Beaches to the north are known for soft light colored sand and shallow waters. On the more mountainous southern end of the bay, the sand tends to be soft to medium grained with deeper water in the calm coves. Scattered in between are little coves and beaches that appear during low tide.

Puerto Vallarta has over 40 different beaches, all public up to the high water mark, with the exception of various private villas, only because they are virtually impossible to get to if you are not a guest.
The warm and tranquil waters of Banderas Bay are ideal for all water sports.

Puerto Vallarta offers scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing and water skiing. Parasailing and "banana" rides are activities offered on most public beaches.