Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A paradise where nature is truly surprising - the Marietas Islands and its surroundings are some of the jewels of Bay of Banderas.

There is a common misconception that makes these islands even more surprising: It is said that the blue-footed booby can only be found at the Galapagos Islands - nothing could be further from the truth. The Marietas Islands, which are just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit in the Bay of Banderas, are also home to this and many other exotic species of wildlife, both terrestrial and maritime, that will make your visit a truly unforgettable experience.

The Marietas Islands are comprised of an archipelago with four formations - two islands and two islets - that constitute one of the Biosphere Reserves protected by UNESCO. Since the islands are part of a Biosphere Reserve program, activity here is regulated and one can hardly explore them. This helps protect and preserve the habitat of countless species that have made their home there.

However, activities "around" the islands are sheer pleasure. Bird-watching from the boat will allow passengers to see the blue-footed booby, and snorkeling in the nearby reefs will allow them to photograph and swim among giant rays, dolphins, turtles, and an infinity of colorful fish.

During the winter, the route to the islands provides the opportunity to enjoy watching the display put on by the humpback whales which arrive each year to the Bay of Banderas. During the summer it's easy to come across one of the thousands of Olive Ridley turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches of our destination. Both experiences are truly amazing.

When traveling from Vallarta, Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, or Sayulita - destinations where water taxi services are offered, including boats, yachts, or guided tours to this privileged sanctuary of nature - one can see the how the environment is conducive to the development of the marine ecosystem and realize why it has been protected.