The 8 Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta for a Photo Session

When they say Puerto Vallarta is paradise, they aren't lying.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most important tourist destinations, and it's easy to see why. Its restored Malecón, its beaches and the warmth of its people make it a favourite for travellers from Mexico and from all over the world.

Here you'll find everything from small hidden coves, perfect for a romantic escape, to busy, popular beaches five minutes from the main avenue. That's why I put together this list of the eight beaches I love most for a photo session — the kind that gives you a real souvenir of your holiday.

The Malecón

It isn't a beach, I know. But the Malecón runs right alongside one of the most important beaches in town, Playa Los Muertos. If you come to Puerto Vallarta, don't miss the chance to take photos on the Malecón, near Los Muertos or out on the pier. If you have time, walk up to the main square and take a few pictures by the bandstand or in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Playa Los Muertos

As I said, Los Muertos is one of the most popular beaches in the port. Beyond its seafood restaurants and its lively crowd, it has something that makes it special: the original Caballito de Mar, the boy on the seahorse, emblem of the city. Rafael Zamarripa sculpted it in 1968, and it stands at Las Pilitas, at the south end of the beach — the larger one on the Malecón is a replica from 1976. It's a perfect backdrop for a family or romantic session: nobody will wonder where you spent your holiday.

From Los Muertos you can also walk the pier, wander the whole Romantic Zone and, if you like to explore, cross to the Isla del Río Cuale and get lost in the lanes of old Vallarta.

Playa Colomitos

A small treasure of jade-green water, framed by the hills and the tall trees of the sierra. It feels untouched: no restaurants, no hotels. It's a beach for a couple of hours, perfect for a short session. You reach it from Boca de Tomatlán, about forty minutes south of downtown — either by water taxi, in a few minutes, or on foot along the jungle path, in thirty to forty-five minutes. Both are lovely.

Yelapa

One of the southern beaches farthest from Puerto Vallarta, and you can only get there by sea. It's worth staying for the sunset: they say Yelapa has the best ones in the bay. Its golden sand and clear water let the nature of the place speak for itself. Don't miss the walk to the waterfall — twenty to thirty minutes through the village, between houses and small hotels tucked into the greenery, with countless spots for memorable photos along the way.

Las Caletas

Like Yelapa, Las Caletas can only be reached by sea. It's a private beach, visited through the tour company Vallarta Adventures. White sand, clear jade water: it's as close to paradise as it gets. It's often booked for private events, birthdays and weddings — so if you're looking for a dreamlike setting with incredible views, I recommend Las Caletas.

To see what a wedding there looks like, read the story of Christina and Ryan's day at Las Caletas.

Conchas Chinas

Conchas Chinas is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta, because it's so close to downtown. Golden sand, blue water — it's the setting for many weddings and unforgettable sessions. It's easy to reach on the road to Mismaloya, about ten minutes by car from the centre.

Playa Amapas

Heading south past Los Muertos and along the hillside, you reach Playa Amapas — a romantic beach, made for lovers. It's smaller and more private, the water is an incredible blue, and the sand is lighter than at Los Muertos, even though it sits right next door. Photos taken here have a glow of their own.

Sayulita

Strictly speaking, Sayulita isn't part of Puerto Vallarta, but I couldn't leave it out. It's about forty kilometres north, forty-five minutes to an hour by car. Its beaches are known for their strong waves, perfect for surfers, professional or beginner. What really defines it is its atmosphere: colourful restaurants and streets that are a joy to photograph. If you're coming to Puerto Vallarta, don't miss Sayulita.

I hope this list helps you choose the setting for your next photo session in Vallarta. Would you like to see more of my photographs on the beaches of the bay? Have a look at my family photography in Puerto Vallarta — it may be exactly what you were looking for.