Red and purple flags marked the Cuale and Pitillal river mouths on Monday, while six Puerto Vallarta beaches, including Los Muertos, had yellow flags.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, November 9, 2026 – Lifeguards reported red and purple flags Monday afternoon at the mouths of the Río Cuale and Río Pitillal, where swimmers were told to stay out.
The red flag tells swimmers to stay out of the water. Purple warns of potentially harmful marine life, according to the city’s flag guide. The city’s Monday lifeguard update put waves at about 60 centimeters (2 feet). The published account leaves the species behind the purple warning unspecified.
Six beaches had yellow flags. They were Conchas Chinas, Olas Altas, Los Muertos in Emiliano Zapata, Burros, Camarones, and Playa de Oro. At those beaches, Protección Civil y Bomberos says people can enter the water with caution and should follow the lifeguards’ instructions.
Both river mouths had the same red and purple warnings on Nov. 1. At the Río Pitillal, the warning covers the mouth by Playa Holly. If you’re heading to the shore Tuesday, see the Vallarta Daily beach report and check the flag at the stretch where you plan to swim.
