In A Nutshell:…read more -Imagine a secluded beach, not located on a shore, but situated in the middle of the ocean & can only be accessed by swimming through a tunnel. -That beach does exist in the form of "Las Marietas Hidden Beach" located in the Banderas Bay off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. -There are many tour companies that offer you a trip to get to the Marietas Islands and it's "Hidden Beach". -I wrote a review on Ecotours (so you can get a better grasp of why I chose that company). https://www.yelp.com/biz/ecotours-de-m%C3%A9xico-puerto-vallarta-2?hrid=Pw3SSGPbbOZ08OQrYXNsqw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) -The beach is protected by the Mexican government, so only a limited number of visitors can visit each day. -To access it, you must be able to swim in the water and through a short tunnel. -The beach is very small when you actually see it in-person. -It's a very cute beach, w/ tiny shoreline, sand, rocks, shells, birds & you're surrounded by cliffs w/ plants. -You feel like you are in the middle of a crater, which is supposedly how this beach was created (due to past military experiments). Overall, it might not be the most beautiful beach, but it's definitely one of the oddest & hard-to-get to beaches in the world. Definitely worth the try!

While in Puerto Vallarta the week of Christmas, we thought it would be awesome to see this beach on…read moreChristmas Eve. We booked through a small company in the heart of Punta Mita, and were not disappointed! We spotted whales on our way both to and from Hidden Beach, and we spent about a half hour snorkeling while we waited after check-in. When it was time to swim in, we were given helmets to put on, and we made our way into Hidden Beach. The view as you enter the caves as well as the view when you finally make it to the main opening are both breathtaking. The water was so clear, and the sound of the waves rumbling against the cave formations sounded like rolling thunder. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Hidden Beach and got some incredible photos. This was definitely on my bucket list, and I would highly recommend a visit if you're in Puerto Vallarta!

This lovely tiny boutique hotel was on the same beach where we were renting an Airbnb, so we walked…read moreover to enjoy a romantic dinner, and it was absolutely lovely... The staff for accommodating and fabulous English skills for our waiter which was extremely helpful and we had a delicious fish dinner. They change the menu up in Oil every day he saying something different every day the menu is changed to keep everything fresh and unique and variety for the hotel guests and for droppings like us... Special touches included lovely candles on everybody's table, that our fabulous waiter turned on simultaneously with a hidden clicker, which was a nice touch... You definitely can't beat the view and it had a beautiful pool, and there was some thing about the inside tiny lobby and library and sitting areas that was quite charming and adorable and very very unique... The location is north of Punta. Mita and I have a car. He would be well advise to have a car rental rather than a taxi... For us, it was a romantic stroll along the warm sand beach to walk back to her place... One interesting thing was I noticed when I was getting loose on the first floor looking for the bathroom somebody had left their hotel room totally open which to me was shocking, I would never leave my hotel room door open to other guests and visitors for fear of theft, but evidently this place instills trust!

I want to write this because they deserve it but I also don't want to write this because I don't…read morewant anyone else to book this place up! However, they deserve a glowing review! Gorgeous, Gracious, Delicious, Perfectly Maintained Beautiful "Casita" in the most gorgeous beach (literally a few steps from the waves) in the area-service second to none! This tops every relaxing trip I have ever had-even better than Bora Bora. With a maximum of 8 beautifully appointed and sparkling clean rooms (16 guests) you will be outnumbered by staff (but never see them unless you need something they appear like magic) and will enjoy the quiet all adult environment. Yes it is all ADULT with no children which please make note of! If you don't have children or need a break from yours it is magically quiet with the exception of margarita glasses toasting and waves crashing. Even though it is "small" it is like staying at a magic castle with every detail in place including the swim up bar, tequila bar, and many different types of pool seating and cabanas. There is a library with games and tons of reading material in case you need some entertainment while you are there. This is perfect place to do nothing or enjoy the areas fine fishing/zip-lining/horses/sight seeing/golf. Literally the beach door pours you out onto perfect sand a "clean" beach and the surf is right there! Bathrooms/showers right as you return to clean up is perfectly planned out. The drinks are primo and strong, wine top notch, 3 meals a day were different and absolutely delicious everyday, the mini bar/snacks are stocked in the room, Gonzalo the chef and his helper's cuisine were so amazing we ate out once and never went out again. Each meal will be served (unless you want otherwise) sitting on the deck over looking the ocean and gorgeous sunsets. Did I mention this is an all inclusive resort ? Yes all inclusive meaning no signing, wondering how much to budget each day, tipping, pushing servers, or any worries till the end when you pay your balance and generously (because they deserve it!!!) tip the staff to the owner/manager so no awkwardness. If you have ever been at another all inclusive or cruise you will know what I am talking about. The water is purified meaning we brushed our teeth, bathed, and ate every last delish vegetable (raw) and not one person in our party ever felt anything but perfect. The grounds are beautifully maintained-I think there is a person who just goes around perfectly trimming leaves everyday! They can arrange for on-site facial/massage or truly anything else you wish. They packed up a lunch/drinks/goodies for a day of fishing and were extremely accommodating. One of my favorite parts is the three perfectly maintained, groomed, behaved, delightful small pups they have on the property. Besides their sweetness you would not even know they were there unless you seek them out! Mark the owner is top notch and has mastered the art of the perfect place to vacation! I know I am going to miss someone (sorry we loved you all) but Robert, Mauricio, Francisco, Charlie, David, (another fabulous server in the afternoon/evening who knew my Rose Vino Preference), and all of the fabulous maintenance/cleaning/kitchen crew were like family-we miss you and can't wait to return!

