Top 12 Beaches in Puerto Vallarta You Can’t Miss – Hidden Gems & Boat-Only Spots
Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are more than just sandy stretches along the Pacific; they are gateways to unforgettable experiences. From lively shores within walking distance of downtown to secluded coves accessible only by boat, there’s a beach for every traveler. Many visitors struggle to discover the hidden spots, often crowded public beaches, or miss out on the untouched coves only reachable via boat. By understanding which beaches suit your style, family-friendly, adventure-focused, or romantic, you can plan a trip that balances accessibility, activities, and privacy. Partnering with Palmara Charters ensures you can explore both iconic and secret beaches safely, maximizing your Puerto Vallarta experience on land and sea. Why Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches Stand Out The Bay of Banderas stretches over 40 kilometers of coastline, creating a variety of beach types from wide sandy shores to rocky, secluded coves. This geographical diversity allows visitors to enjoy both easily accessible beaches like Playa Los Muertos and hidden gems like Colomitos. Palmara Charters specializes in connecting travelers to these remote locations, giving access to spots that are nearly impossible to reach on foot or by land transport. Puerto Vallarta beaches are known for calm waters, vibrant marine life, and soft sand, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. These beaches provide the perfect balance of accessibility, seclusion, and opportunities to witness dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish in natural habitats. What to Check Before Picking Your Beach Day Planning a beach day in Puerto Vallarta involves more than packing sunscreen and swimsuits. Understanding access, activities, and amenities is essential for a smooth experience. Some beaches are easy to reach by car or on foot, while others require a boat or guided charter, especially if you want privacy or marine activities. The type of beach also determines your group’s enjoyment: calm coves are perfect for families and beginners, while surf-friendly beaches attract adventurers. Service availability matters as well; public beaches may have food vendors and restrooms, whereas secluded spots lack facilities. Palmara Charters helps plan trips that match your preferences, ensuring comfort, safety, and full enjoyment of each beach. Access & Transport – Land vs Sea Many visitors underestimate how access influences their beach experience. Popular beaches like Playa Los Muertos are reachable on foot or by a short taxi ride, making them convenient but often crowded. Hidden coves like Colomitos and the Marietas Islands are only accessible by boat, requiring navigation of tides, currents, and sea conditions. These spots reward those willing to travel with privacy, calm waters, and unique natural formations. Seasonal weather can also affect accessibility; the rainy season brings higher waves, while calmer months allow safer boat landings. Planning with Palmara Charters ensures safe boat transport, proper timing, and access to otherwise unreachable beaches without compromising comfort or safety. Activity Type & Beach Ambience Before choosing a beach, it’s important to match activities with your group and preferences. Some beaches are ideal for snorkelling and exploring coral reefs, while others provide gentle swimming zones for children. Lounging, sunbathing, and photography are best on beaches with expansive sand and scenic cliffs. Remote coves are perfect for adventure seekers wanting to kayak, paddleboard, or discover hidden marine life. Group size and gear considerations matter: crowded public beaches may not accommodate large parties or extended equipment, whereas private coves accessed via Palmara Charters can be fully customized for your adventure. Selecting a beach based on activity ensures every visitor enjoys the environment to the fullest. Crowd Levels & Service Availability Crowds can significantly affect your beach day experience. Popular public beaches like Playa Los Muertos are lively and offer restaurants, bars, and rental equipment, making them convenient but busy. Secluded beaches, accessible only by boat, offer tranquility, privacy, and exclusive enjoyment of nature, but they lack on-site amenities. Knowing these differences allows visitors to plan for water, food, and comfort in advance. Palmara Charters provides options for both crowded and private experiences, ensuring that visitors enjoy their preferred atmosphere. Whether you want to socialize on a popular beach or escape to a hidden cove, understanding crowd levels and facilities helps you optimize your beach day. The Top 12 Beaches You Can’t Miss Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of famous beaches and hidden treasures. From family-friendly urban shores to remote coves with crystal-clear water, every beach provides a unique experience. Below is a curated list of the top 12 beaches, with notes on accessibility, activities, and standout features, helping travelers choose the right combination for their trip. 1 – Playa Los Muertos (Zona Romántica) Located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, Playa Los Muertos is a bustling beach with golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant beach bars. Perfect for socializing and water activities, it is easily accessible on foot and close to restaurants and shops. Palmara Charters often uses this area as a starting point for catamaran and yacht excursions. Ideal for families and solo travelers seeking a lively atmosphere, it’s also safe for beginner swimmers. Sunset views and nearby pier access make it a central spot for photography, dining, and nightlife, combined with beach fun. 2 – Playa Camarones (5 de diciembre) A quieter alternative to Playa Los Muertos, Playa Camarones is known for calm waters and soft sand, ideal for families and swimmers of all levels. It offers basic amenities such as palapas and nearby local eateries, making it easy to spend several hours comfortably. The beach is within walking distance from the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, providing a local vibe away from heavy tourist traffic. It’s also a convenient departure point for short boat rides along the coast for snorkelling or exploring small coves, making it suitable for half-day or full-day beach excursions. 3 – Playa Conchas Chinas Playa Conchas Chinas is famous for its unique rock formations, crystal-clear water, and tranquil atmosphere. This semi-secluded beach is ideal for snorkeling due to the abundant marine life around the rocky outcrops. The sand is soft, and the cove is sheltered, making it safer for swimming and ideal for photography. Access requires a
Where is Yelapa Beach & Waterfall – Is It Worth It?
