The ranking
The best beach clubs in Puerto Vallarta
From the Romantic Zone and Los Muertos Beach to the Gold Coast, Nuevo Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit, and Sayulita, this is our editorial selection ordered by Sandbeds Score, with a unique distinction for each one. Each card explains what it excels at, who it's a good fit for, and what time of day it shines.
1
Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Sushi
Romantic Zone · Los Muertos Beach · Best Overall Beach Club
🏖Best Overall Beach Club Sandbeds Score 99/100
Why is he here? It's the most complete synthesis of what an urban beach club can offer in Banderas Bay. Linked to the Almar Resort, in the heart of the Romantic Zone and overlooking Los Muertos Beach, Mantamar combines an infinity pool with ocean views, daybed service, a kitchen, and a sushi bar that elevates the beach club cliché. adults only and an icon LGBTQ-friendly of the city, with an energy that flows from a relaxed brunch to an afternoon with a DJ.
Gastronomy Mediterranean and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with its own sushi bar. Music lounge that grows towards the afternoon and scheduled party days. Pool and beach: The main feature is the infinity pool with direct access to Los Muertos Beach. Environment sophisticated, festive and very inclusive.
Ideal for who wants a complete beach club, with pool and atmosphere, without leaving the city. It is not for families with children or anyone looking for a quiet cove. Best moment: From midday to sunset; confirm, policies vary.
Sandbeds Verdict. If you only choose one within the city, this is it: pool, table, and beachfront atmosphere. Its advantage is the complete package; the downside is that it's adults-only and has an urban feel, not a pristine beach vibe.
View the full listing for Mantamar Beach ClubRomantic Zone · Infinity pool overlooking Los Muertos→
2
Tau Beach Club
Gold Coast · Hotel Zone · Best Luxury Beach Club
🏖Best Luxury Beach Club Sandbeds Score 98/100
Why is he here? The Velas Resorts family's adults-only day club on Puerto Vallarta's Gold Coast is the quiet luxury option on this list. An infinity pool overlooking Banderas Bay, Balinese daybeds, attentive service, and a menu of seafood and signature dishes define a truly unpretentious beach day. It's the perfect place to unwind in style, accessible with a day pass.
Gastronomy seafood and contemporary cuisine with Velas' signature style. Music elegant atmosphere in the background. Pool and beach: infinity pool with access to the sand. Environment adult, serene and sophisticated.
Ideal for couples and travelers seeking tranquility and high-level service. It is not for families with children and no one who wants a party. Best moment: full day of relaxation; confirm it, operate with reserve.
Sandbeds Verdict. The city's luxury adult retreat. Its advantage is service and stylish tranquility; the downside is that its serene approach doesn't aim for a lively atmosphere or parties.
View the full listing for Táu Beach ClubCosta de Oro · Luxury adults-only day club→
3
Mangoes Beach Club
Los Muertos Beach · Romantic Zone · Best Beach Party
🏖Best Beach Party Sandbeds Score 97/100
Why is he here? The liveliest beach club on Los Muertos Beach and a true classic of the city. Just steps from the Malecón and the historic center, Mangos thrives on atmosphere: hammocks and lounge chairs by the water, music, cocktails, and Mexican cuisine designed for enjoying a long day at the beach. It's the simple yet energetic plan that embodies the spirit of Puerto Vallarta.
Gastronomy Mexican and seafood to share. Music Lively atmosphere, even more so on weekends. Pool and beach: Direct access to Los Muertos Beach with sunbed service (no pool). Environment festive, informal and very central.
Ideal for who wants atmosphere and beach just a stone's throw from the center. It is not for for those seeking quiet exclusivity or fine dining. Best moment: From midday to the afternoon, especially during peak season.
Sandbeds Verdict. The most soulful classic in Los Muertos. Its advantage is the location and atmosphere; the downside is that it's an urban beach getaway, not a tranquil luxury experience.
