Best Beaches in Jalisco 2025
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Jalisco.
Jalisco is Mexico's cultural heartland, birthplace of tequila, mariachi music, and the Mexican hat dance. Home to the vibrant metropolis of Guadalajara and the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta, it offers a stunning blend of colonial heritage, indigenous traditions, and natural beauty.
Top 10 Beaches
The best beaches Jalisco has to offer.
Playa Los Muertos
Puerto Vallarta's most beloved beach stretches 630 meters of golden sand at the heart of the Zona Romántica. The iconic blue-and-white pier arch is the city's most photographed landmark. Calm swimming waters, beach clubs with sun loungers, restaurants right on the sand, and excellent people-watching from morning to evening.
Playa del Sol (Playa Los Muertos North)
The northern section of Puerto Vallarta's main beach backed by large resort hotels. Calmer than Los Muertos proper with gentler surf, excellent for families with young children. Some of Puerto Vallarta's best beachfront restaurants line this stretch.
Playa de Oro (Hotel Zone Beach)
The beach fronting Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta is a long stretch of calm water backed by 4 and 5-star resort properties. Well-maintained and organized, with access to resort facilities for guests. Good for swimming in gentle Pacific swells.
Playa Mismaloya
A beautiful sheltered cove set between dramatic jungle-clad headlands where John Huston filmed 'Night of the Iguana' in 1963. The jungle descends directly to the beach creating a lush tropical backdrop. The village's seafood restaurants and relatively calm swimming make this a popular day trip.
Playa Conchas Chinas
A series of small rocky coves with crystal-clear water south of Puerto Vallarta backed by clifftop luxury villas and hotels including Hyatt Ziva. The rocky outcrops divide the beach into intimate sections perfect for snorkeling. More secluded and less crowded than central Puerto Vallarta beaches.
Playa Yelapa
A hidden fishing village and beach accessible only by boat, Yelapa is one of Jalisco's most magical destinations. The crescent beach fronts a village of just a few hundred residents with no cars, a waterfall hike, excellent fresh fish restaurants, and a famously bohemian atmosphere. Day trips or overnight stays available.
Playa Las Ánimas
A remote beach accessible only by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta, fronting a small fishing village. The calm, protected waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling among sea turtles and tropical fish. A handful of palapa restaurants serve fresh catch. Far less touristy than central Puerto Vallarta beaches.
Playa Boca de Tomatlán
A charming fishing village at the mouth of the Tomatlán River serving as the main departure point for water taxis to Yelapa and Las Ánimas. The small beach itself is protected and calm, and the village seafood restaurants are excellent. The scenic coastal hike from here to Playa Las Ánimas is unforgettable.
Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), Marietas Islands
One of Mexico's most remarkable natural wonders — a circular beach hidden inside a collapsed volcanic crater accessible only by swimming through a 200m tunnel. The turquoise enclosed pool is completely private from above. Entry is strictly limited to protect the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Beaches by Vibe
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Quiet & Peaceful
Yelapa, Las Ánimas, and Conchas Chinas offer quiet, less-crowded alternatives to busy central Puerto Vallarta beaches
Family-Friendly
Playa del Sol (north of Los Muertos) and Marina Vallarta beaches have gentle surf, lifeguards, and resort facilities ideal for families
Water Sports
Los Muertos Beach has the most water sport options — jet skis, parasailing, paddle boarding, and banana boats all available from beach vendors
Lively Scene
Los Muertos Beach and its beachfront bars are the most social, especially for LGBTQ+ travelers in the Freddo/Oscar's beach bar area
Complete Beach Guide
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Beach Activities
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
Whale Watching
Humpback whale watching in the Bay of Banderas from November to March — one of the best whale watching destinations in the Americas
Snorkeling
Excellent snorkeling around the Marietas Islands UNESCO reserve with sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish; also good at Conchas Chinas and Los Arcos marine park
Surfing
Puerto Vallarta's bay has gentle waves suitable for beginners. The outer coast south of Cabo Corrientes has exposed breaks for more experienced surfers.
Sailing and Sunset Cruises
A wide range of sailing, catamaran, and sunset cruise options depart from Puerto Vallarta's marina and Los Muertos pier
Sportfishing
Jalisco's Pacific waters are world-class for sportfishing — marlin, sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), and yellowfin tuna are the main targets
Practical Information
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
Best Season
Swimming conditions are excellent year-round in Jalisco's Pacific coast. Peak beach season November-April brings calm seas and low rain. July-October brings warmer water but more rain and occasional rough seas from tropical storms.
Facilities
Main Puerto Vallarta beaches (Los Muertos, Hotel Zone) have full facilities — restrooms, showers, sun lounger rental, restaurants, and water sport vendors. Remote beaches (Yelapa, Las Ánimas) have basic palapa restaurant facilities only.
Access
Los Muertos and main Puerto Vallarta beaches have free public access. Remote beaches require water taxi fare ($15-30 round trip). Marietas Islands require an organized tour ($80-120 per person).
Costs
Sun lounger rental $5-15/day at most beaches; umbrella $5/day; water sports vary from $15 (paddle board hour) to $80 (parasailing); snorkeling equipment rental $10-15
What to Bring
- Sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Beach towel or mat
- Modest swimwear (check local customs)
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Cash for vendors and rentals
- Waterproof bag for valuables
Beach Safety
Stay safe while enjoying the water.
Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.
Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.
Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).
Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.
Explore Jalisco's Best Beaches
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