Complete Guide to Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches: Ranked Best to Worst (2025)

Are you dreaming of golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable sunsets? Puerto Vallarta delivers all this and more with its stunning coastline along Mexico’s Pacific. As a visitor to this paradise, choosing which beaches to visit can be overwhelming – each offers its own unique charm and attractions.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the very best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, all the way to those you might want to skip. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking adventure, or just wanting to relax with a good book, I’ve got you covered.

Local Tip: Want to experience Puerto Vallarta like a local? Contact our team for personalized recommendations and guided tours that go beyond what you’ll find in typical travel guides!

How We Ranked These Beaches

Before diving into our rankings, let’s talk about how we evaluated these beaches. Our ratings are based on:

• Water quality and cleanliness
• Beauty and natural surroundings
• Available facilities and amenities
• Accessibility
• Safety
• Activities available
• Overall vibe and atmosphere

Remember that beach conditions can change seasonally, and what might be perfect in February could be different in August. The rankings reflect typical conditions, but Mother Nature always has the final say!

Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Playa Los Muertos

Location: Zona Romántica (Old Town)
Best for: People watching, social atmosphere, accessibility, families

Despite its somewhat morbid name (“Beach of the Dead”), Playa Los Muertos is the liveliest beach in Puerto Vallarta. Located in the heart of the Zona Romántica, this beach offers:

• Iconic sailboat-shaped pier (perfect for sunset photos)
• Plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars
• Rental chairs and umbrellas available (200-300 pesos per set, approximately $10-15 USD)
• Water sports rentals including jet skis and parasailing
• Excellent swimming conditions most days
• Easy walking access from downtown and many hotels

Los Muertos is divided into sections, with the southern part being more popular with the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere is inclusive and festive throughout.

Beach Tip: Blue chairs and Mantamar are popular beach clubs where you can enjoy comfortable loungers, pool access, and food service for a minimum consumption fee.

Playa Conchas Chinas

Location: South of Zona Romántica
Best for: Snorkeling, peace and quiet, natural beauty

Often called the “Beach of Chinese Shells” due to its tiny shell fragments, Conchas Chinas is a series of small coves with crystal clear water just south of Puerto Vallarta’s main beaches.

• Calm, shallow waters perfect for children and snorkeling
• Natural rock formations creating tide pools to explore
• Less crowded than downtown beaches
• Limited facilities – bring what you need
• Gorgeous views of the entire bay
• About a 5-minute taxi ride from Zona Romántica (70-100 pesos)

The beach’s unique rock formations create natural swimming pools at low tide, making it a magical place for kids to explore sea life.

Playa Las Gemelas

Location: 20 minutes south of downtown
Best for: Swimming, photography, pristine beauty

Playa Las Gemelas (Twin Beaches) consists of two small beaches with some of the clearest turquoise water in the area. This is where you’ll get those postcard-worthy photos that make everyone back home jealous.

• Stunningly clear, blue-green water
• Soft white sand (rare for Puerto Vallarta)
• Good swimming conditions (usually gentle waves)
• Few vendors, creating a peaceful atmosphere
• Limited shade – bring an umbrella
• No restaurants on the beach (pack snacks and water)

Getting here requires a bit more effort, which keeps the crowds down. Take a bus marked “Boca de Tomatlán” (8 pesos) or a taxi/Uber (about 200-250 pesos from downtown).

Los Arcos Marine Park (Playa Mismaloya)

Location: South zone, near Mismaloya Beach
Best for: Snorkeling, diving, marine life

Los Arcos isn’t technically a beach you can walk to – it’s a collection of granite rock formations jutting out of the bay. However, it’s one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic natural attractions and is accessible from nearby Mismaloya Beach.

• Rich marine life including tropical fish, eels, and octopus
• Clear waters with good visibility (especially in dry season)
• Protected marine park status
• Accessible via water taxi or tour boat
• Can be combined with a visit to Mismaloya Beach

For the best experience, join a snorkeling tour that provides equipment and guidance. Tours range from about $30-50 USD per person.

Playa Yelapa

Location: 45 minutes south by boat
Best for: Day trips, escape from city life, authentic village experience

Technically not in Puerto Vallarta but worth the journey, Yelapa is a small fishing village accessible only by boat. Its crescent-shaped beach feels like stepping back in time.

• Traditional Mexican fishing village vibe
• Famous for its homemade pies sold on the beach
• Waterfall hike nearby (about 20 minutes)
• Several beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood
• Water taxi from Los Muertos Pier (about 200 pesos each way)
• Option to stay overnight in beachfront accommodations

Yelapa is perfect for those looking to experience a slice of authentic coastal Mexican life away from large resorts.

Good Value Beaches (Second Tier)

Playa Palmares

Location: South zone, south of Conchas Chinas
Best for: Locals’ experience, fewer tourists

Playa Palmares offers a nice balance between amenities and natural beauty without the crowds of more famous beaches.

• Public access with parking
• Generally clean, open beach
• Beach club with food and drink service
• Good swimming conditions most days
• Easily accessible by public bus

The local vibe makes this a good choice for those wanting to experience beaches like residents do.

Boca de Tomatlán

Location: South of Puerto Vallarta, at the end of the bay
Best for: Starting point for coastal hikes, authentic fishing village

Boca is where the road ends and the adventures begin. This small fishing village serves as:

• Gateway to southern beaches accessible only by boat or hiking
• Starting point for the coastal trail to Las Animas
• Place to catch water taxis to Yelapa and other beaches
• Home to several excellent seafood restaurants
• Cultural experience away from tourist centers

While not the most beautiful beach for swimming, Boca’s strategic location makes it worth a visit.

