Puerto Vallarta is making progress on a project to establish a direct maritime route to Las Islas Marías, an emerging ecotourism destination. This new route would provide travelers with a third option for accessing the four-island archipelago, which is located 60 miles off the coast of Riviera Nayarit. Currently, the islands are only accessible from San Blas, Nayarit, and Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
On August 4, 2025, executives from the company TURIIMAR, including Frigate Captain Hugo Hebert Sánchez Mijangos, Captain Miguel Ángel Torres Guzmán, and Dayra Cervantes, visited the National Port System Administration (ASIPONA) facilities in Puerto Vallarta. They were welcomed by Admiral Juan Ortiz Guarneros, who confirmed that the port is perfectly suited to offer a high-quality and secure service for this new connection.
The Islas Marías, which served as a federal prison for over a century, is now a protected natural area. The archipelago was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010 for its unique and fragile ecosystem, which includes endemic flora and fauna, coral reefs, and diverse marine life such as more than 21 species of sharks and 10 varieties of rays.
Due to its delicate environment, the destination is designed for nature enthusiasts and academic visitors rather than large groups. The Ministry of Tourism has developed a range of activities and experiences for visitors to learn about the history of María Madre Island while promoting the conservation of its natural surroundings.
The repopulation of the federal territory is focused on ecological protection and conservation, with María Madre Island being the only inhabited island. The journey by boat to the islands will take between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the departure point and vessel.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador inaugurated the Islas Marías Tourist Center on María Madre Island on December 16, 2022. Until now, access has been limited to weekends via sea from Mazatlán and San Blas. The new route from Puerto Vallarta will offer a fresh alternative for exploring this exceptional destination, and details on offerings and promotions are expected to be announced soon. https://banderasnews.com/
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