One Of Mexico's Best-Kept Secrets Is An Archipelago Full Of Secluded Beaches

Visitors flock to Mexico for a myriad of reasons — the food, culture, and nice weather being chief among them. But the country's exceptional beaches are probably its biggest draw. From the white sand edens of the Caribbean to the more rugged Pacific Coast, Mexico boasts countless seaside havens where travelers can relax to the sound of the wind in the palms and the waves on the shore.

You could argue, however, that Mexico has become a victim of its own success. Hotspots such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta have ballooned into tourist meccas, with the bloated megaresorts, inflated prices, and the crowds that come with that –– not to mention the negative effect on the local population. Luckily, Mexico is a big country, and for any traveler willing to put in a bit of extra time and effort, it's still possible to get off the beaten path by hitting up spots such as this charming seaside village on the Yucatan Peninsula.

However, if you really want to go somewhere truly untouched, look to the Pacific coast state of Nayarit. About 60 miles off the coast is a tiny archipelago called Islas Marias. The islands' isolation, and the fact that up until recently they were the site of a prison, has guaranteed that very few tourists have left their footprints there. Islas Marias is truly one of Mexico's last hidden gems, and it will likely remain so since getting there is anything but easy.

In 1905, the Mexican government constructed the Islas Marias Federal Prison on the archipelago's largest islands, Islas Marias Madras. Home to some of the country's most notorious criminals, the penal colony was shut down in 2019. However, during that time, the government recognized the unique flora and fauna that were native to the islands. In 2000, they established a marine sanctuary, and in 2010, UNESCO declared the islands a Biosphere Reserve, which expanded the site's environmental protections. 

Tourists can now visit Islas Marias as part of a tourism scheme that must be booked ahead of time on a government website. The islands are still administered by the Mexican navy, which means everything about the visit is strictly regulated, including transportation. Ferries to Islas Marias only leave from the mainland (alternating between the ports of San Blas and Mazatlán) on Friday mornings at 8 a.m. and return on Sundays at 11 a.m. This means that the duration of the trip is the same for everyone: two nights and three days.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you are not free to explore the islands on your own. This is partly to help protect the fragile ecosystem and also because Islas Marias is still a military installation. While you're there, you will be part of a tour group led by Mexican navy officers fluent in Spanish and English, though you will have free time to relax on the beach, snorkel, and kick back at the facility's one bar. Just know that you are not allowed to bring your own food; extra pesos are crucial for purchasing things like beer and souvenirs in the little town Puerto Balleto since there are no ATMs on the islands.

The tours on Islas Marias stick to the main island and concentrate on two main things: nature and history. Saturday and Sunday feature sunrise hikes to Cristo del Rey — a 60-foot statue that is similar to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, constructed by prisoners on the top of a mountain — and El Faro lighthouse. Both command sweeping views of the island's greenery and the azure Pacific beyond, and a good way to get your blood pumping at the start of the day.

Other more natural pursuits include kicking back and snorkeling the pristine coral reefs at Chapingo Beach, hiking up to the Punta Halcones Overlook (a prime spot to watch for humpback whales come wintertime), and birdwatching, as the islands are home to some beautiful and seldom-seen on the mainland species, such as Mexican parrotlets and blue mockingbirds. There is also an opportunity to stargaze on the island's airstrip, which, given the lack of light pollution in Islas Marias, means glimmering, bright skies.

In addition to the islands' beautiful natural attractions, you'll also tour the old prison, including actual cell blocks, the prisoner's cemetery, and the Salera, a dilapidated brick building where the prisoners produced salt as part of their hard labor. This makes Islas Marias an attractive choice for history buffs, as well as those interested in dark tourism destinations, like this site of mass tragedy in the Guyanian jungle.