South of Puerto Vallarta, the road ends and the jungle runs right down to the sea. From there, the beaches can only be reached by boat: Colomitos, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Yelapa move at a different pace, less than an hour from the Zona Romántica.
How to get here
Boats leave from the Playa Los Muertos pier, a four-minute walk from the hotel, and also from Boca de Tomatlán, about twenty minutes south by bus or taxi. From Boca, trips are shorter and cheaper; from Los Muertos, departures are more convenient and usually include the afternoon return.
Colomitos: the closest one
A small cove with clear water, ideal for snorkeling. You can get there by boat in minutes, or on foot from Boca de Tomatlán along a roughly 40-minute jungle trail with open views of the bay.
Las Ánimas and Quimixto
Las Ánimas has a wide beach, seafood restaurants, and water activities. Quimixto is quieter and is the gateway to a waterfall reached on foot or on horseback from the village, a short walk among trees and a river.
Yelapa: for a longer stay
Yelapa is a village with no road access, with houses perched on the hillside, a waterfall, local food, and an end-of-the-world atmosphere. It's the farthest of the four, and the one best enjoyed with a full day or an overnight stay.
What to bring and what time to head back
Cash, since many beachside palapas don't take cards; biodegradable sunscreen, water, sandals for rocky areas, and a waterproof bag. Always confirm the time of the last return when booking your boat: in low season, the last departure can be earlier than you'd expect.
And if you want to stay on the other side
Our sister hotel, Amaca Beach Retreat, is on this side of the bay: jungle, a pool, and beach, with no cars and no rush. Many guests combine a few city nights in the Zona Romántica with a few nights by the sea.
City in the morning, hidden beach in the afternoon
Stay in the Zona Romántica and head out into the bay from the pier that's four minutes away.