Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!

Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!

Restaurants for Every  Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!

Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!

 

Category Archives: Outdoor Fun

Discounts on Puerto Vallarta Tours and Things to Do!

This is something  GREAT for American and Canadian tourists in Puerto Vallarta. (Not for locals, sorry).

 

DISCOUNTED  Cultural, Wellness and Adventure Tours & Activities!

My husband (Derrick Sorles) just started working for SENSES of Mexico It’s part of City Hall and the Tourism board.

You can buy the Senses card for $50 and it comes with some free small freebies, drinks, etc. But the card allows you to save a lot of money on the various tours. (So it pays for itself!) Zip lining choices, fun with Dolphins, trip to Sayulita,  Yelapa, Marietas Islands,  Whale watching, Rhythm’s of the Night show etc.

Singles, couples, families or friends traveling together. EVERYONE  saves!

Partnered with over a dozen different tour and activity providers, including Vallarta Adventures,  the choices are endless!

You can book reservations at the booth and/or use the personal concierge service via phone to book your future discounted reservation. THE CARD AND SERVICES  NEVER EXPIRE! It will serve you for yourt future trips to Puerto Vallarta as well!

If you want to visit Derrick, he is at the Malecon booth,  off Cornona Street.

Right by Oasis Bay restaurant and Bar Oceana. and The Bustamante ladder!

(WHATS APP him for his schedule 322-139-9470).

Surf Lesson’s and Hike’s in Sayulita with Adan Carano

How would you like to SURF???

and  do the Hula Hoop?!

Visual artist ADAN CARANO  can often be seen doing his amazing hula hoop show from Sayulita to  Puerto Vallarta.

Based in Sayulita,  Adan gives  surf lessons!   1 hr and  30 minute class costs $1600  pesos. (About  $90  US  at the time of this writing).  Why not get a group of  gays  together for a  day  in beautiful Sayulita  and get in some surf time too?

A little over an hours drive, Sayulita is  known for beaches with strong surf, like the central Sayulita Beach. To the west, Los Muertos Beach is more sheltered, sandwiched between protective rocks. Galleries in Sayulita sell artworks by Huichol indigenous people.

Sayulita also offers  great street food,  street entertainers, spas, street bars, tattoo artists, beach restaurants and shops everywhere in the midst of a natural setting between mountains and sea… something for everybody.

 

 

He can take you or your group  on  a 3 hour hike  to Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) ?

360 degree views from on top of the mountain!  3 hours / $1200  pesos

What about a BLACK SAND BEACH??

Patzcuaro is a gorgeous beach just southwest of Sayulita.

Playa Patzcuarito is one of Sayulita, Mexico’s most beautiful hidden gems, and is one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Nayarit region. The beach doesn’t see a ton of visitors, as it lacks any kind of good road access and lies a bit out of the way for most people. That being said Playa Patzcuarito is surprisingly easy to get to and takes only 25-30 minutes on foot through the jungle. It is located north of the larger Playa Patzcuaro and south of Playa Carricitos, which are both also well worth a visit but require a bit more effort to get to. 3  hours / $400  pesos.

Get all the  details  on  his  WhatApp  page 5213221383682

Sayulita is an awesome day trip  and  Adan can be  your gay guide!

Feel free to make a  request,  and  he will create  a  customized  package  for you!

 

Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride Week 2023

Vallarta Pride arises from the initiative to create an Association that promotes and defends equality for the LGBTQ+ community being much more than an exciting event full of fun and entertainment, as it includes cultural and artistic events, film festivals, sports, fashion shows and much more to celebrate the amazing diversity, promoting at all times, to feel proud of our nature.

Accompanied by an impressive Pride parade that runs through the main streets of the city, showing the creativity of different companies and individuals that under an annual theme, decorate their vehicles and dress in the colors of the rainbow. This annual event has placed Puerto Vallarta in the spotlight as one of the main places in the world to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.

VALLARTA PRIDE 2023

Start :  MAY -20-2023
End :  MAY -28-2023

Vallarta Pride is an annual event held on the last week of May.  It gets bigger and bigger  every year!

It celebrates the diverse LGBTQ+ community that lives in and visits Puerto Vallarta.

