The top 5 beaches to visit in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, located in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the sun, discover new beaches and relax on the warm and peaceful waters of the bay. With over 40 miles of coastline, the Banderas Bay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Here are the top 5 picks of our favorite beaches to visit in Banderas Bay:
El Paredón
El Paredón, while overlooked by the crowds going straight to Los Arcos National Park, is one of our favorites quick stops in the bay, especially for families with infants due to the calm and clear waters often found.
Bungee Beach is another name the locals use for this beach since back in the day there used to be a Bungee Jumping platform on the top of the rock wall overlooking the crystal clear water, but now what’s only left is the platform that hangs on the top of El Paredon beach.
El Paredón Beach or The Wall by its name in English, has the clearest waters in Puerto Vallarta´s shore. The crystalline water in contrast with the big rock wall and the lush nature makes a beautiful sight to enjoy the water, snorkel and even paddleboard.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds of Los Arcos, try this spot to snorkel and find a great variety of wildlife.
How To Get There:
While there is an option to get to the beach walking, arriving by boat is our recommendation to really appreciate the scenery, use the paddle boards on board or snorkel. Make sure to do this stop on your way to Los Arcos National Park!
Las Animas
Las Animas is not only a beach, but also a fishermen’s village. A great option to try a variety of local, authentic and fresh seafood recipes. If you charter a boat or sailboat, you must hop on a water taxi or commonly known as “Panga” that will take you to the shore. Once you get to the beach, you will be greeted by several options of locally owned restaurants with dozens of options to eat and drink from.
If you fancy a relaxed day, drinking margaritas and eating delicious and fresh seafood by the water, Las Animas is a great option for you.
How To Get There:
To get to Las Animas there are three options, a 45 minute hike from the town Boca de Tomatlan, a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan or by chartering a boat departing from Marina Vallarta.
If you like a rewarding hike through the jungle with amazing views of the ocean, the hike is a great option. If hiking is not your thing or would like to try a quicker option, try grabbing a water taxi.
If you charter a sailboat from Marina Vallarta, it will take you around 2 hours to reach Las Animas, but you will take on stunning views along the way.
bonus recommendation: El Caballito Beach
El Caballito, just 10 minutes from Las Animas, is a well-worth walk that will lead you to a beautiful and not so crowded beach covered in palm trees. Good option in case you feel overwhelmed by the tourists.
Quimixto
Quimixto is another small village that lies on the shore, where you will be able to travel in time and feel how life was lived in Puerto Vallarta 40 – 50 years ago. At Quimixto you will find locals still living and doing their everyday activities while you wander around the village.
Quimixto has a more adventurous feel due to the activities that can be done, surfing and hiking to the waterfall are the two main attractions of this village.
A quick 30 minute hike inland following the river will take you to a beautiful waterfall to cool off and swim while you wait for your food from the only locally owned restaurant at the waterfall. If you prefer watersports, try surfing on the famous Quimixto surfing point.
Quimixto also has an option for those who are not entirely leaned on the adventurous side, with a couple options of beach front restaurants, you will be able to just lay on the beach and enjoy a drink or a good meal.
How To Get There:
Quimixto, just a couple kilometers further south from Las Animas, shares the same hiking trail and can be reached in 45 minutes from Las Animas.
If you are not in the mood for a hike, try a sailboat rental and get to know this amazing village and what it has to offer, we are sure you will love this different and authentic experience!
Majahuitas
Majahuitas, a beach located further south than Quimixto, has a very tropical vibe filled with palm trees and the distinctive clear green water, making it a great spot to relax, enjoy the golden looking sand and swim in its usually calm waters.
If your goal is to relax while swimming, staying on the boat enjoying the view while eating a snack or just sitting at the beach, Majahuitas is a great option for those willing to sail further south.
How To Get There:
Unlike the majority of the beaches listed, the only way to reach Majahuitas is by boat.
Water taxis or “Pangas” depart from Boca de Tomatlan every 30 minutes, it takes around 15 minutes to reach Majahuitas.
Another option is to charter a boat or a sailboat, usually departing from Marina Vallarta and will take around 1.5 – 2.5 hours to get to Majahuitas.
Yelapa
Yelapa is a perfect destination for those who want to experience life and the day-to-day in a small village on the Pacific shore, with a variety of options to stay for the night, Yelapa is a perfect 1 or 2 night escapade.
Like Quimixto, Yelapa also has a waterfall which is a lovely and quick hike to do. But Yelapa is not only about its waterfall, countless beachfront local restaurants with a lovely and spacious beach will let you enjoy a full day on the beach lying on the sand stress-free.
Also, as a quick recommendation, don’t forget to try the famous walnut or lemon pie from Yelapa!
How To Get There:
As well as Majahuitas, the only way to get to Yelapa is by boat.
Water taxis or “Pangas” depart from Boca de Tomatlan every 30 minutes and it takes around 45 minutes to reach Yelapa.
Another option is to charter a sailboat, usually departing from Marina Vallarta, will take around 2-3 hours to get to Yelapa.
As a bonus option for those more comfortable on the boat, doing an overnight on a Sailboat is a great experience, as Yelapa is well protected from the wind and the tide, you will get a peaceful night stargazing and feeling the marine breeze.
In the end, these are only a few of the dozens of beaches you can find in the beautiful Banderas Bay. We recommend, whether by boat or hiking, to explore and get to experience these beautiful destinations on your visit to Puerto Vallarta or the surrounding areas.
