Aerial view of people on floating mats and tubes in the ocean

Explore

Yelapa Beach (Playa Yelapa)

This stretch of golden sand is the central spot for most visitors to relax and swim.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Yelapa Beach sits in a small cove along the Bay of Banderas. It is the focal point for most day trips arriving by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta.

You can easily fill your day lounging under palapas, swimming in the clear water, or trying water sports.

A tropical beach with thatched umbrellas, boats, and people relaxing

Main Beach Lounging

2-4 hoursCash only

Rent a chair under a palapa from a local restaurant. Enjoy the calm, emerald waters of the bay. Keep an eye out for the local pie ladies walking the sand. They sell homemade slices of coconut and banana pie.

Woman paddleboarding in a vibrant turquoise bay near a rocky, wooded shore

Beachfront Dining

1-2 hoursDrink purchase may be required for chairs

Eat at one of the many thatched-roof restaurants lining the shore. They serve fresh seafood and margaritas right on the sand. Try the pescado zarandeado, which is a regional grilled fish specialty.

Boats moored at a sandy beach with thatched roofs and lush green hills

Water Sports

1-2 hoursMorning is best

Rent a paddleboard or kayak directly from vendors on the beach. You can also book a quick parasailing flight. The bay waters are calmest in the morning, making it the easiest time for paddleboarding.