The program of activities includes: the Pride Parade, which travels down Puerto Vallarta‘s main avenue and the Malecon, ending in Olas Altas Street at the Romantic Zone; and the ever popular Block Party on Lazaro Cárdenas Street with DJ’s, live music and a lot of fun.

In addition, there will be cultural and artistic events, movie screenings, sports, fashion shows and other activities to be confirmed.

In 2023, Vallarta Pride is themed “Be proud of your nature”, celebrating the natural richness of flora and fauna that makes Puerto Vallarta one of the world’s leading places to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.

Have a look at the program of activities and more information at: Vallarta Pride

BEST Vallarta Tours and Experiences – Off the Beaten Path

I just discovered this amazing service in Puerto Vallarta!

OFF THE BEATEN PATH TOURS  AND  PHOTOSHOOTS IN PV!

Experiences for everyone! / Personal Photographer & Tour Guide

If you are looking for;

* NAKED PHOTOSHOOTS on secluded beaches, rivers, waterfalls, buildings or some pools.

* A tour to find sublime street art.

* Taste the ancient Mexican tradition of insect food experience.

* Hike to Hidden Beaches.

 

* Discover  little gem towns, not far from Vallarta with a totally different atmosphere than the Vallarta you think or know.

* An exploration of the Vanilla fields, and one of the most amazing Botanical Gardens in the world.

 

* Take a Hike and explore the jungle, the rivers, beaches or waterfalls.

* Drag Queen & Kings Makeover / Party & Photoshoot.

“My name is Ezeqkiel and I’m a Gay Traveler & Photographer.

Me and my Husband love to travel, and we have been around the world,   I have the opportunity to take pics from all over, my style is more street, natural lifestyle, NO POSES just NATURAL LIFE.”

 

His  website has an awesome slide show which gives you a first hand look  to his awesome tours/experiences  and  photographic styles!

Tour guide / photographer Ezeqkiel says, “We want to share with you our Vallarta Experiences!

Several years ago, my husband and I, moved from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta,  we came here and since the first moment, we fell in love with this fantastic place that now we call home.

We have prepared some experiences for you, in order that you can also fall in love as we do with this amazing and magical paradise.”

 

“As a traveler I understand the importance of have amazing experiences, and have the best memories of a place, that’s why I‘ll share with you my love and passion about traveling, about Vallarta and about my work.”

Off the Road Tours, Hikes, Experiences & Photoshoots / Personal Photographer & Tour Guide

“Let me be your guide (and photographer) in this beautiful paradise.”

VALLARTA EXPERIENCES

More  photos  on Instagram @Ezeqkiel

 

Nahuales – A Mystical Night – Sundays!

ESCAPE to a private island for this sexy show!

It has been getting  RAVE  REVIEWS!

Your ticket includes access to a boat ride (approximately 45 minutes), an open bar, and food, local Mexican performers on a private beach.  $120  and  EVERYONE agrees  it is well worth the experience!

Inspired by a Mexican legend from the Mesoamerican folk region, a nagual (pronounced na’wal), is a human who has the power to shapeshift into their animal counterpart. The legend is tied to the belief that one can access power and spiritual insight by connecting with their animal counterpart within.

We’ve taken that legend and created Nahuales, a Mystical Night – a show where our performers will find their animal counterparts, amazing you with their acrobatic talents.

This spectacular live performance features professional dancers and circus-like performances including a live fire dance. You’ll be amazed at the acrobatic performances held on a stage at a private beach.

The show is approximately 40 minutes long, and afterwards you’ll be able to meet and talk with each performer. A DJ will then take over and you can dance on the party stage and enjoy the evening on the secluded private beach. There are special guests planned for some shows, which may extend showtime.

Your ticket includes access to a boat ride (approximately 45 minutes), an open bar, and food prepared by authentic local Mexican residents of the island that you will visit.

When you arrive, the boat will dock at a pier, and once on the beach you can dance to music played by a local DJ, and watch the sunset while you enjoy an open bar, fruits, snacks and select one of three different types of Ceviches (including a vegetarian option).

After the sunsets the real show begins!

Your ticket to the show also supports local Mexican talent, since the show is produced and performed by all locals. Many of whom you may recognize from other local performances.