Yelapa Beach is located 1 hour south by boat from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta, and boasts a beautiful cove with local restaurants and a stunning waterfall just a 15-minute hike from the shore. It’s a unique location and a beautiful day trip, definitely worth the journey. Nestled on the Pacific coast, Yelapa is a charming fishing village located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Vallarta. Its enchanting allure lies in its exclusivity, accessible solely by boat or a jungle hike – although we advise against attempting the latter. The village is celebrated for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that provides a stark contrast to the bustling energy of more urbanized destinations. The small town until just several short decades ago didn’t even have power or running water – so it’s come a long way since the turn of the millennium. Yelapa’s natural beauty extends beyond its shores, as the lush jungle backdrop hosts a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, and toucans. The jungle setting has also attracted the attention of popular shows like Survivor and the film “Night of the Iguana,” which were filmed against the backdrop of Yelapa’s captivating scenery. For travelers seeking authenticity and an off-the-beaten-path experience in Mexico, Yelapa is a hidden gem. The village, with its humble population of around 1,500 people, exudes a genuine charm, and its roots stretch back centuries with an indigenous presence that adds to its cultural richness. Yelapa offers more than just sun-kissed beaches; there are enticing waterfall hikes that can be explored on foot or even by donkey, adding a touch of adventure to your visit. We recommend planning a full day to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of Yelapa without the constraints of time. While the path to the falls is undeniably stunning, its popularity can lead to congestion, especially around the waterfall pools. Moreover, as the dry season progresses, the scenic appeal diminishes. For enthusiastic hikers seeking alternatives, Yelapa Town offers several rewarding options: Embark on the El Faro Hike For those yearning for breathtaking views of the cove and beyond, the El Faro Hike is an excellent choice. This 4-mile (6.5 kms) roundtrip trek, located behind Playa Yelapa, is considered moderate-strenuous due to steep sections and an elevation gain of 800 feet (244m) in the tropical climate. Explore the Yelapa Tapa Hike If you’re up for the ultimate mirador hike in the vicinity, the Yelapa Tapa trail is your go-to. Spanning 8 miles (13 kms) roundtrip, this challenging hike, favored by mountain bikers, boasts a hefty 2,300 feet (700m) of elevation gain. Make sure to pack accordingly for this adventure! In the not-so-distant past, mules were the primary mode of transportation, weaving through the village and traversing the mountains. While four-wheelers have now taken over for practical purposes, Yelapa’s hardworking mules still grace the village. During your stay, encountering these furry locals is inevitable. Mule rides remain a popular activity, offering a unique way to reach the waterfall or explore the jungle trails, all while immersing yourself in local history. To secure a mule and guide, venture up the path to the waterfall and be on the lookout for a guide with a mule. Alternatively, your hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb host can readily organize this authentic outing for you. Is Yelapa Safe? Yelapa is very safe, and is made up of a small number of locals who’s livelihood relies on tourism from November to May (high season). Yelapa Fun Facts: The town’s name, “Yelapa,” is derived from the Nahuatl word meaning “where the river meets the sea.” Yelapa was once a sought-after destination for pirates. Cars are absent in Yelapa, only quads and horseback/mules are used to get around Other Secluded Beaches Past Yelapa 1. Playa Isabel Located just immediately south from the main Yelapa beach is this gem that not everyone who goes to Yelapa knows about. It’s definitely part of the Yelapa area and is a short walk over from the larger beach where the river meets the ocean. These crystal clear waters will blow you away, and are what traveling south of Vallarta is all about. Seriously, these are the types of beaches that people don’t realize exist in the Puerto Vallarta region. They’re magical. 2. Playa Colimilla This leads us into another incredible hidden paradise that no one talks about. Many people tend to have heard of Yelapa or Majahuitas, but on the way to Yelapa, you may have the opportunity to stop at Playa Colimilla, which is along the coast found just after you pass Majahuitas. This little remove beach is a fantastic quick stop for some snorkeling and secluded beach time. The ability to explore these types of places at your own pace is truly what renting a private boat is all about. There’s no rush on our yacht charters, because you can stay in a certain location for as long as you’d like. 3. Pizota Beach & Manzanilla Beach Playa Pizota offers tranquility like no other. All you have to do is look at that photo below to give you an idea of how incredible this location is. Secluded, but still within distance to civilization. In fact, you have the ability to stay at Villa Ndan if you desire warm lodging and a comfortable place to rest your head for the night. Manzanilla beach is right next to Pizota, so if you find yourself at one of these beaches, you may as well explore the other! Both beautiful slices of untouched paradise (for the most part). Chimo Chimo is a small town in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the city of Puerto Vallarta. Chimo is a quiet and rural town, with a population of just over 1,000 people. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Chimo is also
Are Puerto Vallarta Beaches Swimmable?
