Puerto Vallarta has more than 26 miles of beaches, where the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean caress the shore. The following beaches stand out from the rest:
 Quimixto is 13 miles SW southwest of Puerto Vallarta and located on the estuary of the La Puerta River, this beach features an authentic Mexican-style villa overlooking the clear waters, which was built for film director John Houston. An excellent spot for diving.
Conchas Chinas beach is 2 miles SW of Puerto Vallarta along Highway 200. Natural tide pools have formed between the rocks, which serve to hold back the surf in an area extending 240 by 55 yards. The clarity of these waters allows a crystal clear view of the bottom of the sea and the creatures that dwell there.
Playa del Sol is a long beach that stretches nearly 1.2 miles. Here you can hire boats for both tours and sportfishing ,paragliding and water-skiing are also available.
Las Estacas are 2 miles from downtown, this beach is about 660 yards long. It offers fine, light gray sand, green-blue water and gentle surf. Sports activities you can do here include paragliding, water-skiing and boating.
Las Glorias are on Francisco Medina Ascensio Boulevard, this beach offers moderate surf, fine gray sand, a moderately sloped beach, and blue-green waters. Each hotel has marked off its beach property with rocks, yet along the entire beach you can find services for water-skiing, paragliding, and boat rentals.
Las Gemelas are two beaches with fine gray sand, moderate surf and a slightly sloped beach; each one is about 110 yards long. They are located 6 miles of Puerto Vallarta. You can rent boats for water-skiing and touring.
El Salado is near the Vallarta Marina, you’ll find restaurants, hotels and golf courses along this beach’s 1-mile stretch.
El Malecon - Due to its proximity to downtown, this is one of the most visited beaches by both international travelers and Puerto Vallarta locals.
Islas Marietas are an entertaining one-day excursion will take you to this wildlife sanctuary inhabited by more than 40 different bird species. The waters around the islands are full of marine life, making it an excellent location for all kinds of water activities. From November to April, you can spot giant manta rays, turtles and whales.
Las Animas is a beach with down-to-earth accommodation and a high sense of adventure. The Bora Bora trimaran makes daily excursions to this beach from Puerto Vallarta.
Mismaloya is surrounded by forested mountains, this beach was the famous location site of "The Night of the Iguana," of which some traces are still visible. This beach offers practically every kind of water sport including paragliding.
Playa de Oro - Palms line this 770-yard long beach offering such activities as surfing, paragliding, water-skiing and horseback riding.
Boca de Tomatlan - This small villa has great open-air restaurants with palm leaf rooftops and pools to take a refreshing swim.
Yelapa Beach is in a cove in the southern part of the bay lies the hamlet of Yelapa. Though there is a road that goes to the town, it is easier to reach it by boat. Various restaurants along the beachfront serve fresh seafood and cold beer. A short walk leads to a waterfall 50 meters (165 feet) high in the middle of the forest. The golden-sand beach is a magnificent place for swimming, snorkeling and paragliding. |
