Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Summers have less wave action and the water is clearer.
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Puerto Vallarta tends to be the more relaxed, culturally oriented destination of the two, while Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern end of Baja California, is known for its beach life and good-time atmosphere.
Maroma Beach is located in Quintana Roo State, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is on the Mexican Caribbean Coast, so expect gorgeous, crystal clear waters in every shade of blue — maybe even the clearest water in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta Municipal WaterNot only has Puerto Vallarta's water been rated as perfectly safe for human consumption with a certificate of purity for 17 consecutive years, it is one of only two vacation destinations in the country to achieve this important distinction.
Many beaches are closed to swimmers because they aren't safe—steep ocean floor drop-offs close to shore create strong waves and undercurrents, making it dangerous to enter the water. These beaches are clearly marked with red flags, warning swimmers to stay away.
While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.
East Coast: Mexico's east coast, particularly the Caribbean Sea's turquoise waters in spots like Tulum, are the stuff beach vacation dreams are made of. The east coast also has a reputation for soft white sand and warm, calm waters.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Puerto Vallarta is also known for its close proximity to the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. These towering peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop for the city and offer many opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking and zip lining.