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Go to... Vallarta City Beaches || Beaches North of Vallarta •  Garza Blanca A small city beach located off the Barra Navidad road at Km 6 on the way to Mismaloya, this white sand beach is framed with palms and crystal clear water that laps the shoreline. It is popular with the locals on weekends who pack a picnic, as there are no amenities. Locate on map

•  Gemelas "Twin" beach is two small crescent-shaped beaches at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Here the surf is gentle and good for swimming. Water sports and a restaurant are available at the beach hotel. Several new condominium projects also enjoy the beachfront. Located south of town at Barra Navidad road, Km 8. Locate on map

•  Mismaloya Probably the most well known beach due to the filming of "Night of the Iguana" here in l963, this 500-meter-long beach sits at the very edge of the jungle where the Mismaloya creek meets the sea. Several species of wildlife have been spotted in the hills above the beach, including many different types of birds and land animals such as deer, pumas, jaguars, quails, monkeys and armadillos. The shallow surf makes it a good place to swim, thus it is popular with families. There are jet ski, parasail, and boat rentals available as are water taxis to remote beaches. The original movie set is now a restaurant at the far end of the beach and several palapa-style eateries line the beach offering an array of delights for eating and drinking. Mismaloya beach is located seven miles south of town on Highway 200. The entrance is at the bottom of the hill between The La Jolla de Mismaloya Resort and the bridge. Locate on map

•  Boca de Tomatlan A small seaside village cove that sits at the edge of the jungle, three miles south of Mismaloya, where the mouth or boca of the Tomatlan river meets the bay, hence its name. This quiet fishing village is the source of most of the fish sold in the area. Fleets of small fishing pangas leave each morning from its shores. Water taxis also leave here for the chain of small remote beaches accessible only by boat. A family-owned open-air restaurant serves beach-goers at this secret little beach. Locate on map

•  Las Animas A quiet, tiny beach inaccessible except by boat where sunbathers can relax in colorful beach chairs and choose from several rustic restaurants for Mexican fare. Snorkeling is popular in the gentle surf of this cozy beach. Rumor has it that Las Animas, The Souls, was named for a pirate who was killed returning to his ship after he had buried his treasure somewhere along the beach. It was never found and legend has it his ghost protects the lost loot. Locate on map

•  Quimixto One of three remote beaches south of Puerto Vallarta that is accessible only by boat. Pangas or water taxis leave the mainland several times a day for this out-of-the-way shore. Quimixto is known for its quite waters framed by boulders perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. There is also a refreshing waterfall to cool off in after a leisurely day of sun worshipping. Dining is available at beachside palapas. Locate on map

•  Majahuitas Located on a remote, secluded cove south of PV, Majahuitas beach is accessible only by boat (i.e. water taxi). This idyllic spot has 18 acres of paradise to discover in a private resort setting that offers a "rustic elegance" with full amenities, activities and lodging. Locate on map

•  Yelapa The largest of the remote beaches accessible only by boat that dot the southern cost of Banderas Bay. Tour boats as well as small skiffs or pangas leave for Yelapa daily with afternoon returns. This tiny village is a true escape from civilization. With no electricity or telephones, one can really get away from it all. At night, generators supply the power for the small hotel and restaurant nestled into the jungle side. During the day, there are several beachside eateries to choose from while partaking in a favorite beach activity. A 35-meter (114.8 foot) waterfall that cascades down through the thick jungle is a great hiking and horseback destination, complete with hillside cafe that overlooks the falls pool. Many artists have taken up residence in this isolated village, adding to the local color. According to these local residents, Yelapa means "the gathering place." And that it is, members of the community and visitors from Puerto Vallarta gather each month for full moon celebrations that have become legendary. See recent Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine article on Yelapa Locate on map Go to... Vallarta City Beaches || Beaches North of Vallarta

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Last Update 3/12/01 m3 © Producciones ViVa