Islas Marietas are a mosaic of natural wealth unique in the Mexican Pacific. Located near the tourist ports of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Nueva Vallarta, Nayarit, the islands and their surroundings are visited by some 300 000 people each year. Visitors come to enjoy the amazing landscapes and biodiversity offered by Isla Larga, Isla Redonda and more than 1,300 hectares of sea and coastline.
This April 25th, we celebrate the 18th Anniversary of the Islas Marietas National Park, following the decree published in 2005 by the Mexican government to protect the islands. This important decree aims both to prevent the deterioration of marine ecosystems and to regulate recreational activities for visitors, such as boat rides, flora and fauna observation, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Islas Marietas National Park maintains its vulnerable status. The fragility of the corals is of special concern, as they are highly sensitive to temperature changes, pollution and the effects of climate change. To strengthen the conservation of the islands, in 2007 the Islas Marietas National Park Management Program was published by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), developed in direct collaboration with our experts.
Another successful instrument for conservation tasks in the islands, based on a financing scheme, is the double bracelet model. Designed in collaboration with the Bahia Unida organization and 175 permit holders, it has been a key element for managing the tourist load and the weekly surveillance schemes. In addition, it was agreed to close the site to tourism for one day a week, which means the ecosystems will have this period to recover.
Of course, the intense conservation work in Islas Marietas is inspired by the explosion of life in its seas and coasts. Some of its emblematic species are the Brown Bobo (Sula leucogaster), which has its largest reproductive colony in Islas Marietas, and the Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus), which concentrates half of its population in these islands. The national park is also inhabited by numerous marine fauna species in risk categories: from the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaengliae) to the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Islas Marietas are home to reptiles endemic to Mexico, such as the Beef-footed Gecko (Phyllodactylus lanei), the Garrobo (Ctenosaura pectinata) and the Cloth-footed Gecko (Anolis nebulosus).
The 18th Anniversary of Islas Marietas National Park is a source of pride for conservation in Mexico. Join us in the fascinating task of maintaining this great ecosystem of northwestern Mexico.
