A narrow spit of grey sand separates the open Pacific from the calm, mangrove-lined Laguna Carretas, so the same short walk crosses from a churning surf beach to still, warm lagoon water good for swimming with children. Getting there normally means a short lancha crossing of the lagoon from the embarcadero at the end of the access road, run by a local cooperative for about 20-30 MXN (approx USD 1.20-1.75) per person round trip; a handful of palapa restaurants on the lagoon side serve grilled fish and oysters harvested from the estuary. Boat trips into the mangrove channels to see herons, crocodiles and, from November to March, wintering ospreys can be arranged directly with the lancheros at the dock for around 300-500 MXN (approx USD 18-29) per boat. The beach itself is undeveloped beyond the restaurant row, with almost no shade structures away from the palapas.
Boca del Cielo sits on a narrow barrier spit of grey sand in the Municipio de Tonalá, with the open Pacific breaking on one side and the calm, mangrove-lined Laguna Carretas lying just a short walk across the sand on the other. The ocean side is fully exposed with a churning, often strong surf unsuited to casual swimming, while the lagoon side is still, shallow, and noticeably warmer, making it the preferred spot for families and anyone wanting to swim rather than watch the waves. There is no bridge or road connection; reaching the spit normally means a short lancha crossing of the lagoon from the embarcadero at the end of the access road, run by a local boat cooperative for around 20-30 MXN per person round trip. A handful of palapa restaurants line the lagoon shore, serving grilled fish and oysters harvested directly from the estuary, and a few simple cabañas allow overnight stays for those who want to linger past the last boat back. Shade beyond the restaurant palapas is scarce, and sun loungers are informal, tied to whichever restaurant a visitor sits at. Beyond swimming and eating, the lagoon's mangrove channels support herons, crocodiles, and, from November to March, wintering ospreys, and boat trips to see them can be arranged directly with the lancheros at the dock for roughly 300-500 MXN per boat. There is no ATM or bank in the village, so cash needs to be brought in advance, and the settlement remains small and undeveloped beyond the row of restaurants at the crossing point.
Amenities
- Lancha crossing from the lagoon-side embarcadero
- Palapa restaurants serving fresh oysters and grilled fish
- Mangrove boat tours for birdwatching
- A few simple cabañas for overnight stays
- No ATM or bank; cash only throughout the village
Good to know
- Best for
- families, wildlife-watchers, swimmers, photographers
Location
Playa Boca del Cielo, Ejido Boca del Cielo, 30950 Tonalá, Chiapas, Mexico
15.8525, -93.6697 View on map
Highlights
- Barrier spit separating open Pacific surf from calm lagoon water
- Short lancha crossing of Laguna Carretas from the embarcadero
- Palapa restaurants serving fresh oysters and grilled fish
- Mangrove boat tours for herons, crocodiles, and wintering ospreys
- Simple cabañas for overnight stays
Tips for visiting
- Cross the lagoon earlier in the day when the lanchas run more frequently and before the afternoon wind picks up
- Swim on the lagoon side rather than the open-ocean side, which carries a stronger and less predictable surf
- Book mangrove boat tours directly with the lancheros at the dock, generally 300-500 MXN per boat
- Bring cash, as there is no ATM or bank anywhere in the village
- Visit November to March for the best chance of seeing wintering ospreys in the mangrove channels
When to visit
November to April offers calmer lagoon water and drier access roads; November to March is also best for spotting wintering ospreys on the mangrove boat tours.
Accessibility
Access requires a boat crossing and a walk across loose sand between the lagoon and ocean sides; there are no ramps, boardwalks, or beach wheelchairs available.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Boca del Cielo?
A colectivo runs from Tonalá to the lagoon-side embarcadero for about 30 MXN, followed by a short lancha crossing of Laguna Carretas costing roughly 20-30 MXN round trip.
Is the beach safe for swimming with children?
The lagoon side is calm, shallow, and warm, and is generally preferred for swimming with children, while the open-ocean side has a stronger, often churning surf.
Are there ATMs or banks in Boca del Cielo?
No, the village has no ATM or bank, so cash should be brought from Tonalá before travelling.