El Anclote: A Place to Enjoy with Family

Imagine a place with crystal clear turquoise water, soft white sand, fun water activities and a variety of exquisite palapa restaurants on the beach. In our destination, it could well be El Anclote, the beautiful beach at Banderas Bay’s northernmost tip.

Anclote is the Spanish word for a small, lightweight multi-arm anchor used to drag the sea floor when you need to pick up objects such as cables and chains.

Bordered by the town of Punta de Mita, at El Anclote you can enjoy a fabulous day with the whole family. Since the waves break gently at the shoreline, it is an ideal place for children to learn to swim. And a number of providers along its 300-meter stretch rent equipment for boogie boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, great for older kids and the young at heart. For the more sedate, boats offer cruises on the bay, sport fishing, whale watching (November to March) and visiting the area around the Marietas Islands, one of the most stunning nature reserves in the region.

El Anclote beach is very popular both with visitors and residents of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, especially on weekends. Some arrive on their own yachts to spend a fun-filled day and enjoy some of the delicious dishes offered by the more than 10 restaurants, with beach club, that are located along the shore. There is something for all tastes and budgets, from gourmet offerings to more traditional options.

Being in a fishing area, most of these restaurants’ menus abound with fresh fish and seafood specialty dishes. No palate will be disappointed!

In the afternoon, we recommend a walk along El Anclote Avenue, the street parallel to the beach, where you will find something enticing to take back home.

If you are making plans as a couple, note that this is a privileged location to watch the spectacular sunsets for which our destination is famous, a place like no other on the bay!

El Anclote is one of two beaches in Punta de Mita with easy public access and an excellent option for those who want to get away from all the hustle and bustle but still want to be able to enjoy superb amenities.