Playa El Anclote

PLAYA EL ANCLOTE

Playa El Anclote is an easy 40-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta in the breathtaking peninsula of Punta de Mita, well known for its unspoiled beauty and stunning natural grandeur. Public access to the peninsula’s beaches is through El Anclote, located at the mouth of the Punta de Mita peninsula at the northernmost tip of Banderas Bay. More specifically, El Anclote is situated at the entry to the private Punta Mita resort complex, home to both the Four Seasons and St. Regis resorts as well as many grand and lavish upscale villas. Among the surfing community Playa El Anclote is famous for its surf breaks that consistently provide up to one-half-mile rides. The water is a deep Caribbean blue/green color, which is much different than the waters along other sections of the Banderas Bay coastline. Depending on the tide, you can often wade into the ocean as far as 100 yards with the water still being only waist deep. Although some underwater sections can be rocky, there are stretches along this beach where your feet will encounter very few rocks, mostly sand. Playa El Anclote is not only a great spot for snorkeling, but as the surf is calm with long slow waves it’s also a wonderful place for novice surfers, not-strong swimmers, and children. The pristine white beach with super-soft sand features rugged lava-rock formations against a backdrop of lush tropical vegetation and the Sierra Madre mountains. A day spent at gorgeous Playa El Anclote is day spent in Paradise!

Beaches of Puerto Vallarta: Playa Anclote in Punta de Mita, Nayarit, Mexico

 

At Playa El Anclote you can hire a panga (boat and captain) who is licensed to take visitors to the nearby Marieta Islands to snorkel to its world-famous Hidden Beach. The Marieta Islands is a sanctuary for marine animals and various birds such as the Blue-footed Booby. Fisherman can be hired to take visitors deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, or dorado, while captains of other boats head off with groups of surfers to nearby boat-in surf breaks. Off the beaten path, very few tourists other than those who are actually staying at the area’s resorts and condos venture this far out, so when you’re at Playa El Anclote there is a feeling of seclusion.  And after a sun-filled day of playing in the sand and surf, enjoying a delicious meal and drinks at a beautiful palapa restaurant on the beach is the perfect way to sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquility. Along the narrow street running parallel to the beach there are restaurants and places to rent surfboards. Parking is available. Security at the entrance to the nearby Punta Mita gated resort complex is strict; access to exclusive restaurants within the gated community is available only when reservations have been made in advance.