There are distinctly different beach zones, with more than forty individual beaches, making Puerto Vallarta a favorite destination for the beach lover. The first zone is north of Puerto Vallarta. This is where Playa de Oro and the Marina district are.  The Playa de Oro is a wide, sandy beach with a few rocky areas interspersed.  Because of its water sports, it is also very po;ular with guests and locals alike.  Even further north, the beaches of Banderas Bay are pristine and quiet.   The northern beaches have much stronger surf.  So, if you are into surfing and windsurfing this is the place.

Puerto Vallarta's most popular beach, Playa de los Muertos, is located just south of the malecon and the River Cuale.  This beach is surrounded by Old Town, with its many varieties of restaurants and shops.   It is lined with beachfront hotels and restaurants.  A perfect spot to catch some rays during the day and an even better spot to have a sunset drink while watching the colorful Vallarta skies.

The beach at the Camino Real Hotel is beautiful and private.  The Camino Real charges a $25.00 per person per day fee to use their facilities (no charge if you are just coming to dine).  We enjoy the beach in front of El Set restaurant; there is decent snorkeling off the rocks.  Los Muertos Beach, by Daiquiri Dick's, has the most action.

South of town, there are many coves and beaches.  Playa de Mismaloya is a fairly remote and beautiful beach. 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 peaceful. 

Destiladeras and Los Venaderos are two of the more enjoyable beaches in the northern area.   Snorkeling and wind surfing, when the conditions are right, are great at the Las Marietas Islands, which have been preserved by the Mexican government as a bird sanctuary.  These islands are accessible by boats which can be rented on most of the northern beaches.