Beaches

The natural attractions that make Puerto Vallarta a magical place are three in number: the Sierra Madre Mountains, the rivers that flow down from them, and the Pacific Ocean. These come together in this extraordinary beach resort.

You will find endless activities to participate in, from scuba diving, to walking on the golden sand, to viewing humpback whales and dolphins in the near distance, to listening to the mesmerizing sound of waves or, taking in one of Vallarta's unparalleled sunsets.

Playa de Oro Beach

Located to the north of the city, Playa de Oro (or Gold Beach) is ample, safe and sandy, bordered by rocky configurations that lend the tiny bay its peculiar and welcoming touch. Surrounded by an arch of grand hotels, you will be able to enjoy a number of recreational activities and aquatic sports, such as parasailing, waterskiing and swimming. This is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta among locals and visitors alike.

Los Muertos Beach

Likely the most famous, the most visited and the most sought, Los Muertos beach is located at the south end of the Malecón and the Río Cuale, with a number of international hotels as its background. Otherwise known as Old Town or Zona Romántica, the beach here caters to families and honeymooners alike and is a wonderful place to watch a sunset.

At the end of the Malecón, on the shores of Los Muertos, you will find a vast variety of restaurants, bars, galleries, clothing stores and souvenir shops, among other attractions, not to mention a large number of locals and foreigners, making this beach area the ideal place for fun and entertainment, day and night; a place that brings together the best of the traditional with the vanguard.

Las Animas Beach

Las Animas is a beach that is distinguished by its golden sand; to the right of its division by a line of rocks is the tourist section; to the left is a much more private beach called El Caballito (Little Horse). Behind it stand imposing mountains and before it the Pacific, colored a light blue due to its shallow depths, which make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and kayaking. Or if you only want to relax here, you can sunbathe on any of the reclining sun chairs in front of its many restaurants after you have enjoyed a delicious meal of fresh seafood.

Yelapa Beach

Do you want to go to a place "where the waters meet and swirl." That is the meaning of the name Yelapa, a picturesque beachside village that opens its doors for you to explore its landscapes, about two hours away from Boca de Tomatlán by water taxi. It is a place distinguished by its color, its tradition, its gentle people who, for the most part, dedicate their lives to fishing and tourism. Given that it is a traditional village, you must try its dishes of Mexican food, fresh fish and lobster.

Yelapa, the perfect place to "lose" yourself in the jungle, wade through rivers, or take up sports such as swimming in its gentle water, SCUBA diving or fishing, or taking long walks in the village until you reach its waterfall, more than 50 meters high, that falls from the mountain in the rainy season (June to September). Those who have had enough of tours and excitement may simply choose to relax on the beach for hours on end.

National Marine Park Los Arcos

This incredible marine park is situated between Las Gemelas and Mismaloya. Don't miss the opportunity to boat, snorkel, or SCUBA dive through the deep tunnels, caves, colorful reefs and arches of these amazing islands, and get to know the numerous forms of sea life and birds that make Los Arcos their home. These islands seem to float on the surface of some of the most profound waters of the Pacific. Their unforgettable image will be brought up in your memory whenever you think of Vallarta.