Mismaloya Beach: Puerto Vallarta’s Top Stunning Coastal Escape
Mismaloya Beach: Puerto Vallarta’s Top Stunning Coastal Escape
By now, there is no doubt that Jalisco treasures some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Today, I want to tell you about one of them: Mismaloya Beach, a paradise located south of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast.
Famous for its golden sands, tropical climate, and intense emerald blue waters, Mismaloya is a destination you will love to visit.
Mismaloya is located in the spectacular Banderas Bay, only 21 km from Puerto Vallarta.
That is why it is one of the favorite getaways for locals and people who choose PV as a summer destination.
Both the beach and the town offer a much quieter environment than the bustling Puerto Vallarta.
In addition, the fusion between the hills of the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Pacific Ocean gives Mismaloya a unique charm.
Although the beach is not too wide, the natural and beautiful environment that surrounds it is unbeatable.
If you add the calm emerald-colored sea and the unique postcard of Los Arcos National Marine Park, Mismaloya becomes a destination that is hard to resist.
Therefore, if you plan to visit Puerto Vallarta, be sure to spare a day or two to rest in Mismaloya.
In addition, from there you can visit other beaches in the area that are only accessible by sea.
Mismaloya: A Movie Destination
Mismaloya is one of those destinations whose history has been changed forever thanks to the movies.
Before John Huston arrived in 1963, the town and the surroundings were a small beach paradise visited only by locals and a few adventurers and artists.
At that time, there was no road connecting this fishing village with Puerto Vallarta, nor were there any plans to build one.
The story changed that same year when Mismaloya was chosen for the filming of the famous movie “The Night of the Iguana.”
The reason for the selection, of course, was the beauty of its scenery.
The film starring Richard Burton, Deborah Kerr, and Ava Gardner – directed by John Huston, put Mismaloya on the international radar.
Everyone wanted to see the place where the hit movie was filmed. Thus, from being an almost unknown place, it became one of the most visited places in Mexico.
Thanks to the Night of the Iguana and the pursued romance between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, the media from all over the world came to Mismaloya.
Both the town and Puerto Vallarta began to have a presence on the map and were chosen by many stars as their permanent or summer residence.
So great was the popularity of Mismaloya that John Huston himself (who had settled there) decided to move further down the coast to Las Caletas to avoid the crowds, the hustle and bustle.
Years later, the movie Predator was filmed in Mismaloya. To this day, you can visit El Eden, a jungle area located at the opposite end of the road that was the main setting for the film.
I’m not sure what would have become of Mismaloya Beach had it not been chosen as the setting for these two films.
But, most likely, this jewel of Jalisco would still be discovered and appear in the tourism spotlight.
After all, its particular charm could not go unnoticed.
What is Mismaloya Beach like?
The name of both the beach and the town comes from the Nahuatl word “Michmaloyan,” which translates as “catch the fish with your hands.”
Indeed, Mismaloya is still a fishing village honoring its name by largely depending on this activity. That is why it is common to see colorful boats brightening up the shores.
The beach dimensions are not too striking, since it is only about 355 meters long. However, the beauty in this reduced space is worthy of applause.
What services are there? Simple seafood restaurants, palapas selling fresh drinks, and modest accommodations, but with all the comforts you might need.
North of the beach is the large Barceló Puerto Vallarta resort, the most important hotel in the area.
Another hallmark of Mismaloya Beach is the small path at its southern end that borders the bay.
There you will find the famous arch from which many tourists take pictures of the beach. The postcard you get is unique, so don’t miss it.
By the way, this road was built specifically for the bus that appears in the movie “Night of the Iguana.”
Things to do in Mismaloya Beach and Surroundings
Mismaloya Beach is perfect for a quiet and pleasant day, as well as for snorkeling or exploring nearby beaches. Either way, you’ll find plenty to keep you active and entertained.
Keep in mind that as soon as you arrive at the beach, you will be approached by vendors selling tours to Los Arcos or they will want to accommodate you in a restaurant or palapa so you can make use of their umbrellas, lounge chairs, and have a place to leave your belongings.
This happens on practically every beach, so don’t get upset and evaluate your options. After all, none of them are bad.
Once you’ve settled in, you can lay in the sun on the golden sand or take a dip in the calm waters of the bay.
If you’re eager to explore Mismaloya’s marine life, grab your mask or join a snorkeling tour.
If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast, the best option is to hire a tour to see manta rays, sea turtles, and other species up close.
If you travel in the right season, you can even join one of the whale-watching expeditions.