View the full listing for Mangos Beach ClubLos Muertos Beach · atmosphere next to the Malecón→
4
Eva Mandarina Beach Club
The Cross of Huanacaxtle · Riviera Nayarit · Best Bohemian Luxury
🏖Best Bohemian Luxury Sandbeds Score 96/100
Why is he here? Eva Mandarina is the best expression of barefoot luxury North of the bay, on the coast of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, within the Riviera Nayarit, this establishment offers a boutique experience far removed from large hotel complexes: carefully curated aesthetics, natural materials, and a cuisine focused on quality ingredients that complements the rhythm of the day. Relaxed luxury, stylish and unpretentious.
Gastronomy local products with contemporary touches. Music gentle sessions that build towards sunset. Pool and beach: access to the sand and chill area (no large pool). Environment boho luxe, calm and stylish.
Ideal for who seeks barefoot luxury and good food in the Riviera Nayarit. It is not for no large party groups or anyone who wants a pool. Best moment: lunch and afternoon-sunset.
Sandbeds Verdict. The best-executed boho luxe in the North Bay. Its advantage is the balance between style and tranquility; the drawback is that it's a bit of a drive from the city.
View the full listing for Eva Mandarina Beach ClubLa Cruz de Huanacaxtle · barefoot luxury→
5
Chicabal Sunset Club
South Coast · Puerto Vallarta · Best Sunset
🏖Best Sunset Sandbeds Score 95/100
Why is he here? Chicabal has made the sunset its signature. On the south coast of Puerto Vallarta, overlooking Banderas Bay, it combines beach access, hammocks, a pool, and a restaurant, all oriented to perfectly capture the sunset over the Pacific. It's the place to be. sunset with atmosphere: you arrive in the afternoon and stay until the sky lights up.
Gastronomy Mexican and seafood with cocktails. Music sessions that grow towards sunset. Pool and beach: pool and access to the sand with open views. Environment young, cosmopolitan and very photogenic.
Ideal for who seeks sunset with atmosphere and good views. It is not for who wants total calm or a peaceful family plan. Best moment: mid-afternoon until sunset.
Sandbeds Verdict. The best sunset spot in the city. Its advantage is its location and views; the downside is that it gets crowded and busy during peak hours.
View the full listing for Chicabal Sunset ClubSouth coast · sunsets over the bay→
6
Sabal Beach
Flamingos · Nuevo Vallarta · Best for Families
🏖Best for Families Sandbeds Score 94/100
Why is he here? On the Flamingos coastal strip in Nuevo Vallarta, Sabal Playa is the most comfortable beach club for a family day out. Direct access to the Pacific Ocean, a wide beach, a pool, and a relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for a peaceful getaway with plenty of space and children, without the pressure of a party club. Enjoy its excellent cuisine and sunshine on the northern part of the bay.
Gastronomy Mexican and international for all audiences. Music relaxed atmosphere. Pool and beach: swimming pool and access to a wide beach. Environment family-friendly, quiet and spacious.
Ideal for families and those who prioritize calm, swimming pool and space. It is not for who is looking for a party or brand exclusivity. Best moment: full day at the beach.
Sandbeds Verdict. The best family beach plan in the bay. Its advantage is the space and tranquility; the downside is that it lacks the dynamism of the big urban icons.
View the full Sabal Playa listingFlamingos · family-friendly and peaceful→
7
La Saranderia Beach Club
The Cross of Huanacaxtle · Riviera Nayarit · Best Local Vibe
🏖Best Local Vibe Sandbeds Score 93/100
Why is he here? La Saranderia occupies a stretch of sand on La Manzanilla Beach in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, within the Riviera Nayarit. It's the beach club with the most local flavor on the list: fresh seafood, a relaxed atmosphere, and a stretch of beach ideal for swimming and, in season, whale watching. Authentic, unpretentious, with the charm of the quieter Nayarit coast.
