We get asked a lot, what are the beaches like, which do I vist? Are they public or private? Are they safe to swim in? Are there any nude beaches? Let us answer these all for you!

What are the beaches like and which should I visit? The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are beautiful and they are all wonderful in their own ways. Playa Los Muertos is the most popular beach in PV due to its size and location in the heart of Old Town or the Romantic Zone. You probably can't help but visit it! Tons of great beachfront restaurants, lots of vendors trying to sell you things, the brand new pier is there and if you want to rent jet skis or go parasailing, this is the place! Playa Conchas Chinas is another great option to visit and is just slightly south. Much less busy and in my opinion, one of the most picturesque options! Worth a day trip would be to head over to Punta de Mita (more north) or Sayulita (even more north) to visit their beaches (technically you are no longer in Jalisco, but the next state over Nayarit!)

Are the beaches public or private? The answer here is simple, yes! All beaches in Puerto Vallarta are open to the public and are public property. Even beaches in front of hotels are considered public and they don't mind having visitors walk through the grounds. The only exception I can think of here, is people who have put in man made beaches on their private property (example of this is the PVBC) but you wouldn't be able to access anyway because it is in a locked complex.

Are the beaches safe? Generally yes. As with anywhere you travel to, there are a few exceptions but for the most part, the beaches are nice and clean and perfectly swim-able. Keep in mind rarely will you see lifeguards on duty so you are swimming at your own risk. If a storm is coming through or the waters look a little rough, just use common sense, buddy up, and let others know of your plans, but the Bay of Banderas is very protected and the water is generally pretty calm. Local authorities and some local associations work hard to keep our beaches beautiful and clean so you can kick back and relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Nude beaches? We laugh when getting asked this question, but to answer it, no there are not. Avoid problems with local authorities and keep your swimsuits on! Mexico is a very catholic country so nudity and semi nudity are not just frowned upon they are illegal.