Features & amenities
Restaurants
Hotels
Swimming
Water Activities
Smooth Swell
South Zone
Summary
- The beach is located amid condo and beach rentals and is a timeless favorite for its fine amber sand and blue-green waters.
- The waves are usually gentle to moderate and are ideal for swimming.
- The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and palm trees, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
- There are no facilities on the beach, but there are some local restaurants and beach clubs relatively close by.
- Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush vegetation surrounding the beach.
About Las Gemelas Beach
Las Gemelas Beach (Playa Las Gemelas), as the name implies (“gemelas” are twins in English), is a pair of small beaches located 5.5 miles (9 km) south of the Puerto Vallarta’s main square in the downtown area, offers blue-green waves and clear, soft sand, a wonderful place to get away from all the most popular beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Even so, because Las Gemelas is relatively small, the north beach is about 140 yards long and the south beach is 200 yards long, some 1000 ft (separated by an extensive rock wall where Condominios Girasol Sur is located).
The place can feel quite cramped at times, especially on weekends during the high season. The north beach is easily accessible to the public, the south beach is protected by a stretch of rocks you’d need to climb over or swim along the coast, which complicates a visit, but it is not impossible. Guests of Grand Park Royal and the Girasol Sur Condos have better access to that stretch of the beach.
To avoid the crowds, you can visit during the week and during high season and arrive in the morning to grab a good place in the sand. You should also pack your own supplies: drinks, snacks, sunblock, and towels since there are no vendors or shops nearby nor on the beach itself.
From the moment you walk out on the beach, you can see they are beautiful, a wide beach of fine and clear sand, bathed by soft waves of bright emerald green transparent water. Las Gemelas is an ideal place for many water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking (you’ll have to bring your own equipment along). From the beach, you can see Los Arcos to the left further south.
The geographical formation of Las Gemelas is curious and attractive thanks to a combination of two different reliefs, coast, and mountain, which on the coasts of Central and South America are an uncommon phenomenon. Furthermore, Las Gemelas coexists very well with the developments, composed mostly of resorts, condos, and villas.
Where is Playa Las Gemelas Beach
Las Gemelas Beach is south of Puerto Vallarta, on kilometer 7.5 of the Federal Highway 200 to Barra de Navidad, that’s about 20-25 minutes south of the city’s Plaza de Armas (9 km). The posted schedule is from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and you can access it for free. It is a bit over half a mile past Garza Blanca if you are coming from Puerto Vallarta, so pay attention once you’ve driven by that resort.
How to get to Las Gemelas
It is the same route you would take if you travel to Boca de Tomatlan, of course, you will get off much earlier. To get to Las Gemelas you can take the buses that go south to Boca, which are white and orange (as in the photo), and take you to several beaches, Conchas Chinas, Punta Negra, Playa Palmares, and Playa Las Gemelas. The buses depart from the corner of Constitución and Basilio Badillo Street in the Romantic Zone (Old Vallarta) they charge about $10 pesos (2018 approx. $0.50 USD).
You can take a taxi or Uber to get there too. Taxis tend to charge twice as much as Uber, let’s see how long that difference stays.
Just north of Girasol Sur Condominium there is an entrance that leads to some stairs that go down to the beach, when I went they were in so-so shape, so take care.
Without a doubt, I can say that access is not possible if you have limited mobility and there’s no way if you are in a wheelchair.
What to do at Las Gemelas
The obvious activities are sunbathing, playing in the sand on the shore and swimming in the sea, all of these are recommended activities at Playa Las Gemelas. Considering that the beach is wide (though not the length), it is possible take advantage of it (depending on the day and the amount of people there) for sports such as volleyball and soccer, although at the entrance they mention that you can not … you may have to take that into account.
We must consider that the beach lacks infrastructure, so I would recommend that you bring your own food and drinks. On the other hand, there are no bathrooms, so it’s clear that it’d be a good idea to certify this beach as Blue Flag and offer basic services. You’ll have to visit the Girasoles Restaurant in case of emergencies.
I would recommend snorkeling as an activity on this beach, especially when there are small waves, I would take advantage of swimming along the rocky edge (at a safe distance, of course) to the south and visit the other part of Las Gemelas beyond the rocky area.
Finally, amateur fishing also has its place here, small fish and crabs can be found in these waters, although these are protected by the authorities so they can only be captured and returned to the water.
Where to stay and eat
If you are looking to stay in the vicinity there are many options and although it’s a bit far from town you can find accommodation that fits your needs, starting with the luxurious Grand Park Royal Luxury Resort which is located on the south beach of Las Gemelas, also the Garza Blanca resort located under a mile away.
Other more distant options include Hotel Mousai, Villa Karaway, Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta, they offer luxurious, accessible, and modest options for all types of travelers.
These resorts are also the main dining areas of the outskirts, the best option is Restaurante Los Girasoles, located next to the beach in the Condominium Girasol Sur.
Las Gemelas, despite being a bit rustic and short beaches, is a very popular and ideal place if you are looking to relax, walk along the beach and sunbath while enjoying a beautiful landscape. For those who want to enjoy the beach alone, in an environment that is a true paradise, we invite you to visit and enjoy Las Gemelas Beach in Puerto Vallarta.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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