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Boca de Tomatlan, a quaint fishing village with lots to offer

Boca de Tomatlán: Puerto Vallarta’s Charming Gateway to Adventure

Nestled where the Río Horcones meets the Pacific, Boca de Tomatlán (or simply “Boca” to locals) is a postcard-perfect fishing village framed by:
🌴 Lush jungle-covered mountains from the Sierra Madre
🏡 Colorful houses lining both riverbanks
🚤 Bobbing fishing boats ready to whisk you to hidden beaches

Your Adventure Starts Here:

By Boat: Hop on a panga (water taxi) or hike to pristine shores like:
• Playa Las Ánimas – Vibrant beach clubs & cold margaritas
• Colomitos – Mexico’s tiniest beach (turquoise paradise!)
• Quimixto & Majahuitas – Secluded coves with jungle waterfalls
• Yelapa – No roads, just palm-fringed bliss

By Foot: The jungle coastal hike to Quimixto (wear sturdy shoes!):

  • 2.5-hour scenic trail along ocean cliffs

  • Spot tropical birds & maybe a whale offshore

  • Reward: Swim at hidden beaches only locals know

Pro Tip: Start early to avoid midday heat! Pack water, reef-safe sunscreen, and your camera – the views are insta-gold.

Click here to download the Trail map for your hike.

🌺 A Riot of Color & Life
The Horcones River spills into a tranquil cove, framed by:

  • Bougainvillea-draped cliffs in pink and purple

  • Hibiscus flowers nodding in the ocean breeze

  • Banana and papaya trees heavy with fruit

  • Palm-covered hills hiding secret jungle trails

🏖️ Your Perfect Beach Day Awaits

  • Powdery-soft sand between your toes

  • Gentle waves perfect for swimming

  • Fresh-caught seafood at family-run palapa restaurants

  • Genuine smiles from locals who’ve fished these waters for generations

NEW: The Ultimate Boca Experience
🌿 Jungle Meets Ocean Hike
Follow the World Famous coastal trail to discover:

  • Hidden tide pools teeming with marine life

  • A secret waterfall (ask locals for directions!)

  • Whale watching spots (Dec-Apr) with panoramic views
Why visit Boca de Tomatlan

Boca de Tomatlán: A Vibrant Slice of Mexican Paradise

Just a short trip from Puerto Vallarta, Boca de Tomatlán (lovingly called “Boca” by locals) is a burst of color, life, and authentic Mexican charm that will steal your heart.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Boca:

🌞 Sun-Kissed Beach Bliss

  • Two unique beach experiences divided by the gentle Río Horcones

  • Shady side: We are on the Shady side offing shade most of the day. Allowing you to comfortably watch the Lively Boca with water taxis, fresh seafood, and the cheerful buzz of the pier

  • The Pueblo: Peaceful paradise a short trip from Puerto Vallarta with swaying palms, cozy lounge chairs, and a magical giant tree offering shade right at the water’s edge

🦜 Nature’s Playground

  • Wake up to birds chattering in the jungle

  • Watch herons dance along the river at sunset

  • Spot playful dolphins from shore during winter months

🎉 Authentic & Joyful Culture

  • Kids laughing as they play soccer on the beach

  • Fishermen sharing stories of their morning catch

  • The irresistible aroma of fresh tortillas and grilled fish from family-run eateries

Don’t Miss:

🚤 Island-Hopping Adventures – Hop on a panga to discover hidden beaches
🌮 Taco Tuesdays Lots of great restaurants in town for tacos everyday!
🌅 Sunset at the Pier – Watch the sky turn pink over the bay

“Boca isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling. The moment your toes touch its warm sand, you’ll understand why visitors return year after year.”
What to do in Boca

Boca de Tomatlán: Your Perfect Beach & Adventure Gateway

🌊 Enjoy Pristine Waters & Unspoiled Shores
Relax on soft sand where the calm, crystal-clear waters of this protected cove invite you to swim, snorkel, or simply unwind. The gentle waves make it ideal for:
✓ Safe swimming (perfect for families!)
✓ Floating peacefully in the bay
✓ Watching pelicans dive for fish

🚶 Stroll Our Charming Malecon
Our palm-lined boardwalk (inaugurated 2017) offers:

  • Scenic ocean views along Pelicanos Street

  • Clean facilities (showers & restrooms for just 10¢ pesos)

  • Best sunset spots to watch fishing boats return

  • Protected river mouth keeping waters calm

🚤 Launch Point for Epic Adventures
Boca’s pier is your gateway to:
• Hidden Beach Hopping via water taxi (Las Ánimas, Colomitos, Quimixto) (Map of beaches)
• The Famous Jungle Hike to secluded coves (see our video guide)
• Botanical Gardens Excursions (voted among America’s best – take the El Tuito bus) (Find out more)

Pro Tip: For hikers, the well-marked Boca-to-Colomitos trail starts right after crossing the river.

