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
Visit Bay of Banderas
Plan a trip to see Bay of Banderas
Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive
Reviewed on Sep. 26, 2024
Family Selection At Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Reviewed on Aug. 29, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 127 activitiesOpens in new tabMega Yacht All-Inclusive Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkelling Adventure
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 38 activitiesOpens in new tabRhythms of the Night - Sunset Cruise, Dinner & Performance at Las Caletas
Private & custom tours
See all 34 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Tour: Puerto Vallarta quad bike Adventure
Water activities
See all 34 activitiesOpens in new tabLos Arcos, Animas and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All-inclus...
Classes & workshops
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tabAgave Spirits Experience
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 romantic 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.
Majahuitas Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Majahuitas Beach during your travels in Quimixto? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.
Quimixto Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Quimixto Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Quimixto.
Best Lodging Options Near Bay of Banderas
Check availability on hotels close to Bay of Banderas
- Vacations and getaways similar to Bay of Banderas
- Hotels near popular Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Xcaret Eco Theme Park
- Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
- Paseo de la Reforma
- Expo Guadalajara
- Moon Palace Golf Club
- Zócalo
- Cruise Ship Terminal
- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Fundidora Park
- Angel of Independence Monument
- World Trade Center Mexico City
- Rosarito Beach
- Maroma Beach
- Tulum Mayan Ruins
- Africam Safari
- Hotels near Cruise Ship Terminal
- Hotels near Malecon
- Hotels near Playa de los Muertos
- Hotels near Nuevo Vallarta Beach
- Hotels near Nayar Vidanta Golf
- Hotels near Playa Bucerias
- Hotels near Garza Blanca Beach
- Hotels near Playa Gemelas
- Hotels near Playa Mismaloya
- Hotels near Vallarta Adventures
- Hotels near Sayulita Square
- Hotels near Las Caletas Beach
- Hotels near Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf Course
- Hotels near Destiladeras Beach
- Hotels near El Tigre Golf Club
- Hotels near El Anclote Beach
- Hotels near Conchas Chinas Beach
- Hotels near La Isla
- Hotels near Los Muertos Pier