Yes, the beaches in Puerto Vallarta are all swimmable thanks to the protection of the bay, which minimizes wave strength and creates safe swimming conditions throughout the area. Puerto Vallarta, nestled within the Bay of Banderas, boasts a unique advantage over another popular Mexican vacation destinations because ALL Puerto Vallarta beaches are considered safe for swimming. This natural shelter from the open ocean significantly reduces the risk of strong undertows, making it a safer option compared to other popular tourist destinations like Cabo (Baja California Sur) and Puerto Escondido Oaxaca). Although this may seem like an odd question, but it’s surprisingly one of the most Google’d questions about Puerto Vallarta. Let’s answer this question and talk more in depth about Puerto Vallartas beaches so you know where the best ones are. Are Puerto Vallarta beaches good for swimming? With swimmable beaches lining the entire coast, Puerto Vallarta offers families with young children an array of fantastic options for a day at the beach. From boat access only beaches to the south, to pristine white sands with blue waters to the north – and everything in between. The beaches in Vallarta and its surroundings exude an enchanting charm. While they may differ in character from the waters of Cancun, Vallarta harbors numerous undiscovered gems that have eluded most tourists. In this blog, we’ll embark on an exploration of these hidden treasures together. Are Puerto Vallarta beaches rocky? Many people ask if Puerto Vallarta beaches are rocky. There are a few beaches we consider to be rougher sand, but not rocky like a beach you’d find on the coasts of Canada/United States for example. These beaches include Playa Los Muertos located in Zona Romantica and Sayulita in Nayarit. Personally, the location of Los Muertos beach is fantastic because of it’s walking proximity to restaurants – however in terms of its sand quality and water color, it ranks lowest on our list of Puerto Vallarta beaches. It has a rockier and rougher sand unlike most other beaches in the area. However it offers an incredible variety of amenities from food, parasailing, banana boat ride, jet ski, and more! Sayulita The same can be said for Sayulita. It’s simply just a coarser sand, but overall still a great place to spend time and tan in the sun. However since this beach is occupied by many tourists – it tends to be the dirtiest. I hold an appreciation for both of these locations; however, my critiques stem from a comparison to the exceptionally stunning and tranquil beaches scattered around the Bay of Banderas in Puerto Vallarta. These hidden gems boast crystalline waters and powdery, fine sands that set an incredibly high standard. Are Puerto Vallarta Beaches Nice? Many people like to compare Puerto Vallartas beaches to Cancun. There’s no doubt that the Maya Riviera has some unbelievable crystal clear waters and powdery white sand to match. But Vallarta has serene beaches that give Cancun a run for it’s money…you just have to know where to go. Puerto Vallarta beaches get a bad rap simply because the most popular beaches tourists visit are the closest to the downtown core. These beaches have rougher sand, aren’t nearly as wide as other beaches along the coast, and the waters in these regions arent the clearest. So when people talk about the beauty of Puerto Vallarta beaches, they have this picture in their mind of an overcrowded rough sandy beach, while swimming in a cloudy green colored ocean. While this description does somewhat describe the main beaches downtown (Playa Camarones, Los Muertos Beach, Nuevo, Bucerias, La Cruz beaches), this doesnt describe the rest of the beaches that surround these areas both to the north and south. Are Puerto Vallarta Beaches Safe? Yes, very. Puerto Vallarta beaches located downtown, the surrounding beach towns, and its beaches are some of the safest places in the entire country. When visiting Puerto Vallarta beaches or beaches located in the neighboring state of Nayarit, the main thing of concern may be having your things stolen when left unattended. It has never happened to us (knock on wood), or anyone we know of, and we’ve lived here for several years now. The police often parole the beaches on their ATV’s here and there as well, so don’t be alarmed if you see them roaming up and down the sand. The local people in Vallarta are often kind and non threatening also, so you shouldn’t feel unsafe while spending time at the beach. Water Safety Regarding the safest of the water, the waves of the ocean can get up to 6-10 feet, but are on the safer side because of their lack of strong undertow. This doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of taking someone under and holding them down though if the conditions are just right. Always be aware of the ocean and never try anything foolish. There are no known dangerous sharks in the area, however there can be washed up blowfish on Puerto Vallarta beaches beach – so don’t go touching those unnecessarily. What Are the Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta? Now for the real meat of the article. Some of these beaches aren’t as easily accessed as others, but if you have a car, or in other cases a boat, you’ll be able to see the true beauty of Mexico’s west coast. If you dont have access to those methods of transport, do not worry – because Vallarta has plenty of spectacular beaches close to downtown (mostly to the south). Colomitos: Colomitos is regarded as on of the smallest Puerto Vallarta beaches on the whole coast. This beach can be accessed by driving to Boca de Tomatlan and hiking on a trail for 1 hour to it’s hidden oasis. The pristine bay and calm waters make it a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming. If you aren’t up for the hike, a short panga boat ride from Boca de Tomatlan will get you there in about 10 minutes or so. This