Bay of Banderas Tours and Activities

Bay of Banderas showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and a sandy beach


This stretch of Mexican coastline has sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and ideal spots to swim, surf or snorkel.

The Bay of Banderas (Bahía de Banderas) is a 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch of beach on the west coast of Mexico. The bay region includes beaches, quaint cities and villages, and wildlife protection areas. Rent scuba diving equipment, snorkeling gear or a kayak from Puerto Vallarta and head out into the water. Many types of sea life make the bay their home, including manta rays, sea bass and dolphins. Humpbacks and orcas give birth in the bay and can be spotted from the shore. Take a whale-watching trip with one of the many tour boats try to join a tour that has a boat with devices that let you listen to whale sounds.Los Muertos, in Puerto Vallarta, is the bay’s most popular beach. Swim around El Púlpito and Las Pilitas, two iconic rock formations at the south end of the beach. Surfers will enjoy a trip to Playa Olas Altas, a beach just north of Los Muertos that generally gets bigger swells. Playa Conchas Chinas, “Chinese Shells Beach,” is considered the city’s most secluded beach. Try Playa las Gemelas, too, for a quieter spot. Walk through the historic old town of Puerto Vallarta. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built over the course of 50 years starting in 1903, is the city’s central landmark. The church spire is topped by an elaborate green crown, which is believed to be modeled on the crown worn by Carlota, wife of the Emperor Maximilian. The church is open daily and has services in English on weekends. Stroll through the Romantic Zone of the old town and try an authentic Mexican meal. Visit the Los Arcos Marine Natural Area, to the south of Puerto Vallarta. This protected zone is popular for snorkeling and bird watching. Swim just off the shore to find coral beds, manta rays and various types of fish. The Bay of Banderas runs north from Puerto Vallarta to the headland at Punto de Mita and south to the headland at Cape Corrientes. The bay is serviced by local buses, which are cheap and come frequently.

Plan a trip to see Bay of Banderas

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Pyramid Cancun By Oasis - All Inclusive
Temptation at The Tower Cancún All Inclusive - Adults Only
The Royal Cancun All Villas Resort - All Inclusive

Popular places to visit


Top Bay of Banderas Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Armony Resort & Spa All Inclusive Adults Only future MGallery
Armony Resort & Spa All Inclusive Adults Only future MGallery
4.5 out of 5
Carretera a Punta de Mita Km 8.3, Punta de Mita, NAY
Armony Resort & Spa All Inclusive Adults Only future MGallery
Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Av de los Cocoteros - Lote 2, Nuevo Vallarta, NAY
Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only - All Inclusive
W Punta de Mita
W Punta de Mita
4.5 out of 5
Km 8 5 Carretera Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, Punta de Mita, NAY
W Punta de Mita
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa - All Inclusive
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, NAY
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa - All Inclusive
Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa
Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
Paseo De Los Cocoteros 001, Nuevo Vallarta, NAY
Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa
Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive
Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Km 11.5 Zona Hotelera Sur, Puerto Vallarta
Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta - All Inclusive
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Paseo de los Cocoteros 19, Villa 8, Bahia de Banderas, Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta, NAY
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta - All Inclusive
Family Selection at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Family Selection at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Punta de Mita km. 11.5, Punta de Mita, NAY
Family Selection at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.