Four of the Forty Beaches

Often staying at a resort, people don’t consider a day at a different beach an activity worth leaving the hotel grounds for, but in Puerto Vallarta it can make for the perfect excursion.

Puerto Vallarta is home to over forty different beaches and each contains its own unique ambiance and activities for any traveler type. There is truly something for everyone. Here are four beaches to consider.

Boca de Tomates

The Amac river divides the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Here, north of the center of Puerto Vallarta and close to the airport, visitors can escape the crowds and see more wildlife than tanning tourists. The Tomates estuary is one of this area’s most important refuges for sea turtles and exotic birds in the area. Plus, the beach huts offer an authentic must try lunch; a grilled catch of the day fresh from the Bay.

Holi

Nicknamed because of the long time public access located next to the Holiday Inn hotel (remember all beaches in Mexico are public), the beach always draws a crowd. Yet, I tend to think its nickname is more fitting because of one Holiday week – Semana Santa. If you want to experience the true fiesta on Easter week here is where the party is.

Los Muertos

an afternon cerveza at playa los muertos

Located on the edge of the romantic zone in old town Puerto Vallarta, this beach seems to be the most popular in the city.  It translates to the ‘beach of the dead’ but there is nothing dead about the vibrant, lively, atmosphere found here. I find it is the best place to enjoy the sunset, listen to live beach combing musicians and sip cervezas.

Punta Negra

Located in the south part of the city, at the mouth of the Punta Negra river, it is a favorite with the locals and families. Here you can enjoy both the ocean waves and the slower, cooler river water too.  For tourists, you can see how locals enjoy the beach in Mexico.

Again, these are only four of the forty beaches around Puerto Vallarta. For more information on the beaches visit our Puerto Vallarta beach guide. And if you have questions or secrets about your favorite beach, we’d love to hear it.

Photos by Craig Zabransky

Craig travels around the world to write tales of travel aimed to encourage and inspire others to take and make adventure in their life. And after calling Mexico home for over a year, it secured a special place in his heart. He continues to return often and often considers it his second home. You can find more of his travels on his Stay Adventurous site and follow him on his Twitter: @stayadventurous..

Craig Zabransky

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Tagged as: Beaches, Boca de Tomates, Holi, Los Muertos, Punta Negra, Sunset