Puerto Vallarta beach guide
Playa Tehuamixtle (Tehua)
Tehuamixtle
Remote Pacific fishing cove celebrated for fresh rock oysters, boat harbor, and coastal serenity
About Playa Tehuamixtle (Tehua)
Located in Cabo Corrientes on the outer Pacific coast, Tehuamixtle (often called 'Tehua') is a legendary rustic cove famous for fresh-shucked oysters and turquoise waters.
Playa Tehuamixtle (Tehua) is an unforgettable coastal adventure on the outer Pacific cape of Cabo Corrientes. Reached via the mountain town of El Tuito, this naturally sheltered bay protects wooden fishing pangas from open Pacific swells. It is world-renowned among food lovers for its fresh, hand-harvested rock oysters (ostiones de roca) served right on the sand with lime and salsa huichol at rustic palapa restaurants like Cande’s.
How to get there
Located along the roadless southern coastline of Banderas Bay. Access by boat or coastal trail.
- Board a panga water taxi at the Boca de Tomatlán pier or Los Muertos Pier.
- Accessible via coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán.
Local planning notes
- Order a platter of freshly shucked rock oysters (ostiones frescos) at beachfront palapa restaurants.
- Combine your trip with a stop in the colonial mountain village of El Tuito.
- Visit nearby Playa Mayto (10 min north) to see the extensive sea turtle conservation camp.
Before you go
- Located 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta; road is paved to El Tuito, then unpaved in sections.
- Cash is strictly required; no cell phone service or ATMs in the cove.
Nearby places and attractions
- Restaurante Cande's Ostiones: Legendary rustic restaurant overlooking the boat harbor, world-famous for fresh-shucked rock oysters. (Right on the sand)
- Faro de Tehuamixtle: Short uphill walk to the local navigational light offering sweeping views of the open Pacific ocean. (Northern cliff trail)
- Mayto Sea Turtle Protection Camp: Extensive sea turtle sanctuary protecting Olive Ridley and leatherback turtle nests along miles of open beach. (5 km north (10 min drive))