Puerto Vallarta beaches are among the prime holiday destinations in the world. Puerto Vallarta beaches are a paradise that offers numerous beauty to its visitors. Located in Mexico’s Jalisco State, Puerto Vallarta’s contrasting terrain makes for a paradise defined by crystal clear bays and lush jungle-covered mountains. Puerto Vallarta consists of diverse neighborhoods that offer everything a visitor needs. Beaches in Puerto Vallarta range from the most secluded and easily accessible ones. However, despite their remoteness, some secluded beaches of Puerto Vallarta offer the unspoiled beauty of nature. People who love peace and calmness must try visiting Yelapa beach. It is a charming little cove surrounded by nature and jungle. Another worth visiting is Playa Las Caletas. People who want to escape the hustle and bustle of busy central beaches while swaying away the hours in a hammock should visit Playa las Caletas. Beachgoers will surely enjoy snorkeling or a soothing massage on the shores of Las Caletas. Compared to other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Las Caletas is private and unreachable independently.  One famous beach in Puerto Vallarta is Los Muertos. It is mainly the prime attraction in Old Vallarta. Among the vendors and activities on the beach are food, beer, parasailing, kids building castles, and many others. Travelers say that Playa de Los Muertos is an ideal area with plenty of space and an excellent spot for people-watching. Los Muertos is one of the most famous and most visited beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Los Muertos beach is 2050 ft (0.62 km) long and is one of the cleanest beaches in the state of Jalisco. Playa Los Muertos is located in Puerto Vallarta and lies on the gorgeous shores of Banderas Bay in the Zona Romantica area.

Tourists who wish to visit Puerto Vallarta must plan ahead of time and make a minimum of three itineraries. Experiencing the true beauty of Puerto Vallarta is not enough for just one day. Most water sports are enjoyable, like snorkeling, paddleboarding, scuba diving, surfing, and even whale watching. The high season in Puerto Vallarta is from December through mid-April. During this time, visitors get to enjoy the best weather. Puerto Vallarta’s climate is among the many reasons it is so popular. It has a pleasant atmosphere all year round and fewer rain showers. Puerto Vallarta’s strategic location is one reason hurricanes are not hitting the area. The Sierra Madre Mountain range protects Puerto Vallarta from storms. It is very safe to travel to Puerto Vallarta compared to other neighboring Mexican cities, and the crime rate is relatively low. However, it is essential to observe precautions with all travel. Puerto Vallarta beaches are reachable, and some needs boat rides. There are several water taxis available in the area and some boat tours. Amenities on the secluded beaches are sometimes limited and unavailable. However, this doesn’t stop beachgoers from visiting these remote beaches.

What are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular travel destination, frequented by many because of its stunning beaches. People from all over the world are discovering the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta through its wide variety of magnificent beaches. The beaches at Puerto Vallarta offer a distinct beauty that is incomparable.  

Listed below are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta.

Beachfront properties in Puerto Vallarta are among Mexico’s most desired real estate. Puerto Vallarta is perfect for people who want to invest in a property in a coastal area. The beachfront properties in Puerto Vallarta offer a fantastic view of the sea and the majestic sight of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. Property types in Puerto Vallarta include high-rise condominium units, luxury villas, and commercial properties. Having a property in front of a beach gives you a lovely view to wake up to every morning and is an excellent investment. Beachfront properties are always in demand and an astounding rental stay for tourists, ex-pats, and foreign investors. Most beachfront properties in Puerto Vallarta are mostly near hospitals, restaurants, cafés, markets, and several stores. Everything is easily accessible. Condo units are a great beachfront property in Puerto Vallarta because of their practicality and convenience. At the same time, beachfront luxury villas are for those who want to enjoy the beach in a more secluded area. Puerto Vallarta beachfront properties are favorites among people looking for a second home, a vacation house, or an investment. 

1. Yelapa

Yelapa is a little village with beaches, lovely homes, and villas on the extremes of the warm Mexican Pacific Ocean. People who want to avoid the city’s noise must visit Yelapa. It is a peaceful, charming place, a small cove surrounded by nature and jungle and soaked by the splashing waves of the bay. Yelapa is situated in the Cabo Corrientes municipality in Puerto Vallarta. Its coordinates are latitude 20°29′18″ and longitude 20°29′18″. Yelapa is an island-like that is accessible only by boat. The little town of Yelapa is just 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by boat and is at the foot of the impressive mountains of the Sierra Madre. “Yelapa” translates to “the palace where waters become a pond or come together.”Yelapa has emerald-colored seawater and golden color sands. The water is ideal for scuba diving, with depths up to 18 meters (60 feet). There are plenty of things to do at Yelapa, but one day is not enough to experience its beauty. Visitors will love several activities, including parasailing, paragliding, horseback riding, fishing charters, snorkeling, and scuba diving. People who love to explore will enjoy a quick hike to the waterfalls in town and upriver. Exploring the jungle is one activity at Yelapa that is a must-try. Some guests who want to try new cuisines and native dishes should visit Yelapa’s simple restaurants by the beach. Yelapa Pies are a local “secret” that most tourists enjoy; they come in different variants like corn, coconut, chocolate, lemon meringue, cheese, and pecan. 

2. Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is an odd name for a lovely beach. According to local myth, the Playa Los Muertos (beach of the dead) is its name because there was a cemetery at the site. Someone took the initiative and started calling it Playa del Sol (Beach of the Sun), but it didn’t catch anyone’s attention, and continued calling it Playa de Los Muertos. Playa de Los Muertos is one of the most famous and most visited beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Los Muertos beach is 2050 ft long and is one of the cleanest beaches in the state of Jalisco. Playa Los Muertos is located in Puerto Vallarta and lies on the beautiful shores of Banderas Bay in the Zona Romantica area. Los Muertos is mainly the prime attraction in Old Vallarta. There are vendors, activities, food, beers, parasailing, kids building castles, and many other activities on the beach. Travelers say that Playa de Los Muertos is an ideal area with plenty of space and an excellent spot for people-watching. 

3. Playa Conchas Chinas

Playa Conchas Chinas is considered among the most stunning beaches in Puerto Vallarta. The incomparable beauty of Playa Conchas Chinas is because of its majestic scenery and natural environments surrounding the magnificent sprawl of beige sand. Playa Conchas Chinas combines beige sand, jungle-covered mountains, and blue-green crystal-clear rock pools and waters. The name “Concha Chinas” was after a mollusk found in the sea of Banderas Bay. Translation from the native language means “Curvy Shell.” Playa Conchas Chinas is a Blue Flag Beach, meaning the city of Puerto Valalrta takes reasonable care to keep the area clean. There is no garbage found on the beach. Playa Conchas Chinas feature beige-colored sand and blue-green waters. The water is so clear that the ocean floor, including different multicolored fishes, is almost visible.   

4. Playa Palmares

Playa Palmares is among the top beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Playa Palmares area is clean and safe and is awarded a Blue Flag certificate, which means that added care is put forth to keep the beach’s cleanliness and good image. The beach gives visitors access to a car park with pedestrian entry and a ramp for wheelchairs for people with special needs. The beach has well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. Playa Palmares is an impressive sample of the apparent endless charm that Jalisco, Mexico offers visitors. It is located around 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles) from Puerto Vallarta and is easily reached by car or city bus. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 17 minutes and offers majestic scenery of the Bay of Banderas and its gorgeous white sand beaches and lush forest-covered mountains. Playa Palmares has two access points, and at the south end, there is a bar called Canto Palmeres where people enjoy food and drinks. Vendors are walking up and down the beach selling local Mexican snacks for reasonably affordable prices. Playa Palmares is gifted with light golden sands and clear aqua-green shallow waters.

5. Playa Colomitos

Playa Colomitos is situated in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and is half an hour’s drive from the Malecon. Playa Colomitos is a short sprawl of flawless sand in a scenic rocky cove backed by a jungle ravine. Hikers will be greeted with a tiny waterfall, hiking up a few minutes up the creek. Visitors have two options to access Playa Colomitos, and that is either a hike via the forest from Boca de Tomatlan, and the other is by boat ride. That said, beachgoers still have the beach all to themselves if they get to the beach early enough. In terms of amenities, Playa Colomitos doesn’t have much of those. However, a local vendor sells refreshments and snacks in the area, which come later in the day. A lovely beachfront restaurant is located in the area; however, it is only available for reservations. Umbrellas and chairs are not available in the area due to limited space. The water’s color in Playa Colomtos differs depending on the temperature and wind. On a typical day, the water is peaceful and blue.

6. Playa Las Gemelas

Playa las Gemelas is situated south of Puerto Vallarta, kilometer 7.5 of the Federal Highway 200 to Barra De Navidad. Playa las Gemelas is a lovely beach with a calm atmosphere, turquoise-clear water, and golden sand. “Gemelas” means “Twin Beaches” in Spanish because they’re two tiny beaches next. Each beach is separated by stone walls and has a length of almost 100 meters. The other one requires a bit of hiking. Las Gemales beach is small, the north beach is around 140 yards (ca. 128 meters), and the south coast is 200 yards long. The beach tends to be crowded, especially during peak and weekend seasons. Visitors must bring their food and drinks because vendors and shops are unavailable in the beach area. Playa las Gemelas has fine sand and clear emerald water. Water activities like kayaking and snorkeling are ideal; however, visitors must bring their equipment.

