Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) is the crown jewel of the Marieta Islands — a perfectly circular volcanic crater beach with turquoise water, hidden inside a sea cave on a protected marine reserve off Mexico's Pacific coast.
The beach sits inside a collapsed volcanic crater, accessible only by swimming through a 130-foot sea cave tunnel from the open ocean. The effect is extraordinary — stepping from the dark cave into a sunlit circular arena of golden sand surrounded by volcanic rock walls, with blue sky and turquoise water visible above. It feels like the set of a adventure movie.
The water inside the crater is warm, calm, and incredibly clear — perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The marine reserve surrounding the islands is home to manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful reef fish. The islands themselves are wildlife refuges, home to nesting seabirds and, seasonally, humpback whales.
The iconic Hidden Beach shot is from inside the cave looking out toward the beach. Position yourself where the light from the open ocean enters the tunnel, creating a natural light beam. Shoot toward the beach to capture the silhouette effect of the cave opening with turquoise water beyond.
If you can get a permit to fly a drone, the overhead view showing the full volcanic crater with its circular sandy beach and blue water is unmatched. From above, you can see the full extent of the crater rim and the cave tunnel entrance. Morning light is best for this shot. Note: drone permits are strictly controlled.
From inside the beach, shoot toward the cave opening to frame swimmers or paddleboarders against the bright light of the tunnel. The contrast between the warm sandy beach and the cool blue cave water creates a stunning image. Use a wide-angle lens to capture both the beach and the cave ceiling.
Book a late-afternoon boat tour and photograph the sun setting behind the volcanic island chain from the water. The warm light on the crater rim and the reflection on the Pacific is a stunning shot. Many tours include snorkeling stops and allow GoPro footage of the underwater cave tunnel.
The iconic volcanic crater beach seen from inside the cave
The sea cave tunnel — your entry to paradise
November through April is the dry season with the best weather and calmest seas — ideal conditions for the boat trip to the islands and snorkeling. December through March is humpback whale season. Summer months (July–September) are wetter but also manta ray season — the water is warmer and visibility can still be excellent for snorkeling.
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), then take a 45-minute boat or kayak tour to the Marieta Islands. Tours depart from the marina in Nuevo Vallarta or from Punta Mita. You cannot visit the islands independently — all visits must be part of a guided tour. Book your tour at least 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak season.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and Conrad Bora Bora Nui are the nearest luxury properties, both a short boat ride from the islands. For a more intimate experience, Casa Kimberly in Puerto Vallarta offers boutique luxury with rooftop jacuzzis. Budget travelers can stay in Nuevo Vallarta and book a day tour to the islands — it's a long day but completely doable.
Swimming through the sea cave tunnel is required to access the beach — it's a 130-foot swim through darkness into light. Wear a life vest if you're not a strong swimmer. Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory. No food or drinks are allowed on the beach. The islands are a wildlife refuge — no touching, feeding, or disturbing any marine life. Tours are limited by permit to protect the environment.
Find the best boat tours and hotels from Puerto Vallarta to the Marieta Islands.
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