Planning a beach vacation to Puerto Vallarta and Mexico’s Pacific coast? The good news is you probably need less than you think.
Warm weather, days around the water, good meals, and outdoor activities make packing relatively simple. But bringing the right clothing, footwear, and a few often-forgotten essentials can make your trip much more comfortable.
Whether you are spending your entire vacation in Puerto Vallarta or heading farther down the coast to Corrales Bay Resort, here is what we recommend packing for a Mexico beach getaway.
1. Lightweight, Comfortable Clothing
Start with breathable clothing you can wear throughout the day.
Think:
T-shirts and lightweight tops
Shorts
Sundresses or casual dresses
Lightweight pants
Comfortable resort wear
A light long-sleeve shirt for evenings
You do not need to overpack. Most days near the coast are casual, and lightweight clothing that can transition from breakfast to the beach works best.
2. Bring More Than One Swimsuit
If your trip revolves around the ocean or pool, pack at least two swimsuits.
That gives one time to dry while you use the other, especially if you plan on snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or spending multiple days around the water.
A lightweight cover-up or quick-dry shirt is also worth bringing.
3. Sun Protection Is a Must
The Mexico sun is part of the reason you are coming, but you will want to be prepared for it.
Pack:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A hat
Lightweight sun-protective clothing
Lip balm with SPF
If you plan on spending several hours snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, a rash guard or long-sleeve sun shirt is especially helpful.
4. Pack the Right Shoes
Flip-flops are great around the pool, but they should not be your only footwear.
We recommend bringing:
Sandals or flip-flops
Comfortable walking shoes
Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers if you plan to hike
Optional water shoes for rocky coastal areas
At Corrales Bay Resort, guests can hike, explore beaches, kayak, snorkel, and take part in other outdoor adventures, so having one good pair of active shoes can make a big difference.
5. Bring a Small Day Bag
A backpack, dry bag, or lightweight beach bag comes in handy constantly.
Use it for sunscreen, water, your phone, sunglasses, towels, and anything else you want with you when heading to the beach or out for an activity.
A waterproof phone case is another small item that can be surprisingly useful around the water.
6. Pack for the Season
What you pack for Puerto Vallarta also depends on when you visit.
From roughly November through April, conditions are generally drier with plenty of sunshine.
June through October brings the rainy season, when tropical showers are more common and the surrounding landscape becomes incredibly green.
If you are traveling during the wetter months, add a lightweight rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and an extra pair of shoes to your bag.
7. Don't Forget Your Personal Essentials
This is especially important when traveling somewhere more remote.
Bring enough prescription medication and personal essentials for your entire stay, along with anything you would not want to be without for several days.
At Corrales Bay Resort, we are intentionally removed from large shopping areas, so it is much easier to arrive with what you need rather than planning to purchase forgotten items after you get here.
You can read our full Things to Know Before Your Stay before traveling.
8. Leave Some Things at Home
You probably do not need:
Several formal outfits
Multiple pairs of dress shoes
Heavy jackets
A packed daily wardrobe
A complicated itinerary
A Mexico beach vacation should feel easy.
Pack comfortable clothes, something for the water, good sun protection, a pair of shoes you can explore in, and enough room in your suitcase to avoid worrying about the rest.
Packing for Corrales Bay Resort
If Corrales Bay Resort is part of your Puerto Vallarta vacation, think comfortable, casual, and outdoors.
Spend the morning snorkeling. Kayak or paddleboard in the afternoon. Relax by the pool. Take a hike. Enjoy dinner overlooking the water.
You do not need much to enjoy a few days here.
Before your trip, we also recommend reviewing our Getting to Corrales Bay Resort page for transportation and arrival information.