Are beaches private or public? Are the beaches safe?
All beaches in Mexico are public property, and are open for everyone, even the beaches in front of the hotels. While most hotels usually don’t have a problem with visitors walking through their grounds to get to the beach, it’s a good idea to ask, and to be more careful about crossing over private property to get to some of the other beaches. There are few lifeguards here and many beaches are not safe for swimming. Read the beaches section carefully and stay well above the tide line on all Pacific beaches, especially around the arch area and Solmar Beach on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas.
First question: All beaches in Mexico (yes, this includes Puerto Vallarta) are public property, and are open for everyone. Even the beaches in front of the hotels. While most hotels usually don’t have a problem with visitors walking through their grounds to get to the beach, it’s a good idea to be more careful about crossing over private property to get to some of the other beaches. Second question: Generally, yes. As anywhere there are a few places to beware of. Remember, there are few lifeguards here. During the summer there can be large swells, even in this protected bay. Be careful and buddy up, swim with a friend, always! Tell other people where you are going to swim and your expected return time.
