Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
With its crystal blue waters and idyllic tropical climate, Puerto Vallarta is one of the top beach destinations in Mexico. The beaches Puerto Vallarta offers are tucked away from the busy resort town. Take a day trip to enjoy one of these stunning beaches.
Playa Conchas Chinas
With its blue-green waters and crystal-clear sand, Playa Conchas Chinas is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone. A combination of unique features, such as rocky outcroppings and the blending of different ecosystems, make it a destination that must be seen to be understood.
The beach is a popular spot for swimming and offers plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some restaurants serve delicious local food, like fish tacos or shrimp on a stick.
This quiet and scenic beach is perfect for relaxing, enjoying the sounds of the sea, or getting an ideal tan. It is a favorite among travelers and locals alike, as it is not too busy and has many hidden coves where you can escape the crowd.
You’ll find several lovely boutique hotels along this stretch of beach, including Quinta Maria Cortez, Patio Azul, and Grand Miramar. They all offer excellent service and a fantastic infinity rooftop pool.
Playa Colomitos
Playa Colomitos is a gorgeous, secluded beach in the Sierra Madre Mountains. It’s known for its pristine sand, the perfect complement to the surrounding jungle.
It’s also a great spot to see tropical fish, including king angels, giant damselfish, moray eels, sergeant majors, pufferfish, rainbow wrasses, reef cornetfish, and spotted boxfish.
The secluded beach is only accessible by boat or hike. If you’re looking for an adventure, book a guided tour from a reputable outfit, such as Ecotours de Mexico.
Once there, you can relax on the sand, snorkel in the bay, or swim in the warm waters of the ocean. However, there aren’t many services at Colomitos, so bringing your food and drinks with you is best.
Playa de Oro
Located in the Hotel Zone, Playa de Oro is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beaches. It is 3470 ft (1060 m) long and is easily accessible from three public access points.
Hotels and condos surround it, so it offers a variety of beach activities. These include swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, jet-skiing, fishing, parasailing, and whale watching.
There are also some excellent secluded beaches that tourists can access by boat. This is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Banderas Bay and escape the crowds.
Another great activity is to explore the jungle and rainforest. Many options include horseback riding, quad/ATV tours, hiking, and more!
Playa Flamingos
The pristine beach of Flamingos runs parallel to the modern residential-and-resort community of Nuevo Vallarta. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Banderas Bay. With a secluded and serene atmosphere, this stretch of sand is a popular vacation destination for families seeking an unwinding getaway.
The smooth waters and sand of Flamingos Beach are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, bodysurfing, and other watersports without fear of dangerous riptides or harsh waves. This secluded location is also great for sea turtle nesting, as local government-run conservation groups relocate them to a haven each season.
Whale-watching tours in Banderas Bay are an everyday Puerto Vallarta activity during the winter and spring when Humpback whales migrate to the region from their arctic homes. Sailing by them as they breach the surface is a truly magical experience.