Las Caletas is a private cove on the coast south of Puerto Vallarta, reached only by boat, which was once the hideaway of the film director John Huston, who settled in the area after shooting The Night of the Iguana. Today it is run by Vallarta Adventures as a day-long beach retreat: you cross by boat from the marina terminal, spend roughly four hours on the beach and in the jungle gardens, and return in the late afternoon. The tour we link is rated 4.5 across more than eight hundred reviews. It includes a gourmet lunch, an open bar, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkel gear, a cooking lesson, a margarita-making class and a mezcal tasting, plus a kids' adventure park for ages four to eleven and a teen cove for twelve and over. Extras such as spa treatments, sea lion or ray encounters and scuba diving cost more. It is a one-stop resort-style day that suits families, groups and anyone who wants a structured, comfortable beach outing.
Planning: the trip lasts about seven hours in all, with departure from the Vallarta Adventures terminal at the Puerto Vallarta marina, or from a Nuevo Vallarta meeting point. Check the booking page for the exact time, as well as the port fee, which is collected in cash at the pier and is not part of the ticket price, along with a towel fee that is also listed as extra. One reviewer reported being charged in US dollars at check-in, so ask in advance and carry a little cash.
What the day feels like: the cove is calm and sheltered, with a mix of sandy beach, palapas, hammocks and shaded dining, and the staff run activities in sequence rather than leaving guests to organize themselves. Families like the dedicated kids' area, couples tend to head for the paddle boards and a quiet corner of sand, and groups gravitate to the open bar and cooking class. The experience is polished and busy, so those who want a wild, undeveloped beach should consider a small private charter or the Marietas Islands instead.
Tips: wear reef-safe sun cream, bring a hat, and take any seasickness medicine before the crossing. Vegetarian and other dietary needs are usually handled if you flag them at booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible because of the boat transfer and the sandy terrain. As with most boat trips in the bay, weather and sea state can alter the schedule, so book with free cancellation and keep the day flexible. In the whale season, the crossing is a chance to see humpbacks from the deck.
What to expect
The experience
A boat crossing from the marina to a private cove, followed by about four hours of beach time, kayaking, snorkeling, cooking and mezcal activities, lunch and an open bar.
Best time
Choose a morning departure with calm seas; the cove is quieter outside school holidays.
How long
About seven hours in total, with roughly four at Las Caletas.
Tips
Carry cash for the port fee, bring a towel or budget for the towel fee, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and book extras like diving in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want a complete, well-organized beach day with food and activities included.
- Families
- Excellent: a kids' adventure park for ages four to eleven and a teen cove for ages twelve and up.
- Couples
- Paddle boards, hammocks and a margarita class make for an easy relaxed day together.
- Pair with
- A quieter evening Malecón walk, or a small-boat trip to the Marietas Islands on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day, around seven hours.
Good questions
Who was John Huston and why is Las Caletas linked to him?+
Huston was a Hollywood director who made his home near here after filming The Night of the Iguana in the area. The cove was his hideaway and is now a beach retreat.
What is included in the ticket?+
A gourmet lunch, open bar, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear, cooking and margarita classes, a mezcal tasting and use of the kids' and teens' areas, plus admission.
What costs extra?+
The port fee, a towel fee and optional extras such as spa treatments, sea lion or ray encounters and scuba diving.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes, there is a kids' adventure park for ages four to eleven. Check rules for infants and any age limits for the optional extras.
Where does it leave from?+
The Vallarta Adventures marina terminal in Puerto Vallarta, or a Nuevo Vallarta meeting point. Confirm your departure point in the booking.