Playa Camarones
A vibrant beach known for its delicious seafood and stunning sunsets, offering a more relaxed vibe near Puerto Vallarta's Malecón.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters and fewer crowds
Playa Camarones
Best Time
Calmer waters and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant beach known for its delicious seafood and stunning sunsets, offering a more relaxed vibe near Puerto Vallarta's Malecón.
"Enjoy the freshest seafood and breathtaking sunsets at this accessible Puerto Vallarta beach."
🌊 Watch for Riptides
Be cautious of strong undertows and riptides. Always check flag warnings before swimming.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The beach has many pebbles; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood Delights
Various beachside stalls and restaurants
Indulge in the freshest seafood, from giant shrimp cups to ceviche and aguachile. Many spots offer local favorites like shrimp tacos and octopus tostadas.

Sunset Views
Along the shoreline
Relax and soak in breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific. The beach offers a serene backdrop for an evening stroll or unwinding after a day of exploration.

Proximity to the Malecón
North of the Malecón
Enjoy the convenience of being close to Puerto Vallarta's vibrant Malecón boardwalk, with easy access to shops, bars, and restaurants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Playa Camarones' Waters
Beach Footwear & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Watch for Riptides
Be cautious of strong undertows and riptides. Always check flag warnings before swimming.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The beach has many pebbles; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
🌅 Enjoy the Sunset
Playa Camarones is a prime spot for stunning sunset views.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Malecón
Easily access the lively Malecón boardwalk from the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Watch for Riptides
Be cautious of strong undertows and riptides. Always check flag warnings before swimming.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The beach has many pebbles; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
🌅 Enjoy the Sunset
Playa Camarones is a prime spot for stunning sunset views.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Malecón
Easily access the lively Malecón boardwalk from the beach.
🍤 Taste Local Seafood
Don't miss the incredible seafood offerings from beachside vendors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Camarones offers a mixed bag: beautiful sunset views and delicious, abundant seafood are major draws, but the beach's pebbly sand and challenging, potentially dangerous waters are significant drawbacks. While less crowded than other popular spots, visitors should be prepared for strong waves and undertows, and consider water shoes for comfort.
"The “sand” of this beach is partially pebbles, some of them quite big which hurt your feet. The sea is also a bit tricky and dangerous since the waves break too close to the shore. There is a strange feeling that it’s always pulling you inside. It’s my third year coming to Puerto Vallarta and I only went to the sea one time."
Luis Alves
"My daughter and nephew had a great time, making inappropriate shapes in the sand. It was a cold and windy day, but beautiful nonetheless. I cannot wait to come back here in the summer!"
Christie Dakkour
"Beautiful beach to relax and admire sunsets. You can rent umbrellas and chairs. Unfortunately if you want to get in the water there is a steep drop and it ia hard to come out."
Dana T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Camarones is conveniently located north of the Malecón, making it easily accessible by foot from the downtown area. You can also take a local bus or a taxi to get there quickly.
Yes, Playa Camarones is situated in a well-known area of Puerto Vallarta, north of the main Malecón. Many hotels and restaurants are nearby, making it a recognizable spot.
Walking from the Malecón is a popular and pleasant option. Alternatively, local buses run frequently along the coast, and taxis are readily available for a direct ride.
Parking can be challenging in this popular area. It's often easier to walk, take public transport, or use a taxi to avoid parking hassles.
From Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to Playa Camarones. The journey typically takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa Camarones is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it. You can enjoy the sand and sea freely.
As a public beach, Playa Camarones is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, beach services like chair rentals may have specific operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general access to Playa Camarones. You can visit spontaneously.
While generally open, be mindful of local regulations and safety advisories, especially regarding swimming conditions.
Yes, you are typically allowed to bring your own food and drinks to Playa Camarones. However, it's always good practice to clean up after yourself.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The 'sand' at Playa Camarones is a mix of sand and pebbles, some of which can be quite large and uncomfortable for bare feet. Water shoes are recommended.
Swimming can be tricky due to strong undertows and waves that break close to shore. There's a steep drop-off, making it hard to exit. Always check flag warnings and be cautious.
Yes, you can typically rent umbrellas and chairs at Playa Camarones for a more comfortable beach experience.
Besides swimming (with caution), you can relax on the beach, enjoy the sunset, and explore the nearby Malecón. It's also a great spot for enjoying local seafood.
Playa Camarones is generally less crowded than Playa Los Muertos, offering a more relaxed atmosphere, especially on weekdays.
🍽️ 🍤 Food & Dining
You must try the giant seafood cups, shrimp tacos, octopus tostadas, ceviche, and aguachile. Many vendors offer fresh shrimp broth and various seafood cocktails.
Yes, Playa Camarones is surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants, offering a wide variety of dining options from casual beachside stalls to more established eateries.
Absolutely! Playa Camarones is known for its delicious street food, especially seafood stalls offering fresh and flavorful local specialties.
Seafood Vidamar, Mariscos La Barra de Jerry, and Mariscos Pegamama are highly recommended for their seafood offerings.
While seafood is the specialty, some restaurants in the vicinity may offer other options. It's best to check individual menus.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunset shots, vibrant seafood dishes, and the lively atmosphere of the beach. The proximity to the Malecón also offers great cityscape photo ops.
The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
The Malecón boardwalk, with its sculptures and ocean views, is a popular spot for photos. The beach itself, especially during sunset, is also a picturesque subject.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide beach scenes and close-ups of food. A wide-angle lens can be great for sunsets.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Playa Camarones or Puerto Vallarta.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Waters: Safety at Playa Camarones
Many visitors, even those who have been to Puerto Vallarta multiple times, report only entering the water once or twice due to these conditions. While the beach is beautiful for relaxing and admiring sunsets, caution is paramount if you plan to swim. It's recommended to stay close to shore and be aware of your surroundings at all times. For those seeking calmer waters, exploring other beaches in Puerto Vallarta might be a better option.
Culinary Adventures: A Seafood Lover's Paradise
Beyond the classic offerings, explore unique items like 'campechana' (a mixed seafood cocktail) and even seafood-stuffed Maruchan noodles. Tacos capeados (battered tacos) with shrimp, fish, or octopus are another popular choice. Many of these culinary delights are served from beachside stalls and small restaurants, offering an authentic and vibrant local dining experience. Don't miss out on the chance to try fresh shrimp broth served with your meal, a common and delicious starter.
Beach Vibe and Amenities
The beach is lined with several bars and restaurants, providing convenient access to refreshments and meals without being overly commercialized. Its strategic location near the Malecón means you're never far from shops, entertainment, and other attractions. Despite some reviews mentioning a less-than-pristine sand or water quality, the overall sentiment is that Playa Camarones provides a pleasant and accessible beach experience, especially for those staying nearby.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit