Puerto Vallarta Beaches-

Puerto Vallarta offers the water lover an astounding diversity of choices in both beaches themselves and beach activities.  Everything from snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, and fishing can be found along these shores.    Because Puerto Vallarta is situated on the second largest bay in all of North America, The Bay of Banderas, it offers a staggering total of over 40 different, individual beaches from which to choose.  Each location has its own unique ambience and qualities, and there is something in Puerto Vallarta for somewhere for water lovers from all walks of life.  

One of the more popular beaches just north of Puerto Vallarta is The Playa de Oro.  It has a wide, sandy shoreline broken up occasionally by small rocky areas.  Locals love this beach as much as guests.  Its central location to the Marina and Puerto Vallarta itself make it a something of a hub for a wide diversity of water sports.

Most people who prefer peace and quiet over large crowds tend to travel north of Puerto Vallarta.  Here, the beaches have been impacted much less by tourism.  They offer amazing views of the Sunset over Banderas Bay.  For surfers, they also have some of the most powerful surf.  Winds along these beaches combine with the waves in such a way as to make them ideal for windsurfing.

Two of Puerto Vallarta’s more popular northern beaches are Destiladeras and Los Venaderos.   Both have ideal water conditions for snorkeling.  Also, The Las Marietas Islands, located just offshore, have been preserved as bird sanctuaries by the Mexican government.  Bird lovers can rent boats on both beaches and travel out to these islands. 

Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach is the Playa de los Muertos.  It offers guests a bit of everything that people normally think of when they travel to Mexico.  It is actually located in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, and is surrounded by the neighborhood of Olas Atlas.  This beach really gives you access to everything from shopping, to water sports, to great local cuisine.  Find has sunbathing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and restaurants just a few steps away from any spot.   Because it is a favorite spot for the local people, it is also a great place for locals and guests to enjoy a day in the sun together. 

Many of Puerto Vallarta’s more well-known hotels are located on this beach, offering guests breathtaking views of the sunset (reputed by many to be the best in the city) and providing as well safe and convenient access to dining and nightlife in any one of the many beachfront bars. 

South of Puerto Vallarta, the Sierra Madre Mountains extend up to the sea in places.  Here, there are many small coves and hidden beaches tucked away in pockets of a partly-rocky, partly sandy shoreline.  The smaller coves are great places for couples to take walks and watch the sunsets. 

The larger cove beaches have been developed over recent years.  Playa de Mismaloya was once an open expanse of private, sandy shoreline.  Now, there are hotels and villas located all along the shoreline.  This has not diminished its popularity, however, because everyone in Puerto Vallarta knows where Mismaloya is, and loves it.