Boca de Tomatlán is a small fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta, where many visitors catch water taxis to beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by road. From here, small motorboats known locally as pangas carry passengers along the coast to places such as Colomitos, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa.
For first-time visitors, the process can feel confusing. There may be people offering private boats, prices may vary, and posted schedules are not always obvious. The good news is that using the water taxis is fairly simple once you know where to go, what to ask, and how the system works.
Where Boca de Tomatlán Is
Boca de Tomatlán is about 16 to 18 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, along Highway 200 toward Mismaloya. It sits at the mouth of the Horcones River, where the road ends for many beachgoers, and the boat route begins.
The village is one of the main departure points for Puerto Vallarta’s south shore beaches because it is closer to the beaches than Los Muertos Pier and usually cheaper for shorter boat rides.
How to Get to Boca de Tomatlán from Puerto Vallarta
The easiest budget option is the orange-and-white bus marked for Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán. It leaves the Romantic Zone, commonly around Constitución and Basilio Badillo, and runs south through Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, and on to Boca. Local transportation guides list the fare at about 10 pesos, though fares can change.
A taxi or rideshare is faster and more direct. Depending on traffic and where you start, the drive from the Romantic Zone is usually around 25 to 40 minutes. Recent travel estimates place taxi or app-based rides at roughly 300 to 450 pesos from downtown or the Romantic Zone, though prices vary by demand and pickup point.
Where to Catch the Water Taxi
Once you arrive in Boca, walk down toward the beach and river mouth. The boats load from the small beach/dock area near the waterfront restaurants. You do not need to walk far through town.
Ask for a shared water taxi, not a private boat, unless you specifically want to pay for a private ride. The shared pangas run like informal coastal shuttles. They pick up and drop off passengers at different beaches along the route.
Useful Spanish phrases:
“¿Cuánto cuesta a Yelapa?”
How much is it to Yelapa?
“¿Es taxi colectivo o privado?”
Is it a shared taxi or private boat?
“¿A qué hora regresa el último?”
What time is the last return boat?
“¿Me puede dejar en Las Ánimas / Quimixto / Majahuitas?”
Can you drop me at Las Ánimas / Quimixto / Majahuitas?
Common Water Taxi Destinations from Boca
Prices change by season, demand and operator, but recent local travel guides list approximate one-way shared water taxi fares from Boca as follows: Colomitos around 50 pesos, Las Ánimas around 60 pesos, Quimixto around 80 pesos, Majahuitas around 90 pesos, and Yelapa around 120 to 130 pesos. Other sources place Boca-to-Yelapa fares closer to 120–180 pesos one way, so it is best to confirm before boarding.
| Destination | Approx. ride time from Boca | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Colomitos | 5 minutes | Tiny beach, often combined with the coastal hike |
| Las Ánimas | 10 minutes | Beach restaurants, swimming, easy day trip |
| Quimixto | 15–25 minutes | Beach village and waterfall walk |
| Majahuitas | 20 minutes | Clear water, quieter beach atmosphere |
| Yelapa | 30 minutes | Larger village, beach, waterfall walks, overnight stays |
Should You Buy a Round Trip?
For short beach visits, a round trip can be convenient, especially if the boat operator gives you a clear return time. For Yelapa, some operators sell round-trip tickets from Boca for about 260 pesos, while prices from Los Muertos Pier are higher.
Before paying for a round trip, ask:
What time is the return?
Where exactly do I meet the boat?
What happens if I want to return earlier or later?
Do I need a ticket, receipt, or the same boat operator?
If your plans are flexible, a one-way ticket may be easier. You can usually find a returning boat from the main beach areas, but do not wait until the end of the day without confirming the last return.
Best Time to Go
Go in the morning for the least stressful experience. Earlier departures give you more options, calmer seas, and more time to enjoy the beach before worrying about the return trip.
For day trips, try to leave Puerto Vallarta by 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. and be in Boca before midday. Boats generally run during daylight hours, with Boca-to-Yelapa departures often described as hourly or about every couple of hours, depending on operator and demand. Schedules can change because of weather, sea conditions, and passenger volume.
How to Avoid Confusion or Overpaying
The biggest mistake visitors make is accepting the first offer without knowing whether it is for a shared or private boat. A private boat will cost much more, sometimes quoted in the thousands of pesos, depending on the route and waiting time. A shared water taxi should be priced per person.
Before boarding, confirm four things:
- The destination
- The price per person
- Whether it is one-way or a round trip
- The return time and pickup point, if buying a round-trip ticket
Carry small bills in pesos. Do not rely on cards. Do not assume every boat has the same price. Do not board until the price is clear.
What to Bring
Bring cash, sunscreen, water, sandals or shoes that can get wet, and a dry bag or plastic bag for your phone. Boarding can involve stepping through shallow water or climbing in from an uneven beach landing.
A light backpack is better than a suitcase. If you are going to Yelapa overnight, pack as lightly as possible. Some water taxis include normal baggage, but oversized luggage can be awkward on small boats.
What the Boat Ride Is Like
These are small open boats, not ferries. Expect sun, spray, and movement. The ride is usually smooth on calm days, but the water can be bumpy, especially later in the afternoon or during unsettled weather.
Wear a life jacket if offered. Keep your belongings secure. If you get seasick easily, sit toward the back or middle of the boat and look toward the horizon.
Which Beach Should You Choose?
Las Ánimas is the easiest choice for a first trip. It has restaurants, beach chairs, bathrooms in some businesses, and a simple return route.
Quimixto is good if you want a beach plus a short village walk to the waterfall area. The waterfall depends on the season and recent rain.
Majahuitas is better for people looking for a quieter coastal stop, though services can be more limited or tied to beach clubs and tours.
Yelapa is the best full-day trip. It feels more like a visit to a small village than a quick beach stop. Give yourself enough time, especially if you want to eat, walk to a waterfall, or explore beyond the main beach.
Can You Hike Instead?
Yes, for some beaches. The coastal trail from Boca toward Colomitos and Las Ánimas is popular, and some hikers continue farther. The trail can be hot, uneven, and muddy depending on the season. Many visitors hike one way and return by water taxi.
Do not attempt a long coastal hike late in the day unless you know the route and have confirmed a boat back.
Simple Step-by-Step Version
Take the orange-and-white Boca/Mismaloya bus or a taxi to Boca de Tomatlán. Walk down to the beach and ask for a shared water taxi. Confirm the destination, price, and return plan before boarding. Pay in pesos. Keep your ticket if given one. Enjoy the beach, then return to the same pickup area before the last boats leave.
