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.

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Fishing and fishing charters.

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