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Playa Camarones

4.4
·314 reviews·, Mexico

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calmer waters and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Playa Camarones - Image 1

Playa Camarones

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calmer waters and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.4
(314 reviews)

"Enjoy the freshest seafood and breathtaking sunsets at this accessible Puerto Vallarta beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood Delights

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.

TikTok+5
Sunset Views

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.

Reddit
Proximity to the Malecón

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Playa Camarones' Waters

Be aware of strong undertows and waves that break close to shore at Playa Camarones. While beautiful, the sea can be tricky and dangerous, with a steep drop-off making it hard to exit. Always check flag warnings and consider your swimming comfort level before entering the water. TikTokReddit

Beach Footwear & Comfort

The 'sand' at Playa Camarones is a mix of pebbles, some quite large, which can be uncomfortable for bare feet. Consider bringing water shoes or sandals for a more pleasant experience walking on the beach and entering the water. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calmer waters and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for sunsets
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

LA COPA DE MARISCOS MAS GRANDE DE PUERTO VALLARTA #mariscos #puertovallarta #ceviche #camaron #travel #viviendolosmomentos
@viviendo.losmomentos
12.9K likes • 321.3K views

🌊 Watch for Riptides

Be cautious of strong undertows and riptides. Always check flag warnings before swimming. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The beach has many pebbles; water shoes are recommended for comfort. Reddit

¿Ya los has probado estos mariscos en Puerto Vallarta? #quehacerenpuertovallarta #quecomerenpuertovallarta #ximenaromo #comida #foodies #rica #puertovallarta #mariscos #camarones #checoperez #pepeaguilar
@ximenaromo3
2.7K likes • 72.8K views
Playa Camarones, Esmeraldas Ecuador 🇪🇨. Maravilla Creada por #UnDiosUnicoTodopoderoso
bettorlandoofficial
2 likes • 87 views

🌅 Enjoy the Sunset

Playa Camarones is a prime spot for stunning sunset views. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Malecón

Easily access the lively Malecón boardwalk from the beach. TikTok

🌅 POV: You wake up to the breeze off Playa Camarones and the sparkling city below — your hillside escape awaits! 🌴☕🌇 ✨ Welcome to Casa El Guayabo — where privacy, versatility, and panoramic views meet in the heart of 5 de Diciembre! Whether you're seeking a forever home, an income-generating property, or a space to entertain, this one checks all the boxes. 🏡💼🌿 🔗 Full listing + photo gallery: h...
james_miller_pv_real_estate
18 likes • 628 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Watch for Riptides

Be cautious of strong undertows and riptides. Always check flag warnings before swimming. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The beach has many pebbles; water shoes are recommended for comfort. Reddit

🌅 Enjoy the Sunset

Playa Camarones is a prime spot for stunning sunset views. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Malecón

Easily access the lively Malecón boardwalk from the beach. TikTok

🍤 Taste Local Seafood

Don't miss the incredible seafood offerings from beachside vendors. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(314 reviews)

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. TikTokReddit+1

"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

Abundant fresh seafood
Beautiful sunset views
Less crowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Pebbly sand
Strong undertows
Steep water drop-off

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

As a public beach, Playa Camarones is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, beach services like chair rentals may have specific operating hours. Reddit

No advance booking is required for general access to Playa Camarones. You can visit spontaneously. TikTok

While generally open, be mindful of local regulations and safety advisories, especially regarding swimming conditions. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ 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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can typically rent umbrellas and chairs at Playa Camarones for a more comfortable beach experience. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

Playa Camarones is generally less crowded than Playa Los Muertos, offering a more relaxed atmosphere, especially on weekdays. Reddit

🍽️ 🍤 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. TikTok+4

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. TikTok

Absolutely! Playa Camarones is known for its delicious street food, especially seafood stalls offering fresh and flavorful local specialties. TikTok

Seafood Vidamar, Mariscos La Barra de Jerry, and Mariscos Pegamama are highly recommended for their seafood offerings. TikTok+2

While seafood is the specialty, some restaurants in the vicinity may offer other options. It's best to check individual menus. Reddit

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit

The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Playa Camarones should be aware of the water's challenging conditions. The strong undertows and steep drop-off can make swimming difficult and potentially dangerous for younger children. TikTokReddit Consider bringing water shoes for the pebbly sand to ensure comfort. Reddit While the beach offers space for sandcastle building, supervision is crucial. Reddit The proximity to the Malecón provides easy access to other family-friendly activities and dining options. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Playa Camarones is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Access to the beach is free, and you can find affordable and delicious seafood from local street vendors and casual eateries. TikTok Renting chairs and umbrellas is usually reasonably priced. Reddit Opting for local buses or walking from nearby accommodations can save on transportation costs. TikTok

couples

For couples, Playa Camarones offers a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Reddit Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, share a delicious seafood dinner from one of the beachside restaurants, and soak in the ocean views. TikTok While the water can be challenging, the relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for a peaceful getaway. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Waters: Safety at Playa Camarones

Playa Camarones, while visually appealing, presents unique challenges regarding water safety. Travelers frequently mention strong undertows and waves that break very close to the shore, creating a 'washing machine' effect. Reddit There's a noticeable steep drop-off, making it difficult to exit the water once you're in. Reddit This has led to incidents, including a tragic drowning reported on TikTok due to a riptide. TikTok Visitors are strongly advised to heed flag warnings (a yellow flag indicates caution) and assess their swimming abilities carefully before entering the sea. TikTok

Many visitors, even those who have been to Puerto Vallarta multiple times, report only entering the water once or twice due to these conditions. Reddit While the beach is beautiful for relaxing and admiring sunsets, caution is paramount if you plan to swim. Reddit 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. Reddit

Culinary Adventures: A Seafood Lover's Paradise

Playa Camarones is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, boasting an array of delicious and often generously portioned dishes. TikTok creators frequently highlight the 'largest seafood cup in Puerto Vallarta,' featuring fresh shrimp and a flavorful broth. TikTok You'll find an abundance of tostadas, particularly octopus and shrimp, alongside refreshing ceviche and spicy aguachile. TikTok+2

Beyond the classic offerings, explore unique items like 'campechana' (a mixed seafood cocktail) and even seafood-stuffed Maruchan noodles. TikTok Tacos capeados (battered tacos) with shrimp, fish, or octopus are another popular choice. TikTok Many of these culinary delights are served from beachside stalls and small restaurants, offering an authentic and vibrant local dining experience. TikTok Don't miss out on the chance to try fresh shrimp broth served with your meal, a common and delicious starter. TikTok

Beach Vibe and Amenities

Playa Camarones offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Playa Los Muertos. Reddit While the sand is a mix of fine grains and pebbles, some of which can be uncomfortable for bare feet, the beach is generally considered one of the better options in central Puerto Vallarta. Reddit You can rent umbrellas and chairs for a comfortable day of lounging and enjoying the ocean breeze. Reddit

The beach is lined with several bars and restaurants, providing convenient access to refreshments and meals without being overly commercialized. Reddit Its strategic location near the Malecón means you're never far from shops, entertainment, and other attractions. TikTok 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. Reddit

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