Located in the Marieta Islands, about 20
nautical miles from Puerto Vallarta, lies an idyllic beach paradise
hidden underneath a hole in the ground. Called the “Hidden Beach” or
“Playa de Amor” (Beach of Love), this one-of-a-kind natural wonder has
remained untouched by human hands for many years. Within its natural
cavernous shell, crystal-clear turquoise waters peacefully lap against
its powdery white shores, out of sight and out of reach from the rest of
the world. Only recently when its photos spread virally across the
internet did it become one of the most popular beaches in Mexico.
However despite its fame, the Hidden
Beach still remains unsullied due to the difficulty of getting to it.
Besides being hoisted down from a helicopter, the only known way to
access it is though a very small opening on the tidal side of its
cavernous walls. This short tunnel, measuring fifty feet with only 6
feet of air space between water and rock, can only be traversed by
swimming or scuba diving, and only during low tide.
The origins of this secluded marvel
comes as a surprise. It is said to have been formed in the early 1900′s
by the Mexican Government as a bomb site in preparation for the First
World War. The Marieta Islands were evidently the government’s target
practice site, and these controlled bombings were discovered to have
formed several unique caves and rock formations, the most picturesque of
which is Playa del Amor.
These islands known as the “Galapagos of
Mexico,” are in themselves an ecological gem. Formed thousands of years
ago by a volcanic eruption, the Marieta Islands now house a spectacular
array of terrestrial flora and fauna as well as marine species like
humpback whales and manta rays which earned it its title as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The islands are protected by the government of
Mexico, and visitors who intend to enter the reserve must have a permit.
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