Looking for a beautiful and easy day trip from Puerto Vallarta? Let me introduce you to Mismaloya Beach, a quiet cove just 20 minutes south of town and one of my favorite nearby escapes.
After living in Puerto Vallarta for several years, I’ve explored just about every beach and bay along the coast. Mismaloya Beach stands out for its jungle backdrop, calm emerald waters, and unique history as the filming location of The Night of the Iguana, the movie that helped put Puerto Vallarta on the map.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Mismaloya Beach, including how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and why it’s still worth visiting.
What Makes Mismaloya Beach Special
Mismaloya Beach is where the jungle meets the ocean, with dramatic green hills surrounding a calm, sandy cove. It’s smaller and quieter than the beaches in town, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
The water here is clear and usually calm, making it great for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. You can rent equipment right on the beach or join a boat tour to Los Arcos Marine Park, a group of rocky islands just offshore known for their caves, arches, and abundant marine life. It’s one of the top spots for snorkeling and diving near Puerto Vallarta.
There are also rustic beachside restaurants serving up fresh seafood, local beers, and cocktails with your toes in the sand. It’s not overly polished, but that’s part of the charm.
For an even more relaxing experience, there are a couple of spas on the beach where you can get a massage while listening to the sounds of waves crashing. This is especially fun after one of those SUP tours, some fish tacos, and a margarita.
Whether you come for the day or stay a few nights, Mismaloya offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the busy beaches in town, while still being easy to access.
History of Playa Mismaloya
Back in the early 1960s, a film crew traveled to Puerto Vallarta, which was a sleepy fishing village at the time. Director John Huston chose the even more remote Mismaloya as the location to film The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner.
The production of this particular film received a lot of media attention at the time. That’s because Burton brought along his new flame and soon-to-be wife, Elizabeth Taylor. As the two were both still married, their affair was a hot topic for the paparazzi.
The two fell in love with PV and eventually bought a home there. Burton actually purchased the casita across the street from his for Taylor, which he gave to her on her 32nd birthday. He also had a bridge built to connect the two, so they could meet while avoiding the prying eyes of the media.
Their scandalous love story and the success of the film helped to put Puerto Vallarta on the map. Curious Americans wanted to visit this beautiful town on the Pacific Coast to see why their favorite stars were so enamored with it, and the rest is history.
The famous couple and the film have left such a mark on Mismaloya that there are actually two roads in the little town named after them, as well as a hotel called Casa Iguana. This isn’t the only movie that has been filmed in Mismaloya, though…
Much of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous action movie Predator was also filmed right here in Mismaloya. You can actually visit the area where the filming happened, but we’ll get to that in the next section.
Decades later, Mismaloya remains a fishing village at its core. After all, the name is Nahuatl for “place where they grab fish with their hands,” although fishermen prefer modern technology these days.
Things to do in Mismaloya
Los Arcos National Marine Park
One of the main reasons people come to Mismaloya Beach is its close access to Los Arcos Marine Park, one of the best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving in the area.
These dramatic rock formations rise out of the ocean just off the coast and are home to caves, tunnels, coral reefs, and all kinds of marine life. You’ll often see tropical fish, rays, and sometimes even sea turtles. During the winter months, it’s also a great area for whale watching.
You can book a guided snorkeling or diving tour to Los Arcos, or hire a small local boat (called a panga) right from the beach for a short ride out. Some tours include stops at other beaches along the coast, too.
Snokel Tours
If you want to experience the best of Los Arcos Marine Park, this small-group tour is a great option. You’ll head out by boat from Mismaloya Beach to snorkel around the famous rock formations, explore a hidden beach, and even try cliff jumping (optional, of course).
SUP Tours
My personal favorite way is getting on a SUP at Mismaloya Beach and heading out there with snorkel gear. The kind folks at SUP Vallarta & Adventures have you covered with kayak and SUP rentals, as well as several options for tours.
Bioluminescent Kayak & Cave Tour
For something truly magical, this nighttime kayak tour takes you to Los Arcos Marine Park to witness the rare glow of bioluminescent plankton. You’ll paddle through sea caves and calm waters as the bioluminescence lights up with every stroke.
Treat Yourself to a Beachfront Massage
After a swim or snorkeling session, unwind with a relaxing beachfront massage just steps from the ocean. This experience takes place right on the sand in Mismaloya, so you can listen to the waves while enjoying a full-body massage.
El Eden
Now back to the movie Predator… They filmed a lot of the movie at a place called El Eden that’s up the road in the jungle away from the beach. It’s a fun place to visit for an afternoon, as there’s a natural pool and waterslide made by the river.
In addition, there’s also one of the best ziplines in Puerto Vallarta here. They have 13 canopy lines for adults and five for kids, so it’s fun for the whole family. As it’s a bit tough to get there, you’ll want to book a spot on this tour.
Mismaloya Waterfalls
If you want to escape the beach and dive into the jungle, this Mismaloya waterfall hiking tour is a full-day adventure worth doing. You’ll start with breakfast in a small mountain town before heading deep into the Sierra Madre, hiking along panoramic trails, crossing rivers, spotting birds, and swimming in natural pools.
The hike takes you to three different waterfalls, with plenty of time for exploring, taking photos, and cooling off in the water. It’s a small group experience with a local guide.
Horseback Riding
If you’re up for a little adventure, this scenic horseback riding tour through Mismaloya is a great way to explore the jungle just outside of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll ride along mountain trails and through rivers until you reach El Edén Adventure Park, where you can stop for a drink, take a swim, or even try ziplining through the treetops.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood Right on the Beach
One of the best parts of visiting Mismaloya is the beachfront dining. You’ll find a handful of casual seafood spots along the shore, most with plastic chairs in the sand, cold beer, and simple but tasty dishes like ceviche, grilled fish, and shrimp cocktails.