Playa Camarones

Location: Hotel Zone/Downtown area
Best for: Convenience, watching local fishermen, sunset views

Camarones (Shrimp Beach) sits at the north end of the Malecón walkway:

• Easy access from downtown and hotel zone
• Several good restaurants along the beach
• Rental chairs and umbrellas available
• Good swimming despite occasional stronger waves
• Beautiful sunset views
• Watch local fishermen bring in their catch

The proximity to hotels and the Malecón makes this a convenient option for those staying in the hotel zone.

Beaches to Skip (or Visit with Realistic Expectations)

Playa de Oro

Location: Hotel Zone, near the airport
Why it’s lower ranked: Strong undertow, less scenic

While convenient for those staying at nearby hotels, Playa de Oro offers less charm than other Puerto Vallarta beaches:

• Can have dangerous swimming conditions
• Heavily developed with large hotels
• Limited public access in some sections
• Often crowded with cruise ship passengers
• Airplane noise due to proximity to airport

If you’re staying at a beachfront hotel in this area, you’ll still enjoy the beach, but it’s not worth a special trip from other parts of town.

Hidden Gems: Less Known Beaches Worth Discovering

Colomitos

Location: South of Boca de Tomatlán
Best for: Adventure seekers, hikers, photography

Considered by some to be the smallest beach in Mexico, Colomitos is a tiny cove with extraordinarily clear water:

• Crystal-clear turquoise water
• Surrounded by jungle
• Accessible via 30-minute hike from Boca de Tomatlán or water taxi
• Very few facilities (bring everything you need)
• Excellent snorkeling opportunity
• Uncrowded except on weekends

The effort to reach Colomitos keeps it relatively pristine and uncrowded, making it well worth the journey.

Majahuitas

Location: South of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by boat
Best for: Wilderness experience, snorkeling, privacy

This hidden beach accessible only by boat or tour offers:

• Excellent snorkeling with abundant marine life
• Jungle backdrop with rich bird life
• Very limited development
• Peaceful atmosphere with few crowds
• Tours that include lunch and equipment (around $50-90 USD)

Majahuitas offers a glimpse of what the entire coast might have looked like before development.

Beach Day Essentials in Puerto Vallarta

A day at the beach in Puerto Vallarta requires a bit of preparation:

• Sun protection: The Mexican sun is intense – bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, and sunglasses
• Hydration: Bring water or budget for drinks (expect to pay 30-50 pesos for bottled water on popular beaches)
• Cash: Many beach vendors and small restaurants don’t accept cards
• Beach etiquette: Public beaches are free, but chair/umbrella rentals cost about 150-300 pesos depending on location
• Safety: Yellow or red flags indicate dangerous conditions – always respect these warnings
• Valuables: Bring only what you need; consider a waterproof pouch for essentials

How to Get to Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches

Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are easily accessible through various transportation options:

1. Walking: Downtown beaches like Los Muertos are walkable from most hotels in Centro and Zona Romántica
2. Bus: Local buses cost 8-10 pesos and run frequently along the main road (look for “Boca de Tomatlán” for southern beaches)
3. Taxi/Uber: Available throughout the city (Uber often cheaper, taxis more readily available)
   • Downtown to Hotel Zone: ~100-150 pesos
   • Downtown to Conchas Chinas: ~80-120 pesos
   • Downtown to Boca de Tomatlán: ~300-400 pesos
4. Water taxis: Depart from Los Muertos Pier to southern beaches like Yelapa (~200 pesos each way)

Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches

Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are enjoyable year-round, but some seasons offer better experiences:

1. November to May (Dry Season)
   • Clearest water and best visibility for snorkeling
   • Comfortable temperatures (75-85°F/24-29°C)
   • Lowest chance of rain
   • Peak tourist season (crowded beaches)
2. June to October (Rainy Season)
   • Hotter temperatures (85-95°F/29-35°C)
   • Afternoon thunderstorms (mornings usually clear)
   • Less crowded beaches
   • Lush, green surroundings
   • Possible water clarity issues after heavy rains

Special Note: Whale watching season runs from December to March, adding an extra dimension to beach visits during these months!

FAQ About Puerto Vallarta Beaches

Are Puerto Vallarta’s beaches safe?

Yes, the beaches in Puerto Vallarta are generally safe for tourists. Always pay attention to flag warnings for swimming conditions and use common sense with valuables. The main beaches have lifeguards during daylight hours.

Which is the best beach for families with children?

Playa Los Muertos (northern section) and Conchas Chinas offer gentle waters and good facilities for families. Hotel zone beaches are also convenient if staying nearby.

Where can I find less crowded beaches?

Playa Palmares, Las Gemelas, and the beaches south of Boca de Tomatlán offer more tranquility, especially on weekdays.

Can I camp on Puerto Vallarta beaches?

Camping is not officially permitted on most Puerto Vallarta beaches. For camping experiences, look to areas further north near Sayulita or south toward El Tuito.

Which beaches have the best snorkeling?

Los Arcos Marine Park, Conchas Chinas, and Majahuitas offer the best snorkeling experiences with diverse marine life.

Conclusion

Puerto Vallarta’s beaches offer something for everyone – from the energetic atmosphere of Los Muertos to the tranquil beauty of Las Gemelas and the adventure of reaching Yelapa or Colomitos.

The best beaches in Puerto Vallarta balance natural beauty with practical amenities, but even the less famous beaches have their unique charm. Don’t limit yourself to just one – each beach has its own personality and offers a different perspective on this beautiful coastline.

For the ultimate beach experience, consider exploring beyond the mainstream options. The extra effort to reach places like Majahuitas or Colomitos rewards you with memories that will last long after your tan fades.

Whether you’re seeking a lively social scene, peaceful nature, or underwater adventures, Puerto Vallarta’s diverse beaches promise unforgettable experiences at the edge of the beautiful Banderas Bay. ¡Buen viaje!