Can you muster a one hour drive north on the free highway to Anclote in Punta Mita? If so, you are in for a treat. By far the calmest, most family friendly beach in the Vallarta region. We had a car, drove north for about an hour to Punta Mita, home of a few resorts, the fabulous 4 Seasons, etc. We drove along the coast and ended up at an esplanade or roundabout. You can go straight or down to the beach at the roundabout. Go left down to the beach and park at the El Dorado retauraunt on the beach. Go in, secure a prime palapa and table in yourt sling back chairs overlooking the bay, order whatever you want, we had the cameron quesadilla, the best ever, Mismaloya is second best! OK, the best thing about this beach, no waves, clear blue/green water, very Mediterranean like, the sand is super soft. Good snorkeling, you can walk out 100 yards and be waist deep very little if any rocks, 99% sand! Lose yourself in this bay from the El Dorado. Magnificent. It was tough to leave. By far, the cleanest, softest sand, best snorkeling (take a pair of goggles), and just perfect beach. THe palapas provide plenty of shade, El Dorado likes the real palm palapas and they throw in a bunch of green and gold umbrellas for those with fair skin to seek refuge. Being an Oakland A's fan, I felt tight at home! I was looking in one of the Vallarta promotional magazines a day or 2 later and the picture was from the El Dorado, promoting another timeshare or something. It truly is picture perfect, great retaraunt, view, experience. I loved it. If you have an extra day or 2, Yelapa, and Anclote! Make it happen! Bring a towel and some sunscreen, enjoy what very few other tourists experience. A great experience, enjoy!

Take the island tour from Anclote Beach on the sailboat Bluto. It is simply the best and most authentic Tourism you will ever get in Puerto Vallarta. David

El Anclote Condominiums in Punta Mita....gorgeous views of the Bay of Banderas! A gated community with tennis court and wonderful pool & spa. Somewhat isolated (45 minutes to Puerto Vallarta); a rental car is nice to have (but expensive); luckily, taxis and buses are plentiful. Several excellent restaurants on the beach just a short walk away! We especially liked the El Dorado (tell Hector that Linda "with the horseradish" sent you!). Nice beach, but take water shoes with you if you plan to body surf, etc.....the last hurricane left lots of rocks! This is a spot we will definitely return to!