Puerto Vallarta begins to Reopen!

On June 14, 2020 the official newspaper register of the State of Jalisco has published provisions for Puerto Vallarta Shopping Centers, Gyms reopen at 25% capacity and with measures of social distancing required. In this measure, The commercial shopping centers  Galerías, La Isla or Macroplaza will be allowed to open which have been closed for three months now. However, shoppers of commercial plaza will not be able to use common areas such as children’s play areas, communal dining rooms, since fast food restaurants will only be able to deliver takeout products; parking lots will only receive 25% of their capacity. Movie theaters will remain closed for now.

Also June 15, 2020 public and hotel beaches are allowed to reopen in Puerto Vallarta per the the Jalisco governor  Enrique Alfaro. He made it clear on Friday during his visit to Puerto Vallarta that hoteliers should take care of  social distancing on their beach fronts, while the city municipalities monitor that public areas are not saturated with people. Hotel pools and common areas can also be open but now are reduced to 25% of their capacity, taking care that the common areas are not saturated and urging social distancing measures.

READ MORE AT  GAY PV.com

Puerto Vallarta #1 rated Food Tours

I have been coming to PV  for almost 20 years now. While I know many business owners and a few locals who work in the service industry, I still do not know a whole lot about how the locals live.

By taking one of the many food  tours offered by Vallarta Food Tours, in just 3-4 hours you learn so much, you will be in the know, like the locals! Taste local food, meet local people  and visit hidden gems and places off the beaten touristy path. Taste food  from street vendors who have been in business over 40 and 50 years!

Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten-path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.

I took the Original Downtown Tour last month.  $52 for adults. (For a couple dollars  extra  you even get a couple beers along the way!) You get 8 tastings of amazing regional cuisine, and that’s enough (more than enough!)  to  serve as a satisfying lunch.  And  you get a 3-4  hour cultural tour and walk of the city by an awesome tour guide who explains the food  but also many local interesting tidbits of information and traditions.

 

There is a Bikes and Bites Tour. ($55). On a comfortable bike, cover 4.5 miles on this culinary tour, tasting regional dishes influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, Spanish and French cuisine. This tour is designed for moderate fitness levels. Prior cycling experience is required and all guests must be 18 or older.

Did someone say drinks?? Take the evening Mex-ology tour!  Drink And Eat Your Way Through Downtown Vallarta. Tacos and Tequila are at the top of everyone’s list when they come to PV. This tour gives you both in one fun and food-filled evening. ($79).

  • This 4-hour guided tour is perfect for dinner and will introduce you to the best indigenous spirits and regional cocktails in Vallarta.
  • You will sample Tequila, Mezcal, Racilla, and local craft beer mixed into a regional cocktail by a master Mexican Mixologist. To keep you on your feet you will enjoy a few tacos along the way, including a one-of-a-kind seafood stuffed Jalapeño taco, carne asada taco, and more.

Vallarta Food Tours say, “Our goal is to ensure that all of our tour participants have a fantastic time and leave with a real confidence to continue their exploration of our beautiful city. We recommend taking our food tours at the start of your stay so you can take on the city armed with knowledge and insight of what makes Puerto Vallarta so beautiful, so vibrant and so special. We are proud to share our culinary discoveries with you. Let us take you on a 3-hour adventure, introduce you to the best of the best and help open up a bright and delicious new world just waiting to be explored!” –

We give them 5 PINK CROWNS!

          Trip Advisor agrees  as well! 

Stop  by the website and book a  tour!  and  read  the many many great  reviews!

You WON’T be disappointed!

The Puerto Vallarta city tour takes place in the heart of Vallarta, giving participants insight into the city’s true soul.  Besides the Puerto Vallarta Tours offered, Vallarta Food Tours offers Private Group Food Tours and Gift Certificates.  Surprise someone  with a tour!   They will LOVE IT!

Is Puerto Vallarta Dog Friendly?

One of the great joys of traveling is sharing the experience with loved ones – including pets. Whether traveling with a pet for companionship, service or comfort, visitors will find Puerto Vallarta’s pet friendly atmosphere and infrastructure, as well as diversity of offerings and services, make it easy to bring along four-legged friends.

