Guide to Puerto Vallarta's southern beaches and towns
Source: mexiconewsdaily.com
TL;DR
- Southern Shores Guide: Article details beaches and towns south of Puerto Vallarta from Boca de Tomatlán to Yelapa and beyond.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)[[2]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/travel/how-to-find-the-best-beaches-in-puerto-vallarta-mexico)
- Water Taxis Key: Boats from Boca de Tomatlán reach beaches like El Caballo, Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa in 40 minutes, hourly from 8 a.m.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
- Off-Grid Escape: These quieter spots offer pristine sands and fewer crowds than northern beaches, ideal for relaxed exploration.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
The story at a glance
This guide highlights Puerto Vallarta's lesser-visited southern coastline, focusing on small inlets, beaches, and villages like Boca de Tomatlán, Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa. Access relies on water taxis from Boca de Tomatlán, a 30-minute drive south of central Puerto Vallarta. It promotes these spots as tranquil alternatives to busier northern beaches, drawing from the area's history as a filming location for The Night of the Iguana. The piece appeals to travelers seeking natural beauty amid jungle and sea.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
Key points
- Boca de Tomatlán serves as the main launch point for water taxis, reachable by bus or cab in 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta.
- Boats run hourly to Yelapa (40-minute ride), stopping at beaches like Madagascar, El Caballo, Animas, Quimixto, Caletas, Majahuitas, and Yelapa; pay on arrival or negotiate private hires.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
- Animas beach features a long dock, dozens of restaurants, and a jungle backdrop but less clear water.
- Quimixto offers a splendid beach with fewer restaurants and hotels than Animas; recognizable by a terracotta-roofed house.
- Yelapa, home to 1,500 people, has an ample beach with restaurants like Fanny’s, hotels such as Hotel Lagunita, and snorkeling near Playa Isabella.
- A twice-daily taxi from Yelapa goes to Chimo, stopping at La Manzanilla, Playa del Medio, and Pizota for isolated swimming.
- Hiking trails connect some beaches like Boca to Animas or Colomitos, but boats are faster; Mayto beach lies farther south by car, with a hotel and turtle refuge.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)[[2]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/travel/how-to-find-the-best-beaches-in-puerto-vallarta-mexico)
Details and context
The southern stretch contrasts Puerto Vallarta's main beaches by emphasizing remoteness: dense jungle, humidity, and construction along the road south slow development, preserving quiet sands. Water taxis provide flexible drop-offs—request stops in advance—but schedules vary, so arrive early with sunscreen. Beaches like El Caballo and Caletas have minimal amenities or hotels tucked into hillsides, while Yelapa offers more infrastructure for overnight stays.
Private boats cost more (e.g., US $70/hour quoted), and overland paths to Animas or Quimixto exist but are long and hot. Farther spots like Mayto (1-hour drive from Tuito) feature 12 km of dunes, cheap food at Mayto Hotel, and seasonal rougher waves; camping at the tortoise refuge runs about $8/person nightly.
These areas echo Puerto Vallarta's origins as a fishing village boosted by 1960s Hollywood fame, now drawing locals and fewer international tourists than Riviera Nayarit spots like Sayulita.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
Key quotes
“Yelapa is a nice town to make your base if you’re comfortable depending on water taxis for transportation or paying exorbitant rates for private boats.” — Lydia Carey[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
Why it matters
Puerto Vallarta's southern coast preserves authentic, less commercialized beach experiences amid growing tourism pressures. Travelers gain access to uncrowded swims, jungle views, and local vibes without long drives. Watch for seasonal boat changes or winter waves at outer beaches like Mayto.
FAQ
Q: How do you reach beaches south of Puerto Vallarta?
A: Drive or bus 30 minutes to Boca de Tomatlán, then take water taxis that depart hourly from 8 a.m., dropping at chosen beaches en route to Yelapa. Private boats are available but pricier; pay upon arrival for shared taxis.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
Q: What amenities are at Animas and Quimixto beaches?
A: Animas has a dock, two dozen beach restaurants, and jungle shade but murkier water; Quimixto offers fewer eateries and hotels on a wide sand strip, favored by locals.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
Q: Can you stay overnight in Yelapa?
A: Yes, options include Hotel Lagunita and Casa Pericos along the bay; the town supports boat-dependent visitors with beachfront spots like Fanny’s restaurant and nearby snorkeling.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)
Q: What's beyond Yelapa on the southern coast?
A: A twice-daily boat to Chimo stops at tiny La Manzanilla and Playa del Medio for picnics; Pizota has fishing boats, a store, and local operators; Mayto is a 12-km bay by car with a hotel and turtle releases.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexico-living/small-inlets-quaint-towns-and-beautiful-beaches)