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March 23, 2023

Top 10 Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta in 2023

Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Mexico.  Visitors can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches. 

Puerto Vallarta has a beach for everyone, whether you're looking for a lively and vibrant beach scene or a secluded and peaceful retreat.  There's a beach for every type of traveler, from the bustling and popular Playa Los Muertos to the hidden and quiet Playa Colomitos

So pack your bathing suit and sunscreen and get ready to dive into the warm waters of Puerto Vallarta's top 10 beaches:

CAMARONES

Camarones Beach is known for its soft, golden sand, crystal clear water, and lively ambiance.  The warm waters of Playa Camarones offer a variety of water activities. Swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding and kayaking are all available.  There are also several vendors that rent equipment and offer guided tours.

The beach is known for its lively and festive atmosphere. There's live music, street performers and vendors selling delicious seafood snacks and drinks.  The beach also creates a fun and welcoming atmosphere for visitors as it is a popular place for locals to meet and socialize.

Playa Camarones proudly holds the international Blue Flag certification.  Visitors can be assured of the beach's water quality and safety, as this certification demonstrates the beach's commitment to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.

Camarones Beach is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.  It is close to Parque Hidalgo and the Malecon.  There are several hotels, restaurants and shops nearby and it is easily accessible by foot, taxi or public transportation.

 

LOS MUERTOS

What sets Los Muertos Beach apart from other beaches in Puerto Vallarta is its lively atmosphere.  The energy is contagious and the beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. 

Visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and vendors who sell souvenirs and handmade arts and crafts.  Locals and visitors alike flock to the beach, making it a great spot for people-watching.

A variety of facilities, including restrooms, showers, and umbrellas, are available at Los Muertos Beach. Visitors can also rent lounge chairs and purchase snacks from beach vendors.  In addition, the beach has lifeguard patrols for the safety of all visitors.

One of Los Muertos Beach's highlights is Los Muertos Pier, an impressive structure extending into the Pacific Ocean.  The pier is a popular fishing spot. Visitors can rent fishing equipment from local vendors.  The pier is also a great place to take pictures, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Los Muertos Beach is located in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta.  It is easily accessible for visitors as it is only a 20 minute drive from the International Airport. The beach is close to many hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions. This makes it a convenient spot for those who want to explore the area.

 

CONCHAS CHINAS

The beach of Conchas Chinas is located just south of Puerto Vallarta, in a secluded cove surrounded by lush greenery and stunning rock formations.  The area is quiet and peaceful. It is an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Conchas Chinas Beach is home to a wide variety of marine life.  Colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and even dolphins can be seen.  Snorkeling, where visitors can explore the vibrant coral reefs and observe marine life up close, is a popular activity at the beach.  In addition to snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are among the many water activities available at Conchas Chinas Beach.  

Easily accessible by car or taxi, Conchas Chinas Beach is located a short distance south of Playa Los Muertos.  The beach is located off the main highway.  There is a small parking lot for visitors. 

Conchas Chinas Beach is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a peaceful and scenic beach experience.

LAS GEMELAS

This stunning beach is known for its crystal clear waters, soft golden sand, and beautiful rock formations. 

Las Gemelas Beach is located south of Puerto Vallarta.  Surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs, the beach is tucked away in a secluded cove. The area is quiet and peaceful.  This makes it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the crowds of other beaches in the area.

A variety of water activities including swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are available at Las Gemelas Beach.  The beach is an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts as it is known for its clear waters.

Las Gemelas Beach can be reached by driving or taking a taxi from Downtown Puerto Vallarta or the Romantic Zone.  The beach is located off the main highway and there is a small parking lot available for visitors. 

Alternatively, visitors can take the Mismaloya route bus to the beach, which leaves from the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitucion streets in the Romantic Zone.

PALMARES

Palmares Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations for beach lovers.  With calm waters, golden sand, a variety of water activities, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder it's a favorite among those visiting the area. 

Palmares Beach is an ideal spot for families with children, as it is known for its calm waters.  Visitors can swim, paddleboard, kayak, and also have access to equipment rentals at the beach from local vendors.

Palmares Beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification. The Blue Flag is given to beaches that meet strict environmental and safety standards.  This certification ensures that the beach is clean, safe and well maintained.  This makes it an ideal spot for visitors who are concerned about sustainability and environmental responsibility.

