Mismaloya is a small town on the Pacific Coast near Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, in Mexico.

Understand

It's also close to Boca Tomatlàn. It's located at 214 miles from Guadalajara, the capital state of Jalisco. You can access it from Puerto Vallarta by bus for $M10 or by boat at various times during the day. It's surrounded by the Sierra Madre and the tropical forest. It's known for the pelicans you can meet in the water or on boats. You can find on the beach many activities like diving or snorkeling. There is a tiny village next to the beach with a typical market just before you entered the beach. The view is gorgeous and the water is calm. The place is safe, colorful and family-friendly. It's an ideal place to rest, have lunch and even have an overnight stay to enjoy the sunset.

Playa Ismaloya, morning time

Playa Ismaloya, pelicans

Get in

Mismaloya is easily reached from Puerto Vallarta by bus (10 pesos), taxi, or private car. The bus is a great option as taxis to Mismaloya can be expensive, and not many drivers for ride-share apps want to go this far. The nearest airport is in Puerto Vallarta.

See

Mismaloya was the filming location for The Night of the Iguana. You can see some of the settings they constructed in the vicinity. Mismaloya is also a common launching off point for boat and snorkeling tours around Los Arcos.

Do

Snorkeling tours are a popular and readily available form of entertainment. You can book in advance or just show up and many vendors will try to sell you a tour. Expect them to beach the boat directly on the Mismaloya Playa, where you will board and depart, likely for Los Arcos.

Eat

In addition to the places you’ll find in maps and restaurant search apps, there are a number of unlisted local restaurants. Many of them are situated along the beach, so you can sip and eat with the waves running up to your feet. Like most businesses in this region, plan for cash-only (a few take credit but you can’t plan on it). Prices (2023) are typical; 60 pesos for a beer, 180 pesos for 4 chicken tacos, etc.