Between late November and March, the majestic humpback whales arrive in these waters to reproduce. Watching them live is a priceless experience.
There are more activities to enjoy the sea at Mismaloya Beach. For example, renting a kayak or getting a Paddle Board tour to Los Arcos.
Los Arcos National Marine Park
Also known as Los Arcos de Mismaloya, this place is one of the most popular excursions in Banderas Bay.
From the southern part of the beach, you can see this group of granite rock islets inhabited by an impressive variety of terrestrial and aquatic species.
In the beginning, it was the fishermen who navigated the waters around Los Arcos.
Today, it is mainly scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.
The amazing marine life that inhabits its waters makes it one of the most recommended family excursions to do in Mismaloya.
The five islets comprising Los Arcos de Mismaloya protrude from the surface of the sea and are located in the deepest part of Banderas Bay.
Roca de Los Arcos, Roca de la Tortuga, and Roca del Diablo are the three largest islands.
The latter is one of the most impressive since it has a dark shadow on one side of the cliff that resembles the figure of the devil.
The arches that give the islands their name were formed by the constant erosion of water and wind.
Some are larger and longer and allow you to navigate between them in small motorboats.
Divers, on the other hand, can explore the incredible underwater tunnels and arches that form underwater. In other words, the landscapes are a marvel both in and out of the water.
Tours to Los Arcos generally include snorkeling equipment and kayaks, while others are for diving only.
With a little luck and in the right season, you will see whales, dolphins, orcas, and other large marine species swimming around the islets.
In addition, tours usually include visits to other beaches in the area, such as Yelapa, Colomitos, Las Animas, and Majahuitas.
Other Beaches near Mismaloya
Besides the sport fishing tours, whale watching and the visit to Los Arcos National Marine Park, another thing to do in Mismaloya is to explore the nearby beaches.
Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa are only accessible by boat.
My advice is to visit them all. But, if you don’t have much time, I’ll tell you what each one is like so you can choose.
Playa Las Ánimas
This is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Banderas Bay and a must-do excursion from Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta, or Boca de Tomatlan.
Besides having an incredible crystalline sea, the main attraction of Las Animas is the beautiful jungle environment that surrounds it. It creates the perfect setting for you to enjoy a day in full contact with nature.
Las Ánimas Beach has the ideal conditions to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle surfing.
For the more restless tourists, there is Las Ánimas Beach Adventure Park, an entertainment center with zip lines, suspension bridges, rock climbing, and other exciting attractions.
Las Ánimas Beach has nice palapa restaurants serving fresh seafood such as octopus, mahi mahi, tuna, delicious shrimp cocktails, ceviches, and delicious drinks. Are you going to miss it?
Yelapa
Yelapa is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and beaches of Banderas Bay. Trust me, I know, I lived here for 5 years.
So don’t hesitate to take a day tour or spend a night there. The tranquility that surrounds it will allow you to disconnect and recharge.
Yelapa Beach invites you to relax, snorkel, and explore the area by kayak, paddle surfing, or swimming.
The waters are calm and the views are breathtaking (some of the best in Jalisco). In addition, services include restaurants, umbrella rentals, lounge chairs, and more.
The town of Yelapa, meanwhile, is separated from the beach by a rocky hill and a creek crossing.
While it takes a bit of effort to get there, it is well worth it. If you have time, visit the “Cathedral Falls.”
Quimixto
Quimixto is another beautiful beach between Las Animas and Majahuitas, at the mouth of the La Puerta River.
The only way to reach this beautiful sandy beach is by water or hiking from Boca de Tomatlán.
You may want to read: Hidden Beach in the Marietas Islands, Riviera Nayarit
Quimixto Beach is 600 meters long and has mostly gentle waves and clean, crystalline waters.
For dining, there is Los Cocos restaurant, a small palapa that serves local seafood and Mexican food.
Although the dishes are simple and rustic, the local flavors will make your taste buds dance with happiness.
Another reason why Quimixto is worth visiting is its beautiful waterfall.
Getting there involves a pleasant 1.5 km hiking trail that runs through the jungle.
The waterfall forms a natural pool that invites you to enjoy a dose of fresh water in the middle of the sea. Undoubtedly, the best reward for the effort.
Majahuitas
This small sandy beach is the right place if you want to turn off your cell phone, forget about the clock, and disconnect from everything.
Majahuitas Beach invites you to just lie down on the sand and relax.
Its peaceful environment will make you feel far away from routine and problems and the sounds of nature will be the best natural sedative.
