Mismaloya Playa, Mexico: Your Guide To Golden-Sand Perfection

Dreaming of complete relaxation on a famous beach this summer? Mismaloya Playa should be the next stop on your trip. With a Hollywood history, picturesque rolling hills, and turquoise Pacific waters, this spot has everything you’ve been dreaming of. 

But do you know how to get to Mismaloya Beach? Or are you planning to navigate the route all on your own? Don’t white knuckle your holiday. Instead, scroll down and start reading. You’ll know the ins and outs of this travel destination in minutes, we promise. 

Where is Mismaloya Playa?

Before diving into this coastline’s magic, let’s look at where you’ll find Mismaloya Playa. No getting lost! Check out our map near the end of this post.  

You’ll find this spot on the west coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco—in the center of the Bahia de Banderas, a large bay off the Pacific Ocean. The beach is in front of the main town, a place packed with restaurants, accommodations, and authentic Mexican culture. 

This golden sand paradise is only 18.4km (11.4 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, another popular tourist spot. But don’t confuse the two! Though they’re close, Mismaloya is a small town, and Puerto Vallarta is a complete coastal city with its own international airport. 

About Playa Mismaloya 

So, what makes this Jalisco-based beach so special? 

Mismaloya Beach is approximately 350m (1000ft) long, allowing locals and tourists to bask on soft sands with a view of turquoise waters. Mexico is home to many beautiful beaches, but this area’s thick green nature sets it apart from others. Here, you can experience jungle and beach vibes in one place with an added bonus—extra shade from the thick vegetation.

Before appearing on the tourist map, this location was a sleepy fishing village. The town’s name comes from the Nahuatl word Michmalouan, which means the place where you can catch fish with your hand. Today, the town’s focus is on tourism. So if you’re an avid angler, some locals offer fishing tours. 

Mismaloya Beach is straight and short with fine sand. You won’t need special beach shoes for your trip, as there’s no rocky terrain. The beach has a significantly low tide and is a popular spot for water sports.

While this is now a known place to visit, it still has a small-town feel. Unlike larger coastal cities, it has a lot of green space thanks to the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. However, don’t expect an undiscovered cove. There are many hotels and buildings along the beachfront to meet travel demands. 

Parking is available in a specified lot on the beach, which is accessible from the road.

Are There Amenities on Playa Mismaloya?

When arriving at a beach, you should pack your beach bag accordingly. So, do you need extra food and drinks for Playa de Mismaloya? Not unless you want something specific!

This coastline is packed with restaurants, beach facilities, and shops to ensure you don’t need to worry if you forget anything. On the beach, you’ll find toilets, showers, beach bars, and water sports equipment rentals. 

A part of this coastline is restricted to hotel resort guests, but there’s still a large area of public beach and amenities. Just note that you might have to pay for umbrellas and loungers, so carry some spare change.

Hollywood History

Recognize the beach? Mismaloya was popularized by the film The Night of The Iguana (1964) by John Huston. As you can imagine, this movie catapulted the fishing village into tourist demand in the 1960s. 

This flick still entices fans to visit the town, especially since you can see the movie’s real set south of the beach. It’s in ruins now but still provides a slice of Hollywood magic. As does eating at Iguana in Casa Kimberly—Liz Taylor and Richard Burton’s neighboring casitas turned boutique hotel. It’s in Puerto Vallarta, but it’s worth the drive.  

Top Activities on Mismaloya Playa

Don’t miss out. Here are the top things to do in Mismaloya Beach, Puerto Vallarta.

Snorkeling 

Mismaloya Beach snorkeling is a popular choice if you’re curious about underwater creatures. 

This Pacific Ocean spot transports you to a different world once you don your mask and peak underwater. From exotic fish to curious shells, this activity is for all ages. The best snorkeling spot is Los Arcos rocks, just off the main shoreline.

Jet Skiing 

Have you ever hopped on a jet ski? For many, jet skiing is an adrenaline-fuelled dream. 

And lucky for you, you can do it right off Mismaloya Beach. Many jet ski vendors along the beach offer activity packages to help you take your vacation up a notch. 

Take a Dip

You can dive in and float in Playa Mismaloya until your troubles melt away. Whether you enjoy splashing about or getting a serious workout in, this is a swimming-friendly beach. 

If you’ve beach hopped before, you’ll know that not all beaches are great for swimming. From rough tides to hidden rocks, taking a dip isn’t meant to be in some coves. So, if swimming is high on your priority list, take advantage of the safe waters here.

Water Sports

Alongside jet skiing and snorkeling, there’s a host of other water sports you can get stuck into. 

Get ready to stand-up paddleboard, sea kayak, rent a catamaran, and even surf. You’ll find many equipment vendors and tour guides along the beach. 

If in doubt, check with your hotel for recommended vendors to ensure a high-quality experience. 

Boat Rental

Mismaloya has a strong fishing heritage, and many locals offer up their boats for day rentals. You can book a boat and explore the coastline for a day, allowing great offshore views and access to the best swimming spots. 

