A charming fishing village at the mouth of the Tomatlán River serving as the main departure point for water taxis to Yelapa and Las Ánimas. The small beach itself is protected and calm, and the village seafood restaurants are excellent. The scenic coastal hike from here to Playa Las Ánimas is unforgettable.
Playa Boca de Tomatlán sits at the mouth of the Tomatlán River roughly 17km south of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, where a small fishing village doubles as the main departure point for water taxis heading to Yelapa and Las Ánimas. The beach itself is modest in size, with coarse sand and calm, protected water where the river meets the bay, sheltered enough for easy swimming and generally safe for children under supervision. It is not a wide, open beach but a compact cove framed by the river mouth on one side and rocky terrain on the other, giving it a scenic, working-village character rather than a resort feel. The village's seafood restaurants, several right at the water's edge, are known for freshly grilled fish and are popular with both boat passengers waiting for water taxis and hikers passing through. The scenic coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán to Playa Las Ánimas, roughly a two-hour walk along cliffside paths and small coves, starts here and is one of the more rewarding hikes in the area. Birdwatching at the river mouth is productive, with herons and other wading birds commonly seen in the mangrove-fringed shallows. Parking is available near the village for those driving down. Access from Puerto Vallarta is a straightforward 25-minute drive or local bus ride south along the coastal highway.
Amenities
- water taxi terminal
- seafood restaurants
- parking
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, wildlife-watchers, photographers
Highlights
- Departure point for water taxis to Yelapa and Las Ánimas
- Sheltered cove where the Tomatlán River meets the bay, calm for swimming
- Start of the scenic coastal hiking trail to Playa Las Ánimas
- Village seafood restaurants known for freshly grilled fish at the water's edge
- Birdwatching in the mangrove-fringed river mouth
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early if catching a water taxi, as departures follow a set schedule and can sell out on weekends
- Parking is available near the village but fills up on weekends and holidays
- The coastal hike to Las Ánimas takes about two hours one way; carry water and start in the morning
- Grilled fish plates at the village restaurants typically run $8-15
- Birdwatching is best early morning at the calm river mouth before boat traffic picks up
When to visit
Early morning is best for birdwatching and calmer water before boat traffic increases; the dry season from December through April is most reliable for the coastal hike and water taxi crossings.
Accessibility
The village has paved roads down to the river mouth area, but the beach itself is coarse sand with no dedicated ramps or beach wheelchairs known to be available.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boca de Tomatlán a good swimming beach?
Yes, the sheltered cove where the river meets the bay is calm and generally safe for casual swimming, including for children under supervision.
Can I catch a boat to Yelapa from here?
Yes, Boca de Tomatlán is one of the main departure points for water taxis to both Yelapa and Las Ánimas.
How long is the hike to Las Ánimas?
The scenic coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas takes roughly two hours one way along cliffside paths and small coves.
How do I get to Boca de Tomatlán from Puerto Vallarta?
It is about a 25-minute drive or local bus ride south along the coastal highway from central Puerto Vallarta.