Anyone been to the beaches north of Puerto Vallarta with kids? It is so hard to get an accurate idea of what the beaches/water are like from info put out on the internet by the rental places, hotels, etc. We are looking at taking our 1, 3, and 6 year old kids to Sayulita/ San Pancho/ Chacala area and maybe Yelapa as well. My husband wants to be more adventurous, wants to maybe go south of Banderas Bay, in the direction of Manzanilla. Looking for safe swimming for the kids. We'll be there in June (I know it's not ideal, but that's when teachers get to go anywhere!), and want to stay for 2-3 weeks. We travelled India/Africa/US before, but this will be our first trip out of the States with the kids. I have never been to Mexico before!. Any suggestions would be so helpful!
Have been to Nuevo Vallarta with two small kids and also Playa del Carmen. Definitly like the Carribean side better as the water is way cleaner. It is clear blue and green. We never got sick in Playa but every time to the other areas got the travellers stomach.
My wife and I and our two boys, (18months and 4yrs old) just returned from there today (our second time trip in two years). We rented a house, with another family (2 yr and 4 yr old kids) in Bucerieas (a small town 20 mins north of Puerto Vallarta), and twice journeyed North up the coast by local bus to different beaches. Once to Sayulita, and once to Punta De Mita. Sayulita was a cozy little tourist/surfer town tucked up against the hills with a great beach and good waves when we were there. Not ideal for kids swimming but our kids had lots of fun splashing around in the shallow parts. Punta de Mita was quite rocky (apparently due to a big strom a few years ago) and not so good for swimming (at least where we were). The main beach at Bucerias usually has pretty subdued surf (depending on the weather) and we spent alot of time jumping around at waters edge there. But we never really ran into any calm wading waters, and always would have an adult near at hand when our kids were in the water.
Overall the beaches were beautiful, food was great, and the people were friendly and happy to see children most places we went. Would definately consider staying in Sayulita next time.
enjoy!
we went to bucerias/nuevo vallarta a couple of years ago. did not have any kids ourselves but there was certainly plenty that did. the beaches were clean and felt safe. we went in dec which is whale mating season. the sea was very murky ( i was assured this was due to the whales) so did not venture in but can not say for other times of the year....the kids in our complex appeared to have a fantastic time. they spent alot of time around the pools and seemed to get on fine with the food...generally families seemed to be well catered for and is definately a destination i would take my daughter to...
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