Many hotels and resorts across the city are pet friendly and offer convenient pet packages and doggie day camps; including the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta located in the Marina area, Hotel Puerto de Luna and the Sheraton Buganvilias in the Hotel Zone; Casa Cupula Hotel, Casa Kimberly in Downtown Vallarta and Casa Iguana Hotel and Vallarta Shores located in the South Zone; to name a few. Visitors should confirm rules and availability with hotels when booking.

Pets are allowed on some of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches and visitors will often see dogs accompanying their owners on a run or meeting up with local residents and their dogs for some playtime.

One of the most popular activities is walking the pedestrian-only El Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic boardwalk and open-air gallery featuring dozens of sculptures and statues. The Malecon’s wide cemented path, approximately 1.5 miles in length, is an ideal place to go for a stroll, a meal or a bit of shopping accompanied by one’s pets. Many restaurants, cafes, sidewalk eateries and bars along the Malecon and the historic Downtown area welcome four-legged companions to join at an outdoor table and will serve them a bowl of cold water.

The city also has a number of resident veterinarians and 24-hour pet hospitals in case of an emergency and local stores such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club carry most pet food brands found in the US and Canada.

There are hundreds of direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from the US and Canada on a weekly basis; it is recommended that travelers check regulations and requirements for travel with dogs and cats as they vary from airline to airline.

Mexico is amicable to pets and does not quarantine cats and dogs arriving from the United States or Canada. However, pets must travel with an International Certificate of Good Health that has been signed by a certified veterinarian stating that they are healthy and free of internal and external parasites. Pets must be current on rabies, hepatitis and distemper vaccinations. A copy of the Rabies Certificate should be included, and they should also be tested for ticks & tapeworm prior to traveling to Mexico. All documents must be presented to an officer at the SAGARPA-SENASICA office located inside the Puerto Vallarta airport upon arrival.

For a complete list of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, please visit www.visitpuertovallarta.com

Puerto Vallarta Free Trip Contest

The start of ­­­­winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.

To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:

 

 

Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures and Dolphin Discovery.

 

ENTER!

Day of the Dead Week Puerto Vallarta

¡Come and join us celebrate the Day of the dead Festival at Puerto Vallarta!

From October 28 to November 2 in Puerto Vallarta celebrates the most representative tradition of Mexico and has prepared a series of activities for you to learn more about this unique celebration which will be held in different venues around the city.

Enjoy a delicious Pan de Muerto while walking through art galleries and get to see the traditional altars and flower carpets.

Find below the program:

Wednesday October 28th 

5:30pm – Venue : OPC – Art Galleries Tour and welcome cocktail

Venue: Art Walk –  Tour no guiado de galerías de arte

Venue: Café Des Artistes y OPC -Live music, flower carpets, murals and visitors guide distribution.

 

Thursday October 29th

5:00pm – Venue: Del Refugio Church – Introducing the Camerata Orchestra School of Puerto Vallarta

6:00pm – Conference “The History of Death in Ancient Mexico”, Los Muertos film festival presents  “Macario”

7:00pm – Special menus at restaurants

9:30pm – Visitors guide distribution

 

Friday October 30th

9:30am – Venue: Different spots across the city

Flower, sawdust and sand carpet exhibit.

10:00am .-Venue: Lázaro Cárdenas Square – Interactive Altar Openning

Altar tour Downtown Vallarta

Altar tour Downtown Malecón

Restaurant altar tour

Decorated boats in honor of deceased captains

7:00pm – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery- Music and Beer Festival

 

Saturday October 31st

10:00am – Venue: Cuale Island – Paint your Calaverita

12:00pm  -Screening “La Leyenda de la Nahuala”

4:00pm – Face painting for récord Guinness

5:30pm – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery -Catrinas and giant puppets parade

6:30pm – Venue: Hidalgo Park – Mixcoatl folkloric ballet from Aguascalientes

7:00pm – Venue: Muelle Street – Silence walk  ” Catrinas y Catrines”

Music and Beer Festival

11:00pm –  “Catrinas” Post party – Prizes for the best costumes

 

