One of the ten largest bays in the world, Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas) is shared by two states: Nayarit to the north, and Jalisco to the south. The bay has a coastline of approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers), and is an important breeding and birthing ground for humpback whales.

Located on Mexico's Pacific coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains, the greater coastal area is divided into three large regions: Riviera Nayarit to the north, Banderas Bay in the middle, and Costalegre to the south. 

Costalegre
Careyes, the main destination in Costalegre (“Happy Coast”), is sheltered and relatively undeveloped. An approximate three-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, Careyes is characterized by resorts and upscale villas built the area around the ocean cliffs.

Banderas Bay
Banderas Bay is bisected by the Ameca River, with all southern points in Jalisco and northern locations in Nayarit. Puerto Vallarta proper is located between Conchas Chinas (6) and the Hotel Zone (8).

The South Bay
The stretch of coastline between Boca (5) and Conchas Chinas (6) is accessible by car or bus, but those wanting to explore further will have to take a boat tour or a panga (water taxi) to reach Yelapa (1), Las Caletas (2), Quimixto (3), and Las Animas (4). Home to marine preserve Los Arcos, the drive south from Puerto Vallarta is popular with nature lovers, snorkelers, divers, and bungee jumpers. 

Conchas Chinas and Amapas
Just minutes from Old Town, Conchas Chinas (which means "curly shell") and Amapas (6) are home to some of the most spectacular homes and condominiums in this area. 

Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera)
The Hotel Zone (8) is the beachfront strip of hotels and luxury condominiums that runs from Marina Vallarta to downtown. A popular choice for visitors because of its convenient location, the Hotel Zone is close to downtown, the airport, shopping centers, and Marina Vallarta.

Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is the area just over the Ameca River, at the border to Nayarit state. 

Nuevo Vallarta
Developed in the 1970s, Nuevo Vallarta (9) houses high-end resorts and luxury residential developments. Much more manicured than neighboring areas, Nuevo has its own marina, and is interlaced with canals. The area is known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

Bucerias
A small Mexican town, Bucerias (10) -- “land of divers” -- is famous for its seafood and its traditional flea market. With a faithful expat population that is deeply involved in the community, there is a unique blend of cultures in Bucerias. Check out the the murals in town, and visit one of the many coffee shops. 

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
“La Cruz,” (11) as most locals call it, still has the small fishing-town feel of its past, with the exception of its new state-of-the-art marina. Check out the market on Sundays for great deals on  folk and native arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, and food. La Cruz also has some of the best ceviche in the world.

Punta de Mita
Once a quiet fishing community, Punta de Mita (12) is now the home of some of the most renowned hotels in the world and is known as one of the best places to whale watch in the winter months. Giant mantas, turtles, lobsters, and tropical fish are among the other spectacular animals that live in the coral reefs around the area. 

Litibú and Higera Blanca
Litibú is a beachfront destination just north of Punta de Mita that is being developed by FONATUR, an international tourism company. Future plans include the construction of an eighteen-hole golf course, hotels, and condominiums. With a population of under 1,000 residents, the quiet village of Higuera Blanca is adjacent to Litibú. 

Sayulita
Probably one of the most famous towns around the North End, Sayulita (13) is an optimal surfing destination. “Sayula,” as the locals call it, is a burgeoning community with an active nightlife, a variety of restaurants, and many specialty shops catering to the tourist crowd. Local seafood specialties like fresh oysters and pescado sarandeado are available on the beach. 

San Pancho
San Francisco (14) is north of Banderas Bay, past Sayulita. Another top surfing destnation, San Pancho, as it's locally known, has the feel of a traditional small Mexican town but offers a variety of activities and amenities like gourmet restaurants, beaches, polo, fishing, and boutique hotels, as well as local artisans and jewelers.