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Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

With over 25 miles of magnificent shoreline and forty different kinds of beaches, Puerto Vallarta has what it takes to satisfy the most finicky beach-goer. Although what is ‘best’ for one person may be distasteful to another, there are certain characteristics that are common to all good beaches. A high-quality beach should have excellent access and gentle surf with no more than a mild undertow. It must also be safe enough for a number of sport activities. The beaches lining Puerto Vallarta have all this and more.

Endless activities, sunbathing spots, a wide assortment of hotels filled with exquisite flavors of the land and bustling crowds of people await you here. While the city beaches are crowded and busy with lots of fun stuff, those to the south and north are less crowded. On the rugged south side, where the mountain embraces the sea, you will find intimate beaches good for swimming, diving and snorkeling. In the north, there are a number of excellent surfing spots.

Let's look at the different kinds of beaches Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

The Best All-round Beach

Los Muertos, which has just won a landslide victory as the Reader’s Choice for the #1 beach of Vallarta, lies to the South of the city. Ironic that this beach which literally means “The Dead” should be so busy. Life never seems to slow down here. It has something for everyone. Light surfing, great shallow swimming, sunbathing, live music, fabulous beachfront dining experience and a fun and feisty crowd. You will also get to see an amazing range of hairdos offered by the womenfolk here. An added attraction: this beach is famous for its gay population.

The Best Beach to Escape to

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its remote beaches; silent havens where you can leave the noise and unceasing activity of civilization far behind.

Playa Las Animas is ideal for a stint of quiet sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. The stunning white beach with its sweeping arc of rocky promontory and protected coves lure you into a world away from the present.

San Poncho is another fantastic getaway. Located some 40 minutes away from the airport, this sleepy village has a shoreline of about 1.5 kilometers. The place boasts of pristine beaches, windswept terrain and thrashing waters that open into the Bay. Surfing is wonderful in San Poncho. The landscape is stunning, making for some great photography. The golden sand with its fine texture lures you to take long strolls. Falcons and aguillas flock here; so, if you love birds, this is the place to visit. Adventure resorts make it possible for you to participate in almost every kind of activity, ranging from kayaking to surfing, snorkeling, diving and horseback riding.

The Boca De Tomates, located at the north side of Vallarta, is popular with nature lovers and boogie boarders. This sandy retreat is a natural estuary, home to a number of exotic birds, sea turtles and crocs. A large number of funky palapa restaurants await you with great seafood at inexpensive prices.

The Best Beach for Romance

Majahuitas is located on a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta and it is accessible only by boat. This jungle-fringed cove will remind you of the romance of Fantasy Island and the rustic elegance offered by the Mexican Boutique Hotel will take you back in time.

The Las Caletas is a hidden cove protected by rock formations. This was the former home of John Huston, the movie director. Laid-back and lazy, the place is best suited for snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving.

Sayulita is a surfing Mecca of international fame. This idyllic village has a long shoreline dotted with beaches and coves where surfers can ride the gentle breakers to the shore. Board rentals are plenty and surfing lessons are available. However, if privacy is what you’re after, you will find it in one of the many secluded alcoves on the beach. The food is great and the town square is charming, to say the least. You can get here by bus or taxi in less than an hour’s time from PV.

The Best Beach for the Family

The Bucerias, home to gentle lapping waters and miles of golden sands, is ideal for the whole family. There is an interesting town to explore, the food is sublime and the constant breeze is cool and refreshing. At ‘The Place of the Divers’ you can see giant oysters. The local people are very friendly and you can absorb the local flavor of the land by resting in one of the numerous waterfront restaurants or by exploring the colorful outdoor market.

The Punta de Mita is about 40 miles away from Vallarta and it is considered to be the most beautiful beach on the Bay. This magical destination consists of a number of serene islands that are ideal for soaking up the sunset or for long, ruminative strolls. If the city beckons you, visit the public beach of El Anclote. This is a great place for swimming and surfing. Indulge in some windsurfing, kayaking, catamaraning, snorkeling, diving and boogie boarding.

From soft to sandy and grassy to rocky, the beach face and the surrounding coves makes Puerto Vallarta’s beaches a dream destination. Come, play in the waters, sunbathe and watch the golden sun setting the waters on fire.

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