Best Beaches

[CatFan00]

I have done a search, and have not found a conclusive answer to this question. Can anyone please list what are the best beaches on the Riviera. Our cruise goes to Aculpulco, Ixtapa, PV, and Cabo. WOuld be looking for beauty, swimmability, and possibly snorkeling. Thanks for the replies in advance.

[CatFan00]

*Bump...

Noone have any help for me?? Please:D

[MSN-Travelers]

What makes a strip of sand a "best beach"? No vendors hawking their goods? Food & beverage service on the beach or near by? Soft silky white sand with gentle waves? It's hard to find all of these elements wherever tourist hang out in the greater PV area.

 

Hurricane Kenna scrubbed a good number of the beaches on the east and northeast shores back in 2002. This is where most of the hotel/resort areas are. PV hauled in sand to rebuild most of the beach area along the Malecon to the southern end of Playa Los Muertos. The various resorts look like they have been left to fend for themselves.

 

In my opinion, the best beach areas in Banderas Bay are along the south coast, west of Mismaloya. Most of these beaches can only be reached via water taxi (Los Muertos pier) or as part of a tourist excursion. The most popular tourist excursions to the south coast are "Las Caletas" run by Vallarta Adventures and the "pirate day cruise" on the Marigalante. Chico's Dive shop has a couple excursions that take people to the south coast too. I haven't spent enough time on the north coast beaches to offer an opinion yet. The Bucerias-La Cruz de Huanacaxtle area look nice from the water and I have heard good things about them on local travel boards.

 

Here is a link that will give you an introduction to the Banderas Bay area. http://www.banderasnews.com/vallarta-photos/index.htm

 

Here is a link to a low-comercial-content web site run by an American living in PV. http://www.vallarta-info.com/ There is a link to the local discussion board at top-center (The Vallarta Scene).

 

Bags are packed and I'll have my feet in Banderas Bay in 78 hours. The clock just isn't moving fast enough!

[CatFan00]

Thank you for a reply.

[seabreezer]

MSNtravelers - we'll be staying in Real del Mar just north of La Cruz beginning Sunday... I think I've read some nice reviews from you onrestaurants in Bucerias. Hw about Sayulita or Punta de Mita. Any recommendations?

[MSN-Travelers]

MSNtravelers - we'll be staying in Real del Mar just north of La Cruz beginning Sunday... I think I've read some nice reviews from you onrestaurants in Bucerias. Hw about Sayulita or Punta de Mita. Any recommendations?

 

Haven't spent any time north of Nuevo Vallarta yet. Try this board - http://www.vallartascene.com/pvforum/phpBB2/index.php

 

I believe the poster "Sr. Fox" lives in or near La Cruz.

 

"JR" is also a good source for info on that board as well as his Vallarta web site at - http://www.vallartainfo.com/

 

Enjoy!