Bay of Banderas Tours and Activities

Bay of Banderas which includes a coastal town, a beach and tropical scenes
Bay of Banderas
Bay of Banderas
Bay of Banderas
Bay of Banderas


This stretch of Mexican coastline has sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and ideal spots to swim, surf or snorkel.

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.

Plan a trip to see Bay of Banderas

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Best Lodging Options Near Bay of Banderas

Armony Marival Resort & Spa Punta de Mita - MGallery collection

Armony Marival Resort & Spa Punta de Mita - MGallery collection

4.5 out of 5
Carretera a Punta de Mita Km 8.3, Punta de Mita, NAY
Armony Marival Resort & Spa Punta de Mita - MGallery collection
Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Av de los Cocoteros - Lote 2, Nuevo Vallarta, NAY
Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Vallarta - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Vallarta - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Av. de los Cocoteros s/n, Lote LL-Cond-Maestro FI, Nuevo Vallarta, NAY
Hotel Riu Vallarta - All Inclusive
Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort

Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort

4 out of 5
Carr. La Cruz a Punta Mita km 0.2, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, NAY
Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort
W Punta de Mita

W Punta de Mita

4.5 out of 5
Km 8 5 Carretera Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, Punta de Mita, NAY
W Punta de Mita
Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive

Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Km 11.5 Zona Hotelera Sur, Puerto Vallarta
Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, NAY
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa - All Inclusive
AURA ARENA BLANCA

AURA ARENA BLANCA

3 out of 5
Carr. PUNTA DE MITA KM 4, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, NAY
AURA ARENA BLANCA
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure

Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure

4 out of 5
Blvd. Paseo Cocoteros, S/N, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bay of Banderas

Explore the stunning Bay of Banderas, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, sailing adventures, and exciting boating experiences. Don't miss the chance to go whale watching and bird watching, or indulge in various water activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in a range of activities, including golf tournaments, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience, head to the La Cruz Sunday Market, located 16.1km away, where you can find local crafts and delicious food. If you're up for a drive, visit Paradise Plaza Shopping Center and Nuevo Vallarta Rivera Farmer's Market, both 17.7km away, offering diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Nayar Vidanta Golf, located 19.3km from Bay of Banderas, offers a serene golfing experience amidst lush landscapes and outdoor vibes. At Marina Riviera Nayarit, a luxurious country club 16.1km away, indulge in upscale amenities and relaxation. Punta Mita Golf Course, also 19.3km away, combines sport with stunning natural beauty.

Adventure

Vallarta Adventures offers thrilling excursions like zip-lining and snorkeling, located 17.7km from Bay of Banderas. For water sports enthusiasts, Punta Mita Expeditions, also 17.7km away, provides exhilarating activities. Splash Water Park Vallarta, 20.9km distant, is perfect for family fun and adventure with its exciting water attractions.

Nightlife

In Bay of Banderas, Vallarta Casino and Winclub Casino Platinum offer vibrant city vibes and thrilling gaming experiences. For a cultural touch, Teatro Vallarta showcases family-friendly entertainment, enriching your nightlife with romance and local flair. Enjoy the diverse atmosphere as you explore these lively venues!

Find the best attractions near Bay of Banderas

Bay of Banderas offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including stunning beaches, challenging golf courses, and vibrant marine parks. Explore the picturesque Bucerías Beach, the expansive Vallarta Banderas, and the scenic Marietas Islands for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Ideal for those seeking relaxation or excitement, this region is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the largest bays and the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta.

  • Nuevo Vallarta Beach: Relax on the stunning shores of Nuevo Vallarta Beach, known for its soft sands and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachfront dining while soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery, just 17.7km from Bay of Banderas.
  • Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf Course: Experience the lush greens and welcoming atmosphere at the Mayan Palace Golf Course. This 19.3km-away gem offers not only a challenging round of golf but also opportunities for excursions and socializing with friendly locals.
  • Punta de Mita Sea Pool: Discover the natural beauty of Punta de Mita Sea Pool, a tranquil water feature located 14.5km from Bay of Banderas. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bay of Banderas

To enjoy a budget-friendly vacation in Bay of Banderas, consider visiting free attractions like Destiladeras Beach, Playa Bucerías, and Los Arcos. The most economical months to visit are September to November, with the best hotel deals often available one month in advance. Booking on a Tuesday can save you money, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter for eco-certified hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Don't forget to look for options with free cancellation for flexibility.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bay of Banderas are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bay of Banderas is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bay of Banderas is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bay of Banderas is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Bay of Banderas with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.