Sunday November 1st

10:00am – Venue: 5 de Diciembr Cementery – Religious ceremony

4:00pm – Venue: Lázaro Cárdenas Square- Little angels party, Pan de muerto exhibit and gathering

7:00pm –  Xiutla folkloric ballet exhibit

Music and Beer Festival on Muelle Street

8:00pm – Screening “El libro de la vida”

 

Monday November 2nd

11:00am – Venue: Armas Square – Exhibit “Las Catrinas de Lupe” by Karla Moreno Producciones

11:30am – Venue:  5 de Diciembre Cementery – Parade “La Caravana de la Muerte”

7:00pm – Venue: Local Market – Gathering “Una noche de muertos en Puerto Vallarta”

7:30pm – Xiutla folkloric ballet exhibit ” Día de Muertos Special”

9:30pm – Catrinas contest award ceremony

10:00pm – Festival Closure

11:00pm – Fireworks

 

https://www.facebook.com/diademuertospv/

Best Zip Line in Puerto Vallarta

Believe it or not,

neither my partner or I  are big on high heights. We both have some vertigo issues! We don’t mind roller coasters, because you are strapped in really good  and really, nothing can happen to you.
So when the guys  from GoGay Puerto Vallarta ASSURED me it was very safe, and that you are totally strapped in, we said  WHY NOT?!  (See  that tiny little orange dot flying over the river? That’s me!)

 

What a fantastic time and experience! CANOPY INDIO  has more than SIX miles of cable in a series of 10 zip lines, many over than 1100 feet long and over 656 feet high, without any doubt, this tour will be the most memorable of your vacation.

The experienced and bilingual staff will explain the mechanics of riding the cables taking you step by step through your high-flying riding adventure with a short little  “class”.  Ricky and Ivan were our guides for the day, and they were funny, helpful, and just all around great guys who really  helped make the experience memorable.

All of the quality gear is professional and certified and all participants are under the care of trained staff during the whole tour also.

And for those who enjoy the calm and relaxation instead of flying through the trees, they  offer  delicious specialties and freshly made drinks in the open air restaurant-bar.

With a beautiful river-view  you can enjoy the most delicious Mexican dishes and the choicest of the seafood and refreshing beverages while you wait for your adventurous companions, or  enjoy the  “Tequila Bar” tasting the best brands  and  you can even refresh yourself taking a swim in the beautiful river.

The package we bought from GoGay / Jungle Zip Line Advernture, included transportation to and  from the luxury gay boutique hotel Casa Cupula, the complete  zip line canopy experience, and afterwards lunch with refreshments and a complimentary tequila tasting. We also had a photographer shooting photos of us while we zipped  and 2 of the guys had  GoPro cameras on their helmets to capture some live footage – and I am so glad we did the photos  and  video – well worth it!

This awesome Canopy in Puerto Vallarta will  WOW you! It’s amazing zipline’s speed and height will amaze you with outstanding views of the Banderas Bay.

Come  alone and make new friends or come with a group to enjoy an adventurous and unforgettable experience in Mexico!

BOOK  YOUR RESERVATION through the Concierge Services at Casa Cupulo

or  on the GoGayPuertoVallarta  Facebook Page


 

Suggestions & Restrictions

– Guest intoxicated with drugs or alcohol are not allowed on  tour
– Maximum weight: 250 lbs

– Comfortable clothes and tennis/running shoes
– Swimsuit – in case you want to jump in the river and cool off
– Towel, sun glasses
–  Sunscreen  advised -Insect repellent (bugs did not bother me-but you never know)
– Cash for souvenirs and photos (and tipping your 2 guides!)


 

RANKED  NUMBER  1  with  TRIP ADVISER 

and  BEST GAY PUERTO VALLARTA.

Puerto Vallarta Bird Festival 2013

The Vallarta Bird Conservancy announced this year’s Bird Festival, to take place from March 7-10.

 It’s mission, to promote conservation, education and awareness of tropical and migratory birds in Banderas Bay and Cabo Corrientes areas of Jalisco, Mexico for the benefit of locals and visitors from around the world. Hosted by the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, this 4 day event will feature guided tours, presentations, and lectures for a wonderful opportunity to view, learn and enjoy the wonderful birds in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes area.
 The Banderas Bay Region is home to over 300 species of different birds!

