Tour· Islas Marías· Mexico
Puerto Balleto (Isla María Madre)
21° 38.1′ N · 106° 32.2′ W
The only town in the Islas Marías, a former prison colony now designated a Pueblo Mágico. Visitors tour the old maximum-security cells at Laguna del Toro, the salt works and the Cristo Rey statue above the harbor.
Practical
Reached only on the official ferry packages (about three hours from San Blas) or flights from Tepic. The pier, museum and town are in walking distance, and bikes rent for MXN 100 (2024). Playa Chapingo, near town, is the only beach where swimming is allowed, with lifeguards and palapas (cash pesos only). The Punta Halcones viewpoint is a sunset favorite. Coordinate is the ferry berth at the Puerto Balleto pier (OpenStreetMap).
Best for
A crew shore excursion from San Blas or Mazatlán on the official ferry
Nearby
- Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve (Restricted)27.9 NM away
- Isla Isabela National Park38.5 NM away
- Bahía Tiburoneros Landing (Isla Isabela)38.6 NM away
- Isla Isabela Crater Lake Lookout38.6 NM away
- Isla Isabela Park Rules (CONANP)38.6 NM away
- Isla Isabela South Anchorage38.6 NM away
- Isla Isabela East Anchorage38.8 NM away
- Las Monas Pinnacles (Isla Isabela)38.9 NM away