The Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta to Visit

Puerto Vallarta’s premier beaches include the vibrant Playa Los Muertos for social vibes, the pristine Conchas Chinas for snorkeling, and the hidden gems like Yelapa accessible only by boat. For the best experience, choose a beach that matches your activity level, from the surf breaks of Sayulita to the calm, family-friendly waters of Mismaloya.

For many Canadian snowbirds and families, Puerto Vallarta is a second home during the winter months. Whether you are staying in the heart of the Romantic Zone or venturing out to the quiet coves of the South Zone, staying connected is a priority. Navigating water taxis, booking dinner reservations, or simply posting a sunset photo requires reliable data. Instead of paying the standard $15-per-day roaming fees charged by Rogers, Bell, or Telus, savvy travelers are switching to digital solutions. You can see plans for Mexico that provide high-speed 5G access for a fraction of what home carriers charge.

The Top Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Playa Los Muertos

Located in the heart of the Zona Romántica, Playa Los Muertos is the most famous and accessible beach in the city. It is perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, beach clubs, and people-watching. The iconic pier provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, especially at night when it is illuminated. Because this area is densely populated, cellular coverage from Telcel and AT&T is excellent here, ensuring you can easily coordinate with friends or family.

Conchas Chinas

Often referred to as the "Hamptons of Mexico," Conchas Chinas is located just south of the main town. It features turquoise waters and natural rock pools. It is significantly quieter than Los Muertos and is a favorite for weddings and romantic strolls. The terrain is a bit more rugged, but the beauty is unparalleled. If you are planning a trip further north later in the season, you might also enjoy our Chandler Arizona Winter Sun Travel and Activity Guide for more sun-soaked inspiration.

Mismaloya Beach

This small cove south of the city is where the 1964 film The Night of the Iguana was filmed, effectively putting Puerto Vallarta on the international tourism map. The water is exceptionally calm, making it ideal for paddleboarding and snorkeling. There are several small palapa restaurants where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish with your toes in the sand.

Playa Las Gemelas

These "twin beaches" are located about 20 minutes south of downtown. They are known for their fine white sand and clear water, which is somewhat rare for the Banderas Bay area. There are no public facilities here, so it is a more "local" experience. Make sure your maps are loaded before you head out; while coverage is generally strong along the highway, having an active data plan ensures you can call an Uber for the return trip.

Reaching the Hidden Gems: Yelapa and Majahuitas

Some of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta aren't accessible by car. You will need to take a water taxi from the Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlan to reach these secluded spots.

• Yelapa: A car-free village with a beautiful beach and a waterfall hike. It feels like stepping back in time.
• Majahuitas: A pristine cove that is home to a trendy beach club. It offers some of the best snorkeling in the region.

When traveling to these remote areas, signal strength can vary. While the main village of Yelapa has improved connectivity, the boat ride over might have some dead zones. Having a MapleSim eSIM ensures that as soon as you are within range of a Telcel or AT&T tower, your 5G or 4G connection will snap back into place, allowing you to check boat schedules or message your rental host.

Connectivity for Canadians in Mexico

For a Canadian traveler, the "Roam Like Home" style plans offered by the Big Three carriers can quickly add up to over $100 for a week-long trip. MapleSim offers a more affordable alternative by providing data-only eSIMs that connect directly to local Mexican networks.

Why Choose an eSIM?

A MapleSim eSIM allows you to keep your Canadian SIM card active in your phone for receiving text messages and 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) codes from your bank, while all your data usage is routed through the local Mexico network. This is a "data only" plan, meaning it does not come with a local phone number, but it works perfectly with WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger for all your calling needs.

Feature	Canadian Carrier Roaming	MapleSim Mexico eSIM
Daily Cost	~$12 - $16 CAD	Significantly lower daily average
Network	Roaming partner	Telcel (5G) / AT&T (5G)
Setup	Automatic (and expensive)	Digital download via QR code
Flexibility	Tied to home plan	Various sizes (100MB to 50GB)
2FA Support	Yes	Yes (keep your home SIM active)

Technical Setup and Coverage

Using an eSIM in Mexico is straightforward. Before you leave Canada, you should check if your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. Most iPhones from the XS/XR onwards and many modern Android devices are ready to go.

How to Install on iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.
3. Scan the QR code provided by MapleSim.
4. Label the new plan "Mexico Data."
5. Set your "Primary" line for Default Voice and iMessage, but set "Mexico Data" for Cellular Data.
6. Ensure "Data Roaming" is turned ON for the MapleSim plan.

How to Install on Android

1. Go to Settings > Connections.
2. Tap SIM manager.
3. Select Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
4. Once active, set the MapleSim eSIM as your preferred data provider.
5. Enable Data Roaming for the new eSIM.

You can learn how it works in more detail on our setup page. By installing the plan before you land at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), you can avoid the unreliable airport Wi-Fi and immediately order an Uber or check the exchange rate for the taxi stand.

Data Needs for Beach Hopping

How much data do you actually need for a trip to Puerto Vallarta? If you are mostly using it for Google Maps, WhatsApp, and occasional social media posts, a 3GB or 5GB plan for 30 days is often sufficient. However, if you are a digital nomad working from a beach club or a family streaming videos during a rainy afternoon, you may want to look at our larger 20GB or 50GB options. You can see plans to find the one that fits your itinerary.

For those who are planning an extended winter getaway that includes multiple stops, perhaps heading from the beaches of Mexico to the deserts of the US Southwest, check out our Surprise Arizona Snowbird Travel and Destination Guide for tips on making the most of your cross-border travels. Our eSIMs are also available for the (dest:us) if your road trip takes you through the States.

The bottom line

Puerto Vallarta offers some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world. From the energy of Playa Los Muertos to the tranquility of Yelapa, there is something for every Canadian traveler. By choosing a MapleSim eSIM, you can enjoy 5G data on Mexico's best networks, Telcel and AT&T, without the stress of high roaming fees. Stay connected, stay safe, and enjoy the sun.