The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are coastal gems that receive the gentle caress of the Pacific on their golden shores. Do you know them?
The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are famous for the warmth and serenity of the waters of the Mexican Pacific.
The best beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Besides popular beaches like Mismaloya, the setting of the movie The Night of the Iguana, here we present some lesser-known gems worth visiting at least once in your life.
Las Gemelas Beach, Puerto Vallarta
These are two small beaches separated by a rocky formation, offering a peaceful atmosphere and turquoise crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing and escaping the bustle of the more crowded beaches.
What makes it special?
Calm and shallow waters: ideal for swimming and enjoying the sea with children.
Golden and soft sand: perfect for sunbathing, playing, or simply resting.
Surrounded by vegetation: palm trees and other trees provide natural shade and a tropical ambiance.
Rocky formations: the rocks separating the two beaches create a picturesque landscape and offer the chance to explore and discover small tide pools.
Easy access: located in a residential area south of Puerto Vallarta, with public and free access.
How to get there?
Las Gemelas Beach is about 9 kilometers south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can get there by:
Car: take the highway towards Barra de Navidad, passing Conchas Chinas. The entrance to the beach is just after the Grand Park Royal hotel.
Bus: buy a bus ticket to Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán and ask the driver to drop you at the entrance to Las Gemelas Beach.
Taxi: a taxi from downtown Puerto Vallarta will take about 20 minutes.
Amapas Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Las Amapas Beach is a small paradise of golden sand and emerald waters offering a quieter and more intimate experience than the more popular beaches in the area.
What makes it special?
Its peaceful atmosphere: unlike busier beaches, Las Amapas offers a relaxed environment with fewer people.
Natural beauty: surrounded by lush vegetation with trees providing natural shade and rocky formations creating a small bay, it is a delight for photography lovers.
Ideal for romance: its intimate atmosphere and landscapes make it perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape.
How to get there?
Located south of Los Muertos Beach, in the Conchas Chinas area, you can reach it by walking along a coastal path with steps. You can also arrive by taxi or private car, although access is a bit more complicated.
Colomitos, one of the smallest beaches
Considered one of Mexico’s smallest beaches, Colomitos Beach is a hidden treasure you will love. Its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and lush surrounding vegetation create a magical and romantic atmosphere.
What makes it special?
Natural beauty: its waters are crystal-clear emerald green, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by tropical vegetation and rocky formations, creating an incredible landscape.
Activities: besides relaxing and enjoying the sea, you can explore marine life by snorkeling, birdwatch in the surrounding jungle, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the place.
How to get there?
The fastest and most comfortable way is by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán (a short 5-minute trip) or by hiking a jungle trail (about 30 minutes). The trail is approximately 1.5 km long, passing through the jungle with incredible coastal views. The hike takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace and includes some ups and downs but is worth it for the scenery.
Conchas Chinas Beach
This beach is located south of the city in the southern hotel zone and is famous for its scenic beauty and calm waters. The most striking feature is the rocky formations emerging from the sea, creating small natural pools of crystal-clear water. These pools are perfect for relaxing, swimming with children, or simply enjoying the landscape.
What makes it special?
Calm waters: the waves are usually moderate, making it ideal for families with small children.
Natural beauty: the combination of golden sand, turquoise waters, rocks, and lush vegetation creates a paradisiacal environment.
Spaces to explore: you can venture into the tide pools formed among the rocks, discover small caves, and observe marine life.
How to get there?
Taxi: the easiest and fastest way, about 10-15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Bus: take the bus heading south (towards Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán), get off at the Conchas Chinas stop on the main highway, then walk a bit to the beach.
Walking: if you are in the southern hotel zone, you can walk to Conchas Chinas Beach, enjoying coastal views along the way.
Madagascar Beach
Less accessible than other beaches, Madagascar offers an atmosphere of peace and serenity, ideal for those seeking to escape crowds and connect with nature.
What makes it special?
Untouched beauty: crystal-clear deep blue waters, golden sand, and rich surrounding vegetation create a postcard-perfect landscape.
Ideal for marine flora and fauna observation: calm waters make it perfect for snorkeling.
Sense of adventure: reaching Madagascar Beach involves some adventure, either by sea or jungle trail, making it attractive for nature lovers and explorers.
How to get there?
Water taxi: the most common way is by water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlán, a 20-30 minute trip with coastal views.
Hiking: you can also walk from Boca de Tomatlán through the jungle, passing other beaches like Colomitos, Las Ánimas, and Caballo, to reach Madagascar. The hike is about 2 hours with moderate difficulty.
Majahuitas Beach
Majahuitas is an almost virgin beach surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue. It is an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy nature in its purest form.
Marine fauna: you can see colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even dolphins.
Coves and caves: the beach is surrounded by coves and caves you can explore by kayak or paddleboard, discovering hidden spots and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Tranquil atmosphere: accessible only by sea, Majahuitas is rarely crowded, allowing a peaceful beach experience.
How to get there?
Water taxi: the only way to get there is by sea. You can take a water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlán or Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta. The trip takes about 30-45 minutes.
Excursions: you can also book a boat tour that includes activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Tell us, which Puerto Vallarta beaches do you still need to discover?
