Puerto Vallarta beach guide
Playas Gemelas (Twin Beaches)
Playas Gemelas
Twin emerald-water coves divided by a scenic rocky promontory with powdery white sand
AccessStairs & Path
Sand and shoreFine White Coral Sand
Water conditionsGentle clear blue waves
Sun and shadeFull Sun until approx. 4:00 PM
Best fitSnorkel & Marine
About Playas Gemelas (Twin Beaches)
Pristine twin beaches 9 km south of Puerto Vallarta known for some of the clearest turquoise waters and softest sand in the entire bay.
Las Gemelas (The Twins) consists of two picturesque pocket beaches separated by a rocky outcrop. Renowned for their soft white sand and transparent emerald-green water, these coves resemble Caribbean bays tucked into the Pacific. The northern beach is accessible via a public staircase next to Condominios Girasol Sur, while the southern beach can be reached by wading around the rocks at low tide.
How to get there
Located along Highway 200 South in the scenic South Shore corridor.
- Take the orange Mismaloya / Boca bus from Basilio Badillo & Constitución in Romantic Zone (10 MXN).
- 10-25 min drive south along Highway 200.
Local planning notes
- Arrive in the morning to secure space on the northern cove before the tide rises.
- Bring snorkel gear; colorful reef fish congregate around the central dividing rocks.
- Pack your own water and snacks as there are no public restaurants directly on the sand.
Before you go
- The public staircase from the highway is steep and not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Beach area narrows significantly during high tide.
Nearby places and attractions
- Girasol Sur Coastal Terrace: Oceanfront residential terrace with mini-market and public stair descent to the sand. (Above beach)
- Gemelas Natural Rock Divider: Granite reef separating the two sister coves with natural tidal wading pools. (Between the two coves)