Many places that take top priority on my travel bucket list, have beaches. A long walk on the beach with my toes in the sand, and treasure hunting along the high tide line is a perfect start to my day. Here the two prime beaches in Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone are Olas Atlas Beach and Los Muertos Beach.
These two beaches encompass the coastline from the Rio Cuale to the set of cliffs at Amapas. This is a beautiful stretch of warm caramel coloured sand, soft and fluffy on the feet. Generally the slope into water is gentle and the waves are not too aggressive.
Olas Atlas & Los Muertos are divided by the iconic pier that juts out into the pacific. This pier is where many fishing excursions depart, as well as the water taxis (pangas) to Yalapa and Boca de Tomatlan.
Olas Atlas Beach
The Olas Atlas beach covers the area from the Rio Cuale to the Pier in the Romantic Zone. This stretch is usually all sand, however there are times of the year when the sand is pulled out by the tide and large rocky areas are exposed. Like right now. On this beach you will find the oyster seller under the bridge, a very popular stop for those wishing to partake of delectable fresh seafood plucked right from the waters.
Early in the mornings, from November to January, you may be lucky enough to see baby turtles hatching and making their way down to the sea. This is an absolutely amazing experience to be honoured with. Should you find yourself walking the beach and see the turtles, please go and alert any staff member at a near by restaurant. They will notify the officials who will arrive and gathered up the wee ones into buckets. The tortugas will be taken to a sanctuary where they can be counted, marked and released safely so that their chance of survival is much higher than it would be if left on Olas Atlas.
Walking further towards the pier you will begin to see the beach front restaurants and and smaller day clubs. Here you can rent a lounger or table, munch on delicious food and of course imbibe in your bevvies of choice. The last two years I have seen real improvements in this area of beach, in terms of upscale toes in the sand dining.
This is a must visit area at sunset, and a perfect place to have dinner and watch the day come to a close.
Los Muertos Beach
By now you have walked the length of Olas Atlas beach and have arrived at the pier. Hopping back down onto the sand, you are now on Los Muertos Beach, arguably the most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta. This beach extends to the cliffs at the far end which separate it from the next beach, Amapas Beach.
Los Muertos Beach is where the action is. It is packed during the daytime with sun worshippers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. It is also the area to strut your stuff and be seen. There are many beach clubs on this stretch. Many are action packed, loud music, dancing and party party party! Others are a little more subdued with luxurious cushioned loungers, delicious fine food and quality services.
Early in the morning this stretch is sleepy. The sand is lovely and soft, there are no rocks, the clubs are putting out their loungers setting up for the day ahead. Often times there is a bounty of sea glass to be found. Last year I was lucky enough to see a school of rays frolicking in the surf, it was beautiful to watch. By about 10am, the first swimmers are in the water, by 11 the first row of loungers are full and by lunch time, the party has begun!
There are many beaches along the Bay of Banderas in which Puerto Vallarta is situated. These two beaches are where you will find most of the tourists and tourist amenities. They are lively, full of things to see and do and just really fun, at any time of day.
Viva la playa!
