A walk along Boca de Tomates Beach, Puerto Vallarta
Summary
- It is located at the northern end of Puerto Vallarta.
- It is a quieter beach that is less crowded than some of the more popular beaches in the area.
- It is approximately 3,100 feet long.
- It is an important wildlife refuge and home to a variety of animals, including sea turtles.
- There are several thatched-roofed restaurants on the beach known as ramadas.
Introduction
Aerial view of Boca de Tomates Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
An important explanation: Do not confuse Boca de Tomatlán with Boca de Tomates. Boca de Tomatlán is the Puerto Vallarta beach farthest south accessible by land and Boca de Tomates is the northernmost beach in Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco, which you can get to in a car.
Just south of the mouth of the Ameca River is the political division of the State of Nayarit to the north and the State of Jalisco, to the south. In this area, you can find the northernmost beach of Jalisco, Boca de Tomates. It is a beige sand beach about 3100 ft (950 m) long.
Turtle Release camp, Boca de Tomates Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
It is an area known for its ramadas (palapa-like eateries) that offer fresh food from the sea. The place is also known as a crocodile habitat and is also a popular bird-watching location. The beach is nice, but it is not known for being very attractive, furthermore, due to the crocodiles, I would not recommend swimming in the sea, much less in the river. On the far southern end of the beach, you can find the Campamento Tortuguero de Boca de Tomates (Saving Sea Turtles in Puerto Vallarta).
What to do in Boca de Tomates
This beach is certainly popular with local families, they’ll gather here and get fresh seafood and celebrate festivities on the weekends, often in large groups of family and friends. This is not your usual tourist trap, so it’s a great way to experience the authentic local spirit and what Mexico is really about.
If the tide is low, you can walk all the way from the Marina Vallarta hotels, but you can just take a taxi or rideshare and get there more easily. You can agree with your driver on a pickup time, maybe two or three hours later (it’ll be around $20-30 US dollars there and back to the Marina Vallarta area).
There is some construction along the way as this area will in the near future have a Vidanta resort and even a Cirque du Soleil theme park called VidantaWorld if plans are not changed along the way.
Once you get to the end of the road, there is a mangrove area and river, here you’ll find crocodiles roaming freely in their natural habitat. Lining the parking area by the beach are a number of ramadas (wooden restaurants, some have been there for 70 years!), they are makeshift restaurants that offer fresh traditional seafood with fish grilled on an open wood fire (sarandeado), fried fish, crabs, lobster, octopus, ceviches, and other delicacies extracted from the bountiful Banderas Bay.
Ramadas Boca de Tomates Beach
If you want to be among the crowd, go after 3 PM on Saturday afternoon and in the afternoon on Sundays. There is no electricity and no running water. The fish is grilled on old wood-burning fire grills. They offer deep-fried foods, and good french fries (papas).
The facilities are rustic, laid-back, and friendly, and the food is great. There’ll be a local banda, Mariachis, or similar live music playing from ramada to ramada for a tip. Some dishes are grilled whole red snapper platter, shrimp or tacos, and shrimp a la diabla, breaded, al coco. All will offer great dishes at very reasonable prices, the service will be friendly and like if you were family.
Ramadas
- Eduardo’s
- Ramada El Chavo
- Ramada Pachuco
- Ramada Tomás
- Ramada Leo
- Ramada Chabela
- Ramada Jorge’s
- Ramada de Sabino Ron
- Ramada Pirrus
Ramadas Boca de Tomates Beach
If you are thinking of getting in touch with locals Boca de Tomates is a good place to visit. If you are concerned about hygiene it might not be a place for you. All restaurants in Vallarta must hold up to hygiene standards, and these ones do too, but for stomachs not use to this type of cooking eating here may come at a price. If you would like to see how the locals have fun and what Puerto Vallarta restaurants looked like 60 or 70 years ago, Boca de Tomates is your place.
There are crocodiles behind a fence for you to watch at a safe distance. Do not jump into the river or the ocean while you are here, this is a crocodile habitat and though it’s not normal, you may have problems, so take that into account.
If you are lucky and go at the right time of the year you’ll be able to see baby turtles being released (June through October) and humpback whales (December to March) playing in the waters of the bay.
The beach cannot be used for bathing or having activities on it, because due to its proximity to the Ameca River and the Boca Negra Estuary, the presence of crocodiles is a constant. There’s a steady ocean breeze that is great for windsurfers and kitesurfers too, maybe they can escape the crocs, but, once again, it’s up to you.
The waves are intense and constantly bring trees and waste from nature itself because the Ameca River empties here.
How to get to Boca de Tomates
Boca de Tomates Beach looking southward
There is no direct local bus going to Boca de Tomates, the access road is rough and we do not recommend walking there from the highway.
If you are staying in the Marina Vallarta area, you can walk from the access point in Paseo Boca Negra along the beach to the west (when the tide is low).
The easiest and most reliable way to get there is to take a taxi or an Uber (rideshare). Do agree upon a pick-up time with your driver, just in case it’s hard to request a cab/uber when you are there.
Where is Boca de Tomates
Between the Ameca River to the west and the land that extends from the area and runways of the Puerto Vallarta Airport to the east. From the beach, you can see the entire Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone.
Boca de Tomates Beach location map
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
Book tours & support us
- Best prices
- 100% Local Support
- 2 decades+ of experience in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta news, tips & content
- New info every two weeks
- Free content, news, videos
- Unsubscribe at any time
Contact us via WhatsApp
- Talk with our reservations expert
- Real local and human support
- Book tours, hotels, transfers, and more.
Share this article, choose your favorite option!
