Puerto Vallarta's Hidden Beaches: 8 Secluded Shores Beyond the Crowds

Measuring barely 30 feet wide, Playa Colomitos holds the unofficial title of Mexico's smallest beach—but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer beauty. I discovered this gem during my second visit to Puerto Vallarta while chatting with a local taxi driver who mentioned it only after I'd convinced him I wasn't interested in the usual tourist haunts.

The journey here is half the adventure. You can reach Colomitos via a 30-minute hike from Boca de Tomatlán (the end of the bus line south of Puerto Vallarta) or by taking a water taxi directly to the beach. The hiking trail winds through lush jungle with occasional glimpses of the sparkling Pacific, making those moments when the tiny cove finally appears between the trees all the more rewarding.

The emerald waters here are typically calm and perfect for snorkeling—I've spotted colorful tropical fish mere feet from shore without the crowds of popular snorkeling tours. The small freshwater stream that empties into the bay creates an interesting temperature gradient as you swim.

Pack light but don't forget your snorkel set—having your own gear means you can explore at your leisure rather than rushing through a guided tour. Last winter, I spent nearly three hours just floating above the rocks on the southern edge of the cove, discovering tiny ecosystems that rushed tour groups completely missed.

Once the private retreat of film director John Huston, Las Caletas remains one of Puerto Vallarta's most exclusive beaches—accessible only by boat and limited to certain hours. While technically part of a tour experience through Vallarta Adventures, I'm including it because it offers a sense of seclusion that's increasingly rare along Mexico's popular coastlines.

During my visit last winter, I splurged on the day pass (about $139) which includes the boat transportation, food, drinks, and activities. It was worth every peso for the pristine environment and controlled access that keeps crowds minimal. The beach is divided into family areas and adults-only sections, making it perfect for couples seeking tranquility.

What makes Las Caletas extraordinary is how they've preserved the natural environment while offering comfort. Hammocks swing between palms, thatched palapas provide shade, and gentle waves lap at the golden sand. The surrounding jungle creates a natural amphitheater that amplifies the sounds of birds and waves.

The real magic happens at sunset when tiki torches illuminate the beach and the evening Rhythms of the Night show begins. This theatrical performance combines elements of ancient Mayan culture with Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics. I'm not typically one for tourist shows, but experiencing this performance in such an intimate natural setting was genuinely moving.

Bring a dry bag for your belongings—you'll want to protect your camera and phone during the boat ride and water activities, but you'll definitely want them available for photos of this stunning location.

If you're seeking a beach that feels genuinely untouched by modern development, Majahuitas is your destination. This crescent-shaped cove sits at the base of jungle-covered mountains with no road access, power lines, or permanent structures beyond a few simple palapas.

I discovered Majahuitas purely by chance during my third visit to Puerto Vallarta. While exploring the small fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán, I struck up a conversation with a local fisherman named Miguel who offered to take me to what he described as "a beach where time stops." His poetic description proved remarkably accurate.

To reach this hidden paradise, you'll need to hire a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán or Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta. The 30-minute boat ride hugs a coastline where dense jungle meets rugged cliffs—a journey that sets the tone for the unspoiled destination ahead.

The beach itself is relatively small but never feels crowded since few tourists make the effort to reach it. The water clarity here is exceptional—I could see straight to the sandy bottom even at chest-deep depths. The protected cove creates gentle swimming conditions perfect for floating peacefully or exploring the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach where colorful fish dart among the coral.

What makes Majahuitas truly special is the sense of being disconnected from the modern world. With no cell service, electricity, or commercial development, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a beach much as it would have been centuries ago. The only sounds are waves, distant bird calls from the jungle, and perhaps the gentle conversation of the few other visitors who've made the journey.

Bring your own insulated water bottle filled to the brim—staying hydrated is essential as there are no vendors or facilities here. I learned this lesson the hard way during my first visit when I underestimated how quickly the tropical sun would deplete my water supply.

While not entirely unknown to tourists, Playa Las Animas remains primarily a weekend retreat for Puerto Vallarta locals rather than international visitors. This gives it an authentic Mexican beach vibe that's increasingly hard to find in more developed areas.

Located south of Puerto Vallarta and accessible only by boat or a challenging 90-minute hike from Boca de Tomatlán, Las Animas strikes the perfect balance between amenities and seclusion. Unlike completely undeveloped beaches, here you'll find a handful of excellent seafood restaurants built right on the sand, serving some of the freshest catches I've had anywhere in Mexico.

During my last visit, I befriended a local family who shared their traditional remedy for sunburn—a mixture of aloe and a locally grown herb I'd never encountered before. This exchange reminded me why I started exploring traditional medicine in the first place, and how these cultural knowledge exchanges often happen in these less-touristy environments.

The beach itself features soft golden sand and gentle waves perfect for swimming. The water clarity varies but is generally good enough for snorkeling around the rocky outcroppings at the south end. What I love most about Las Animas is watching how local families enjoy the beach—multi-generational gatherings with coolers of homemade food, portable speakers playing ranchera music, and children building elaborate sand castles.

For couples, I recommend walking about 10 minutes north along the beach past the restaurant area, where you'll find significantly fewer people and often have stretches of sand entirely to yourselves. Pack a beach blanket that's sand-resistant and has corner pockets to fill with sand—this has been a game-changer for my beach days, especially when the afternoon breeze picks up.

Quimixto holds a special place in my heart as it combines a secluded beach experience with a touch of adventure. This small fishing village and its adjacent beach lie south of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by water taxi or hiking trail, ensuring it remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

What sets Quimixto apart is the hidden waterfall located about a 20-minute hike inland from the beach. The trail follows a freshwater stream through dense tropical forest before revealing a 30-foot waterfall cascading into a natural swimming pool. During my first visit, I was recovering from a nasty sunburn, and an elderly local woman noticed my discomfort. She pointed me toward certain plants growing along the waterfall path that, when crushed and applied to the skin, provided remarkable relief—another instance where traditional medicine knowledge enhanced my travel experience.

The beach itself features a mix of golden and volcanic sand, with calm waters perfect for swimming. A few simple palapa restaurants serve incredibly fresh seafood—I recommend trying the pescado a la talla (grilled fish with chili rub) at the family-run place at the north end of the beach.

For adventure seekers, local guides offer horseback riding tours to the waterfall for about 300 pesos. It's a unique way to experience the jungle terrain, though I personally prefer hiking to fully appreciate the surroundings. The contrast between spending time at the refreshing waterfall and then returning to relax on the warm beach creates a perfect balance for a day trip.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you plan to visit the waterfall—you'll want to take photos but keep your device protected from splashes and humidity. I learned this lesson when my previous phone suffered water damage during a sudden rain shower on the trail.

If you mention Playa Caballo to most tourists in Puerto Vallarta, you'll likely get blank stares—and that's precisely what makes it special. This tiny beach is nestled between dramatic rock formations and accessible only by boat or by swimming from neighboring beaches during calm seas.

I discovered Playa Caballo through a local cliff diving enthusiast I met at a night market in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica. He described a place where locals go to practice jumps from heights ranging from 10 to nearly 40 feet into deep, crystal-clear water. Intrigued by both the adventure aspect and the promise of seclusion, I arranged for him to guide me there the following day.

We took a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán, specifically requesting "Playa Caballo para los saltadores" (Beach of the Horse for the jumpers). The captain knew exactly where to go, dropping us at a small stretch of sand bordered by impressive rock formations. What makes this beach unique is the natural rock architecture that creates multiple jumping platforms at various heights.

Even if cliff jumping isn't your thing (it's certainly not for everyone, and safety must be your priority), the swimming here is exceptional. The water clarity rivals the Caribbean, and the sheltered location means waves are typically gentle. The dramatic landscape of layered volcanic rock creates a natural amphitheater that amplifies the sound of the water.

For those who do want to try jumping, always watch locals first to learn the safe entry points—underwater rocks can be hazardous in certain areas. I started with the lowest platform (about 10 feet) and worked up my courage from there. The exhilaration of taking that leap against the backdrop of Puerto Vallarta's coastline is something I'll never forget.

This is one beach where having a action camera is worth the investment. The underwater visibility and the cliff jumping moments create photo opportunities you'll want to capture and share. Just be sure to secure it properly—the ocean floor here is too beautiful to become a graveyard for lost cameras!

Just south of Puerto Vallarta's hotel zone but feeling worlds away, Playa Las Gemelas (The Twin Beaches) consists of two small adjacent coves separated by a rocky outcropping. What makes this spot remarkable is how it manages to remain relatively uncrowded despite being one of the few hidden beaches accessible by car or public transportation.

The first time I visited Las Gemelas, I almost couldn't believe it was real—the water color is an intense turquoise that seems digitally enhanced but is completely natural. The sand is powdery white, more reminiscent of the Caribbean than Mexico's Pacific coast. Both coves feature calm, protected waters perfect for swimming, though the southern cove tends to be slightly less visited.

Unlike most secluded beaches around Puerto Vallarta, Las Gemelas can be reached without a boat. Take a public bus toward Boca de Tomatlán and ask the driver to stop at "Las Gemelas" (about 20 minutes south of the hotel zone), or grab a taxi for approximately 250 pesos from downtown. A short walk down a somewhat steep path from the highway leads you to paradise.

The accessibility comes with a trade-off—Las Gemelas gets busier on weekends and holidays when local families visit. However, even then, it never approaches the crowding of central Puerto Vallarta beaches. Visit on weekdays, and you might share these twin coves with just a handful of other beach lovers.

What I appreciate most about Las Gemelas is the natural, undeveloped setting. There are no restaurants, vendors, or facilities—just pure beach experience. This means you need to bring everything you'll need for the day, including plenty of water and snacks.

The snorkeling here is surprisingly good, especially along the rocky point separating the two beaches. Bring your own gear or rent a quality full-face snorkel mask before arriving. I've found the full-face design allows for easier breathing and a wider field of vision when exploring the underwater landscape.

While not exactly unknown, Yelapa deserves inclusion in any list of Puerto Vallarta's hidden beaches because it offers an experience that feels decades removed from the resort corridor. This former fishing village turned bohemian enclave sits in a deep cove about 45 minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta, with no road access connecting it to the mainland.

Yelapa is unique among the beaches on this list because it's not just a day trip destination—it's a place where you can and should spend at least one night. The village has a selection of small hotels, bungalows, and even treehouse accommodations that allow you to experience the magic of this place after the day-trippers leave.

My first visit to Yelapa was meant to be a day trip, but I was so captivated by the pace of life and the beauty that I negotiated with a local family to stay in their spare room for two nights. That spontaneous decision led to some of my fondest Mexico memories—joining a beach bonfire where locals shared stories of the village's history, hiking to the inland waterfall at dawn before other visitors arrived, and learning traditional fishing techniques from men who had been casting nets the same way for generations.

The main beach is a wide crescent of golden sand with typically calm waters. What makes the beach experience special here are the local vendors who walk the sand selling freshly baked pies—the chocolate and banana varieties are legendary among repeat visitors. There's also a handful of beach restaurants serving seafood caught that same morning.

For a more secluded experience, walk north along the beach and around the rocky point (accessible only at low tide) to find a smaller beach that rarely sees visitors. This hidden stretch was where I encountered a local healer gathering specific seaweed for traditional remedies—another unexpected connection to my interest in traditional medicine.

If you decide to stay overnight (which I highly recommend), pack a headlamp as the village has limited street lighting and navigating the pathways after sunset can be challenging. This simple tool has been indispensable during my nighttime walks between the beach and various accommodations.