The great Puerto Vallarta beaches are the reason why many call this great holiday destination the “Pearl of the Pacific.” The cold winter months begin to recede, making way for the abundance of spring. Your thoughts are increasingly focused on the warm embrace of the sun and the feeling of sand underneath your feet as you sip on a tropical cocktail while lying in a hammock and watching the sun go down.
But is it all a dream? Not in Puerto Vallarta.
Great Location Makes for Great Puerto Vallarta Beaches
The area’s warm climate, Mexican hospitality, and gorgeous landscapes, all make Puerto Vallarta the perfect destination to greet the spring with a dose of fun and adventure. A place where your dreams can become reality, even if only for a few days.
With so much to do and see, here’s a brief guide to some of the great Puerto Vallarta beaches.
1. Playa Dorada
This Puerto Vallarta beach is located in front of the most popular Malecon, which also happens to be the easiest to access as well. The waves here are somewhat strong at times, and the sand has a golden color. However, it does contain quite a bit of rocks. People mostly come here to get a suntan or to walk, run or play on the beach. Puerto Vallarta’s most famous restaurants, bars and nightclubs are all nearby.
2. Mismaloya
Located in the south of Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya boasts fine golden sand and gentle waves. This is a great spot for practicing water sports such as parachuting, jet skis, or banana boats, among others. Moreover, in the overlying mountains of the Sierra Madre you can get your adventure on by zip lining over the tropical forest. Mismaloya’s claim to fame, however, is the fact that it was the site for the 1964 filming of Night of the Iguana starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner.
3. Las Animas
Las Animas is a fantastic isolated beach which is only accessible via water taxis. Located 20 km to the south of Puerto Vallarta, between Tomatlan and Quimixto, Las Animas is the ideal beach destination in Puerto Vallarta for sailing, fishing, horseback riding, kayak tours as well as bird-watching or simply observing the exuberant fauna. To arrive, take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan or the dock at Los Muertos Beach.
4. Yelapa
Yelapa offers visitors almost almost 2 miles of open beach that embraces crystalline, rock-free water and fine sand. Encircled by the Sierra Madre, this beautiful fishing town is a hot spot for tourists who like to explore its stone-paved streets, interact with the locals or take a visit the local 114 ft (35 m) waterfall. And don’t miss the delicious pies sold by the street vendors! Yelapa is located to the south of Puerto Vallarta, between Quimixto and Pizota. To arrive, take a water taxi or follow Highway 200.
Visit Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Have you visited any of these great Puerto Vallarta beaches? Which one is your favorite? Or if you’d like to see them all for the first time, let us know. Amstar DMC will be happy to take you there! Check out our suggestions for the best excursions in Puerto Vallarta!