10 Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for beach lovers, with a variety of options to suit every taste and mood. Whether you are looking for a swimmable beach, a secluded cove, a lively spot, or a scenic view, you will find it in Puerto Vallarta. Here are 10 of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta that you should not miss on your next vacation.

1. Los Muertos Beach

Playa de los Muertos is the most popular and famous beach in Puerto Vallarta, located in the heart of the Romantic Zone. It is a long stretch of golden sand, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. You can enjoy the sun, the sea, and the lively atmosphere, as well as various water sports and activities. You can also walk along the pier and admire the views of the bay and the city.

2. Conchas Chinas Beach

Conchas Chinas is a beach located south of Playa de los Muertos, named after the shells that cover its shore. It is divided into several sections by rocky formations that create natural pools and coves. The water is crystal clear and calm, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is quiet and secluded, offering stunning views of the bay. Conchas Chinas is one of the most exclusive and elegant neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, with luxury villas and condos overlooking the ocean. It is a perfect place to enjoy some privacy and tranquility in a beautiful setting.

3. Las Gemelas Beach

Playa Las Gemelas is a hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta, located south of the city near the Garza Blanca Resort. It is actually composed of two small beaches, separated by a rocky outcrop. The water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The sand is soft and white, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green. It is a peaceful and relaxing place to escape the crowds.

4. Palmares Beach

Playa Palmares is a beach located south of Puerto Vallarta, near the Hyatt Ziva Resort. Enjoy swimmable waters, shaded loungers, and the chance to indulge in delectable local cuisine, making it the quintessential spot for a leisurely beach day.

5. Garza Blanca Beach

Garza Blanca’s beauty lies in its exclusivity and refined ambiance. This private swimmable beach boasts pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and upscale amenities. Whether you’re sipping cocktails or snorkeling, you’ll relish the luxury it offers.

6. Mismaloya Beach

Mismaloya is a historic beach in Puerto Vallarta, where the famous movie “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed in 1964 by renowned American filmmaker John Huston. The movie put Puerto Vallarta on the map as an international tourist destination and changed the fate of Mismaloya and its inhabitants. The beach is located south of the city, in a small bay surrounded by hills and jungle. The beach is small and cozy, with fine sand and clear water. You can swim, snorkel, or take a boat ride to nearby attractions such as Los Arcos or Las Animas.

7. Camarones Beach

Playa Camarones is a beach located north of the Malecon, in downtown Puerto Vallarta. It is one of the few certified Blue Flag beaches in Puerto Vallarta, which means that it meets high standards of cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. The beach is spacious and clean, with soft sand and moderate waves. You can swim, sunbathe, or join a yoga class on the beach.

8. Punta Mita

Punta De Mita is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, north of Puerto Vallarta. It is home to some of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches in Puerto Vallarta, as well as luxury resorts and golf courses. The water is warm and turquoise, and the waves are gentle and consistent. You can surf, paddle board, kayak, or fish, or just relax on the pristine sand.

9. Colomitos Beach

Colomitos is a small hidden jewel close to Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by boat or hiking trail. It is a tiny beach with clear sand and emerald water, surrounded by lush jungle and a small waterfall. Colomitos is ideal for those who love nature and adventure, as well as for those who want to escape the crowds and relax in a peaceful cove. You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on the beach, or visit the nearby village of Yelapa for more activities and attractions. Colomitos is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta for its combination of isolation and natural beauty.

10. Yelapa

Yelapa is a remote village south of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by boat or hiking trail. It is a place where you can experience the authentic Mexican culture and lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach is long and sandy, with palm trees and hammocks. You can swim in the calm water or visit the nearby waterfall.

From the bustling Playa Los Muertos to the serene Yelapa, Puerto Vallarta beaches offer an array of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires.