Summary
- The water taxis are small boats that can carry up to 20 passengers and are operated by local fishermen.
- The water taxis depart from the Los Muertos Beach Pier, which is located in the Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone) of Puerto Vallarta, a popular area for tourists and locals alike.
- The water taxis are not regulated by any official authority, so it is advisable to negotiate the fare and confirm the departure and return times before boarding.
- The water taxis have different schedules and prices depending on the destination. Some of the most common destinations are Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Yelapa, and Majahuitas.
- The water taxis are a fun and convenient option to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Puerto Vallarta’s south shore, where one can find waterfalls, hiking trails, snorkeling spots, fishing villages, and more.
Exploring the beaches of the South Zone
When you travel to Puerto Vallarta, beaches are one of the main things you have on your mind. Relaxing at the beach, absorbing warmth, enjoying a stress-free day just basking in the waves, drinking your favorite cocktail, eating some exotic dish of shrimp or grilled fish, you fill in the dots.
The beaches close to town can fill up easily, especially during the high season months. If that is the case when you come down to friendly Puerto Vallarta, then a trip down south to the beaches south of Mismaloya might just be what your doctor’s recipe has recommended.
Beaches south of Boca: Colomitos, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa
Many great beaches in the southern part of the bay are wonderful exactly because they aren’t accessible by land. You’ll need to catch a water taxi (locally called “pangas”) to get there and the easiest way is to start off at Los Muertos Beach pier. It’ll a little longer out at sea, but it might be less time in total when compared to the water taxis leaving from Boca de Tomatlán.
You won’t have to walk to the bus stop and then walk from the Boca bus stop to the pier and then catch the next water taxi, that may have just left (wait an hour for the next one).
So, unless you want to enjoy Boca de Tomatlán for a while or you are not a sea person, just getting from PV directly to your beach destination may be the best, fastest and easiest way to do it.
How to get to the pier
If your arriving from downtown Puerto Vallarta (from the north) walk south along the Malecón, once you cross the Cuale River, there is no way you’ll not see it in the distance. Walk past the Lázaro Cárdenas park along Olas Altas to Francisca Rodríguez street and turn right, or turn right on Venustiano Carranza street and walk south along the sidewalk that follows Olas Altas beach southward to the pier.
Water Taxi Prices
The following list has the water taxi prices that are the standard in 2022, there is a chance they change a bit depending on the season and from water taxi to water taxi. So do ask before you get on, just to make sure you feel fine with the price and avoid any unpleasant surprises (never happened to me though, but better safe than sorry). The Mexican peso varies but at this time it’s about 20 pesos per USA dollar.
| Price (One-way) | Time to destination | |
|---|---|---|
| Los Muertos Pier to Colomitos Beach | $200.00 MX pesos | $10 USD approx. | 30 minutes |
| Los Muertos Pier to Las Animas Beach | $210.00 MX pesos | $11 USD approx. | 35 minutes |
| Los Muertos Pier to Quimixto Beach & Town | $230.00 MX pesos | $12.00 USD approx. | 40 minutes |
| Los Muertos Pier to Majahuitas Beach | $240.00 MX pesos | $13.00 USD approx. | 45 minutes |
| Los Muertos Pier to Yelapa Beach & Town | $270.00 MX pesos | $13.50 USD approx. | 55 minutes |
If you are planning to visit each beach along the way and would like to combine your trip with a visit to the Arches (Los Arcos) another option is to rent a boat for the day or afternoon. Please contact us if that is something you’d like and we’ll get you a good deal with a reliable and fun panga captain.
Water Taxi Schedule
Los Muertos Pier to Yelapa
From the Los Muertos Beach Pier to Yelapa the water taxi schedule is the following:
| Departure time | Boat name |
|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
| 11:30 AM (departs 11:45) * | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
| 1:00 PM | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
| 3:00 PM | Elektra |
| 5:00 PM | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
Monday to Sunday
Yelapa to the Los Muertos Pier
From Yelapa going back to Los Muertos Beach Pier the water taxi schedule is the following:
| Departure time | Boat name |
|---|---|
| 7:45 AM * | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
| 9:30 AM | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
| 12:00 PM | Elektra |
| 4:00 PM | Yelapa Water Taxi Co-op |
Monday to Sunday
Map of the South Zone Beaches
The following map shows the beaches of the south zone. You’ll notice I’ve not added the price to Las Caletas, that’s because it is a beach concession and you can only go there through a tour operator (Vallarta Adventures). There are free drinks and activities on this beach and it’d be expensive to provide service if anybody could just land there without restrictions 😉.
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.
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