The South Shore

Where the road runs out and the best beaches begin — reachable only by boat.

By Sam Med · Last updated September 2026

South of Puerto Vallarta, past the village of Boca de Tomatlán, the coastal road ends and the shore turns wild — a string of jungle-backed coves and villages reachable only by boat. This is where you go to escape the city.

The beaches and villages

Yelapa — the best-known: a car-free village rather than a beach, with waterfalls and places to stay.
Las Ánimas — the busiest: a wide sandy beach with palapa restaurants and watersports. Easiest with children.
Quimixto — a small cove with a waterfall a walk (or horseback ride) inland.
Majahuitas & Colomitos — tiny, secluded coves; Colomitos is billed as Mexico's smallest beach.
Las Caletas — the private cove used for Rhythms of the Night, accessible only on an organised trip.

How to get there

Take a water taxi from the Los Muertos pier or from Boca de Tomatlán (a short bus ride south), and the choice matters:

From	Crossing	Notes
Los Muertos pier	Longer	Walkable from Old Town; fewer departures; slightly pricier
Boca de Tomatlán	Much shorter	Cheaper and more frequent, but you must bus or taxi to Boca first (~20–30 min)

Boats are public water taxis, not tours — you pay on board, and they run to a timetable. Check the last return departure before you settle in; missing it means staying the night. Many day trips also visit the south shore by boat. See getting around.

The south shore has Puerto Vallarta's most beautiful beaches precisely because you can't drive to them. Even a half-day by water taxi feels like a proper escape.

The hike between beaches

A good option that most visitors miss: a coastal path runs from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas, roughly an hour and a half through jungle and past small coves, with the sea on your right most of the way. Walk one way and take a water taxi back. It is not difficult but it is uneven underfoot — proper shoes, water, and don't start it in the afternoon heat.

What to take

Cash above all — card acceptance is patchy and there are no ATMs. Plus water, reef-safe sunscreen, shoes you can walk in, and a dry bag. Facilities are limited everywhere except Las Ánimas.