | Beach inside an island |
| Size | Several islands and islets | One small beach |
| Access | Navigation and snorkel | Swim through natural tunnel |
| Quota | No strict limit | 116 daily passes (CONANP) |
| Closed days | Mondays and Tuesdays | Mondays and Tuesdays |
| Recommended duration | 4 hours (full tour) | 20-30 min inside |
| Recommended age | All ages | 8-65 years |
| Difficulty | Low | Medium (requires swimming) |
Can you visit both in one tour?
Yes. All our Marietas Islands tours include:
- Navigation around the archipelago
- Snorkel stop at reefs
- Access to Hidden Beach (subject to CONANP pass availability)
You don't choose between one or the other: you visit both on the same tour.
When is Hidden Beach not accessible?
Although the Marietas Islands can be visited almost every day (except Mondays/Tuesdays), access to Hidden Beach may be restricted by:
- CONANP quota exhausted (116 passes/day)
- Swell conditions preventing safe swim through the tunnel
- Park maintenance
In those cases, the tour becomes a panoramic tour + snorkeling at other points of the park, which are also spectacular.
Choose your Playa del Amor tour
15-min ride, guaranteed CONANP permits. Choose the boat that fits your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Google sometimes show "Playa Escondida" and sometimes "Playa del Amor"?
They are the same place. "Playa Escondida" is the popular name in Mexico; "Playa del Amor" is the official name in CONANP records. In English, it is known as "Hidden Beach."
Which one is better for photos?
Hidden Beach is iconic for its views from inside the crater. The reefs of the Marietas Islands are better for underwater photos with tropical fish.
