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Discover the Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
04 Dec 2018
By Danielle Gunner
A famous watersport resort, Puerto Vallarta lies on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Its unique mix of picturesque shell covered stretches and lengthy golden sand spots rival some of the world’s best beaches.
Coconut-filled palm trees decorate the shoreside, while super-sized boats and surfing enthusiasts fill the azure waters. Whether you’re searching for an off-the-beaten-track spot, an all-singing, all-dancing promenade or Mexico’s finest coral reefs – here are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Los Muertos Beach
Location: Just south of the Cuale River awaits the most central beach in Puerto Vallarta. Holidaymakers will be in awe of the surrounding action-packed promenade, dramatic landscapes and adrenaline-filled watersports. You’re close to all of the spot’s biggest attractions in this Mexican resort – beach days have never been so exciting!
Why visit? When it comes to beaches, this lively spot won’t disappoint. A natural beauty with its idyllic white grains and wild waves, there’s more than just glamour to this Spanish stretch. Beach clubs come in an abundance here with the likes of Mangos, Mantamar and El Solar providing a vibrant party atmosphere.
It’s one of the most popular destinations in the area and is dominated by an impressive colourful pier. When you’re not soaking up the sizzling sun Mexico is renowned for, head straight for the banana boats, jet skis and speed boats.
How to get there: Luckily for those searching for a holiday to Puerto Vallarta, you’ve got a selection of hotels perched directly along this seafront, so you won’t have to travel far. However, for those a little further afield this stretch is easily accessible by car or taxi.
Hotels close to Los Muertos Beach
- Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort: Alongside its mesmerising sea views, this 5 star complex takes All Inclusive to a whole new level. Feast in numerous restaurants, dive into the huge pool and enjoy a spa treatment or two.
- Melia Puerto Vallarta: This one’s perfect for the kids, with a playground and activity programme entertaining you and your little ones throughout the day – there’s never a dull moment at this hotel.
- Barcelo Puerto Vallarta: This scenic beauty places you near the Mexican rainforest and a flip flops throw away from the beach. Boasting 5 stars for its first-class service and facilities, the Barcelo hotel is a top choice.
Best for: Families, shopping, bars and restaurants
Colomitos Beach
Location: One of the many hidden beaches in Puerto Vallarta, this remote patch of sand is a one kilometre hike south from the resort centre. Tackle the jungle-like terrain yourself or join a group of holidaymakers on an excursion to this beautiful spot – trust us, you won’t want to miss out!
Why visit? Not your typical bustling resort stretch, Colomitos is a secluded beach and one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Almost everyone that knows about this place wants to keep it a secret, which is hardly surprising with its clear emerald waters, surrounding waterfalls and hidden creeks that will entice you to explore this mesmerising coastline.
Snorkeling and diving is favoured at this unspoiled stretch, spot tropical rainbow wrasses or pufferfish as you swim through the coral reefs. After all that adventure, check out the newly opened Ocean Grill Restaurant and capture Instagram-worthy views from above the sand.
How to get there: Hiking not for you? You can also reach this exclusive beach via a water taxi from Boca Bay.
Best for: Something unique and secluded
Need to know: Hiking boots at the ready! This trail can be quite steep, so comfortable footwear is essential. If you’re taking the water taxi, you’ll be charged a couple of dollars.
See for yourself what this breathtakingly beautiful coastline has to offer!
Conchas Chinas Beach
Location: Just two minutes south of the Zona Romantica, also known as Puerto Vallarta’s ‘Romantic Zone’ or ‘Old Town Vallarta’, you’ll find this striking shoreline.
Why visit? Conchas Chinas means ‘chinese shells’, which is extremely fitting as this beach is made up of them. It’s an idyllic wedding spot, which says a lot about its beauty. This coastline boasts natural rock formations, a Blue Flag status and is said to be the most romantic sand spot in the area – just a few of the perks of this magnificent stretch.
This beach combines two geographical highlights, the surrounding wild jungle of Sierra Madre and sapphire Pacific Ocean creating one of Mexico’s most sought-after beaches. In fact, the crystalline, shallow waters here are favoured among families and watersport fans.
How to get there: It’s easily accessible via bus or uber, but for those feeling adventurous holidaymakers can follow the coastline from Los Muertos Beach by foot.
Hotels close to Conchas Chinas Beach
- Now Amber Puerto Vallarta: Seven restaurants, four bars and delightful ocean views all await at this fancy 5 star establishment.
- RIU Vallarta: Holiday in style at this RIU hotel perched directly on the beach. Its castle-like architecture, sports facilities and swim-up bar make it a top choice in Puerto Vallarta.
- San Marino: Combine the perfect setting with topical cocktails and an All Inclusive buffet at the San Marino hotel.
Best for: Families, restaurants and bars
Need to know: The bus to Conchas Chinas costs roughly 40 cent or 8 Mexican pesos.
Playa Mismaloya
Location: Just nine miles from the centre of Puerto Vallarta, this jungle-fringed cove is located at the point where the Mismaloya River meets the Pacific Ocean.
Why visit? Once a quaint fishing destination, now one of Mexico’s most popular beaches. Its claim to fame began back in 1963 when it featured in the film ‘Night of the Iguana’ and the 1987 movie ‘Predator’ starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tourists have been flocking here ever since to spot their favourite Hollywood film stars.
A renowned paddle boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving destination, water fanatics can enjoy the calm azure waters that this 300-metre beach has on offer. Just moments away find the ecological reserve of Los Arcos, a set of rock islands, which are home to unique species.
How to get there: Start at Puerto Vallarta’s ‘Romantic Zone’, where you can catch one of the orange buses to Mismaloya. Alternatively, hire a car and follow the cobblestone roads directly to the beach.
Best for: Watersports
Playa Camarones Beach
Location: In the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, Playa Camarones Beach is a fun-filled stretch. Also known as ‘Shrimp Beach’, this sand spot is just north of Playa de Los Muertos, which is just footsteps from the town center of Puerto Vallarta.
Why visit? As the name suggests, you’ll find some of the finest seafood restaurants along this shoreline grilling freshly caught bait on the barbecue – a foodie’s paradise. It’s renowned for its affordable restaurants and bars, making it the perfect coastal spot for families and couples alike.
Thrill-seekers will find a number of exciting water activities to fill any beach day with delight. Parasail, jet ski or navigate a pedal boat across the clear sapphire waters, while others sunbathe under the sizzling Mexican sun.
How to get there: Stay in nearby accommodation or head for the resort centre for direct access to Playa Camarones Beach. You can always opt for a taxi, park in a nearby restaurant or along the promenade if you’ve hired a car.
Best for: Tranquility and watersports
Need to know: Rent a sunlounger and parasol for the day for around 12 US Dollars or 250 Mexican pesos.
Suncream at the ready, it’s time to check out the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta for yourself!
