Radiant Nature
By Alan Yamil Hinojosa

The backdrop of the sea lapping the foothills of the Western Sierra Madre Mountains is what makes Puerto Vallarta an enchanting seaside destination offering sunshine and beaches to please every taste.

Each of the beaches in the state of Jalisco has its own special charm and activities to fulfill the expectations of any visitor. You'll find something you like, whether you're a daytime person or nightlife lover, traveling alone or with a partner or family members.

Puerto Vallarta boasts more than 26 miles of beaches bathed by the Pacific Ocean's serene waters, providing the ideal setting for horseback riding, the thrill of surfing, the romance of a stroll at dusk or just simply sitting on the sand and observing the sunset at one of Mexico's most fabulous tourist destinations.

Some of the most popular beaches among locals and visitors are Boca de Tomates, the beach known as "Holi," Las Glorias, Camarones, Los Muertos, Amapas, Conchas Chinas, Punta Negra, Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán. Each of them holds its own particular magic and enchantment.

Observing local fishermen looking for their catches of the day to make a delicious pescado zarandeado (grilled fish seasoned with a typical chile and garlic paste), admiring the miracle of life through the dozens of turtles that visit Vallartan beaches to lay their eggs, or simply enjoying the sea breeze with that special someone are just a few of the experiences that await in Puerto Vallarta.

To the south of the city—in the Zona Romántica, or Romantic Zone—Los Muertos is the Vallartan beach, par excellence. Located next to Puerto Vallarta's wharf, it's the town's most iconic and popular beach. Here, you can charter boats for a cruise or sportfishing, or if you prefer, get your adrenalin fix by parasailing or riding a Jet Ski.

Mismaloya is another beach you won't want to leave off your itinerary, and deserves its own special mention. This stretch of sand gained world renown after being used as the setting for the movie The Night of the Iguana directed by John Huston. You can still see some of the remains of the filming locations, which emit a certain aura that bathes the beach with a particular cinematographic glamour.

The area south of Mismaloya offers its own special treasures, with its tropical forests and small villages reminiscent of Puerto Vallarta in days gone by. Some of these, such as Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Yelapa and Majahuitas, can only be accessed from the sea. As a result, they offer unparalleled tranquility, privacy and an exuberant natural beauty for nature lovers and others who like the sound of the surf as their background music.

A hike or horseback ride up the steep, palm-covered hills to the waterfalls that nature so jealously guards in this area will be the experience that draws you back to Puerto Vallarta.

Most of Puerto Vallarta's beaches offer a great variety of entertainment, food and drink establishments and souvenir shops, all enveloped in the folklore that characterizes Mexico.

Enjoying the local cuisine beneath the shade of the large palapas (thatched huts), and the simple but fascinating experience of eating charcoal-grilled fish and shrimp shish kebabs in the true Vallartan style as you sink your toes into the cool sand, will leave you with the memories of a lifetime.

You can snorkel at any of the beaches, as well as see dolphins, manta rays and turtles. If you're visiting the area in the winter, you'll even be an enthralled witness to the rituals of humpback whales, the distinguished visitors that come to Banderas Bay year after year to mate and give birth.

If sun and sand are what allure you, then Puerto Vallarta will undoubtedly be a dream come true for an unforgettable vacation.

A Day at the Beach
By Janine S. Pouliot

Puerto Vallarta's Best Beaches

Puerto Vallarta's deep horseshoe-shaped Banderas Bay is blessed with 26 miles of sandy beaches. And that translates into the ultimate beach haven for sun and water worshippers. While some stretches of golden sand are jam-packed with action, others are quiet and remote, perfect for getting away from it all. Following is a brief summary of the "Best of the Best" that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Most Secluded
What better way to reach a crystal-clear cove just right for swimming than by boat? Yelapa beach is accessible only by water, which makes it the ideal spot for those seeking small town Mexican flavor and quiet time for themselves or to share with someone special. Small boats pull up directly onto the sandy strip, where visitors can sample fresh fish dishes at little restaurants overlooking this idyllic scene.

Most Historic
Once in Puerto Vallarta, it doesn't take long to figure out what made this one-time sleepy fishing village a glamorous international destination. The filming of the movie The Night of the Iguana transformed Mismaloya into one of the most famous beaches in the world. And with good reason. It's a gorgeous, calm inlet with lush green jungle offsetting deep turquoise water. Families enjoy the gentle waves and activities such as Jet Skis and parasailing.

Best People Watching
Downtown is a constant bustle of action with locals and visitors alike strolling all hours of the day and evening on the Malecón, or seaside promenade, that hugs the sandy shore. While it's still daylight, families can be seen enjoying ice cream and the beautiful view. At night the scene shifts to viewing of another sort of beauty. Couples and singles stroll along the path, accompanied by the beat of music wafting out from the many restaurants and bars. Vendors sell handicrafts and local food favorites.

Most Fun
The Hotel Zone has miles of beaches that front a row of sensational hotels. This is where the action is, and every imaginable water sport is offered here, including banana boats, water skiing, sunfish sailing and wind surfing. On solid ground, guests can enjoy horseback riding or simply walking the long stretch of smooth sand to select a restaurant for lunch or cocktails. The beach is punctuated by dozens of palapa umbrellas and lounge chairs for a tranquil afternoon.

Best Snorkeling
For those who prefer the action under water, they can hop a panga or water taxi to Quimixto, a remote beach that looks like it's straight out of a painting of the South Pacific. A thick fringe of swaying palms meets the fine white sand, a row of palapa-covered eateries beckon and verdant mountains rise up in the background. Rocky formations attract huge schools of brilliantly colored fish, and snorkelers need only step off the beach to be surrounded by them.

Most Popular
Location is everything, and the beautiful spot known as Beach of the Dead or Playa de Los Muertos is a perennial favorite. Its unusual name has to do with a battle fought long ago. Today, visitors head there to marvel at a spectacular sunset or order just-caught lobster or shrimp. Sun seekers play the day away on the crescent ribbon of sand. For a different perspective, boat excursions reveal the coastline during the day, while evening cruises ooze romance.

Most Stylish
There's nothing like the combination of upscale amenities and a deep swath of endless beach and wide-open ocean. Nuevo Vallarta meets this definition with exclusive hotels and newly built condos luxurious enough to satisfy the most discriminating vacationer. A clean white beach offers activities like horseback riding or sailing and is a favorite among the snowbirds who winter here.

Book your activities.
Golf courses.
Fishing and fishing charters.