Beaches South of Puerto Vallarta: A Complete Guide
The south shore of Puerto Vallarta is a privileged area where the stunning Banderas Bay mountains covered by lush palms meet the sea. These beaches begin at the end of the MalecĂłn and Los Muertos Beach, extending south toward Cabo Corrientes. The south zone offers a more secluded and natural beach experience compared to the bustling downtown beaches, with lush jungle hills tumbling toward the sea along the shoreline. From accessible beaches near the city to hidden gems reachable only by water taxi, the south shore offers diverse beach experiences for every type of traveler.
What makes the south shore special is its combination of natural beauty and relative seclusion. As you head south from Puerto Vallarta, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with jungle-covered mountains rising directly from the coast. The beaches here are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful and authentic Mexican beach experience. Whether you're looking for a quick beach day near the city or an adventure to remote fishing villages, the south shore has something to offer.
Beaches Between Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya
The stretch of coast immediately south of Puerto Vallarta offers several beautiful beaches that are easily accessible from the city.
Conchas Chinas Beach
Conchas Chinas is an upscale area south of the Romantic Zone, known for its luxury villas and stunning beach. The beach features golden sand and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming. It's quieter than the downtown beaches and offers a more exclusive experience. The name "Conchas Chinas" means "Chinese Shells," referring to the beautiful shells that can be found on the beach. The area is known for its tide pools, which are great for exploring marine life during low tide.
Las Estacas Beach
Las Estacas is a small, quiet beach located between Conchas Chinas and Las Gemelas. It's less developed and offers a more natural setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches.
Los Venados Beach
Los Venados Beach is another quiet spot along the south shore, offering a more secluded experience. The beach is less frequented by tourists and provides a peaceful setting for relaxation.
El Carrizo Beach
El Carrizo is a small beach that offers a more local experience. It's less developed than the beaches closer to town and provides a glimpse into the more authentic coastal life of the area.
Punta Negra Beach
Punta Negra Beach has a bunch of beachfront residences, mainly condominium buildings, and is perfect for those looking to invest or stay in a more residential area. The beach offers a long stretch of sand and is great for walking. It's less crowded than the main beaches and provides a more local atmosphere.
Palmares Beach
Palmares Beach is a Blue Flag certified beach, meaning it meets high environmental and quality standards. It's a long, open beach with many little beach bars and restaurants, making it a favorite spot to hang out. You can sit at any of them and have a beverage or food while enjoying the beautiful views. The beach is easily accessible and offers excellent swimming conditions.
Garza Blanca Beach
Garza Blanca Beach is located near the Garza Blanca Preserve and offers pristine natural beauty. It's a great spot for those who want to experience a more natural beach setting with lush jungle surroundings. The beach is backed by the preserve, providing a stunning natural backdrop.
Las Gemelas Beach
Las Gemelas (The Twins) consists of two small coves separated by rocky outcrops. The beach features crystal-clear water and stunning scenery, with the jungle coming right down to the sand. It's less crowded than the main beaches and offers a peaceful, intimate setting. The twin coves create a unique landscape that's perfect for photography and romantic getaways.
Los Arcos National Marine Park
While not a beach itself, Los Arcos is a group of granite rock formations rising from the sea that create a stunning natural landmark. The area is a national marine park and offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The underwater ecosystem here is rich with marine life, making it a must-visit for water enthusiasts.
Mismaloya Village & Beach
Mismaloya is both a small fisherman village and a 300-yard long sandy beach on a beautiful jungle-fringed cove, 9 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. The beach gained fame as the filming location for the movie "The Night of the Iguana." Here you'll find several restaurants, mainly little palapas by the edge of the sea, and on the other end of the cove there is a large resort. The beach is set in a protected cove, offering calm waters perfect for swimming. The village centers around its beach, which is surrounded by open-air restaurants.
Beaches & Attractions South of Mismaloya
South of Mismaloya, the coast becomes more remote and the beaches are only accessible by boat or longer drives. This area offers some of the most pristine and secluded beach experiences in the region.
