Experiencing Playa Mismaloya was unforgettable; the golden sands and turquoise waters framed by lush green hills created a stunning backdrop. The serene beauty and rich history of this beach near Puerto Vallarta are truly captivating.
Tucked along the lush coastline of Mexico’s Jalisco state and located on the Bahia de Banderas, Playa Mismaloya is a hidden little beach known for its natural beauty and cinematic history. On a five-day road trip, we spent a day enjoying Playa Mismaloya and its beauty.
It’s a bit of a trek and parking can be challenging on the weekend. It is both a tourist destination as well as a local’s beach. It’s a quaint beach but a large bay with a lot of fishing and tour boats as well as several hotels and condo complexes.
The little beach town is colorful and friendly and offers a little something for everyone. Yoga, SUP, kayak, fisiing, dining and tours.
Click here to find Playa Mismaloya.
A short little walk along the shore will take you to the abandoned set of the 1963 film “The Night of the Iguana.” The movie was directed by John Huston and starred Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr. The movie not only put Mismaloya, but also Puerto Vallarta, on the map as a tourist destination. There isn’t much left of the set, but it’s a pretty walk and worth the quick adventure.
Playa Mismaloya, is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities that make the most of its stunning coastal setting. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. For those seeking more adventure, scuba diving expeditions offer deeper exploration of the underwater world, revealing hidden caverns and fascinating aquatic ecosystems. Kayaking along the tranquil bay provides a unique perspective of the lush surroundings, while paddleboarding offers a serene way to glide across the water and take in the breathtaking scenery. Jet skiing is also popular, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Dining at Playa Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta is a culinary delight, offering a rich array of local flavors set against the backdrop of the stunning bay. Beachfront palapa restaurants serve freshly caught seafood, from succulent shrimp to grilled fish, often prepared with traditional Mexican spices and techniques. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, with tables set right on the sand, allowing diners to enjoy the gentle sea breeze and panoramic ocean views. Local specialties such as ceviche, fish tacos, and pescado zarandeado (grilled fish) are must-tries, each dish bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Practicing yoga at Playa Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta offers a serene and rejuvenating experience, perfectly blending mindfulness with the natural beauty of Mexico’s Pacific coast. The beach’s tranquil setting, with its golden sands and gentle waves, provides an ideal backdrop for both novice and experienced yogis. Many local resorts and beachfront yoga studios offer morning and sunset yoga sessions, allowing participants to start or end their day with a deep sense of peace and connection to nature.
Accommodations in Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta offer a range of options to suit various tastes and budgets, ensuring a memorable stay amidst the region’s natural beauty. For those seeking luxury, the renowned Barceló Puerto Vallarta provides an all-inclusive experience with spacious suites, multiple pools, gourmet dining, and breathtaking ocean views. Its location right on the beach means guests can enjoy the sand and sea at their doorstep, along with exceptional service and amenities.
For a more intimate and rustic experience, the Casa Iguana Hotel offers charming accommodations nestled in lush tropical gardens, just a short walk from the beach. This boutique hotel features cozy rooms, a relaxing pool area, and a quaint restaurant serving local cuisine, making it a perfect retreat for couples and families alike.
Adventure seekers and nature lovers might prefer the eco-friendly accommodations at Villa Lala, a boutique bed-and-breakfast set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. With its emphasis on sustainability and personalized service, Villa Lala provides a unique and serene getaway, complete with stunning views and access to outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
For those who enjoy the freedom of self-catering, Mismaloya also offers several vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront condos to hillside villas. These accommodations provide the comforts of home with the added benefit of privacy and flexibility, ideal for longer stays or family gatherings. We stayed in a Blue Horizon condo and the views and accommodations were unbelievable.
Exploring the beaches near Mismaloya offers a journey into some of the most beautiful and secluded spots along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Just a short distance away, Playa Caballo beckons with its serene ambiance and pristine sands, accessible only by boat, making it a perfect escape from the crowds. Further along the coast, Boca de Tomatlán serves as a charming gateway to many hidden beaches. This quaint fishing village offers calm waters ideal for swimming and kayaking, and from here, you can catch a water taxi to the picturesque village of Yelapa. Yelapa, known for its stunning crescent-shaped beach and lush jungle surroundings, provides a unique blend of relaxation and adventure with opportunities for snorkeling, hiking to waterfalls, and enjoying local cuisine at beachfront restaurants. Each of these beaches, from the tranquil shores of Playa Caballo to the vibrant village atmosphere of Yelapa, adds a distinct charm to the coastal wonders near Puerto Vallarta, making them must-visit destinations for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Mismaloya, has a tropical climate with both wet and dry seasons. Here’s a detailed look at the annual weather conditions in Mismaloya by month.
January Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 16.9°C (62.4°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F)
-Precipitation: 0 mm (0 inches)
-Humidity: 70%
-Wind: 10.9 km/h (6.8 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 24°C (75°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Clear skies
-Rainfall: 0 days
-Tourism Rate: High, peak season
February Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F)
-Precipitation: 0 mm (0 inches)
-Humidity: 68%
-Wind: 12.2 km/h (7.6 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 24°C (75°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly clear
-Rainfall: 0 days
-Tourism Rate: High, peak season
March Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F)
-Precipitation: 0 mm (0 inches)
-Humidity: 66%
-Wind: 13.4 km/h (8.3 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Clear skies
-Rainfall: 0 days
-Tourism Rate: High, peak season
April Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 19.1°C (66.4°F) to 27.8°C (82°F)
-Precipitation: 0 mm (0 inches)
-Humidity: 64%
-Wind: 13.7 km/h (8.5 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly clear
-Rainfall: 0 days
-Tourism Rate: Moderate, start of shoulder season
May Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 21.9°C (71.4°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F)
-Precipitation: 0 mm (0 inches)
-Humidity: 67%
-Wind: 14.2 km/h (8.8 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly clear
-Rainfall: 0 days
-Tourism Rate: Moderate, shoulder season
June Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F)
-Precipitation: 10 mm (0.4 inches)
-Humidity: 75%
-Wind: 13.6 km/h (8.5 mph) from the west
-Water Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Partly cloudy
-Rainfall: 5 days
-Tourism Rate: Low, beginning of rainy season
July Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 32°C (89.6°F)
-Precipitation: 160 mm (6.3 inches)
-Humidity: 80%
-Wind: 11.7 km/h (7.3 mph) from the west
-Water Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly cloudy
-Rainfall: 20 days
-Tourism Rate: Low, rainy season
August Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F)
-Precipitation: 140 mm (5.5 inches)
-Humidity: 80%
-Wind: 11.7 km/h (7.3 mph) from the west
-Water Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly cloudy
-Rainfall: 19 days
-Tourism Rate: Low, peak rainy season
September Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F)
-Precipitation: 130 mm (5.1 inches)
-Humidity: 80%
-Wind: 11.1 km/h (6.9 mph) from the west
-Water Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly cloudy
-Rainfall: 18 days
-Tourism Rate: Low, end of rainy season
October Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F)
-Precipitation: 100 mm (3.9 inches)
-Humidity: 78%
-Wind: 10.8 km/h (6.7 mph) from the west
-Water Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Partly cloudy
-Rainfall: 12 days
-Tourism Rate: Moderate, transition to dry season
November Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F)
-Precipitation: 20 mm (0.8 inches)
-Humidity: 72%
-Wind: 10.1 km/h (6.3 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Mostly clear
-Rainfall: 2 days
-Tourism Rate: High, start of peak season
December Weather in Mismaloya
-Temperature: 17.9°C (64.2°F) to 27.2°C (80.9°F)
-Precipitation: 10 mm (0.4 inches)
-Humidity: 70%
-Wind: 10 km/h (6.2 mph) from the northwest
-Water Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
-Cloud Coverage: Clear skies
-Rainfall: 1 day
-Tourism Rate: High, peak season
Getting to Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta is a straightforward and scenic journey, offering multiple transportation options to suit every traveler. Begin by flying into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which is well-connected to major cities across North America and Mexico. From the airport, you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service for a convenient 40-minute drive south along Highway 200, a route that offers picturesque views of the Pacific coastline.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, rental cars are readily available at the airport, providing the flexibility to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. The drive to Mismaloya is easy to navigate, following the coastal highway that leads directly to this charming beach town.
If you’re on a budget, the local bus system is an economical and authentic way to travel. Buses from Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya depart regularly from the Zona Romántica and other central locations. The journey takes about 45 minutes, offering a scenic ride through lush landscapes and coastal views.
While there are no train services directly to Puerto Vallarta or Mismaloya, the combination of air travel, road transport, and public buses ensures that getting to Mismaloya is both accessible and enjoyable.
Here’s a look at the distances and travel times to Mismaloya:
Puerto Vallarta – 8 Miles
Travel Time: About 25 minutes by car or taxi.
Guadalajara – 215 Miles
Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours by car or a 1-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta, followed by a 25-minute drive to Mismaloya.
Mexico City – 545 Miles
Travel Time: Roughly 10 hours by car or a 1.5-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta, followed by a 25-minute drive to Mismaloya.
Monterrey – 675v Miles
Travel Time: About 12 hours by car or a 2-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta, followed by a 25-minute drive to Mismaloya.
Cancún – 1300 Miles
Travel Time: Approximately 27 hours by car or a 4-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta (often with a layover), then a 25-minute drive to Mismaloya.
Tijuana – 1350 Miles
Travel Time: Around 22 hours by car or a 3-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta, followed by a 25-minute drive to Mismaloya.
Playa Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta is a captivating destination that perfectly blends natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Nestled between lush green hills and the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay, this idyllic beach offers a wide array of activities to suit every traveler’s desires. From thrilling water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and paragliding to the serene experiences of yoga on the beach and savoring fresh seafood at beachfront palapas, Mismaloya provides a diverse range of experiences. The area’s rich history and cinematic heritage add a unique charm, while the local accommodations, ranging from luxurious resorts to intimate eco-friendly lodges, ensure a comfortable stay for every budget and preference.
For more travel destinations in Mexico, read more here – Puerto Vallarta, San Francisco, Punta Mita, Sayulita, Playa Caballo and Yelapa.
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