Hidden Beach: Mexico's Secret Marietas Islands Gem

It is hard to believe this place is real

FROM THE PACIFIC ATLANTIC, IT APPEARS AS A SMALL ISLAND Who has known the beach where the volcanic rock meets the air, turns into a sunny inland cove? "There is soft golden sand, and an opening in the roof. The sunlight pours right into the cove." The Lord of the Rings’ filmmakers would have loved it. That’s because the beach cannot be seen from the outside. "From above, it looks like nothing more than a tiny green island in the middle of the sea."

The secret of Playa del Amor

Finding one of Earth’s most privacy islands

That beach is tucked into the little-known Marietas Islands, just off the coast of Mexico. The beach, itself, has a secret. It has an underground entrance that visitors can swim through. The water is crystal blue, and sunlight streams through the cliffs above the cove.. The mystery of why the place could not be seen from the outside is also its delightful secret. Marshals of the world's best beaches love to find and judge it.

What makes it special?

The Marietas Islands are one of the most popular trips in Mexico. In the waters around the islands, some 1600 different species of fish, 100 types of algae, and 500 marine invertebrates have been cataloged. Of note, many others have not. The island’s isolation fuels its biodiversity. The islands, including Hidden Beach, are Mexican federal-protected waters, but they are also undiscovered, and that's part of their mysticism.

Local legend ties the beach to love

The name “La Playa del Amor” means “the beach of love,”. Its enchanting. Local lore links it to a love story. There is a legend about the beach: In the middle of a volcanic eruption, scorching lava and ash rain from above. A man and a woman, deep in an impossible love, sacrifice themselves to the gods. They securely promise to protect the beauty of the island. Despite the harsh condition, the gods are charmed and let the couple live out their lives in paradise. As a blessing, the couple are granted an unknowable destination, and a hidden cove. The myth also says the couple would return to the beach in the form of a bird, thereby protecting the romantic Pearl of the Pacific.

Questions readers ask

How do you even find Hidden Beach at the Marietas Islands?

Hidden Beach is accessed by swimming through a tunnel from the outside. The Marietas Islands are located off the Pacific coast of Mexico. You can reach them by boat, but the beach itself is hidden from view, nestled within the islands' volcanic rock formations.

Why is the beach called Playa del Amor?

Playa del Amor translates to 'Beach of Love,' and it's named after a local legend. The tale involves a couple who sacrificed themselves to protect the island's beauty. Local lore says the couple returns to the beach as birds, thereby protecting the romantic Pearl of the Pacific.

How do the Marietas Islands support such a diverse ecosystem?

The Marietas Islands, including Hidden Beach, are isolated and protected, which contributes to their high biodiversity. The waters around the islands are home to a vast array of marine life, including 1,600 different species of fish, 100 types of algae, and 500 marine invertebrates. The isolation allows for unique species to thrive.

Can anyone visit Hidden Beach, or is it restricted?

While Hidden Beach is part of Mexican federal-protected waters, it is accessible to visitors. However, it's important to note that the beach is part of a delicate ecosystem, and visitors are encouraged to treat it with care. The beach is only accessible by swimming through a tunnel, which adds to its allure and exclusivity.

What makes the Marietas Islands a popular destination?

The Marietas Islands are popular for their stunning natural beauty and unique ecosystems. The islands offer a variety of marine life and a hidden beach that can only be accessed by swimming through a tunnel. The combination of natural wonders, local legends, and the mystique of the Hidden Beach makes it a sought-after destination.

How does the local legend of Hidden Beach fit into the overall mystique of the Marietas Islands?

The local legend of Hidden Beach, involving a couple who sacrificed themselves to protect the island, adds to the allure and mystique of the Marietas Islands. The legend ties the beach to love and romance, making it a magical and enchanting place to visit. The legend also suggests that the couple returns to the beach as birds, further enhancing the island's romantic aura.

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