
Playa Mismaloya
A charming, palm-lined cove in Puerto Vallarta, offering relaxation, beachfront dining, and snorkeling adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pristine views

Playa Mismaloya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pristine views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, palm-lined cove in Puerto Vallarta, offering relaxation, beachfront dining, and snorkeling adventures.
"AMAZING!! Sooo beautiful and the locals make you feel right at home!!"

🚗 Car Rental Caution
Roads can be rough with potholes. Consider local buses for a smoother journey.
💰 Food Costs
Food can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or a picnic to save money.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Cove Charm
Main beach area
A picturesque, palm-lined cove with soft sand and clear blue waters, perfect for a relaxing day.

Snorkeling Adventures
Near Los Arcos
Explore vibrant marine life and underwater wonders near the iconic Los Arcos rock formations.

Beachfront Dining
Along the shoreline
Savor delicious local cuisine with your toes in the sand at one of the many palapa restaurants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Jellyfish
Getting There & Local Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Rental Caution
Roads can be rough with potholes. Consider local buses for a smoother journey.
💰 Food Costs
Food can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or a picnic to save money.
🤿 Snorkel Deals
Look for discounts on snorkeling tours for a great underwater experience.
☀️ Sun Protection
Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Rental Caution
Roads can be rough with potholes. Consider local buses for a smoother journey.
💰 Food Costs
Food can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or a picnic to save money.
🤿 Snorkel Deals
Look for discounts on snorkeling tours for a great underwater experience.
☀️ Sun Protection
Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
🚶♀️ South Side Stroll
Walk the south side for gorgeous views and a more secluded feel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Mismaloya is praised for its beautiful, secluded cove with soft sand and clear waters, offering a relaxing escape. Visitors enjoy the beachfront dining and opportunities for snorkeling. Some find the food expensive and occasionally encounter persistent tour guides, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the friendly locals and stunning scenery.
"Such a cool location! Hidden little Beach cove with white sand and blue water. We came here to get our boat to go snorkeling. You can spend an afternoon here easily. Places to eat and small little shops as well."
Andrew Pena
"Spent an amazing day on this beautiful beach. Got a discount for snorkeling. Food from the restaurant on the beach was amazing"
Anna
"Wow! When we were there, the beach was perfectly empty and it felt very secluded, even though theres a big all inclusive resort right there. The small walk on the south side of the beach is gorgeous. You can see the Islands of Arches national park. The only negative was the tour guys harassing us as we entered the beach, but fortunately once we got away from the area they hang out in, they didnt continue to bother us."
T C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a local bus (ruta 01) south from Puerto Vallarta, which is an affordable option. Renting a car is also possible, but be aware of potential road closures and potholes on Mex 200.
Driving is feasible, but some travelers have noted issues with road conditions and closures on Mex 200.
The journey is about 35 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta.Taxis are readily available in Puerto Vallarta and can take you to Mismaloya. Ride-sharing services may also operate in the area, but it's good to check availability.
While Mismaloya is a departure point for boat tours to places like Yelapa, it's typically reached by land.
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring multiple beaches like Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, and others along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Mismaloya is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and water.
As a public beach, Mismaloya is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants and shops will have their own operating hours.
No advance booking is required for beach access. However, if you plan on taking boat tours for snorkeling or visiting nearby islands, booking those in advance is recommended.
There are no specific entry restrictions for Playa Mismaloya itself, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the local environment and community.
Yes, Playa Mismaloya is a public beach and accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you are staying at the Barceló Puerto Vallarta resort or not.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the sand, swim, enjoy beachfront dining, and take boat tours for snorkeling at nearby Los Arcos.
Yes, the waters near Los Arcos are excellent for snorkeling, offering a chance to see marine life.
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of restaurants and palapas suggests that basic facilities might be available. It's advisable to confirm upon arrival.
It can get busy, especially with tour groups. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can offer a more secluded experience.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (biodegradable is recommended), comfortable footwear for walking, and perhaps snacks or a picnic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several restaurants and palapas right on the sand offering drinks and local food.
Some visitors find the food to be quite expensive for what it is. Packing snacks or a picnic might be a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, palapas along the beach sell drinks, allowing you to enjoy refreshments while relaxing.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurants upon arrival.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally good etiquette to consume food and drinks purchased from the establishments if you are using their seating or facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cove offers beautiful scenery. The south side walk provides great views of Los Arcos and the surrounding islands.
Late afternoons offer beautiful lighting, and the ocean views make for stunning sunset shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and be mindful of other beachgoers before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. Waterproof gear is useful if you plan on snorkeling or getting close to the water.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be respectful of private property and other visitors' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Mismaloya: Beyond the Tourist Trail
For those seeking a more adventurous arrival or planning to explore further south, boat taxis are also an option, often departing from Mismaloya to destinations like Yelapa. This adds a scenic maritime element to your journey. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, planning your route and being aware of local conditions will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip to this beautiful cove.
The Mismaloya Experience: Beach Life and Local Flavors
Beyond lounging and dining, Mismaloya serves as a popular departure point for boat excursions, particularly for snorkeling trips to the nearby Los Arcos marine park. The waters around Los Arcos are known for their clarity and marine biodiversity, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. While the beach itself can sometimes feel secluded, especially if you venture to the southern end, it's also a hub for tour operators. Some visitors have reported being approached by tour guides upon arrival, but these interactions typically cease once you move further down the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit