Playa El Anclote (Punta Mita)

About Playa El Anclote (Punta Mita)

The public heartbeat of Punta de Mita village, lined with thatched-roof palapas, stand-up paddleboarders, and panga boats departing for the Marietas Islands.

Playa El Anclote provides a warm, authentic Mexican coastal village vibe situated right outside the gates of the private luxury Punta Mita peninsula. Its shallow sandbar and gentle rolling point break make it one of the premier beginner surf and longboard spots in Banderas Bay. After water sports, relax with your feet in the sand along the oceanfront restaurant row enjoying freshly caught red snapper and ceviche.

How to get there

Located at the entrance of Punta de Mita village along the north rim of Banderas Bay.

• Take the green-and-white ATM bus marked 'Punta de Mita' from the Walmart / Sam's Club terminal across from the Marine Terminal in PV (~55 MXN, 75 min).
• Uber / Taxi is approx 50-60 min from Puerto Vallarta via Highway 200 North and the Punta de Mita coastal highway.
• Local panga harbor is right on the beachfront for tours to Islas Marietas and surf breaks.

Local planning notes

• Ideal launch point for hiring authorized local eco-pangas to Islas Marietas.
• Low tide exposes gentle reef shallows perfect for children and paddleboarders.
• Great sunset vantage point looking west across the open Pacific horizon.

Before you go

• Shallow volcanic rock patches near the point; reef booties can be helpful at low tide.
• Distinguish public Punta de Mita village (El Anclote) from the private gated Punta Mita resort.

Nearby places and attractions

• El Corral del Risco Restaurant Row: Thatched-roof restaurants (like The Blue Shrimp and Si Señor) with tables set right on the sand. (Along beachfront)
• Marietas Islands Eco-Panga Dock: Certified panga boats departing daily for snorkeling, scuba, and Hidden Beach tours. (At the main pier)
• Punta Mita Surf Shacks: Board rentals and surf instructors for the gentle longboard point wave. (On the beach)