We loved this one. After a long day walking around and…read moreexploring town and some beaches, we thought this one was the best pick. The main beach in Sayulita is not really peaceful and we were tired of being harassed by beach vendors all day so Playa de Los Muertos hit the spot for the day. Not as extremely quiet with no structure like Cerraritos and not crazy packed or stinky like the fishermen beach. We got chairs and umbrella for the day for 200 pesos. Cheap beers (as everywhere in there) and good service. Small area marked for swimming and a lifeguard on duty. Great views and a quaint vibe. Clean water. Although (And please don't be mad at me) I often wondered if the fact the beach is right by a cemetery doesn't mean we are swimming at a pool of corpses juice. I was once at a beach in Puerto Rico that was across from a cemetery and locals told me the rain washes away everything into the ocean so... must be the case in Playa de Los Muertos. If you like Mexican culture and appreciate their relationship with the dead, you'll love the cemetery tho. So much color and joy for those who are now gone. The beach is a short 10 minutes walk back to Sayulita "center" and definitely a cool hidden gem. We'll be back.

This is a really cool, free public beach and an easy walk from the overcrowded Playa Sayulita just…read morearound the cove. There is a parking lot past the cemetery - yes, cemetery - if you drive. You can rent chairs and an umbrella for $300 MXN for the day (about $16 US). There are plenty of waiters and vendors running around to sell you food and drink. If you bring your own towels there are plenty of places to lay out both in the sun and the shade.

Fantastic beach! Can rent a table, umbrella and 4 chairs for $350 pesos and there is bar/food…read moreservice. Only downfall is when I ordered an order of tacos and it took 50 minutes ( not busy at time), so had to decline them as taxi was waiting. So, cannot review food, but beach is gorgeous!

It was a challenge to find this beach because Trip Advisor doesn't lead you to the entrance. But…read moreafter a couple of u turns, we were able to find the entrance. We drove here from Sayulita and that beach was so crowded and a bit rocky. This beach was much larger, relaxed and the sand was a bit finer. We were the only Asians on the beach but not the only foreigners. However, this is very much a beach for locals. There are vendors hawking their services and wares, but not as much as other public beaches. There are food vendors as well in case you're hungry. It's a mere 30 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta and it's a worthy destination if you want a relatively peaceful beach experience.

This whole crew is great. We went out with Alex Sr. (father), his two sons--Alex Jr. and…read moreDiego--and their dog Simon for surfing lessons. The waves nearby did not look great in the morning so when we arrived they took us by boat to a nearby spot that was much better. They gave us quick and helpful instructions on the beach, brought us protective shirts for the water, and brought along snacks and water (and boards, of course). The spot could not have been better for complete beginners and intermediate surfers alike. The breaks were good, smooth, and relatively predictable but not so tame as to be boring. The water was warm and the area was not crowded (we went early in the day--i.e., 9:30 am--and were there in mid-September). I've posted a photo taken from a cliff above our surf spot. It really was perfect. We enjoyed it so much that a few of us went back out with them two days later. This time, we drove in our rental car to the same spot. Alex and company brought the boards in their truck. Afterwards, Alex Jr. also took us to a nearby spot for a quick sip of raicilla upon our asking. They also tipped us off on where to find good tacos in town and a fun dinner place outside of town. All around, this is a really fun crew who enjoy what they do and are very good at it. I highly recommend them.