Gastronomy seafood and Mexican beach cuisine. Music relaxed atmosphere. Pool and beach: direct access to La Manzanilla Beach (no pool). Environment local, family-friendly and welcoming.
Ideal for who seeks fresh seafood and a quiet beach with local flavor. It is not for who wants a pool, design, or a party. Best moment: Lunch and afternoon; in winter, whale season.
Sandbeds Verdict. The best-executed local flavor in La Cruz. Its advantages are authenticity and the beach; its drawback is that its offering is simple, not luxurious.
View the full listing for La Saranderia Beach ClubLa Cruz de Huanacaxtle Seafront seafood→
8
Alamar Beach Club
The Cross of Huanacaxtle · Riviera Nayarit · Best Day Pass
🏖Best Day Pass Sandbeds Score 92/100
Why is he here? In Cruz de Huanacaxtle, within the municipality of Bahía de Banderas, Alamar is the resort beach club with the proposal of day pass The most complete resort in the north of the bay: pools, lounge chairs, service, and access to the Pacific beach in a well-maintained setting. The convenient option for those who want resort amenities for a day without staying overnight.
Gastronomy Mexican and international club. Music relaxed atmosphere. Pool and beach: swimming pools and access to the sand. Environment family-friendly, comfortable and resort-style.
Ideal for families and those who want a pool, service and beach with a day pass. It is not for for those seeking a boho atmosphere or exclusivity. Best moment: full day; confirm, access works by pass.
Sandbeds Verdict. The best day pass on the Riviera Nayarit. Its advantage lies in its resort amenities; its drawback is that it feels more like a complex than a beach club with personality.
View the full listing for Alamar Beach ClubCruz de Huanacaxtle · day pass with swimming pools→
9
Cocos Sayulita Club
Sayulita · Riviera Nayarit · Best Bohemian
🏖Best Bohemian Sandbeds Score 91/100
Why is he here? In Sayulita, the most bohemian surf town on the Mexican Pacific coast, Cocos is the beach club that best captures that spirit. A relaxed atmosphere, a community of surfers and travelers, seafood cuisine, and a formula that works seamlessly from a beach club by day to a rooftop bar at sunset. The perfect plan for those seeking authentic, barefoot Mexico.
Gastronomy seafood and casual Mexican cuisine. Music boho atmosphere that rises at sunset. Pool and beach: access to Sayulita beach (no pool). Environment young, bohemian and surfer.
Ideal for who seeks the boho atmosphere of Sayulita with a good beach. It is not for who wants quiet luxury or resort service. Best moment: from midday to sunset.
Sandbeds Verdict. Sayulita's boho soul in a beach club setting. Its advantage is the atmosphere and surroundings; the downside is that Sayulita gets crowded and the vibe is casual, not luxurious.
View the full profile of Cocos Sayulita ClubSayulita beach club and boho rooftop→
10
Majahuitas Beach Club
South Bay · Access by boat · Best Secluded Cove
🏖Best Secluded Cove Sandbeds Score 90/100
Why is he here? Majahuitas sits in a natural cove on the southern coast of Banderas Bay, accessible only by boat from Marina Vallarta. The journey is part of the experience: pristine beach, crystal-clear water, contemporary Mexican cuisine, and the feeling of having discovered a hidden gem. It's the most exclusive beach escape of the day, with no car or road in sight.
Gastronomy contemporary Mexican product. Music natural environment, without stridency. Pool and beach: virgin cove accessible by boat (no pool). Environment exclusive, natural and relaxed.
Ideal for who seeks a secret cove and a complete day experience. It is not for who wants to arrive by car or an urban plan. Best moment: Daytime tour; access is by boat, plan your transfer.
Sandbeds Verdict. The bay's secret cove. Its advantage is its unspoiled surroundings and exclusivity; the downside is that it depends on the boat and the weather: confirm this before you go.
