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Beaches for everyone
by Bay Vallarta Staff | published: 4/29/2005
| In the middle of Pacific Ocean's natural paradise, Vallarta has beaches for everyone. From beaches packed and full of activities to lonely bays of white sand. Take note! Sayulita Location: Approximately 45 minutes from the  international airport. This is 35 kilometers north of Puerto Vallarta taking federal highway number 200 on the north coast of the bay.How to get there? Take the bus to "Sayulita" in selected bus stops ($20 pesos is the approximate cost per ticket). Particular attractions: It is the favorite one to practice surf and an excellent place for those who want to begin practicing this sport. Furthermore, it is an excellent alternative for camping lovers since it has a special area for camping. Extras: During vacations it is one of the most visited spots for young people, whom in turn reinvigorate this otherwise calm fisherman's town and provide it with such a vibe that turns this beach in one of the most cosmopolitan ones in the region. El Anclote Location: Situated 22 kilometers west of Bucerias taking highway number 200 and about 30 minutes from Vallarta airport, on the north coast of the bay. How to get there? Take the bus towards Punta de Mita in any of the available bus stops (approximate cost, $18 pesos).  Particular attractions: Popular beach of fine white sand recognized for its delicious seafood that can be enjoyed right on the beach. It is characterized for its warm and crystal-clear water with calm waves in which it's possible to watch diverse wild fauna such as birds, turtles, manta rays and lobsters among others. Because of the aforementioned characteristics, El Anclote constitutes an excellent option to go out for the day along with the family.Extras: Without a doubt, its numerous restaurants specializing in seafood are affordable for all kind of budgets. Punta de Burro Location: 30 minutes northeast of Puerto Vallarta between la Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, on the north coast of the bay. How to get there? Take the bus towards Punta de Mita and tell the driver to stop in Punta de Burro. Particular Attractions: The abundance and quality of its waves makes this beach the optimal place to surf almost all year round. It is a small beach with brilliant golden sand. Given the fact that the beach is situated in the middle of rocks, getting to Punta de Burro will be part of the day experience because it is necessary to walk some meters on a bumpy or "terraceria" road before being able to see the beach and its waves. Extras: Definitely, Punta de Burro is a quiet and ideal place to enjoy one of the best views of Islas Marietas, the mountains and the Pacific Ocean in general. Destiladeras Location: It is situated between Punta de Burros and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle on the highway towards Punta de Distiladeras is an extended beach of fine and white sands recognized for its dynamic winds that pamper the bay. Perfect for surfing. Mita, northwest of Puerto Vallarta and 15 minutes away from Bucerias, on the north coast of the bay.How to get there? By bus, you can ask for the beach when you board the one going towards Punta de Mita ($15 pesos approximately). The entrance to Destilerias is by the restaurants area and it has plenty of parking spaces. Particular Attractions: An extended beach of fine and white sands recognized for its dynamic winds that pamper the bay. It is the darling spot for those who like to practice wind sports such as surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing (beginners and advanced). Besides wind sports, snorkeling is quite common given the crystal waters. It has a good number of palapas and restaurants at affordable prices. Extras: Clean and of easy access. Good environment. Low attendance during weekdays. La Manzanilla Location: It is next to Cruz de Huanacaxtle and north of Puerto Vallarta around 20 minutes from the international airport, on the north coast of the bay.  How to get there? By bus take the one going to either "La Cruz" or "Punta de Mita". By car you take the deviation going to "Punta de Mita" in highway 200. Particular Attractions: Without hesitation, one of the most crowded beaches any time of the year. Its quiet waters make it a safe place for families and this is one of the reasons why it has become a favorite both for tourists and locals. Furthermore, the visitor can comfortably rest in one of the many palapas in the area. Also, you may bring your own food or enjoy the specialties in the local restaurants. Extras: Given the fact that it is next to a fisherman's town, it is recommendable to rent a boat and go out to the sea. The mahi-mahi, tuna and other species can be easily found in La Manzanilla waters. Bucerias Location: Just 15 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta airport and next to highway 200. How to get there? Take any of the buses going towards Sayulita or Punta de Mita. Particular attractions: Bucerias means "land of divers" and it is a town with the typical stone roads with and ample and extended beach, which is perfect to walk and watch splendorous sunsets full of peace and quietness. Also, you can horse back ride, jog or simply pick sea shells and relax. The restaurants, besides bringing the menu, offer small palapas with excellent shade and some others have shower service. Extras: During the season from November to March, you can appreciate several species such as the hunchback whale, sea turtles and giant manta rays. Boca de Tomates Location: Just next to Ameca River, just past Puerto Vallarta international airport. How to get there? When leaving Puerto Vallarta, go towards Plaza Marina and take the lateral street to the beach.  