Surf: As the swell wraps into the Bahia de Banderas, Mexico’s largest bay, it hits a series of reefs producing clean, smaller waves on a 9.5km (6mi) long stretch of coast called Costa Banderas. This set-up favours rights and la Lancha, Punta Burro’s, Pools and Destiladeras are all worthy spots. Boat access only except for Destiladeras. Puerto Vallarta is too deep in the bay to receive much swell, except on big days when the beaches at el Tizate and the Holiday Inn in the hotel zone are pumping. The beachbreak at the rivermouth south of town is also worth checking.