7. Playa Las Caletas

Playa Las Caletas is south of Puerto Vallarta ninth municipality of Cabo Corrientes, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Playa Las Caletas Beach and Nature Reserve is a secluded stretch of the Bay of Banderas shoreline, which has since become a dream day-trip destination for vacationers in Puerto Vallarta. At Playa Las Calesta, one who wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of busy central beaches and wile away the hours swaying in a hammock, snorkeling, or enjoying a soothing massage on the shores of Las Caletas. Compared to other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Las Caletas is private and unreachable independently. The beauty of Playa Las Caletas is stunning. Visitors are greeted with tropical plants everywhere and leaving an impression as if one is walking through the jungle. Among the several activities in Playa Las Caletas include scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions, and guided nature walks.

8. Playa Madagascar

Playa Madagascar is a small, isolated, rarely visited beach with captivating beauty. It is perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city—located on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore, next to the town of Boca de Tomatlán, in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes. Madagascar is a beach of soft white sands and crystalline waters with blue and green colors, distinguished by the giant boulders that frame it and add an exotic and isolated touch. At this small beach of one-of-a-kind beauty and calm waves, visitors will feel like they are in a natural wilderness paradise. It is perfect for relaxing while watching the waves swell and appreciating the horizon, where the sea converges harmoniously with the sky and the mountains. These combined features make it a rare spot to experience one of Mexico’s most impressive virgin natural landscapes.

9. Playa Camarones

Camarones Beach is one of the cleanest and most notable tourist beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Playa Camarones is a comprehensive piece of clear sand that stretches from Villa Premiere on the north side to Jesus Langarica street right by Hotel Rosita. Playa Camarones includes several shops, bars, and restaurants. Camarones Beach was awarded a Blue Flag Certification. A Blue Flag Certification is given to clean beaches, have low pollution levels, protect the environment, and balance human activities without compromising the ecosystem. Despite Playa Camarones urban location, it was able to bag the Blue Flag Certificate. Generally, Playa Camarones has a sandy surface, smooth and soft, so it is ideal for practicing water sports on the shore. Camarones Beach is a meeting area for locals and foreign travelers alike. The LGBT community has a strong presence in the area. Annual LGBT festivals and parties take place in Playa Camarones. Access to Camarones Beach is easy. All the streets west of Mexico Avenue in downtown Puerto Vallarta will take one to the beach.

10. Playa Quimixto

Playa Quimixto is a beach in the southern part of Banderas Bay, called the southern zone. Most beachgoers get there through the sea in one of the “pangas’ or water taxis. Playa Quimixto is a little fishing village with less than 500 residents. Horseback riding is one option to access the beach. Horses are for hire for around 250 pesos. Unlike many other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Playa Quimixto is less crowded and is not full of many vendors. The Quimixto beach is situated in an urban area, among the mountains. It is slightly sheltered by trees that provide natural shade.  It is a relaxing beach to hang out on. Playa Quimixto has golden color sand and clear turquoise water. Some activities around the area include sup surfing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The Quimixto beach has a narrow width and an average depth. 

11. Playa Garza Blanca

Playa Garza Blanca translates to “white heron beach” in English and derived its name from the birds that hang around the beach. Playa Garza Blanca is a beach located south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, among the gorgeous beaches in the state of Jalisco. Visitors have an option to stay near the area, as there are several hotels and resorts nearby. Playa Garza Blanca has clear blue water and powdery white sand, making it a Blue Flag Certified beach. A Blue Flag Certificate is given to significantly cleaner beaches that are well taken care of by the community and facilitators. An added consideration is being given to Playa Garza Blanca to keep it clean and safe for humans and sea animals. Access to the beach is so easy; one only has to take a taxi directly to the beach. Various activities are to be enjoyed in Playa Garza Blanca, including sunbathing, building sand castles in the sand, or enjoying the lovely waves and waters.

