The Bay of Banderas (Bahía de Banderas) is a 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch of beach on the west coast of Mexico. The bay region includes beaches, quaint cities and villages, and wildlife protection areas.
Rent scuba diving equipment, snorkeling gear or a kayak from Puerto Vallarta and head out into the water. Many types of sea life make the bay their home, including manta rays, sea bass and dolphins. Humpbacks and orcas give birth in the bay and can be spotted from the shore. Take a whale-watching trip with one of the many tour boats try to join a tour that has a boat with devices that let you listen to whale sounds.
Los Muertos, in Puerto Vallarta, is the bay’s most popular beach. Swim around El Púlpito and Las Pilitas, two iconic rock formations at the south end of the beach. Surfers will enjoy a trip to Playa Olas Altas, a beach just north of Los Muertos that generally gets bigger swells. Playa Conchas Chinas, “Chinese Shells Beach,” is considered the city’s most secluded beach. Try Playa las Gemelas, too, for a quieter spot.
Walk through the historic old town of Puerto Vallarta. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built over the course of 50 years starting in 1903, is the city’s central landmark. The church spire is topped by an elaborate green crown, which is believed to be modeled on the crown worn by Carlota, wife of the Emperor Maximilian. The church is open daily and has services in English on weekends.
Stroll through the Romantic Zone of the old town and try an authentic Mexican meal. Visit the Los Arcos Marine Natural Area, to the south of Puerto Vallarta. This protected zone is popular for snorkeling and bird watching. Swim just off the shore to find coral beds, manta rays and various types of fish.
The Bay of Banderas runs north from Puerto Vallarta to the headland at Punto de Mita and south to the headland at Cape Corrientes. The bay is serviced by local buses, which are cheap and come frequently.
Bay of Banderas Tours and Activities
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El Encanto All Inclusive Resort at Hacienda Encantada
Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows El Dorado Maroma - More Inclusive
Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 369 activitiesOpens in new tabMega Yacht All-Inclusive Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkelling Adventure
Adventure & outdoor
See all 173 activitiesOpens in new tabGuided UTV Ride to Jorullo Bridge
Private & custom tours
See all 82 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Tour: Puerto Vallarta quad bike Adventure
Classes & workshops
See all 47 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Nueva Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour
Attractions
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabUltimate Outdoor Adventure Waterfalls, Zipline & Waterslides
Reviews of Bay of Banderas
5/5 - Excellent
Ada Sailing is the best day in Puerto Vallarta!!
3/5 - Okay
I was disappointed that it isn't a sandy beach, but more like pebbles. The waves were quite strong, so if you like to hear the waves crashing, it's a great place.
4/5 - Good
Beaches in the immediate area are not great.
2/5 - Disappointing
The water quality of Bay of Banderas Bay is questionable. E coli issues so we did not go into the ocean there.
5/5 - Excellent
Snorkeling and kayaking got us out on a day long tour, but what we really loved was accidently seeing a huge shark (!) from the tour boat, and three whale encounters, and also the boat crew of crazy Mexicans who delighted us with a rock concert of AC/DC that had even the 70 year olds (us) dancing, whooping and singing our lungs out! Kayaks are plastic corks with poor steerage, and water is cloudy and not great for snorkeling.
5/5 - Excellent
Be careful of undertow when swimming in the ocean, excellent fishing threwout the bay .
Popular places to visit
Las Caletas Beach
This secluded beach, once owned by a Hollywood legend, is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the region’s fresh seafood.
Yelapa Waterfalls
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Yelapa Waterfalls during your travels in Yelapa. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area, or check out its lively bars.
Colomitos Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Colomitos Beach during your trip to Boca de Tomatlan? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Nuevo Vallarta Beach
Choose from a variety of water sports, watch dramatic sunsets and, in the right season, spot nesting sea turtles and migrating whales at this beach on Banderas Bay.
Los Arcos
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Los Arcos, a lovely green space in Mismaloya. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
Vallarta Adventures
Enjoy a trip to Vallarta Adventures and popular activities like taking adventure tours in Nuevo Vallarta. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
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