Beaches

Because Puerto Vallarla lies on Bahia Banderas, the second largest natural bay in North America and has over 100 miles of coast line, it is a haven for anyone who enjoys any type of beach acliviíy, from whale watching to parasailing. Bungee jumping over the Pacific, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing or fishing are yours for the asking. The surf, at most beaches is normally very calm and safe for swimming year around. Distinctly different beach zones with more than forty individual beaches mark Puerto Vallaría as one of the favorite destinations for the true beach lover. The first zone is north of Puerto Vallarta. Playa de Oro and the Marina district are here. The Playa de Oro is a wide, sandy beach with a few rocky áreas interspersed, It is also very popular with guests and locáls alike, because of its waíer sports. Even further north, íhe beaches of Banderas Bay are pristine and quiet as they reach up toward Punta de Mita. If you're into surfing, these northem beaches, which are subjecí to slrong surf, perfect for catching a wave, the best windsurfing also takes place in this área. Puerto Vallarta's most popular beach, Playa de los Muertos, is located just south of íhe malecón and the River Cuale. This beach is surrounded by íhe neighborhood of Olas Altas (Old Town or Zona Romántica), with it's indescribable variety of restaurants and shops. It is lined with beachfront hotels and restaurants and is usually bustling with activity, sun worshipers by day, the dining and nightlife crowd after dark. The beachfront bars and restauranls in íhis área are a greaí place ío caích one of íhe incredible Vallarta sunsets.
South of town, you'll find numerous small coves and beaches. Playa de Mismaloya a quieí, fairly remote cove, and remains a beautiful beach and is a great place to relax on the beach for a day. Boca de Tomatlan, the last beach that is accessible by road is more primitive with several small seafood restaurants and taco stands. It is a great swimming beach, very quite and peacefül. You can hire local pangas here to take you to Yepala, Las Animas or Quimixto. Destiladeras and Los Venaderos are two of the more enjoyable beaches in the northem área. Snorkeling and also wind surfing (under the right conditions) are also great at the Las Marietas Islands, which have been preserved by the Mexican govemment as a bird sanctuary. These islands are accessible by boats which can be rented on most of the northem beaches.