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The Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a picturesque coastal city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and natural beauty. With so many great beaches to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one to visit. Whether you are looking for secluded beaches, water sports, beach clubs, or local restaurants, Puerto Vallarta has it all. In this article, we will explore the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta. It is a small beach located in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta, in the Romantic Zone. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and offers turquoise waters and white sand.

If you are a beach lover, Playa Los Muertos is the perfect place for you. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella and relax while watching the waves. You can also enjoy water sports such as jet skis, banana boat rides, and scuba diving.

If you are hungry, you can find many beach clubs and restaurants that offer delicious food and drinks. You can also find street vendors selling souvenirs and snacks.

One of the best things about Playa Los Muertos is that it is within walking distance of small hotels and restaurants. You can explore the surrounding area and discover the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta.

If you want to explore further, you can take a water taxi from Playa Los Muertos to Boca de Tomatlán. It is a small village located south of Puerto Vallarta. From there, you can hike to Playa Colomitos, a small cove that offers crystal-clear water and secluded beauty.

Boca de Tomatlan

Boca de Tomatlán is a small village located south of Puerto Vallarta. The only way to reach these remote beaches is by taking a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán.

One of the most popular beaches in Boca de Tomatlán is Playa Las Ánimas. It is a small beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun. The beach also offers great seafood and local restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Another beach worth visiting in Boca de Tomatlán is Playa El Caballo. This secluded beach offers gentle waves. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella or just lay down a towel and enjoy a good book while soaking up the sun.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also take a day trip to the Marietas Islands. A group of small islands located off the coast of Punta Mita. The islands offer some of the most beautiful beaches and rock formations in the area. As well as marine life such as sea turtles.

Boca de Tomatlán is also a great place to start your journey to the Sierra Madre Mountains. From there, you can hike to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and scenic views in the area. You can also visit the nearby town of Las Juntas y Los Veranos, which is known for its natural beauty and local markets.

Playa Camarones

Located in downtown Puerto Vallarta is Playa Camarones. It is a beautiful beach that is perfect for those who want to enjoy it without straying too far from the city. The beach is named after the Spanish word for shrimp, as it was once a popular spot for shrimp fishermen.

Despite its location, Playa Camarones is known for its calm waters and gentle waves. It’s a great spot for swimming and other water sports. You can rent jet skis, go on banana boat rides, or even scuba dive in crystal-clear waters.

One of the best things about Playa Camarones is its proximity to downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can easily walk to the beach from the heart of the city. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and beach clubs in the area. The beach is dotted with palm trees and surrounded by beautiful beaches like Los Muertos Beach and Conchas Chinas Beach.

If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, you can also take a water taxi from Playa Camarones to the nearby town of Boca de Tomatlan or Las Animas Beach, both of which offer secluded beaches and stunning natural beauty.

Playa Las Animas

Playa Las Animas is a small cove located south of Puerto Vallarta. It is accessible only by boat or water taxi. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering rock formations.

Playa Las Animas is also home to a number of local restaurants and beach clubs. It is where you can enjoy fresh seafood, cold drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a day trip to the nearby Marietas Islands. Or, you can take a hike in the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains. Where you’ll discover breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding area.

Playa Colomitos

Playa Colomitos is a hidden gem located just south of Puerto Vallarta. Accessible only by water taxi or by taking a hike through the jungle. This small beach is nestled in a cove surrounded by lush vegetation and towering rock formations. providing visitors with a sense of seclusion and tranquility.

The beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. It’s an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy water sports. Such as banana boat rides, jet skis, and scuba diving, which are available at nearby beach clubs.

One of the most unique features of Playa Colomitos is its small cove. Surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations. This creates a natural barrier that protects the beach from the waves and creates calm waters.

Playa Palmares

Playa Palmares is a small and secluded beach located just a short distance south of Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful beach is a great spot for beach lovers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.

The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, which make it a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as jet skis and banana boat rides, which are available at nearby beach clubs.

One of the unique features of Playa Palmares is the surrounding jungle, which creates a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by palm trees, and the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean make it a great place to unwind with a good book or take a peaceful stroll along the shoreline.

Despite its secluded location, Playa Palmares is still within walking distance of some excellent restaurants and street vendors. Visitors can enjoy local seafood dishes or try some of the delicious snacks and drinks sold by the vendors along the beach.

For those looking to stay overnight, there are a few small hotels and boutique hotels located near the beach, offering a more intimate and personalized experience. Playa Palmares is truly one of the best things about the Puerto Vallarta beaches, offering a beautiful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area.

Conchas Chinas Beach

Conchas Chinas Beach is another hidden gem located just a short distance south of Puerto Vallarta. This secluded beach is known for its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and stunning rock formations that line the shoreline.

Visitors to Conchas Chinas Beach can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing. The beach also has gentle waves, making it a great place for swimming and other water activities.

The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and palm trees, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. There are also a few local restaurants and beach clubs, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views.

Conchas Chinas Beach is a great spot for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more secluded beach experience. The small cove provides a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun, and the turquoise waters are a great place to cool off on a hot day.

For those looking to explore more of the surrounding area, Conchas Chinas Beach is a great starting point for a day trip to nearby attractions, such as the Marietas Islands or Punta de Mita. It is also a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more relaxed and secluded beach experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel zone.

Las Gemelas Beach

Las Gemelas Beach is another great beach option in Puerto Vallarta. This beach is actually two small beaches located side-by-side and is known for its calm waters and white sand. The beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and is a great place for beach lovers to spend the day.

The crystal-clear water at Las Gemelas Beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Visitors can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to relax and soak up the sun. There are also street vendors selling cold drinks and snacks for those looking for a quick bite to eat.

Las Gemelas Beach is surrounded by the stunning Sierra Madre mountains, providing a beautiful backdrop for those looking to take in the natural beauty of the area. The beach is also a great spot for those looking to go on a banana boat ride or jet ski adventure.

While Las Gemelas Beach can get crowded during the high season, it is still a great place to spend a day at the beach. The beach has a great atmosphere, with a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.

Las Gemelas Beach is located within walking distance of the heart of Puerto Vallarta and the Romantic Zone, making it a great spot to visit if you’re staying in the downtown area. There are also a few small hotels and boutique hotels in the surrounding area, offering visitors a chance to stay close to the beach.

Olas Altas

Olas Altas is a great beach option for those looking for a more laid-back and secluded experience. This small beach is located in the old town of Puerto Vallarta and is surrounded by palm trees and rock formations, providing a beautiful natural setting.

The gentle waves at Olas Altas make it a great spot for swimming and other water activities, such as paddleboarding or kayaking. The beach is also known for its crystal-clear water, which is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to relax and soak up the sun.

Olas Altas is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The beach has a small cove that provides a more private and secluded atmosphere. Visitors can also take a water taxi to nearby beaches, such as Conchas Chinas Beach and Los Muertos Beach.

The surrounding area of Olas Altas is filled with local restaurants, street vendors, and small hotels, making it an ideal place to stay for those looking for a more authentic experience in Puerto Vallarta. The beach is also within walking distance of the downtown area, where visitors can explore the art galleries, shops, and excellent restaurants.

For those interested in history, Olas Altas was also the location where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton filmed their movie “Night of the Iguana” in the 1960s. Visitors can explore the nearby streets and imagine themselves transported back in time to the golden age of Hollywood.

Playa Mismaloya

Playa Mismaloya is a hidden gem located on the southern end of Banderas Bay, just a short drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful beach is surrounded by the lush Sierra Madre Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, making it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

The beach is also known for its excellent water sports opportunities, such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. Visitors can rent equipment from local vendors and explore the crystal-clear water, which is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles and tropical fish.

In addition to its natural beauty, Playa Mismaloya also has a rich history. It was the location where the famous movie “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed in the 1960s, and visitors can still see remnants of the film set today. The beach is also home to several local restaurants, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine while taking in stunning views.

For those looking for a more secluded beach experience, Playa Mismaloya is an excellent option. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, and its calm waters make it a great spot for swimming and other water activities. Visitors can also take a water taxi to nearby beaches, such as Las Caletas Beach and the Marietas Islands.

There are several accommodation options available near Playa Mismaloya, including small boutique hotels and larger resorts. The surrounding area is also home to several attractions, such as the El Eden Canopy Tour and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, making it a great place to spend a day trip or weekend getaway.

Las Caletas Beach

Las Caletas Beach is a private beach and one of the most secluded beaches near Puerto Vallarta. Accessible only by boat, visitors can take a water taxi or book a tour through Vallarta Adventures to reach this hidden gem.

The beach is located in a small cove surrounded by lush greenery and towering palm trees. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In fact, the beach is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, making it a popular spot for snorkelers and divers alike.

Visitors can relax in a beach chair or hammock and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. For those looking for adventure, Las Caletas Beach offers a variety of water sports, including jet skis and banana boat rides. The gentle waves make it an ideal place for beginners to try their hand at surfing.

