Leave behind the bustle of Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón and follow the coastal highway south. In less than thirty minutes, city noise fades into ocean breeze and birdsong. At kilometer 18, where the Horcones River spills into the Pacific, you’ll arrive in Boca de Tomatlán.
Known simply as Boca, this fishing village has roots stretching back to the 1500s. Its name reflects both its geography and heritage: Boca means the mouth of a river, and Tomatlán translates to “tomato land.” Fishing pangas still sway beside the pier, the scent of mesquite-grilled snapper drifts through the air, and life moves to a rhythm set by the tides and jungle.
Locals welcome visitors with easy smiles, and even a few words of Spanish go a long way. Just minutes from Puerto Vallarta, Boca offers both history and authenticity—an unhurried world of its own.
How to Get to Boca de Tomatlán
Reaching this village is simple; you're only about 18 km south of Puerto Vallarta along the jungle-lined Highway 200, a trip that rarely takes more than forty minutes. Choose the transport that fits your budget and comfort level, then focus on the fun waiting at the pier.
Local Bus
Catch the green "Mismaloya/Boca" bus at the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Romantic Zone. Drop coins into the driver's box, confirm the windshield sign reads "Boca," and grab a seat.
Windows stay open for sea breeze views as the bus winds south for 30-40 minutes, skirting cliffside bays before stopping at a pedestrian bridge; the final stop. Cross the road, follow the path two minutes downhill, and you're on the pier.
It's the cheapest way to arrive, and the ride itself feels like a mini-tour of the coast.
Taxi or Uber
From downtown, a cab or app ride costs roughly MX$300-450 (US $23-29) and takes 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. Tell the driver "el puente de Boca" so you're dropped at the same pedestrian bridge the bus uses.
Cars thin out after sunset, so arrange your return in advance or agree on a round-trip fare before you hop in.
Rental Car
Head south on Highway 200, watching for the Km 12 marker and the river mouth on your left. The drive takes about 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta if traffic is light. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore beaches north and south of this coastal village.
Return Logistics
Northbound buses back to Puerto Vallarta pass every 15-20 minutes; stand on the west shoulder and wave one down. The last run is usually near 11 pm, but schedules shift with the season, so ask the driver on arrival.
Things to Do in Boca de Tomatlán
Start your visit by claiming a riverside palapa table where fishermen still in wet boots deliver the morning's catch, so your red snapper or shrimp arrives impossibly fresh. Plates run 100–200 MXN, and the grill-side cook only takes cash, a small price for lunch with jungle views and salt in the air.
With your appetite satisfied, step onto the pier where bright turquoise and orange pangas bob for position while pelicans dive for scraps, creating a lively scene that glows at golden hour. A slow stroll along the sand lets you watch the Horcones River mix with the Pacific. For a quick swim, we recommend staying on the ocean side where the water remains clearer.
If you crave movement, join the coastal trail to Las Ánimas. The 4 km path gains about 230 m and usually takes under two hours one way. Sturdy shoes are essential, and tiny Colomitos Beach makes a perfect mid-hike dip.
Best Time to Visit to Make the Most of Your Stay
Boca de Tomatlán welcomes visitors year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. November through April brings crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons around 80°F. The pier bustles with pangas at sunrise, and during whale season (December to March), your water taxi ride might include surprise whale sightings.
Summer months (June through early October) transform the landscape with afternoon showers that create lush, vibrant jungle scenery and thinner crowds—perfect for travelers seeking more solitude. Even in August, when rain is more common, morning tours operate smoothly under typically clear skies.
May and October offer wonderful middle-ground experiences. May delivers peak warmth with incredibly comfortable ocean temperatures, while October maintains the jungle's rich greenery without heavy rainfall. Families tend to prefer the predictable winter weather, while adventure seekers often enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the green season trails.
Smart Traveler Tips & Preparations
We've learned a few things from watching travelers navigate this seaside village over the years. These insider tips make the difference between a hectic day and a smooth coastal adventure:
Cash is king. Bring small-denomination pesos for bus fares, pier restrooms, and fresh seafood. ATMs are scarce and many vendors can't break large bills.
Boat tickets are cash-only. The last water taxis usually head out around 6 pm, so confirm your return spot early.
Wear proper footwear. Waterproof sandals or trail shoes keep you steady on wet planks, river stones, and the coastal hiking path.
Dress for sun protection. Long-sleeved swim shirts and a wide-brim hat provide better protection than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
Prepare for limited connectivity. Cell coverage fades in the jungle, so download offline maps before leaving Puerto Vallarta.
Stay hydrated. Pack at least one liter of water per hiker—the coastal trail bakes by midday.
Expect rustic conditions. This is a no-lifeguard beach scene with basic amenities.
These small preparations make a big difference, letting you focus on the village's charm rather than logistical surprises.
Vallarta Adventures’ Picks Beyond Boca
When in Vallarta, you'll want to see more of Banderas Bay. We recommend these two tours that leave from Puerto Vallarta and take you to spots most travelers never find. Both keep group sizes small and include boat transport.
Scuba at Los Arcos Marine Reserve
Departing from the marina, you'll find granite arches that rise straight from the bay, the Los Arcos Marine Reserve. Dive beneath them and you'll find caves, tunnels, and coral reefs packed with angelfish, pufferfish, and schools of jacks.
Our tour keep diving groups small so you have space to explore without crowding. Our PADI Divemasters guide you through depths from 30 to 60 feet, whether you're building confidence or logging advanced dives. From December to March, you might even pause underwater to listen for humpback whale songs.
Majahuitas Beach Day Tour
Head south instead, and we'll take you to Majahuitas, a palm-lined cove you can only reach by boat. Soft sand, clear shallows, and a jungle backdrop create the perfect spot for a relaxed beach day that feels miles from anywhere.
We handle everything. Your captain provides snorkel gear, paddle boards, and kayaks while our chef grills fresh tacos and ceviche right on the beach. The open bar keeps cold drinks flowing all day. After lunch, grab a hammock or paddle along the rocks looking for tropical fish.
Why Boca de Tomatlán Belongs on Your Vallarta Itinerary
This riverside village is where the Río Horcones meets the Pacific. You feel the quiet as fishing pangas bump against the pier and the scent of grilled snapper drifts over the sand, warm from the sun.
In one morning, you can savor village life, then perhaps explore jungled coves farther south. That dual role—authentic destination and gateway to further adventures—sets this coastal gem apart from resort-lined Puerto Vallarta.
While Boca de Tomatlán offers its own unique charm, our tours depart daily from Puerto Vallarta to destinations throughout Banderas Bay. Check out our full selection of adventures and let us handle the details so your exploration starts the moment you step aboard.
