Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Its stunning beaches are one of its biggest draws for tourists from all over the world. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an adventure-packed day of water sports, Puerto Vallarta has a beach that is perfect for you.
With so many beaches to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit during your vacation. In this article, we will explore some of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta to help you plan your perfect beach day. From secluded coves to popular tourist spots, there is something for everyone.
Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you are looking for golden sand, white sand, swimming, snorkeling, water sports, relaxing, surfing, hiking, umbrellas, chairs, marine life, safety, kids, public beach, wildlife, or budget-friendly options, you will find it all here. In this section, we will explore some of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta that offer something for everyone.
Playa de los Muertos
Playa de los Muertos, also known as Beach of the Dead, is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta. It is located in the Romantic Zone and offers a lively atmosphere, plenty of restaurants and bars, and a wide range of water sports activities. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Conchas Chinas Beach
Conchas Chinas Beach is a secluded and serene beach that is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat. It is located south of Puerto Vallarta and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It also has a few restaurants and bars that serve delicious food and drinks.
Garza Blanca Beach
Garza Blanca Beach is a hidden gem that is located just south of Puerto Vallarta. It is a small cove that offers a lovely sandy strip and rocky areas to relax on. From the beach, you can also see the Arcos de Mismaloyas, a few free-standing rock islands whose waters are perfect for snorkeling and sighting marine life.
Las Gemelas
Las Gemelas is a beautiful beach that is located in the south of Puerto Vallarta. It is a perfect spot for those who want to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It is also a great place for families with kids as the water is shallow and safe.
Las Caletas Beach
Las Caletas Beach is a secluded beach that can only be accessed by boat. It is located south of Puerto Vallarta and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by lush green forests and crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It also has a few restaurants and bars that serve delicious food and drinks.
Playa Majahuitas
Playa Majahuitas is a beautiful beach that is located south of Puerto Vallarta. It is a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in a secluded and peaceful environment. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It is also a great place for families with kids as the water is shallow and safe.
Playa Palmares
Playa Palmares is a beautiful beach that is located in the north of Puerto Vallarta. It is a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in a peaceful and quiet environment. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It also has a few restaurants and bars that serve delicious food and drinks.
Playa Camarones
Playa Camarones is a popular beach that is located in the north of Puerto Vallarta. It is a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in a lively and bustling environment. The beach is surrounded by a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops that offer a variety of food, drinks, and souvenirs. It is also a great place for families with kids as it has a playground and other amenities.
Hidden Beaches
Puerto Vallarta has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and some of them are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the best hidden beaches to visit while in Puerto Vallarta.
Boca de Tomatlan
Boca de Tomatlan is a small fishing village located about 10 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. This hidden beach can only be accessed by water taxi, making it a secluded spot for those looking for a peaceful getaway. Visitors can also go kayaking or take a boat tour to explore the nearby coves and beaches.
Playa Colomitos
Playa Colomitos is a small, secluded beach located just south of Boca de Tomatlan. This hidden gem is only accessible by boat or by hiking the steep trail that leads down to the beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the clear waters.
Las Animas
Las Animas is a beautiful beach located about 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. This hidden beach can be accessed by water taxi or by hiking the scenic trail that leads to the beach. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Yelapa
Yelapa is a small fishing village located about 30-40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. This hidden beach can only be accessed by boat, making it a secluded spot for those looking for a peaceful getaway. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby waterfalls and jungle.
Playa Quimixto
Playa Quimixto is a hidden gem located about 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. This secluded beach can only be accessed by boat or by hiking the scenic trail that leads to the beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby waterfalls and jungle.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled day, these hidden beaches in Puerto Vallarta offer something for everyone. Visitors can take a water taxi or go kayaking to explore the nearby coves and beaches, or join an ecotour to learn more about the local flora and fauna. With so many outdoor activities to enjoy, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Punta Mita
Punta Mita is a luxurious resort town located on the northern tip of Banderas Bay, just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta. This exclusive destination boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, attracting visitors from around the world.
Punta de Mita
Punta de Mita is the main beach in the area, offering crystal-clear waters and soft sand. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Intermediate and advanced surfers will enjoy the challenging waves, while beginners can take lessons from local instructors.
