There are many secluded beaches and hidden coves waiting to be discovered in Puerto Vallarta. You will be left in awe when you take a trip beach hopping on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore beaches. Would you like to know where the best beach hopping on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore is? Then read on.
Beach Hopping on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore
On Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore is an elite location that overlooks the stunning waters of Banderas Bay from atop a jungle mountain range. The south shore beaches” are easily reached heading south from Los Muertos Beach by foot or by taking the Carretera de Barra de Navidad (main highway) south as you leave Old Town. You can reach many of the beaches mentioned in this article by public transportation or taxi. Likewise you may wish to hire a car to enjoy them at your leisure.
Here is a brief overview of the beaches on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore.
Conchas Chinas Beach
To get to this beach, you will want to get on Carretera de Barra de Navidad Highway, then when you see Easy Street you need to turn right taking a cobblestone road that reaches the sea. The Conchas Chinas South Shore Beach has different styles of coves that are blanketed with white sands, so you can explore each one or just pick one to enjoy. The Conchas Chinas South Shore Beach happens to be a residential area, so you won’t find any restaurants or lounge chairs for rent. Occasionally, you will see someone selling shrimp on a stick or potato chips but it is a good idea to pack a cooler with snacks and drinks. The waters are calm and great here with cute tidal pools that are always a favorite for kids.
Punta Negra South Shore Beach
You can reach Punta Negra in about ten minutes from Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Like the nearby Conchas Chinas south shore beach, this coastal beach stretch has condominium developments, and there are no restaurants, so you may want to bring snacks, drinks, and lunches. What sets this beach apart from other beaches on the south shore is the ever changing sand formation that occurs. The beach may be completely covered in rocks one day when you arrive, while the following day the beach may be just pure sands. You may want to bring your fishing rod with you to this south shore beach as it is perfect for surf casting.
Playas Gemelas South Shore Beach
The Playas Gemelas south shore beach is only twelve miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The beach is very close to the highway as you can reach the sandy shore by walking down some steep steps. The ocean waters are perfect for swimming and the sands are a cloudy white color. Again, this beach has no restaurants, so bring lunches, drinks, and snacks are recommended.
Mismaloya South Shore Beach
The Mismaloya south shore beach can be reached with ease in about fifteen minutes. This beach is very popular and known for all the exciting beach activities that can be enjoyed here as you can rent a fishing boat to go fishing, watch the pelicans plunge for fish, play in the river waters that flow into the Pacific waters, build sandcastles on the clean, soft sands, dine at the variety of restaurants, or if you are a movie buff, then you can go to the Night of the Iguana 1960’s movie set where the movie was filmed here at the Mismaloya south shore beach with actress and actors featuring Deborah Kerr, Richard Burton, and Ava Gardner.
Boca de Tomatlan South Shore Beach
Boca de Tomatlan south shore beach can be found, is a sleepy, but quaint fishing village located about twenty five minutes from Downtown Puerto Vallarta. Visitors to Banderas Bay who are wanting to experience old time and real Mexico will appreciate the beach experience in this town. While you are relaxing on the beach you can watch the water taxis picking up passengers to go to the Las Animas, Yelapa, and Quimixto south shore beaches that can only be accessed by water taxis, and you can enjoy fresh barbecued fish while you indulge in a cold beer or fresh margarita.
Las Animas South Shore Beach
A quick boat ride from Boca de Tomatlan can get you to the Las Animas south shore beach, but those vacationers who enjoy hiking and natural beauty and landscaping may enjoy getting to this south shore beach with the hour and a half hike from Boca de Tomatlan. This is a stunning beach and a favorite beach by vacationers due to the inviting waters, restaurants, and the great weather. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxing.
Quimixto South Shore Beach
To get to the Quimixto South Shore Beach you must take a boat ride, which you can do from Boca de Tomatlan. There are two things that set this beach apart from other south shore beaches: the cascading waterfall and the village that is nestled in the jungle. Many vacationers head to the waterfall on horseback or take the twenty five minute walk. Relaxing on the beach and watching the surfers is a great pastime, though you will not find much in the way of restaurants or services.
Yelapa South Shore Beach
The Yelapa south shore beach is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. You can take a water taxi directly from Los Muertos beach or you can choose to take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan. On the beach you can lay back in a hammock and sip on a frosty drink while you enjoy the sights of the paddle boarders or paragliders enjoying a beautiful day. There are plenty of beachfront places to eat and drink here as well as a rustic yacht club.
A helpful tip for beach hopping on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore Beaches is to avoid the beaches on Sundays as this day is when the beaches are crowded.