You can visit Boca Divers in town and arrange for scuba lessons, rent a kayak, get some gear for a snorkeling adventure or maybe even charter a fishing boat.

From November to March you’ll also be able to go on a Whale watching tour.

You should also check out the locally brewed whiskey (!!) (The first real Mexican Whiskey called Dorwart) and maybe find a Raicilla seller in town (careful!).

Where is Boca and How to get there

Boca de Tomatlán: Gateway to Mexico’s Hidden Pacific Gems

🌴 Where the Coastal Highway Meets Adventure
Boca marks the final seaside stop on Federal Highway 200 before it winds inland to:
• Las Juntas y Los Veranos (quaint mountain villages)
• El Tuito (18 miles inland – coffee plantations & artisan cheese)
• Vallarta Botanical Gardens (voted among North America’s best)

🚤 The Ultimate Water Taxi Hub
Just 5 minutes south of Mismaloya, Boca offers:
✓ Most frequent departures (6am-5pm daily)
✓ Protected bay for easy boarding
✓ Experienced local captains

Top Water Taxi Destinations:

BeachRide TimeHighlights
Las Ánimas15 minBeach clubs & fresh ceviche
Quimixto25 minJungle waterfall
Yelapa40 minNo roads, just paradise
Colomitos10 minMexico’s smallest beach

🚌 Getting to El Tuito & Botanical Gardens
• Buses depart Boca hourly 7am-7pm (about $40 pesos)
• Ask for: “Jardin Botanico” stop (35 min ride)
• Don’t miss: The vanilla orchid greenhouse

⏰ Best Times for Boat Trips
• Morning (8-10am): Calmest seas, dolphin sightings
• Midday (11-2pm): Best beach time before crowds
• Sunset Return: Magic hour over the bay

You can catch a bus to Boca de Tomatlan in Puerto Vallarta on the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución streets in Old Vallarta (Romantic Zone), the same place and the same buses that go to Mismaloya beach in the south zone. The buses are orange and white and have a sign that says “Boca”, you can always check with the driver. The ticket should put you back about $0.10 pesos (one-way).

The bus ride to Boca doesn’t take that long from downtown Puerto Vallarta, it’s 11 miles (17km, a 15 to 20-minute car or taxi, 30 minutes in a bus). You’ll follow along the edge of the sea on the road between the jungle hills on your left and the emerald-blue ocean on your right.

Local buses run to and from Boca and Mismaloya every day, starting off early around 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM and running at regular intervals until around 10 – 11 PM.

If you are a seafaring person, you can also get there in water taxis, you can catch these at the Marina, or better, at the Pier at Los Muertos at Playa Los Muertos. Check out the departure schedules here.

Where to eat

On the Boca beach, you’ll find five small restaurants one after the other along the edge of the sea, you’ll know which one is which based on their tablecloths, each has a different color! You’ll enjoy the freshest local seafood and fish dishes under their palapas (traditional Mexican palm-leaf roofs), and have a drink served on the beach at the water’s edge. Did I mention they are quite inexpensive? They are open from around 10 AM to 7 PM, you can also just enjoy a cold beer and maybe some grilled shrimp or fish.

Embarcadero Restaurante

Le Kliff

Half a mile from Boca going in Mismaloya’s direction, you’ll find Le Kliff Restaurant, a great five-star location, as you might expect, on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sea. Offers gourmet dishes and drinks with equivalently breathtaking views of the Boca Bay, Pacific Ocean and Los Arcos to the north.

Ocean Grill Puerto Vallarta

Restaurant located around the bend from Boca at Los Colomitos Beach. A palapa covered veranda (traditional Mexican shelter roofed with palm leaves), over the edge of the cove and ocean. A spectacular location, with great service, and delicious food.

You’ll need to reserve beforehand, it’s a cash-only and reservation-only restaurant and grill, so you can’t arrive unannounced. Adult-only and no pets due to the location, which could be dangerous for them. (Make a Reservation)

Chico’s Paradise

If you want you can go a little further south along the highway, before arriving at Las Juntas y Los Veranos, you’ll find a great place called Chico’s Paradise Restaurant by the river. They offer a canopy tour there and/or you can enjoy a great meal at the restaurant overlooking the river, it’s also a great view.

Tips & ideas
  • The Horcones river ends its trip from the Sierra Mountains and flows into the little bay of Boca de Tomatlán.
  • The river brings most water during the rainy months that start in June and end in October.
  • Visit Colomitos Beach, either take a water taxi (5 minutes) or hike from Boca by land (40 minutes).
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens.
  • Take a trip from Boca to El Tuito.

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