It’s not fancy, but it’s affordable and full of local flavor. Just know that service can be a bit slow, especially if it’s busy, so order another beer and enjoy the view.
If you’re looking for something more upscale, Le Kliff is just a few minutes away and offers sweeping ocean views with more refined food and cocktails. It’s a bit of a splurge but worth it for a sunset meal.
How to Get from Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya
Here’s how to get to Mismaloya Beach from Puerto Vallarta.
🚗 By Car
Mismaloya is quite close to PV, as it’s only around 11 km south of Zona Romantica. If you’re traveling south on Highway 200, you’ll hit Mismaloya before arriving in Boca de Tomatlan, which is another 4.5 km down the road.
There’s a small parking area near the beach, but it can fill up on weekends or holidays. Go early if you’re driving.
🚌 Bus to Mismaloya from Puerto Vallarta
If you’re on a budget, the local bus is available. They depart from the OXXO on this corner every 10 minutes or so, and a ride only costs 10 pesos.
Just a fair warning – the bus drivers on this route can be a bit loco, for lack of a better word. While they have to slow down for the many topes (speed bumps) and stops, they floor it around the curvy road any chance they get.
Just let the driver know you’re getting off at Mismaloya. The beach is a short walk downhill from the highway stop.
🚕 By Taxi or Uber
A taxi from downtown Puerto Vallarta usually costs around 200–250 pesos. Uber is available too, though availability can vary depending on the time of day and demand. It’s a quick and comfortable option if you’re heading there with friends or want to avoid the heat.
Where to Stay – Mismaloya Resorts & Hotels
If you want to spend a little more time, you have a few options for Mismaloya beach hotels:
- Hotel Casa Iguana: This jungle hotel features a large outdoor pool and balconies with comfy chairs. They also have apartment-style rooms with kitchens.
- Villas Plaza Mismaloya: Families or groups will enjoy this 2-bedroom apartment. It’s tastefully furnished with a fully equipped kitchen.
- Barcelo: This all-inclusive Mismaloya resort is right on the beach. We actually went on a staycation there one year and made a little video that you can check out:
New Pier Coming to Mismaloya
Big changes are coming to Mismaloya. A brand-new pier is currently under construction, set to boost tourism and make it even easier to access the beach by boat. With a budget of 55 million pesos, the pier is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Once finished, it’ll offer smoother boat departures to spots like Los Arcos and nearby beaches, opening up more opportunities for tours and improving the overall experience for locals and visitors.
You can read more about the project in this update from Banderas News.
FAQ: Mismaloya Beach
What to do in Mismaloya?
Swim, snorkel, or kayak at the beach, take a boat tour to Los Arcos, hike to waterfalls in the jungle, enjoy a beachfront massage, go horseback riding, or grab a meal at a rustic palapa restaurant.
Is Mismaloya beach swimmable?
Yes, the beach is swimmable. The cove is protected and the water is usually calm, making it great for swimming and floating.
Can you snorkel at Mismaloya beach?
Absolutely. You can snorkel right from the shore or join a boat tour to Los Arcos, which is one of the top snorkeling spots in the area.
How far is Mismaloya from Puerto Vallarta?
Mismaloya is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. It takes around 20 to 25 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic
Is there a town in Mismaloya?
Yes. Mismaloya is a small fishing village with local homes, small shops, restaurants, and a few hotels. It’s quiet, laid-back, and has a distinctly local vibe.
How much is the bus from Mismaloya to Puerto Vallarta?
It’s around 10 pesos each way. Buses run frequently throughout the day and are a very budget-friendly option.
Can you visit Los Arcos from Mismaloya?
Yes. It’s the closest beach to Los Arcos, and many boat tours leave directly from Mismaloya.
Are there restaurants at Mismaloya Beach?
Yes. You’ll find simple beachfront seafood spots with plastic chairs in the sand, and a few higher-end options like Le Kliff just up the road.
Final thoughts: Mismaloya Beach Puerto Vallarta
Whether you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta for a week or living here long-term, Mismaloya Beach is one of the best day trips you can take. With calm waters, access to Los Arcos, rustic beachside dining, jungle adventures, and exciting tours, it offers that perfect mix of nature, history, and local charm.
It’s not as polished as some of the beaches in town, but that’s part of what makes it special. If you’re looking for a place to slow down, explore, and soak in a different side of the bay, Mismaloya is well worth the trip.
And with a new pier on the way, it’s only going to get more accessible in the coming years, so now’s a great time to go.
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta Quick Guide 🇲🇽
✈️ Airport – The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) airport is a 20-minute ride to the city center. You can book an airport transfer here.
🏩 Hotels – The best websites for booking hotels and resorts are Booking.com and Expedia, which search all properties to find you the best deals. For inspiration on where to stay, head to my ultimate guide to Puerto Vallarta hotels.
🚗 Getting around – Puerto Vallarta is easy to get around by walking and Uber, but renting a car is the best way to explore the surrounding areas. Discover Cars is the best website for finding deals, which searches International and local Mexican companies.
🌊 Things to do – Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for outdoor adventure! Some of the top things to do are whale watching, yacht trips, and ATV tours.
✔️ Don’t forget travel insurance! I use and love SafetyWing, which is insurance for remote workers. For shorter trips, I recommend HeyMondo – you can get 5% off by using that link.