View the full listing for Majahuitas Beach ClubSouth Bay · Natural cove accessible by boat→
11
Maraika Houses
Horse Beach · access by boat · Best Barefoot Hideaway
🏖Best Barefoot Hideaway Sandbeds Score 89/100
Why is he here? Casitas Maraika combines a boutique hotel and beach club on Playa del Caballo, a stretch of Banderas Bay accessible only by boat from Puerto Vallarta. Rustic tropical-style cabanas, a restaurant, and a secluded beach define a barefoot retreat for spending the day—or staying—away from the noise. It's the most intimate option on the list.
Gastronomy Mexican beach with seafood. Music natural and peaceful environment. Pool and beach: Beach access by boat (no pool). Environment barefoot, rustic-chic and relaxed.
Ideal for who seeks an intimate, barefoot refuge during the day. It is not for who wants to arrive by car, pool or party. Best moment: Day trip; the transfer is by boat, plan accordingly.
Sandbeds Verdict. The bay's barefoot hideaway. Its advantage is the privacy and the setting; the downside is that it's a hotel with a beach club and depends on the boat: confirm this before you go.
View the full listing for Casitas MaraikaHorse Beach · barefoot boat shelter→
Before going
Useful information
Reservations. During peak season and weekends, the most popular clubs (Mantamar, Táu, Chicabal) and the coves accessible by boat (Majahuitas, Casitas Maraika) almost always require advance reservations for tables, beds, or transfers. Booking in advance is the difference between getting in and missing out. Off-season, there's more flexibility.
Beds, cots and minimum consumption. Many beach clubs operate with daybeds or sun loungers subject to a minimum spend, often redeemable for food and drinks, or with a day pass. Conditions vary depending on the club, date, and location: we don't publish specific figures because they fluctuate; please confirm them when booking.
Weekday vs weekend. From Monday to Thursday the atmosphere is calmer and it's easier to find a spot; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the capacity, music and energy increase, especially in city clubs.
Access by boat. Majahuitas and Casitas Maraika are located on the southern coast of Banderas Bay and are only accessible by sea, usually from Marina Vallarta or Boca de Tomatlán. Plan your transfer and confirm departure and return times; weather conditions may affect navigation.
Children and age. There are very family-friendly options (Sabal Playa, Alamar Beach Club) and spaces adults only (Mantamar, Tau). If you are traveling with children, please confirm the policy before you go.
Season and climate. The bay enjoys a warm climate almost year-round; the dry season (late autumn to spring) is the most comfortable, and winter offers whale watching in the Riviera Nayarit. Summer is more humid and rainy in the afternoons.
How to get there and get around. Within Puerto Vallarta, taxis and other transportation are readily available to the Romantic Zone and the Hotel Zone. For Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerias, and Sayulita, a car or taxi is recommended, as they are located along the Nayarit coast. The southern coves are accessible only by boat.
The conclusion
Editor's Verdict
If we had to choose one, it would be Mantamar Beach ClubNot because it's the most spectacular in any single aspect, but because it's the one that's most consistent in the city: an infinity pool overlooking Los Muertos Beach, excellent food, a sushi bar, attentive service, and an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from morning till night, right in the heart of the Romantic Zone. It's the definition of a complete urban beach club in Banderas Bay.
But the best beach club depends on your trip. For quiet luxury, Tau It is the most serene proposal; for the local flavor and the north of the bay, Mandarin Eva y The Saranderia define the Riviera Nayarit; and if you're looking for something different, the coves of Majahuitas y Maraika Houses, accessible only by boat, they offer the most exclusive escape on the south coast.
The honest conclusion is that in the vast expanse of Puerto Vallarta, there isn't a single universal winner, because we don't all look for the same thing on a beach day. The beauty of this bay—which spans two states, Jalisco and Nayarit—lies precisely in that: you can have an infinity pool in the city, a sunset with a view, a family-friendly beach, Nayarit-style boho luxury, or a pristine cove without leaving the same coastline. Choose by area and by preference, book in advance, and confirm conditions before you go.
