Boca de Tomatlan - Gateway to the Wonders of the South Shore Villages/Beaches

South Shore Puerto Vallarta | Secluded Beaches | Boca de Tomatlán Travel Guide

For those who consider themselves Beach Divas, or just want to enjoy an uncrowded day on some of the best beaches in Mexico, Boca de Tomatlán is the starting point. Many Villa La Sirena guests include this in their to-do list: a day or two experiencing something truly unique along the South Shore Beaches of Puerto Vallarta.

Those who are not sand-oriented can do some waterfall chasing, visit the quaint village of Yelapa, or learn its unique history. The transportation phase is also part of the experience - enjoy a hike to Colomitos or Las Animas with many secluded spots en route, or take the easy way with a fun Water Taxi ride along the shoreline.

A more private secluded beach experience can be arranged by the Villa Onsite Manager with a private Panga drop-off at a remote spot - there are many. A couple of beach areas have tourist-oriented zones, but more subdued beaches are just steps away.

Boca has a beach of its own, but it is not secluded and can be busy on weekends with locals. Even then, it is certainly not like the jammed Puerto Vallarta sand. This blog supplements our previous post on hiking in Boca de Tomatlan.

Family Outings, Couples Escapes & Secluded Beach Days

Consider a family outing on a private, hidden beach, or just the two of you with beach equipment and a cooler with a nice lunch and cold adult beverages. Consider these examples:

Many options exist to consider. Villa La Sirena’s philosophy is non-tourist excursions. Private and uncrowded is our focus. With this in mind, our recommendations for experiencing the South Shore beaches near Puerto Vallarta are:

Top Ways to Experience the South Shore

• Hike to a secluded beach close to Boca.

Enjoy stunning Bay of Banderas views and the tropical forest. Take a lunch-the Villa has a kitchenette and coolers.

• Hike or Water Taxi to Las Animas for a subdued beach or its adventure area. Plenty of dining spots.

• Hire a Panga for waterfall chasing or snorkeling, maybe combined with a village tour.

• Hire a Panga for a day trip to Yelapa for its unique village experience and a waterfall visit.

• Hire a Panga for a drop-off at a secluded beach. Perfect for those wanting a quiet day in nature.

• Avoid packaged tours.

The Villa manager can help design a custom, private outing that fits what you want. His contact with Boca-based Panga operators ensures personalized experiences versus crowded tourist groups.

Colomitos - Closest Secluded Beach from Boca

Colomitos is the closest.  It is just around the bend from the trailhead and an easy walk.  It is a small, picturesque cove that can gather a crowd.  I would avoid the weekend travelers and do it early.  

Las Animas - Beaches, Activities & Restaurants

Las Animas is considerably farther along the shoreline travel. There are many uncrowded beach spots along the way.  There are two areas, the northern part is more subdued, and best if just beaching is your bag.  To the south is a more active area featuring activities like banana boat riding, jet ski rental, and parasailing.  There are numerous restaurants and a pier for those arriving by water taxi.  If the hike getting there is enough exercise, you can grab a water taxi back to Boca.

Quixmito - Waterfalls, Surf & Village Charm

Quixmito is next on our list of funky little villages.  It is home to a great waterfall that requires a bit of a walk or a horseback/mule ride.  It is about a mile inland.  The locals ask for a nominal drink or food purchase to view from their observation deck.  If you are up for a swim, the water is cool.  The little village is quaint with only limited food service.  Hiking to Quixmito can be done, but it is a serious adventure.  Our Onsite Manager and an expat resident did a round-trip from Boca de Tomatlan in a day to the South Shore Beaches, but were exhausted.  There is always the water taxi return option.   If the season is right, usually October to April, there is a moderate surf break if you bring a board.  They have small surfing tournaments on occasion. 

Majahuitas - Remote Beaches & Snorkeling Coves

Majahuitas is located between Quixmito and Yelapa and has nice beach areas that are seldom used.  There is a special cove that lets you snorkel and swim with the fish.  Super fun for kids, or adults wishing they still were.  Majahitas Beach Club is here, and from a little research seems to have a very tourist-oriented venue with less-than-wonderful reviews.  Not a spot that fits the Villa La Sirena focus.

Yelapa - The Largest South Shore Village | Culture, Waterfalls & Unique History

Yelapa is the last along the south shoreline and is by far the largest village.  It has a resemblance to Boca’s topography and population size.  It has a similar little bay/inlet off the Bay of Banduras and about the same population; +/- 1400. 

There are two sections created by the El Tuito River.  The north side is a beach area, which is known for parasailing, and to the south is the main village and pier.  Wandering the village is fun, no cars, just ATVs and horses.  Numerous restaurants for locals and tourists.  Nice waterfall up the river, and horseback riding is available for the trip.  A smaller waterfall is above the village area, but a challenging hike. 

It is part of a much larger indigenous community (comunidad indigena), made up of about 25,000 square hectares, including several other coastal and mountain villages. It is a unique community-one of the few remaining on Earth where the original inhabitants still reside, own and control their own lands. This area of Mexico is second only to the Amazon rain basin in terms of biodiversity and the number of indigenous communities.

The El Tuito River empties into the sea here, as well as another small mountain tributary. Yelapa’s name is said to be an old Indian one meaning “where two rivers meet the sea.” The formal governing council for the community is in Chacala; it is reachable by vehicle from Yelapa only in the dry season. It is a challenging, rough road and is typically used only for construction materials.  The road from Chacala to El Tuito is a step-up, but not much better.

Electricity, WiFi, and water supply from nearby waterways are relatively new, starting in early 2000. Yelapa can often seem to visitors like an island outside of time and space. Living more simply contributes to the experience.

There is a museum in the village recounting its unique history.  The first recorded contact with outsiders was a military party led by Francisco Cortés, cousin to Hernán Cortés, the famous conqueror of Mexico, in 1524.