In my earlier years as a professor of natural history and ornithology, I regularly traveled with students to unique ecological treasures around the world. The Marieta Islands is such a place, one of the best sanctuaries in Mexico for observing sea birds. Beautiful and distinctive craggy cliffs, recesses and caves provide nesting sites and homes for the islands’ avian inhabitants.
Many of the ninety-two species of resident, nesting and migratory birds, including an abundant population of the Blue-footed Booby, Red-footed Booby, Yellow-footed Booby, and the Brown Booby, can be observed there depending on the season. Because the Marietas are protected, marine life around the island is equally rich and possible to see. The surrounding waters are a fertile feeding and breeding ground for whales, sea turtles, manta rays, octopus, dolphins and thousands of tropical fish.
Boats available to transport people to the islands can be hired in Sayulita or Anclote, also known as the town of Punta Mita. The staff of Sayulita Magazine enjoyed a cruise, arranged by the St. Regis Resort with Punta Mita Expeditions. It was a magnificent ocean adventure to the magical ecosystem that combined the best of raw nature and viewing from a comfortable 29-foot long boat operated by a seasoned captain and crew.
The journey took us close to blowholes where we could feel the concussion of waves on land, very near to rock formations carved by water and wind, and along side of birds nestled amongst the land’s weathered features. A catered lunch prepared by Chef Sylvain Debois’ staff at St. Regis Punta Mita was a delicious treat. Punta Mita Expeditions’ environmental awareness, knowledge of the area and appreciation of the ecosystem along with a recommendation from the resort made selecting and booking with them an easy choice. (www.puntamitaexpeditions.com)
The archipelago consists of two uninhabited islands–Long Island (40 hectares/98 acres) and Round Island (20 hectares/49 acres)—along with many small rocks and pinnacles spread over its 1,400 hectares (approx. 3,450 acres) territory. Located in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Punta Mita, it is visible from the St. Regis Resort and other coastal towns and locations.
The Marieta Islands were originally formed by volcanic activity during the Cretaceous Period, millions of years ago. In the early 1900s, the Mexican government used them for military testing. Repeated bombings and explosions created craters adding to unique rock formations from years of weathering and waves. Hollowed out pockets of rock exposed to the sea have formed blowholes. The pounding of the sea meeting the land produces thunderous collisions and brilliant displays of nature’s power.
Legendary marine scientist Jacques Cousteau’s international outcry in the late 1960s to the bombings eventually led to the islands being protected. In 2005, Mexico officially designated it as a national park. Parque Nacional Islas Marietas limits fishing, hunting and human activity throughout its land and sea environment.
It is believed that pirates visited the islands and whale hunters likely also used them as camps. The primary commercial use historically has been the harvesting of tons of guano. The bird droppings deposited on the island are a valuable fertilizer. Its ammonia- like smell can sometimes be detected upon arrival, depending on the wind and weather.
Hundreds of people travel to the islands each day to look for whales, watch the birds and to enjoy swimming, snorkeling and picnicking, as well as scuba diving and fishing. Some visitors swim to the hidden beach through a rock arch separating the lagoon from the ocean. Beach access is dependent on the tide, wind and waves, as well as the number of people there at any one time.
The Marieta Islands are a fascinating national treasure. Ecologically it is one of the most important natural sites in all of Mexico and an amazing, accessible resource. A visit to this special place is a unique opportunity for visitors to the area to enjoy a day at sea.
The staff was fortunate to have traveled there to witness a glorious spectacle, and be immersed in the awe-inspiring magic and mysticism of nature that is the Marieta Islands.