From downtown Puerto Vallarta, take Highway 200 for approximately 4 miles to reach Playa Palmares.  You will be greeted by magnificent ocean views.  Be sure to stop at one of the many rest areas along the way.  Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay!

The beach is located off the main highway.  There is a small parking lot for visitors.

Palmares beach

 

BOCA DE TOMATLAN

Boca de Tomatlan Beach is a popular boarding point for pangas, or water taxis, that take visitors to nearby beaches south of Puerto Vallarta that are only accessible by boat.  This makes Boca de Tomatlán Beach a great starting point for visitors who want to explore the more remote and secluded beaches in the area.

Boca de Tomatlán Beach is known for its crystal clear waters, golden sand and stunning mountain views.  The beach is located in a small fishing village. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and towering cliffs.  The area is quiet and peaceful.  This makes it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the crowds of other beaches in the area.

Boca de Tomatlán offers a variety of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.  Visitors can also rent equipment from local vendors. There are also many guided tours that depart from the beach. 

Located about 12 miles south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Boca de Tomatlan Beach is easily accessible by car.  The drive takes approximately 20 minutes and there is a small parking lot available for visitors.  As an alternative, visitors can take a local bus to the beach, which departs from the Romantic Zone.

COLOMITOS

Colomitos Beach is a hidden gem south of Puerto Vallarta.  Nestled in a small cove surrounded by jungle, the beach is only accessible by boat from Los Muertos Pier or by hiking.  Because of its secluded location, it's often less crowded than other beaches in the area and offers visitors a peaceful and quiet beach experience.

Colomitos is a small beach. However, there are still plenty of water activities to enjoy. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the clear bay waters and explore nearby rock formations. 

Colomitos is located approximately 13 miles south of the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta.  For those who prefer to explore the area on foot, Colomitos Beach is also accessible via a scenic hiking trail. The trail offers stunning views of the jungle and coastline. 

The trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and begins near Boca de Tomatlan Beach.  Although the trail is of moderate difficulty, it's important to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for the hike.

LAS CALETAS

Las Caletas Beach is located about 12 miles south of downtown Puerto Vallarta.  The beach is a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds of other beaches in the area as it is only accessible by boat.

Visitors can take a tour with Vallarta Adventures or rent a private boat from one of the many tour operators to reach Las Caletas Beach.  The tour includes transportation to and from the beach and departs from the Maritime Terminal.

The world famous Vallarta Adventures tour includes a variety of activities and amenities as well as a scenic boat ride to the beach for a delicious buffet lunch and drinks at the open bar. 

A variety of water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding are also included in the Vallarta Adventures tour.  Visitors can also enjoy cultural and ecological activities.  These include a visit to a sea turtle sanctuary and a guided nature walk.

YELAPA

Yelapa is a charming fishing village located on the south shore of the Banderas Bay, approximately 20 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.  Accessible only by boat, this tranquil and picturesque destination offers various water activities including snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking.  

The village also offers a unique opportunity to explore the local marine life and to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day on the beach.

To get to Yelapa from downtown Puerto Vallarta, you can take a water taxi or rent a private boat from Boca de Tomatlán, located about 30 minutes south of downtown.  The boat ride takes about 45 minutes and offers a breathtaking view of the coast and the surrounding mountains.  

Visitors should plan to spend at least one full day in Yelapa. This is the best way to experience all that the village has to offer.

A must-see attraction for any visitor to the village is the Yelapa Waterfalls.  A short hike through the lush jungle will lead you to a series of cascading waterfalls.  The waterfalls are perfect for swimming, relaxing, taking in the beautiful scenery, and are also the perfect place to cool off after a day of water activities and experiencing the natural beauty of the area.

The delicious Yelapa pie is one of the most popular local delicacies.  These pies are a must for anyone visiting the village, made with fresh ingredients and baked daily.  Visitors can sample a variety of flavors including apple, coconut and banana at the village's many bakeries and restaurants.

PLAYA DE ORO

A beautiful beach that is known for its sparkling golden sand, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.  If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sun, Playa de Oro is the perfect place to go.

Playa de Oro Beach offers a wide range of water activities.  These include snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.  Equipment rentals and guided tours are also available at the beach.

Playa de Oro Beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Certification.  This award is only given to beaches that meet strict environmental, safety and quality standards.  There are lifeguards and clearly marked areas for swimming and other water activities. 

The beach is located in the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta and is close to many hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions, making it a convenient location for those who want to explore the area.

Playa de oro

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