Playa Salado, or “The Salty Beach,” is the Marina Vallarta’s local beach, featuring soft golden sand and a serene atmosphere. However, it’s not a prime spot for swimming or surfing, as the conditions don’t lend themselves well to water activities. Additionally, public access is highly restricted, making it more of an exclusive amenity for the surrounding all-inclusive resorts and private residences. Here’s what you need to know about this unique beach.
Why Visit Playa Salado?
- Soft Golden Sand: Playa Salado’s shoreline boasts soft, golden sand, perfect for lounging or walking along the limited public areas.
- Convenient Location: Situated in Marina Vallarta, it’s one of the most accessible beaches for residents and visitors in the area.
- Exclusive Atmosphere: The beach is primarily available to guests staying at condos, residences, and hotels in the Marina, ensuring a quieter and more private experience.
- Day Pass Options: Hotels like the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and the Westin Hotel & Resort offer day passes for non-guests, providing access to their beach amenities.
Things to Know Before You Go
1. Limited Public Access
- Public access to Playa Salado is very restricted. You can only walk along about 15% of the beach, starting from Boca Negra Road at the Golf Course.
- Access ends at the northern property line of the Caracoles Condos, which shares a beach with the Porto Fino Condos and Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa.
2. Not Ideal for Water Activities
- While the sand is soft and inviting, Playa Salado is not known for swimming or surfing, as the water conditions aren’t ideal for these activities.
3. Blocked Beach Sections
The following properties have cordoned off access to the beach:
- Shangri La Condos
- Meliá Hotel
- Hotel Vamar
- Mayan Palace by Vidanta
- Westin Hotel & Resort
- Tres Mares Beach Residences & Marina Tower, located at the mouth of Puerto Vallarta’s harbor.
Although public access laws apply, enforcement in this area has been inconsistent, leaving much of the beach functionally private.
4. Day Pass Options
If you’re not staying at one of the Marina properties, you can still enjoy Playa Salado by purchasing a day pass:
- Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa: From USD 100 per day and up, including access to pools, beach areas, and amenities.
- Westin Hotel & Resort: From USD 68 per day, offering similar access to their facilities.
What to Expect
- Soft, Golden Sand: A highlight of Playa Salado, the sand is perfect for a relaxing stroll or sunbathing, but don’t expect much in terms of water activities.
- Quiet and Secluded: The exclusivity of Playa Salado makes it quieter compared to other public beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
- Limited Activities: With most of the beach restricted, there are few options for dining, shopping, or water sports unless you have access to the hotel amenities.
- No Vendors or Public Services: The restricted nature of this beach means you won’t find the typical beachfront vendors or public facilities here.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan ahead and consider purchasing a day pass if you want to enjoy the full experience of Playa Salado.
- If walking along the beach, be mindful of property boundaries and respect any posted restrictions.
- Explore other Marina Vallarta attractions nearby, such as the marina’s boardwalk and restaurants, to round out your day.
Playa Salado offers a unique, albeit exclusive, experience in Puerto Vallarta. Its soft golden sand and serene atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking relaxation, but it’s not a great beach for swimming or surfing. Visitors staying at the surrounding properties or those willing to purchase a day pass can enjoy the quieter, more upscale vibe this beach has to offer.