Playa del Amor
Also known as the Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor is a secluded cove located on the Marietas Islands. Visitors can only access it by swimming or kayaking through a tunnel in the rock formations. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Islas Marietas
The Marietas Islands are a group of small volcanic islands located off the coast of Punta Mita. They are a protected national park, home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the islands and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Playa Flamingos
Located in the nearby town of Nuevo Vallarta, Playa Flamingos is a long and wide beach with golden sand and calm waters. It’s a popular spot for families with children, as well as those looking for a quieter beach experience. Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and enjoy water activities such as parasailing and jet skiing.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Punta Mita offers a range of other activities and attractions. Golf enthusiasts can play on one of the two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, while fishing enthusiasts can charter a boat and try their luck at catching marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Whale watching tours are also popular during the winter months, when humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay.
Romantic Zone
Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area. This charming neighborhood is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta and is known for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. The Romantic Zone is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of activities and attractions.
Zona Romántica
The Zona Romántica is the center of the LGBTQ scene in Puerto Vallarta. This vibrant neighborhood is home to many bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to the LGBTQ community. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town, sipping wine or tequila, dancing to live music, or soaking in a Jacuzzi. The Zona Romántica is also home to many art galleries and boutiques, making it a great place to shop for unique souvenirs.
Old Town
The Old Town area of the Romantic Zone is a charming and historic part of Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleyways, admiring the colonial architecture and colorful buildings. Old Town is also home to many restaurants and cafes, offering a wide range of cuisine options. Visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling neighborhood.
Malecon
The Malecon is a popular boardwalk that runs along the beach in the Romantic Zone. Visitors can stroll along the Malecon, taking in the stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The Malecon is also home to many sculptures and art installations, making it a great spot for art lovers. Visitors can also enjoy street performers, musicians, and other entertainers who often perform along the Malecon.
Overall, the Romantic Zone is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Puerto Vallarta. With its charming streets, lively atmosphere, and wide range of activities and attractions, the Romantic Zone has something to offer everyone.
Nayarit
Nayarit is a state in Mexico that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It is located just north of Puerto Vallarta and is easily accessible by car or bus. There are several popular destinations in Nayarit, including Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and the Amezcua River.
Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta is a resort town located in Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. It is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and world-class golf courses. The beaches in Nuevo Vallarta are long and wide, with soft white sand and clear blue water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports, including parasailing and jet skiing.
Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Pacific Ocean in Nayarit. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, including Bucerias, Punta Mita, and Sayulita. The beaches in Riviera Nayarit are known for their soft sand, clear water, and excellent surfing conditions. Visitors can also take fishing boats out to sea to catch a variety of fish, including tuna and marlin.
Amezcua River
The Amezcua River is a beautiful body of water that runs through the state of Nayarit. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, which can be seen sunning themselves on the riverbanks. Visitors can take boat tours down the river to see these creatures up close, as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery and lush vegetation that surrounds the river.
Overall, Nayarit is an excellent destination for anyone looking for beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, and a taste of Mexican culture. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the natural beauty of the region, Nayarit has something to offer everyone.
When to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a year-round destination with a tropical climate, warm temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. That being said, there are some factors to consider when planning your visit to the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
April
April is a popular time to visit Puerto Vallarta, but it comes with crowds and high prices. The weather is warm with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. The beaches are busy with spring breakers, so expect a lively atmosphere.
Fall
Fall is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta for those looking to avoid the crowds. The weather is still warm with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. September and October are the rainiest months, but the showers are usually short-lived and won’t interfere with your beach time.
December
December is another popular time to visit Puerto Vallarta, but it’s also the start of the high season. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. December is a great time to see humpback whales as they migrate to Banderas Bay for their mating season.
Overall, the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and don’t mind the crowds, April and December are great options. If you prefer a more relaxed and peaceful vacation, consider visiting in the fall.
Services
Visitors to Puerto Vallarta’s beaches will find a variety of services available to enhance their experience. Here are some of the most common services:
- Restaurants: Many beaches have restaurants that offer a variety of food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Mexican cuisine, and international dishes while taking in the beautiful views of the ocean.
- Bars: Beach bars offer a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer, a tropical cocktail, or a refreshing smoothie while lounging on the beach.
- Shops: Some beaches have small shops that sell souvenirs, beachwear, and other items. Visitors can buy a hat, sunglasses, or a beach towel to make their beach day more comfortable.
- Condos: Some beaches have condos or resorts nearby where visitors can stay for a longer period of time. These accommodations offer amenities such as pools, spas, and fitness centers.
- Diving: Puerto Vallarta is known for its excellent diving opportunities. Visitors can rent equipment or take a guided tour to explore the underwater world.
Most beaches also offer public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Some beaches have lifeguards on duty, while others do not. Visitors should always be cautious when swimming in the ocean and follow any posted warnings or guidelines.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches offer a variety of services to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking to relax, eat delicious food, or explore the underwater world, there’s something for everyone.
