Just a few minutes south of Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, Conchas Chinas is one of the city’s prettiest stretches of coastline. The water is clearer here, the crowds thin out, and the whole area has a much more relaxed and more upscale atmosphere.
The beach is known for its golden sand, calm turquoise water, and natural rock pools that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling when the sea is calm. It’s also one of Puerto Vallarta’s most exclusive neighborhoods, with luxury villas and boutique hotels tucked into the hills overlooking the bay.
Conchas Chinas translates to “Chinese shells,” a nod to the small, colourful shells once commonly found along the shoreline.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Playa Conchas Chinas, including the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
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Where – Just south of Puerto Vallarta’s Zone Romantica off Highway 200
Facilities – None. A few convenience stores nearby and local vendors on the beach
When to Visit – On any sunny day, water is clearer but colder in the dry season (December-March)
Best Way to Get There – Taxi from Puerto Vallarta
Best for – Less crowds and private nooks close to Puerto Vallarta
Parking – No parking lots, but spaces are available on the side of the road.
Why Visit Conchas Chinas Beach?
Located between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Conchas Chinas offers a secluded and picturesque escape from the bustling city. Conchas Chinas is known for its unique natural beauty and it’s quite easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
It also feels much more wild than many other Puerto Vallarta beaches, and while there are quite a few developments located on the beach, it’s not as bad as some of the beach skyscrapers you’ll find in town.
With its secluded coves and rock formations it’s the perfect beach if you’re looking for a little more tranquility away from the crowds. In fact, Conchas Chinas Beach rarely experiences crowds, making this a brilliant option for a quiet day at the beach.
Concha Chinas Beach also has some lovely swimming and snorkelling opportunities as well as abundant marine life to explore.
With its breathtaking sunsets and upscale villas and hotels dotting the coastline, Conchas Chinas Beach remains one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
How to Get to Conchas Chinas
Given Conchas Chinas’ location, just south of Puerto Vallarta, it’s fairly quick and easy to get to. To get to the beach, you can take a taxi, bus, or drive yourself.
We found that taxi or Uber is the quickest and easiest option to get to Conchas Chinas. Ask your hotel to call you a taxi or you can call an Uber instead. It’s just a short drive from the Zone Romantica in Puerto Vallarta.
For those wanting a more local experience, you can also take a bus to Conchas Chinas. You can take the Mismaloya/Boca de Tomatlan bus route which departs from here in Puerto Vallarta.
Get off by the OXXO just before Sagitario Street.
If you decide to drive yourself, there is parking available near the beach. However, parking can be limited during peak season, so it’s recommended to arrive early. There aren’t any real parking lots but parking is available on the side of the road that runs down to the beach.
Read more: What You Need to Know about Uber in Puerto Vallarta
Things to Do in Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta
Most come to Conchas Chinas to simply relax and enjoy the beach. There aren’t too many things to do but enough for half a day of relaxation.
Conchas Chinas was definitely my spot of choice for a beach day when I lived in Puerto Vallarta, especially when we wanted to get away from the crowds in town.
Relax on the Beach
Conchas Chinas Beach offers crystal clear waters and warm sand, making it the perfect location for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is relatively secluded and is not crowded, so you can enjoy the sun and the waves without any distractions.
There are also several natural tidal pools, formed but the unique rock formations in the area. On a hot day, the tidal pools are perfect for relaxing out of the way of the larger waves.
Go Swimming/Snorkelling
Conchas Chinas Beach is known for its clean and clear water, which is safe for swimming and other water activities. On a hot day there’s nothing quite like jumping in for a cooling swim.
If you have your own snorkelling gear, make sure to bring it as the rocky outcrops attract quite a lot of unique marine species.
For snorkelling enthusiasts, make sure to also combine your visit to Conchas Chinas with a boat trip to Los Arcos, two rocky island outcrops just south of Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico The area has some of the best snorkelling and marine life in Puerto Vallarta.
This SUP and snorkel tour is one of the finest in the area, departing from Mismaloya.
Take some Photos from the Mirador
The ‘mirador’ or viewpoint, located here on Google Maps is where you’ll find one of the area’s prime vistas. You’ll be able to snap some great photos of Conchas Chinas beach as well as the coastline going south.
Beach Hop
While Conchas Chinas Beach is a fantastic beach option in the area, Puerto Vallarta’s sandy offering doesn’t stop here. You can head south to Playa las Estacas, Playa Punta Negra and even down to the stunning beaches of Mismaloya and even Boca de Tomatlan (you need transportation for the last two).
Where to Stay in Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta
I recommend staying in Puerto Vallarta, where you’ll have the most choice of top-tier accommodation options and heading to Conchas Chinas for the day.
However, there are some great options for hotels in Conchas Chinas, if you’re looking for a quieter base in Puerto Vallarta. You can also split your time between one of the quieter hotels here and a more buzzing option in town.
Grand Miramar – The best place to stay in Conchas Chinas, this luxurious hotel, nestled in the hills above the pristine Conchas Chinas Beach, is an exclusive and private retreat. With contemporary decor, a fabulous spa, and one of the best infinity pools in the area, this is the perfect choice for luxury and peace.
Quinta Maria Cortez – A unique blend of traditional Mexican architecture and modern luxury, this low-key beachfront property has just a few rooms and suites but with exquisite decor and stunning ocean vistas.
Patio Azul – For those more inclined towards boutique hotels, Patio Azul is a design-orientated chic stay. Rooms are well appointed, the rooftop pool area has stunning views of Conchas Chinas and service is friendly and relaxed.
For those wanting to part with some Hyatt points, there’s also Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, just one beach down on Playa las Estates.
Where to Eat at Conchas Chinas
I recommend heading elsewhere for lunch as there aren’t too many Conchas Chinas restaurants.
La Playita Restaurant, located inside Lindo Mar Resort is your best bet in the area. They are open to the public and their oceanfront location is just too good to pass up. Our favorites are the classic guacamole and the Vallarta ceviche – ideal for lunch by the sea.
Otherwise, La Palapa Restaurant on Playa los Muertos (right by Los Muertos pier), is one of our favorite beachside restaurants nearby and just a short walk or taxi ride from Playa Conchas Chinas.
Tips for Visiting Conchas Chinas
- There isn’t much on Conchas Chinas in terms of food and drink, so I recommend bringing everything with you. There’s an OXXO on the main road with fabulous ocean views and you can stock up on drinks and snacks here.
- Beach vendors occasionally sell snacks like doughnuts and fruit but I don’t always see them, they tend to be quite sporadic.
- Don’t forget your beach towel, sunhat, mineral, non-toxic sunscreen and something to do/read.
- There isn’t much shade on the beach, apart from during the early morning so it’s worth also bringing an umbrella/shade if you have it.
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