Las Gemelas Beach is Worth the Trek

Grab a towel and some sun block because we’re going back to the beach, and you’re going to love this one. Plan to spend the day away from your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental at Las Gemelas Beach; it’s not like anything else. Along the southern shore of Banderas Bay, the mountains seem to come right down to the water’s edge in many places, so the beaches here aren’t big and wide-open like Los Muertos. That probably explains why Las Gemelas tends to be less crowded than the beaches close to town. That, and the fact that it’s too far to walk.

You have a couple of options. You can call for a cab to collect you from your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental, or you can walk into town and catch the bus. For a few pesos, the bus will take you away from the city, away from the cruise ships and taxis, so you can spend some quiet time playing and paddling and enjoying the soft white sand.

There are actually two pretty little coves and two Gemelas beaches, north and south. They’re not identical twins (gemelas) – the north beach is more shaded, which is really nice if you need a break from the sun. The water is gentle here, so it’s perfect for swimming, even for kids - no one will get beat up in the surf. Not the greatest surfing, though, for that very reason.

Las Gemelas is south of Puerto Vallarta, a couple of miles before you reach Mismaloya. The bus to Mismaloya will let you off at Playa Gemelas, just by the El Presidente Hotel. In fact, the easiest way to get to Gemelas South is to walk through the hotel.

A Day Trip to Conchas Chinas Beach

You came to Puerto Vallarta to get away from it all. You love the intimate privacy of your Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental , but you know the sun and the beach are waiting. Well, here’s your chance for privacy and sand: spend some time on Conchas Chinas Beach on the south end of town.

Conchas Chinas is actually three small, secluded beaches separated from each other by volcanic rock formations that run into the sea. It does take some extra effort to get there; you have walk from Playa Los Muertos or from the coastal road, but it’s worth the trouble because almost nobody comes here (relatively speaking). It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon if you’re looking for a bit of quiet and privacy.

This beach getaway is the real thing – no vendors, no party bars, just a small slice of secluded rocky beach tucked away. You’ll want to bring your own drinks and food, because you won’t find any to buy at the beach. It may be quiet, but there’s plenty to do at Conchas Chinas Beach. Swim and snorkel; explore the tide pools; collect seashells; hold hands and splash through the waves.

A quick walk from your Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental or an even quicker cab ride will put you within shouting distance of Conchas Chinas Beach. The beach path at the far end of Los Muertos beach will take you there, as well. When you’re done beach combing for the day, you’ll be glad to get back to your Villa Puerto Vallarta for a cold beverage and a bite of something to eat.