12. Playa Caballo

Playa Caballo, or “Horse Beach” is located south of the famous tourist attraction, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Playa Caballo is a lovely, isolated, and pristine beach. The beach is only accessible via water taxi. Adventure seekers opt to access the beach by going hiking. The trail leads hikers through the jungle, beginning in the scenic seaside village of Boca de Tomatlan. Playa Caballo is almost perfect and presents golden sand and crystal clear jade-colored water. The waves at Palya Caballo are pretty strong and are ideal for some water sports activities. Playa Caballo is 300 meters from east to west and 30 meters wide. There are no available services, just the beach, palm trees, and the sea.

How much time does it take to get to the beach from Puerto Vallarta?

The ideal time to visit Puerto Vallarta is April to June and October. The best weather in Puerto Vallarta is during these months. Some Puerto Vallarta beaches are accessed by boat or hike through the jungle. Water taxis are prevalent in the area. Private boats are available, but they cost a lot. Water taxis from Boca run to Las Animas cost around 50 pesos, and the traveling time is 10 minutes. Going to Yelapa costs around 80 pesos and takes about 30 minutes. Several companies offer organized boat tours or “booze cruises” to the southern beaches, which are most convenient but expensive. Some of Puerto Vallarta’s most accessible beaches are Los Muertos and Conchas Chinas. Playa Los Muertos is a city beach and is easily accessible. Conchas Chinas is among the gorgeous city beaches, easily reachable by bus or taxi or walks from Zona Romantica.

What are the things to consider in visiting beaches in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is in a lovely spot in Banderas bay and shielded by the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. Puerto Vallarta is in the north of Mexico, so temperatures stay mild for the rest of the year. Exploring the beach is always possible in Puerto Vallarta, as there is less rain all year round. It is essential, however, to note that Puerto Vallarta beaches tend to get a little crowded, especially in the high season. The high season in Puerto Vallarta is from December through mid-April. During this time, visitors get to enjoy the best weather. The rainy season spans from mid-June through mid-October. Prices are usually much higher during the peak season, too. Visitors must first consider the location of the chosen beach to stay on. Some beaches in Puerto Vallarta are secluded and accessible only by boat ride. Beaches in remote areas do not have many amenities compared to the beaches in urban areas. Hotels, restaurants, and other necessities are not easily accessible on these secluded beaches. Planning is always ideal, especially when traveling to the beach. Beach essentials like food, drinks, towels, and sun protection must always be in any beachgoer’s bag. It is important too to consider if the beach is child-friendly. Knowing the depths of the water and the natural surroundings of the beach will help one’s stay to be comfortable and safe. Other beaches at Puerto Vallarta have waves and are more profound. Families with little children should consider going to beaches that are easily accessible and offer many amenities. Puerto Vallarta has several Blue Flag Certificate beaches, meaning that the quality of the beach is good and its surrounding area. When going to some beaches in Puerto Vallarta, always bring cash. Most locally run beach restaurants and bars accept cash only.    

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches are child friendly?

Playa Conchas Chinas is the most child-friendly beach in Puerto Vallarta. Playa Conchas is almost three kilometers from downtown Playa de la Cruz. It is a small cove with soft tawny sand and tranquil turquoise waters. Families frequent it with little kids for its shallow waters and private pools. There are amenities available on the beach, so parents will need not worry in case their kids will need anything. Aside from being child-friendly, Playa Conchas Chinas offers a stunning view that people will love no matter their age. There is no garbage found on the beach. Playa Conchas Chinas feature beige-colored sand and blue-green waters. The water is so clear that the ocean floor, including different multicolored fishes, is almost visible.

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches is best for family?

Playa Palmares is among the top beaches in Puerto Vallarta that is best for families. Playa Palmares area is clean and safe and is awarded a Blue Flag certificate, which means that added care is put forth to keep the beach’s cleanliness and good image. The beach is less crowded and ideal for families who wish to enjoy the rest of the beach. The beach gives visitors access to a car park with pedestrian entry and a ramp for wheelchairs for people with special needs. The beach has well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. Playa Palmares is an impressive sample of the apparent endless charm that Jalisco, Mexico offers visitors. It is located around 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles) from Puerto Vallarta and is easily reached by car or city bus. Depending on traffic, the drive takes approximately 17 minutes and offers majestic scenery of the Bay of Banderas and its gorgeous white sand beaches and lush forest-covered mountains. Playa Palmares has two access points, and at the south end, there is a bar called Canto Palmeres where people enjoy food and drinks. Vendors are walking up and down the beach selling local Mexican snacks for reasonably affordable prices. Playa Palmares is gifted with light golden sands and clear aqua-green shallow waters.

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches is best for tourist?

