Discover Destiladeras Beach

Destiladeras on a Saturday afternoon. It is always well attended, but given its size and length, there is more than enough room for everyone.

Without a doubt, Destiladeras Beach—between La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, in Riviera Nayarit—is one of the most dramatic in Banderas Bay.

There is no protection from UV rays here, so take precautions if you will spend a lot of time at Destiladeras.

A favorite among Vallartenses—particularly families and on Sundays—who flock there to enjoy the wide, white sand beach and a few palapa-shaded spots at the edge of the water.

It’s a living! Patient Mexican crafts salespeople approach sun worshippers with the hope of at least one sale for the day.

Surfers appreciate its two- to five-foot swells and strong breezes attract kite boarders from all over.

Visitors delight feeding hungry seagulls with potato chips and other finger foods.

Others simply enjoy strolling its several kilometers of smooth, tightly compacted sand.

There is plenty of room for everyone, even kite boarders, except for very few holiday weeks.

And during the week, you pretty much get the place to yourself, with the exception of Spring Break and other high tourism weeks.

Even on a warm day, you can expect the occasional musical troupe hoping to make a few pesos on the beach.

Getting There

• Drive north along Carr. 200, taking the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle/Punta de Mita exit. Continue until La Cruz and stay on the old, oceanfront road until you reach Destiladeras. (Alternatively, take the new express road to Punta de Mita, but you will have to take a left and return along the old road once they meet. Parking is available.
• Catch a public bus at Walmart, in front of the Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal.

¡Gooool! The beach is so flat and wide, it’s ideal for soccer and volley ball.

Keep in Mind

• While it’s stunningly beautiful, it lacks all the amenities you’ll find at city beaches, such as restaurants or restrooms. Bring a good book and a beach umbrella.
• There is no lifeguard at Destiladeras, so swim at your own risk.
• If you wish to combine a nice, sit-down experience with a leisurely stroll on the beach, dine at Rancho Banderas. Peppers, its scenic restaurant, has direct access to the beach. You can also visit their website for information on day passes.

Rancho Banderas features direct access to the beach, so a nice meal at Peppers—their beachfront restaurant—followed by a leisurely stroll along the beach, is also a possibility.

Bonus!

This is what strolling along Destiladeras looks like, hyperlapse style!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHLQgWRUjEg