Do you love finding hidden coves and discovering secluded beaches? Then Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore is mother nature’s gift to you. Read on and learn how you can enjoy the best beach hopping in Puerto Vallarta during your stay at Hotel Mousai.
Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore
Hotel Mousai is located on Puerto Vallarta’s south shore, which is a highly privileged location on Banderas Bay that boasts a stunning backdrop formed by palm-covered mountains and crystal clear waters. Beaches that are considered as “South Shore Beaches” are those that can be reached between the far south end of Los Muertos Beach all the way to Cabo Corrientes at the south tip of Banderas Bay.
South Shore Beach Hopping
While there is no doubt that the certified beach at Hotel Mousai is one of the most beautiful in Puerto Vallarta, the whole southern coastline is dotted with stunning coves and beaches that can be explored with ease during a vacation at the 5 Diamond hotel for adults. Whether you have rented a vehicle or will be taking Puerto Vallarta’s ever so efficient and affordable public transportation, some of the best beaches have very easy access.
Here are some of our favorite south shore beaches that are within easy reach of Hotel Mousai. All of them can be accessed from the main highway, known as Carretera de Barra de Navidad (follow signs to Puerto Vallarta when leaving Hotel Mousai or signs to Barra de Navidad when leaving from downtown Puerto Vallarta):
Conchas Chinas Beach
Conchas Chinas Beach is less than a 5-minute drive from Hotel Mousai and about a 7-minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta. From the main highway, take the turning on Easy Street, following a short cobblestone road downwards, Conchas Chinas has various coves filled with white sand so take your pick and enjoy! Pack a cooler as this is a residential area and there are no food venues except for the odd person selling fish or mango on a stick. The sand is white beige and water conditions are fabulous. On a calm day the tidal pools are great fun for the kids.
Quimixto
Quimixto Beach is one of the truly unique places to be found in and around Banderas Bay. You can only get to Quimixto by boat, which you take from Boca de Tomatlan. The quaint and traditional village is to be found nestled in the jungle by a stunning waterfall which cascades from lush vistas high above. Most tourists come here to see this waterfall, and will take the 25 minute journey either on foot or on horseback with a guide. Once you’ve done this you can relax on the beach (which is a surfer’s favorite).
Playas Gemelas
Playas Gemelas is even closer to Hotel Mousai and about 12 minutes South of downtown Vallarta. This hidden beauty of a beach is accessed from the highway by taking a set of very steep steps. The sand is powdery white and the ocean is glorious for a swim. Take your picnic as there are no restaurant venues on the beach. Air mattresses can be greatly appreciated to use too!
Mismaloya Beach
Mismaloya Beach is about 5 minutes from Hotel Mousai heading south (driving in the opposite direction to the beaches mentioned above) and about 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This renowned location is a bustling hub of beach activity. Play in the river that rushes into the Pacific, rent a small boat to fish, enjoy some gorgeous water conditions, clean beige sand, Eat in one of numerous restaurants. Watch Pelicans plunge or walk to the old movie set when the Night of the Iguana was filmed, which starred Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Deborah Kerr in the 1960s.
Boca de Tomatlan
Boca de Tomatlan is about 10 minutes from Hotel Mousai and about 25 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This sleepy fishing village offers a unique beach experience to those seeking out of the ordinary encounters with the “real” Mexico. Eat fresh barbecued fish and drink a cold beer or margarita while you watch the water taxis come and go taking people to the beaches that can only be reached by boat such as Las Animas, Quimixto and Yelapa.
Las Animas
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Las Animas can be reached very quickly by boat from Boca de Tomatlan, but many who visit the place regularly have come to treasure the 1.5 hour hike that can be made through the natural landscape from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas. This is a crowd pleaser which boasts inviting water, plenty of choice for food and drink, great weather and a truly stunning beach. The laid-back atmosphere to be found here is utterly mind-blowing.
Punta Negra
Close to Conchas Chinas, Punta Negra is about a 10-minute drive south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. This gorgeous stretch of beach is home to a couple of condominium developments. It is notorious for its ever changing beach formation. Sometimes you will arrive and the whole beach is covered in rocks, then, out of the blue there’s just sand. If you like to surf cast, bring your fishing rod. The turquoise water is a sight to be seen. Bring your own lunch too, as there are no restaurant venues on the beach.
Yelapa
Yelapa is a heavenly place to visit when you stay at Hotel Mousai; you could stay for a day, over-night or even longer and never be bored! To get there, you must take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan or from Los Muertos Beach (guests at Hotel Mousai will find it quicker to leave from Boca de Tomatlan). From Yelapa beach you can hike to multiple waterfalls, explore winding hillside paths through the town or while the day away on the pristine sands of the beach. Few things can top sitting in a hammock on the beach with a frosty drink while you watch the paddle-boarders and paragliders at their business.
A word of advice: Sundays are usually very busy on Puerto Vallarta’s public beaches, so should you wish for peace and quiet, pick any other day of the week for beach hopping.