The best beach for tourists is Playa Camarones. Playa Camarones includes several shops, bars, and restaurants. Camarones Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag Certification. A Blue Flag Certification is given to clean beaches, have low pollution levels, protect the environment, and balance human activities without compromising the ecosystem. Despite Playa Camarone’s urban location, it was able to bag the Blue Flag Certificate. Generally, Playa Camarones has a sandy surface, smooth and soft, so it is ideal for practicing water sports on the shore. Camarones Beach is a meeting area for locals and foreign travelers alike. The LGBT community has a strong presence in the area. Annual LGBT festivals and parties take place in Playa Camarones. Access to Camarones Beach is easy. All the streets west of Mexico Avenue in downtown Puerto Vallarta will take one to the beach. Tourists are always advised to check the first Puerto Vallarta travel guide to become familiar with the place and maximize their stay.

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches is most well-known?

Playa Los Muertos is the best beach for tourists. One of the most recognized and frequently visited beaches in Puerto Vallarta is Playa de Los Muertos. Los Muertos beach is 2050 ft long and is among the cleanest beaches in the state of Jalisco. Playa Los Muertos is located in Puerto Vallarta and lies on the lovely shores of Banderas Bay in the Zona Romantica area. Los Muertos is mainly the prime feature of Old Vallarta. There are vendors, activities, food, beers, parasailing, kids building castles, and many other activities on the beach. Travelers say that Playa de Los Muertos is an ideal area with abundant space and an excellent spot for people-watching. Several restaurants are present in the area, and entertainment never runs out. Tourists who love nightlife and parties will surely enjoy their stay at Los Muertos Beach. 

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches has beachfront property?

Playa Las Caletas is south of Puerto Valalrta in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Playa Las Caletas Beach and Nature Reserve is a secluded stretch of the Bay of Banderas shoreline, which has since become a dream day-trip destination for vacationers in Puerto Vallarta. At Playa Las Calesta, one who wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of busy central beaches and wile away the hours swaying in a hammock, snorkeling, or enjoying a soothing massage on the shores of Las Caletas. Compared to other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Las Caletas is private and unreachable independently. The beauty of Playa Las Caletas is stunning. Visitors are greeted with tropical plants everywhere and leaving an impression as if one is walking through the jungle. Playa Las Caletas is perfect for people who are looking for beachfront property for sale in Puerto Vallarta. Among the several activities in Playa Las Caletas include scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions, and guided nature walks.

Which beaches in Puerto Vallarta have the best resort?

Playa Garza Blanca translates to “white heron beach” in English and derived its name from the birds that hang around the beach. Playa Garza Blanca is a beach located south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, among the gorgeous beaches in the state of Jalisco. Visitors have an option to stay near the area, as there are various Puerto Vallarta hotels and resorts nearby. Playa Garza Blanca has clear blue water and powdery white sand, making it a Blue Flag Certified beach. A Blue Flag Certificate is given to significantly cleaner beaches. An added consideration is being given to Playa Garza Blanca to keep it clean and safe for humans and sea animals. Access to the beach is so easy. One only has to take a taxi directly to the beach. Various activities are to be enjoyed in Playa Garza Blanca. Among these activities are sunbathing, building sand castles in the sand, or enjoying the lovely waves and waters.

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches offer a natural experience?

Playa Yelapa offers a natural experience among Puerto Vallarta’s beaches. Playa Yelapa is only reachable by water taxi or boat tour. It is a secluded beach, so there are no cars available and no massive resorts in the area. Playa Yelapa is a little more private and authentic. Yelapa Beach features emerald-colored seawater and golden color sands. Most visitors who visit Playa Yelapa enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the beach. The trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the waterfall in the area.

Which Puerto Vallarta beaches is popular for surfing?

Puerta Vallarta is home to some of the best surfing spots in Mexico. Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean offer great surfing all year. Surfers gather in the beach towns around Puerto Vallarta from all over the globe. Puerto Vallarta’s surfing spots include Sayulita, San Pancho, and Punta Mita. When asked which of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches is the best surfing? The answer frequently is Sayulita. Sayulita is a quiet, laid-back beach town. It provides two breaks, one for longboards and the other with faster waves for shorter boards. Another on the list is San Pancho, located further north. San Pancho has become well-loved among locals for surfing in Puerto Vallarta. It has grown in popularity among people who enjoy the scenic views and the numerous souvenir shops and restaurants in the area. On the other hand, Punta Mita is located at the northernmost point of Banderas Bay. Punta Mita is a chic beach with plenty of water sports activities, including surfing, whale watching, paddleboarding, and scuba diving.