The surrounding area is filled with natural beauty, with the Sierra Madre Mountains rising up in the distance. The beach is also home to several excellent restaurants, serving fresh seafood and other local dishes. Visitors can also enjoy a massage or spa treatment at the beach’s on-site spa.

Las Caletas Beach is a great spot for a day trip or a romantic getaway. The beach is also a popular location for weddings and other special events. The secluded nature of the beach makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a private and intimate experience.

In addition to the beach, Las Caletas is also home to a zip line and an adventure park, making it a great destination for families and thrill-seekers. The beach is also close to the Marietas Islands and Punta Mita, two other popular destinations on the Pacific coast.

Boca de Tomates

Boca de Tomates is a hidden gem that not many tourists know about. It’s a secluded beach that is perfect for those who want to enjoy peace. The beach is located at the mouth of a small river, which is why it’s called Boca de Tomates. This area is also known for its incredible birdwatching opportunities, with a variety of species that can be spotted.

To get to Boca de Tomates, the only way is by water taxi or private boat. Which adds to its remote and untouched appeal. The beach is also home to various marine life, including sea turtles that nest on the shore.

There are no beach clubs or restaurants in Boca de Tomates, so it’s important to bring your own food and drinks. However, there are local restaurants in the surrounding area where you can find some delicious seafood and other Mexican dishes. You can also buy snacks and drinks from street vendors who set up shop along the beach.

Punta Mita

Punta Mita is a stunning destination located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Known for its luxurious resorts and private villas. This secluded beach town is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility and exclusivity. With crystal-clear water and white sand beaches, Punta Mita is a paradise for beach lovers.

One of the best things about Punta Mita is its surrounding area. The town is situated on a peninsula, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Banderas Bay on the other. This means that visitors can enjoy both gentle waves and calm waters, depending on where they go. The beach is also a great spot for water sports, such as surfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.

Punta Mita is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Including the secluded and remote beach of Playa Careyeros. This small cove is ideal for those looking for a more private beach experience. The area is also known for scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, with an abundance of marine life including sea turtles.

Aside from the natural beauty, Punta Mita also offers great dining options. The town is also home to boutique hotels and private villas, perfect for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

For those looking to explore the surrounding area, Punta Mita is a great base for day trips. Nearby attractions include the Marietas Islands, a protected nature reserve known for its hidden beach. And the town of Sayulita, a small village known for its bohemian vibe and surf culture.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, is one of the most unique and secluded beaches in Puerto Vallarta. It is located in the Marietas Islands, which are a group of small, uninhabited islands off the coast of Punta Mita.

The only way to reach this hidden gem is by taking a boat tour or a water taxi. As you approach the island, you’ll see a small cove with crystal-clear water and a rocky archway that leads to the beach. Once you arrive, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Hidden Beach is a great spot for escaping the crowds and enjoying a peaceful day on the sand. The gentle waves and calm waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the caves and tunnels that dot the island. Or take a guided kayak tour to see the sea turtles and other marine life that call this area home.

While there are no facilities on Hidden Beach, there are plenty of local restaurants and beach clubs nearby. For a more upscale experience, there are also several boutique hotels and luxury resorts in the surrounding area.

Playa Conchas Chinas

Playa Conchas Chinas is a gorgeous and secluded beach located just south of Puerto Vallarta. One of the best things about Playa Conchas Chinas is that it is not as crowded as some of the more popular beaches in the area. The small cove offers a more intimate setting. There are several small hotels and boutique hotels in the surrounding area. As well as excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and other local specialties.

Playa Conchas Chinas is also a great place for water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and banana boat rides. The crystal-clear water provides excellent visibility for observing marine life. Including sea turtles, which can often be spotted swimming in the area.

If you’re looking for a more remote beach experience, a day trip to Playa Conchas Chinas is the way to go. The only way to access the beach is by water taxi, which adds to the adventure of the trip. Along the way, you’ll pass by other beautiful beaches and coves. Including Boca de Tomates and Boca de Tomatlan, which are also worth exploring.

Playa Conchas Chinas is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, in the vicinity of the Romantic Zone. It is where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton once had a home. There are plenty of street vendors and local restaurants within walking distance.

Puerto Vallarta has some of the best beaches in Mexico. Whether you are looking for secluded beaches, water sports, beach clubs, or local restaurants, Puerto Vallarta has it all. From the popular Los Muertos Beach to the hidden Playa Colomitos, there is a beach for everyone. So pack your sunscreen, grab a good book, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful beaches.

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