Puerto Vallarta beach guide
Playa Boca de Tomates
Boca de Tomates
Rustic river-mouth dining haven famous for authentic Pescado Zarandeado and coastal wildlife
About Playa Boca de Tomates
Located at the mouth of the Ameca River north of the marina, renowned for traditional beachside seafood ramadas and natural wetlands.
Boca de Tomates is a culinary and nature point of interest situated where the Ameca River empties into Banderas Bay. Rather than a resort swimming beach, it is famed for its collection of authentic rustic seafood restaurants serving legendary wood-grilled Pescado Zarandeado. The adjacent Estero Boca de Tomates wetlands are a protected habitat for wild American crocodiles, iguanas, and dozens of waterfowl species.
How to get there
Centrally located in Puerto Vallarta with direct pedestrian and road access.
- Take any green city bus along Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio to Centro (10 MXN).
- 5-10 min drive from anywhere in Central Puerto Vallarta.
Local planning notes
- Order whole red snapper (Pescado Zarandeado) slow-cooked over mangrove wood.
- Visit the Cocodrilario reserve nearby for guided educational wildlife viewing.
- Enjoy watching planes descend directly over the ocean into PV Airport.
Before you go
- CRITICAL SAFETY: Wild crocodiles inhabit the river mouth and nearby waters. Do NOT swim in the river or ocean here.
Nearby places and attractions
- El Brujo Boca de Tomates: Open-air beachfront palapa restaurant famous for authentic wood-grilled Pescado Zarandeado. (Along the beachfront)
- Estero Boca de Tomates Wetland: Protected mangrove lagoon and birdwatching sanctuary home to herons, egrets, and crocodiles. (Adjacent to river mouth)
- Cocodrilario Wildlife Camp: Educational reserve dedicated to preserving wild American crocodiles and river reptiles. (500m inland along dirt road)