We took our two kids here to experience swimming with dolphins and they had a great time and…read moreinstructors were great, however at the of course they try to get you by selling you all the photos and videos which is ok but at the price they charge and for what they actually give you is an absolute RIP OFF! I ended up purchasing all photos and videos, I even paid extra for my son to swim with the dolphin which was about 30 seconds long. When I go to check out and purchase I noticed all the videos were only 3-5 seconds long. I paid over $200 for these just to get a life time experience with my kid and received only 5 videos each for 3 seconds long. The one he swam around the pool was maybe 30 seconds long but I only received a video for 7 seconds. Very lame and disappointing that these places are all a tourist trap and take advantage of all tourists. I mentioned it to the guy at the end who checked me out and he said " this is how we do it here." great professional answer. Don't go here because you would want photos and videos which you will get nothing for what you're paying. Rip off

My friends rented this venue out for a pre-wedding party and they could not have chosen a better…read morespot! From the availability of parking spots for golf carts, beautiful luscious walk to the venue, beautiful bar and reception area, and the literal steps to the beach, this place was perfect. The margaritas and food that were served here were some of the best I've ever had and the staff worked so hard to ensure that food was constantly served and drinks were never empty. I wish I took pictures of the food and drinks but they were so good that I didn't even think of it! I would love to rent this venue out for my own vacation event in the future!

Paradise Found! A fantastic culinary experience, exceptional beach club and very attentive wait…read morestaff. Plus had a wonderful chat with the owners Ricardo and his beautiful daughter Denise. Where do I start? Let's begin with the food. Outstanding. I started with grilled octopus tacos marinated in salsa pastor (tacos de pulpo al pastor). The octopus was so tender served on blue tortillas with marinated onions. Perfecto. My son had the tacos de arrachera. Flank steak. Super tender beef. Prepared with chile chipotle. Must try. I then enjoyed the tostada de pulpo en tres chiles. Yes, three different chiles. It was not spicy at all- just delicious. Take my word- just order it. You'll thank me later. The place is so beautiful with it's luscious garden, bar and patio. So nice they have weddings there. You'll have a great time. What are you waiting for?

We had the BEST time with Mictlan Surf School! Cannot recommend it enough - they have a great…read moreselection of boards and super reasonable prices for rentals. Josue is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and so kind -- he took us by boat to a surf break where we caught some of the best waves of our lives, and gave us sage surfing advice that we'll be practicing until we return. Everything about this experience was seamless and unforgettable. We'll 100% be back and can't recommend Mictlan enough for anyone visiting Punta Mita!

I don't normally write reviews but wanted to say thank you to Manuel and Josue for an incredible…read moretime surfing today!!! My kids loved it and hopefully they had a good enough time that I can mow plan more family surf trips! Seriously, they are professional, super knowledgeable, and polite. They love their craft and guests. Would recommend without hesitation.

We've stayed in Hacienda de Mita every year for the last 7 years. We always rent one of the…read morecondos on the ocean front (buildings 1-4) because we like to watch the surfing out front. But all the condos in all the buildings have the exact same layout with wonderful views. Contrary to the review above, the beach clubs do play music and on occasion they will even have a DJ. But between 10pm and 8am it is indeed quiet time in the complex because many owners do not rent their condos so it is also a residential area. That being said, you can listen to music by the pool and have drinks by the pool or go to any of the 5 beach clubs. Hacienda de Mita is the development closest to town so you can walk on the beach to dinner or drinks and walk back without dealing with your golf cart or a very long walk. This is also one of the only sandy beaches in Punta Mita where kids can learn to surf in a safe place. If you like to surf, boogie board, golf, play tennis, ride bikes, and do it all within an uber-safe environment this is the place!

We love Punta Mita and all it has to offer however we had a cruddy experience renting unit 1101…read more The owners failed to mention that the unit next door was under construction. For five days the sound of jack hammers and nail guns permeated our unit. They should have let prospective renters know about the construction so we could have made an informed decision about which unit to rent for the week. By the way the unit was not discounted, it was the same price as other available units. When we notified the owners of the situation (we sent them recordings) we received no response. Love Hacienda de Mita but avoid HDM 1101.

This beach bar and grill is a hidden gem down a long dirt road. You can have drinks and appetizers…read morein outdoor couches under palm trees or under a palapa on the beach. The food served in the open air dining room is top notch. We walked four miles down the long beach and boggie boarded in the ocean. Oh, and did I mention, our waiter Alejandro was great. We've eaten almost everywhere from Puerto Vallarta north to Chacala. This is the best.

Great atmosphere, food, and music. The shrimp quesadillas…read moreare worth the visit alone. Classic beachside bar and grill. Hammocks, palm trees and grass.