Boca de Tomatlán Village & Beach
Boca de Tomatlán is a traditional fishing village at the southern end of the bay. What started as a remote fishing village is now a stopover for tourists looking to do boat tours to Playa Las Animas, Quimixto, or Yelapa. The village has a small malecón (boardwalk) that's a great place to enjoy the sunset while sipping a refreshing "nieve de garrafa" (a homemade fruit-flavored sherbet) and watching the flocks of seagulls resting on the bows of the pangas (small boats). The beach here offers excellent swimming conditions and is the gateway to the more remote beaches south.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Located south of Mismaloya, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens offer a beautiful escape into nature. While not a beach, it's a must-visit attraction in the south zone, featuring diverse plant species, walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.
Las Animas Beach
Accessible by boat from Boca de Tomatlán, Las Animas is a beautiful beach with golden sand and clear waters. It has several restaurants and is a popular spot for boat tours. The beach offers a great combination of natural beauty and amenities. It's a perfect day trip destination where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.
Quimixto Beach & Village
Quimixto is a traditional fishing village with a beautiful beach, accessible by boat from Boca de Tomatlán. The beach features a waterfall nearby and offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican coastal life. It's perfect for those seeking an authentic experience. The village is small and charming, with a relaxed pace of life that's a welcome escape from the modern world.
Majahuitas Beach
Majahuitas is a secluded beach accessible only by boat, known for its calm waters and excellent snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by lush jungle and offers a peaceful, natural setting away from the crowds. The protected cove location ensures calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Yelapa Village & Beach
Yelapa is a hidden gem accessible only by water taxi. This traditional fishing village has no roads and is known for its waterfall, beautiful beach, and relaxed pace of life. It's a perfect escape from the modern world and offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican coastal living. The beach is surrounded by lush jungle and offers calm waters perfect for swimming. The waterfall nearby adds to the unique experience, and you can hike through the jungle to reach it.
How to Get to the South Shore Beaches
By Car or Taxi
Beaches between Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya are easily accessible by car or taxi. The highway going south runs along the edge of the jungle and hills, offering beautiful views along the way. The drive to Mismaloya takes about 20-30 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
By Bus
Local buses run south from Puerto Vallarta and are an inexpensive way to reach the south shore beaches. The bus ride offers a local experience and is a great way to see the area.
By Water Taxi
For beaches south of Boca de Tomatlán, including Las Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa, water taxis are the primary mode of transportation. These can be hired from Boca de Tomatlán or from Puerto Vallarta's marina. The boat ride offers beautiful views of the coast and is part of the adventure.
What to Expect
- Less crowded: The south shore beaches are generally less crowded than the downtown beaches.
- More natural: The beaches here have a more natural, undeveloped feel.
- Lush surroundings: Jungle-covered mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
- Authentic experience: Many of the villages maintain traditional Mexican coastal life.
- Varied accessibility: Some beaches are easily accessible by road, while others require boat transportation.
Travel Tips for the South Zone
- Bring cash, as many restaurants and services in the smaller villages may not accept credit cards.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to hike to waterfalls or explore the villages.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—the sun can be intense.
- Check boat schedules if you're planning to visit the remote beaches by water taxi.
- Respect the local communities and natural environment.
- Consider staying overnight in Yelapa or other remote villages for a more immersive experience.
Travel tip: For the ultimate south shore experience, combine a visit to an accessible beach like Conchas Chinas or Mismaloya with a boat tour to the remote beaches of Yelapa or Majahuitas. This gives you both the convenience of accessible beaches and the adventure of discovering hidden gems.
Conclusion
The beaches south of Puerto Vallarta offer a diverse range of experiences, from easily accessible beaches near the city to remote paradises reachable only by boat. The combination of lush jungle surroundings, dramatic mountain backdrops, and pristine beaches creates a stunning natural setting that's perfect for those seeking a more authentic and secluded beach experience. Whether you're looking for a quick beach day, a romantic getaway, or an adventure to remote fishing villages, the south shore of Puerto Vallarta provides the perfect setting for your Mexican beach vacation. The relative seclusion and natural beauty of these beaches make them a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the wilder side of Puerto Vallarta's coastline.