Boca de Tomates is between the Marina and the airport. If you have to take the bus that goes all the way to the beach, have some patience, since the service to this place is quite seldom (blue buses).Particular attractions: It is a quiet beach and usually attended by locals. There are several seafood restaurants palapa style and quite popular that offer shower and bathroom service. It is a hotel-free and construction-free site that is commendable to visit just because of the pleasure to eat in some of its restaurants. Extras: Food by itself is a good excuse to know the place, but it is also recommendable to visit the turtle camp that is hosted in this beach and contribute to this noble cause. Las Gemelas Location: Approximately on kilometer 8.5 on highway towards Barra de Navidad, south of Puerto Vallarta on the south coast. How to get there? The bus to Mismaloya is a good option for those whom do not wish to drive because of the The perfect option to get away from the city noises without going to far from Vallarta. curvy road and it is cheap (less than $5 pesos).Particular attractions: One of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the region. Small, full of plants and slightly rocky. It has big trees that provide nice shade and a panoramic view of Los Arcos, which guarantees and unforgettable stay once the sunset is announced. Extras: The perfect option to get away from the city noises without going to far from Puerto Vallarta and to enjoy an unrivaled view. Playa Hotel Holiday Inn Location: Next to the hotel with the same name, by Rio Pitillal outfall on Francisco Medina Ascencio boulevard, between Villa del Palmar and NH Krystal, in the north hotel zone. How to get there? Take any bus with the route Hoteles. To get to the beach it is necessary to walk some meters on a dirt road. Particular attractions: Excellent option for those who want to enjoy a nice beach without leaving the city. Family environment during the day and it is one of the favorite beaches to host "lunadas" by young people given its generous extension. For the ones familiar with solid ground games, it also has some soccer goals which are excellent for a cascarita and it's not uncommon to find beach volleyball matches. Extras: There is a little restaurant-bar for those unprepared with their respective snacks. Also, it has public bathrooms. Because it is inside the city, it is constantly under police surveillance. Los Muertos Location: South of the city. In the area know as the romantic zone. How to get there? By crossing any of the Cuale river  bridges, after the malecon. Without a doubt, the best option to get to Los Muertos is walking along the beach while you enjoy the sun.Particular attractions: It is the most famous and most attended beach in Puerto Vallarta. It hosts a string of hotels that deliver unstopped activities. You can feel the sand under your feet while at the same time you enjoy the culinary art of the restaurants by the sea. From the pier you can take water taxis to Yelapa, Las Animas and Quimixto beaches on the south coast of the bay. The bars in this zone provide the perfect environment to enjoy the sunset. Extras: The visitor will find an interesting mix of lifestyles that interact flawlessly: the numerous popular affluent together with the openly gay zone known has the "sillas azules (blue chairs)". Conchas Chinas Location: South of Puerto Vallarta, next to the residential zone of the same name. How to get there? Take the bus to Mismaloya that departs from the bus stop located in the streets of Constitucion and Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone. By car, from any point in the city, there are multiple options to get to the beach, just  follow the signs.Particular attractions: Group of small and rocky beaches of white sand south of the romantic zone. Preferred by locals and tourists for the singular natural ponds and small bays that are formed among the rocks. Because of its crystal waters one can appreciate a great variety of fishes in their natural habitat. Extras: It is considered a privileged zone because of the views that offers, either from the beach or from the top part in the highway to Mismaloya. Unknown corners of sand and sea. Bahia de Banderas has dozens of paradise beaches, two of them are on our list. Get to know them. Emiliano Zapata Location: Located just a few minutes before getting to Punta de Mita, on the north coast of the bay. About 30 minutes from the airport. How to get there? Take highway 200 towards Punta de Mita. A couple of kilometers before, on the left, there is a sign announcing the entrance to Emiliano Zapata. Follow the stones road that crosses the kiosco and the Centro de Salud until you get to the beach. Particular attractions: It's all about a small town with a great solitary and pacific beach. Emiliano Zapata's coast opens among the Nayarit vegetation and offers pure landscapes untouched by the human hand. Take all the necessary things to enjoy your stay; it is an ideal spot for camping. Higuera Blanca Location: You can find it hidden going around Punta de Mita's beach. Around 30-35 minutes from the airport, on the north coast of the bay. How to get there? Take highway 200 to the north.  Take the exit to Cruz de Huanacaxtle y keep going for about 15 kilometers approximately. On Four Season's corner (where there is a back road to the right with a sign that says Higuera Blanca) keep going for the back road for about 3 kilometers. You will get to a paved road that will take you to a baseball field. Turn right and you will see the sea.Particular attractions: Clean and solitary. It is a wide extension of white sand with some disperses rocks. It is a little far but a nice to know. Also in Nayarit, Higuera Blanca invites intrepid sportsman to use its big waves. It's a favorite one of kite surfers. A note about busses If you travel by bus, the stops for the mid range (ATM, Compostella) busses are in front of Plaza Genovesa (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio), Wal-Mart (by the marine terminal) and in front of the airport. Once you get to the selected beach, find out where to take the bus back to where you need to go when you exit the bus. |
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