Los Muertos Beach and Mismaloya are beautiful — but always packed. If you want the local Vallarta, you have to step off the circuit. These six beaches are the gems few visitors discover, all less than an hour from downtown.
1. Playa Colomitos
Access: 20-minute trail from Boca de Tomatlán, or short boat ride (3-5 min).
Considered one of Mexico's smallest beaches, it's a golden-sand cove tucked into a curve of the coast, surrounded by tropical jungle. Crystal water, perfect for snorkeling. There's an informal drinks-and-fruit stand, but nothing else. Best to arrive early in the morning.
What to bring: hiking shoes, water, snack, towel. Full page →
2. Las Gemelas
Access: Highway 200 South, around km 9. Steep stairway down.
Two small twin beaches separated by a rock formation. Talc-soft sand, natural shade under a huge tree, almost no vendors. Moderate-to-strong surf — better for adults than little kids.
What to bring: umbrella if you're going at peak sun, snacks (no restaurants). Full page →
3. Playa Caballo
Access: 30-40 minute walk from Boca de Tomatlán along the trail that passes Colomitos and Playa Madera.
Less known than Colomitos because you have to keep walking. A solitary beach with soft sand and protected waters. In whale season you can spot activity from shore. Practically no services.
4. Majahuitas
Access: boat from Boca de Tomatlán (15-20 min) or included in some tours.
Famous for the former Majahuitas Resort (now closed). Today it's a semi-virgin beach with turquoise water and excellent snorkeling. The reef has tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional ray. There's a small informal restaurant.
What to bring: your own snorkel gear if you have it (skip the rental).
5. Playa Quimixto
Access: boat from Boca de Tomatlán (20-25 min), the same route that goes to Las Ánimas and Yelapa.
Fishing village with a wide beach and a nearby waterfall. The Quimixto Waterfall is 30 minutes on foot or 15 minutes on horseback (300-400 pesos per person). Much quieter than Yelapa with the same essence.
6. Playa Destiladeras (Nayarit)
Access: Highway 200 North toward Punta de Mita, about 45 minutes by car from downtown.
Technically already in Riviera Nayarit, but worth the trip. An open beach more than 3 km long, white sand, strong surf (great for boogie boarding). Very popular with locals on Sundays. Palm-thatched stalls with seafood and cold beer.
Bonus: Playa Boca de Tomates
Access: by airport, local route.
North of Vallarta, almost nobody visits because it's near the airport and the estuary. But it's wide, quiet, and you can spot crocodiles in the adjacent estuary (from a safe distance). Excellent for sunsets without tourists.
General tips for hidden beaches
- Arrive early: after 11 AM the tour crowds start arriving.
- Cash: most of these beaches don't take cards.
- Sun protection: the Pacific sun is strong. Use a cap, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen.
- Respect the place: don't leave trash. Many of these beaches don't have municipal upkeep.
- The Boca-Yelapa trail: if you like to walk, the full Boca → Colomitos → Madera → Caballo → Las Ánimas trail is a spectacular 3-4 hour hike, with stops for swimming.
Puerto Vallarta has so much more than the Malecón. A day at one of these beaches is the perfect contrast to the city.