Daily rental services can be found from vendors along the main stretch of the beach. 

Grab a Coastal Bite

The best view on Mismaloya Beach? The sea, of course. Don’t leave without enjoying a fresh plate by the ocean. 

A popular pastime for locals and tourists is sampling seafood while watching the world go by. This is a must for anyone who enjoys fish, as most restaurants work with local fishermen to ensure you chow down on the latest catches. Of course, delicious food is always on the menu. Plus, these eateries offer cold cocktails and beers. Perfect. 

Explore the Coastline

Staying in Mismaloya for a few nights? 

Take some time to explore the nearby beaches. While Playa Mismaloya is the most famous stretch outside Puerto Vallarta, you can find other hidden gems on this Jalisco coastline. 

Playa Paredon, just northwest of the main town, is a secluded spot only accessible by foot or boat. 

On arrival, tourists are always in awe of the undisturbed natural beauty. From the golden sand to the enchanting waterfall cascading over a sea cave, this beach is like something out of a movie.

Other popular nearby beaches include Playa Los Arcos and Playa La Garza Blanca. 

Visit the Los Arcos Marine Park Sanctuary

Alongside exciting water sports and relaxation, this coastline is home to a national marine park. Besides all the marine life you’ll see, there are herons, parakeets, pelicans, and many other rare and beautiful birds in the serenity of the Pacific scenery. 

Guests can book a Mismaloya beach tour with an expert guide to see it all. These tours often include bird watching, scuba diving or snorkeling, and access to the best offshore swimming spots.

Take Some Snaps

With the sea, sand, and rolling hills, Mismaloya Beach pictures are on a whole different level. If you’re a budding wildlife photographer, take some time to snap the nearby scenery and wildlife. Keep your eyes glued to the skies for rare birds. 

Weather Guide for Mismaloya Beach

When planning your Mismaloya Beach, Mexico stay, it’s important to check out the weather forecast before you book your tickets. 

Luckily for sun worshippers, Mismaloya sees warm temperatures throughout the year. 

Even in the coldest months (December to March), the average day temperature never drops below 27°C (80°F). It’s a great time to visit for some winter sun or if you want to avoid the extremely hot months. 

However, if you want to make the most of the hottest Mismaloya Beach weather, visit from April to November. The temperature stays above 30°C (86°F) throughout these months, ensuring you never need a jacket. 

The heat peaks in May, June, and July, when temperatures reach a scorching 34°C (93°F). These months also mark the start of the rainy season. So alongside hot days, you’ll experience lots of precipitation and extra humidity. August and September are the wettest and most humid months. 

Alongside temperatures, budding swimmers should also take note of the sea temperatures. From July to October, the sea remains around 30°C (86°F). It averages about 25°C (77°F) from November to June, which is still very pleasant for a vacation dip. 

Map of Playa Mismaloya

As promised, here is a map to make planning and traveling even more effortless. We’ve marked all the iconic spots and essential places to know in the area.

How To Get to Playa Mismaloya

Get your notebook (or app) out! It’s time to look at the most crucial part of your vacation planning—how to get to Mismaloya Beach.

But don’t worry. We’re going to make it stress-free.

You can visit this destination via Puerto Vallarta, the nearest city. Puerto Vallarta has taxi routes, buses, and an airport, making it the closest travel hub. You can fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and then take public transportation to the beach town. 

The distance between these two locations is only 18.4 km (11.4 miles), so the journey from the airport in Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya takes approximately one hour in a minivan and 45 minutes in a taxi. Or, if you want to explore the region, hiring a car in Puerto Vallarta is a popular option. It’s the ultimate freedom to travel the coast.

Accommodation in Playa Mismaloya

If you’re looking for a Mismaloya Beach hotel, you won’t be disappointed. This area boasts various accommodation choices, ensuring guests of all budgets can bed down for an evening in a spot with good reviews.

Top choices include large resorts and independent hotels, but there are a couple of hostels for anyone looking for a shoestring experience. 

Since it’s a small town, most accommodation options are close to the shore. No taxis to and from the beach here—just make sure you bring comfortable shoes for walking around the town. 

Packing List for Playa Mismaloya

Playa Mismaloya, Jalisco, has many shops and amenities. But you don’t want to turn up empty-handed. So here are some of our recommendations to ensure you can enjoy the beach without worry.

• Protective sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof bag
• Beach bag
• Flip-flops/sliders
• Beach towels
• Bathing suits
• UVB & UVA protective sunglasses 

Pro packing tip: Always carry a few extra pesos, as ATMs in small towns aren’t always reliable. Take some cash out in Puerto Vallarta to ensure you can purchase transport and those all-important snacks.

The Mismaloya Beach Wrap-Up

Now you know the ins and outs of Playa Mismaloya, as promised.

The next challenge is figuring out where to go after this beachy perfection. Sayulita or Quimixto for more nearby beaches? Or head to Cancun beaches for a totally different vibe.

The good news is, Bookaway has loads of routes throughout Mexico to explore. So, don’t buy that plane ticket home just yet. 

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