November is Gay Gay Gay in Puerto Vallarta!

THOUSANDS will flock to Puerto Vallarta in November to catch some Latin Fever! What is know known as Vallarta Fever, will happen 21 – 25 Nov 2012.


Vallarta Fever is Puerto Vallarta’s incredible gay  party week.
Vallarta Fever is the ONLY fever party that includes Club Mañana and the
famous White Party of Puerto Vallarta.
 Besides the main events listed at Vallarta Fever, there will beach partys happening as well.  Men Men Men from all over Mexico come in, plus a large contingency of men from Europe and the US! This is a great event week, and we’re glad to see it come back.

Fox News Names Puerto Vallarta Best Beach Town!

FOX NEWS says PV is one of the worlds Best Beach Towns!

Crystal blue water, vine-hung foothills and waterfalls and an idyllic old town have
made Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s most popular travel destinations.  

For years Puerto Vallarta lived in relative obscurity, eclipsed by
more popular resorts like Cancun and Acapulco.  But over the last 50
years, word of Puerto Vallarta’s beauty has gotten out!

Beaches

Puerto Vallarta boasts miles of pristine beaches. From secluded
sanctuaries to hopping hotspots, the resort can meet any expectations.
One of the town’s most famous and popular beaches is Los Muertos,
located in the Zona Romántica (Romanic Zone). Don’t let its name
(translated as the beach of the dead) deter you. 

Sites

Puerto Vallarta’s old town, with cobbled streets and white stucco
buildings, is also a huge draw for tourists and history buffs. The
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the central feature of the town’s
skyline.

Wildlife

While in Puerto Vallarta, you have the chance to swim with dolphins
or sea lions. If you visit between mid-December and the end of March,
you can go whale watching in the Banderas Bay, possibly spotting
humpback whales and wild dolphins, Pelicans and parakeets are just a few
of the birds you can see at the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. 

The waters surrounding Puerto Vallarta are a favorite for deep sea
fishermen and the resort is also home to top-flight horseback riding,
kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Whether you are looking for fun in
the sun or a complete cultural experience, Puerto Vallarta has
something for you. 

Read more: FOX NEWS

Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Is there a BEST BEACH in PV?

 Not really!  It’s all pretty fabulous!

The gay beach
is primarily, Playa Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) – Col. Emilio Zapata – the city’s
largest public beach. Legend has it the beach’s name (Dead Men’s Beach)
stems from a battle between pirates and local miners after which bodies
remained strewn on the beach, but it’s a legend, since there were never
any miners in Vallarta The South Side of the beach is a popular
gathering spot for gay and lesbian tourists. The North end is frequented
mostly by locals, and national tourists. The city has recently tried to
change the name of the beach to Playa del Sol.

However, if you want explore more beaches –

Playa Camarones (Shrimp Beach) – Col. 5 de Deciembre (vicinity of Av. Paragua – Hotel Buenaventura. This is the northernmost public beach in the City of Puerto Vallarta proper. It is named after the shrimp fisherman that once landed their launches on the beach to unload their catch.

Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach) – Col. Emilio Zapata – the beach extends from the Cuale River South to the fishing pier. In spite of the name, the waves offshore are not particularly high, and the beach is a popular place to swim, especially for locals and national tourists. The beach is lined with outdoor restaurants.

Playa Boca de Tomates (Mouth of Tomatoes) – a beach located near the mouth of the Ameca River. The beach is not very popular among international tourists due to the rocks that come ashore especially in the summertime. Also watch out for Crocodiles. Its proximity to the Ameca River which carries muddy rainwater in the summertime causes the water to lose its clarity making it appear dirty.

Beaches South of Puerto Vallarta

  • Playa Gemelas – an undeveloped beach just North of the mouth of the
    Mismaloya river. The beach lies close to Los Arcos Marine Natural Area
    and can be used for access to the park from shore.
  • Playa Mismaloya – at the mouth of the Mismaloya River. The beach was featured in several scenes from Night of the Iguana and the main set was located on hillside to the South of the beach. The beach is developed with a number of restaurants. (if you make it to Mismaloya, you MUST check out the hidden waterfalls and springs in the Jungle!!)