Por Betsua Salazar
Translate By Nyima Bieber
Also known as the “Jewel of the Mexican Pacific”, Vallarta-Nayarit is located on the beautiful Bay of Banderas (one of the deepest in the world). It is surrounded by beautiful blue waters and long sandy beaches, making it a popular tourist destination in Mexico and a favorite among Canadian visitors.
Many visitors are curious about the best beaches in the area, and as a local, I’ve been to most of them. Here is my list of the best ‘playas’ or beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
1-Playa Las Gemelas
Located south of downtown Puerto Vallarta on the road to Barra de Navidad, accessing Playa Las Gemelas requires you to go down a considerable number of stairs- but it’s worth it! The beach is very private; in theory it is composed of two twin beaches (gemelas is the Spanish word for twins) however the majority of visitors gather on just one of them. The water is crystal clear and the sand is white and free of vendors.
2- Playa Palmares
This is my second favorite beach, found in the same direction as Playa Gemelas, on the same road. Getting to it can be a little tricky because you literally have to climb down through the rocks, but it is wonderful. Here you can hang out with family, play, snorkel or do any other activity you love at the beach.
3- Las Animas
This beach is only reachable by water. You can visit during a tour that leaves from the main pier or take a boat from Boca de Tomatlán. The temperature is always very warm, the sand is white and there are no waves. It’s perfect for learning how to swim.
4- Playa Escondida
This is one of the wonders of the region, as it is located “underground”. To get to it you have to take a boat- it is located in the middle of the ocean and is home to many species of wildlife. It is also a protected reserve, accessible from Punta de Mita.
5- Sayulita
A surfer town, Sayulita is a place where there are plenty of boards and people who enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. You’ll love seeing kids and people of all ages surfing and practicing other water sports. The sea is perfect for a sunny day with a coconut and a few skewers of grilled shrimp.
If you’ll be visiting this tropical paradise soon, don’t forget to stop at one of the five best beaches in Puerto Vallarta– you’ll be amazed!
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