In other words, if you are stressed, you must go to Majahuitas!
The beach has white sand and crystal clear waters that favor the visibility of the marine life that inhabits the area.
The nearby reef endows the sea with a great variety of species, including sea cucumbers, parrot fish, puffer fish, moray eels, and many more.
On the other hand, it is a place where some species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs, as well as humpback whales, which use these warm waters to reproduce.
What else is there to do in Mismaloya?
Let’s not forget that the small town of Mismaloya is very picturesque. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss a stroll through its small streets.
One of the best things to do there is to visit the traditional Mamá Lucía tequila factory, which offers an interesting tour around its facilities that will allow you to learn all about this famous drink in Mexico.
If you have an adventurous spirit and want to add a dose of jungle, then be sure to go to El Edén, a beautiful garden located upriver and south of the beach, in the lush and evergreen Sierra Cuale.
This is where most of the Predator movie was filmed. You will immediately be transported to the jungle scenes!
Not much remains of the structure that was set up for the filming, but the empty shell of a helicopter and the sculpture of a predator.
If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll want to take a couple of souvenir photos.
El Eden has a nice natural pool created by the Mismaloya River where you can dive, jump, or slide down its small waterfalls.
When is the best time to visit Mismaloya Beach?
The weather in Mismaloya is tropical and quite humid, depending on the month of the year.
Temperatures generally hover around 27°C, although the abundant vegetation surrounding the beach means that the heat is not always sweltering.
The dry season runs from November to May, while the wettest months are from June to October.
July, August, and September are the hottest and most humid, with temperatures reaching 38 °C (100 °F). This period is when most tourism tends to concentrate on the beach. In any case, it is never excessively crowded.
Where to eat in Mismaloya?
As in all the beach towns on the Mexican Pacific coast, gastronomy in Mismaloya is mostly seafood.
The best dining options are along the beach, where you will find a good variety of restaurants that will help you satisfy your appetite.
While there are many, one place I recommend is El Jacalito, a simple restaurant where food is good and plentiful.
Of course, the food is typical Mexican, with dishes such as ceviche, tacos, and a wide variety of seafood.
If you want to eat with an incredible ocean view, you can do so at Mismaloya Grill Restaurant.
In addition to serving good food, the restaurant is decorated with attention to detail and outstanding service.
Where to stay in Mismaloya Beach?
In Mismaloya Beach, you will find two great alternatives to stay and spend a few days surrounded by nature.
One of them is the Barceló Puerto Vallarta resort, an outstanding 5-star Hotel that will ensure an exceptional stay.
Located in front of the beach and surrounded by exuberant vegetation, Barceló Puerto Vallarta has luxurious and spacious suites with ocean views, beautiful gardens, multiple swimming pools, and outstanding restaurants with national and international cuisine.
Regarding the latter, you will be able to taste dishes from Spanish, Italian, and Japanese gastronomy, as well as an interesting menu of exotic drinks.
Casa Iguana All Suites Resort is a family hotel or a romantic getaway immersed in the jungle.
In addition to excellent service, it stands out for its unique personality, privileged location, and elegant decoration that combines rustic and modern designs.
Here you can also settle in comfortable suites and spend incredible nights in a quiet environment; besides delighting yourself with the dishes prepared in its restaurant.
Spending a night in Mismaloya is something you shouldn’t miss. If these alternatives are beyond your budget, you will find more economical options in town.
How to get to Mismaloya Beach?
Mismaloya is one of the main beaches of Puerto Vallarta so it is very well connected with the city.
Coming from Puerto Vallarta, take Federal Highway 200 towards Cihuatlán or Manzanillo and drive for 20 km.
If you’re not driving, you may take a cab, Uber, or bus from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
The bus stop (which is the cheapest option) is located at the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución streets (by the Oxxo store).
You just have to pay attention to the sign of the white buses (they are usually advertised as Mismaloya/Boca, but if in doubt ask the driver). One way ticket is less than a Dollar.
Final thoughts
There is no doubt that Mismaloya is the perfect destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, enjoy traditional food, connect with nature, and be surrounded by the incomparable landscapes that only the beaches of Jalisco can offer.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway to unwind by the crystal-clear waters or an adventure-filled day exploring nearby attractions, Mismaloya offers something for every traveler.
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and inviting local charm, it’s no wonder Mismaloya Beach is a must-visit destination in Puerto Vallarta.
Discover firsthand why renowned film producers and actors selected Mismaloya as the backdrop for their films.
