Guides / Islands & beaches
Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Madagascar: beaches you reach only by sea
A guide to the beaches on Puerto Vallarta's south coast with no road access: Las Ánimas, Quimixto and its waterfall, Majahuitas and Madagascar.
Las Ánimas · Banderas Bay · Updated October 2026
Fact sheet
- Access
- By boat or by trail
- Trail
- Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas
- For swimming
- Las Ánimas and Majahuitas
- Waterfall
- Quimixto, on foot or horseback
- Bring
- Shoes with grip
South of Boca de Tomatlán the highway leaves the coast and the shoreline belongs to the jungle. That's where you'll find some of the bay's prettiest beaches, reachable only by boat or on foot along trails.
Las Ánimas
A long sandy beach with calm water and beachfront restaurants. It's great for swimming, kayaking or simply spending the afternoon. It's also the end of the coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán.
Quimixto
A small village known for its waterfall, reached by a trail through the jungle along the river (or on horseback, when available). Wear shoes with grip: the path can be slippery, especially in the rainy season.
Majahuitas
A small white-sand cove surrounded by greenery, between Quimixto and Yelapa. Its calm water makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.
Madagascar
A small beach between Boca de Tomatlán and Las Ánimas, with rocks, clear water and greenery down to the shore. It's an ideal stop for kayak, paddleboard and snorkel.
How to get there
On a tour from Puerto Vallarta, by water taxi from the Los Muertos Pier or by boat from Boca de Tomatlán. If you enjoy hiking, the coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas passes Colomitos and Madagascar.
How to go
If you'd like to go with us
Arcos, Ánimas & Quimixto combines snorkeling at Los Arcos, three hours at Las Ánimas and an optional hike to the Quimixto waterfall. Madagascar & Ánimas does water activities at Madagascar and lunch at Las Ánimas.
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