A boat-only beach day with real resort comfort. This Remote Paradise Beach Day Pass takes you from Boca de Tomatlán to Playa Chica Locca, a secluded south-shore spot in Banderas Bay where the vibe is relaxed and the amenities feel high-end. I like that you get unlimited water sports with snorkeling gear, plus the day is built around comfort, not just sun and sand.

I also like the balance here: you’re not stuck doing one thing all day. You get a guided 30-minute waterfall hike, plus beach time with infinity pools, swim-up bars, shaded day beds, air-conditioned bathrooms, and outdoor showers. The one thing to consider is that this experience is weather-dependent, so plan with some flexibility.

Key highlights at a glance

• Boat ferry to a secluded beach: you leave from Boca de Tomatlán and return the same way, included.
• Unlimited water sports setup: snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mattresses are part of the day.
• A short guided hike: about 30 minutes to a year-round waterfall, with a guide leading the way.
• Premium beach amenities: infinity pools, swim-up bars, shaded day beds, and comfort-focused facilities.
• Open bar plus food included: you eat and drink on-site, with Mexican favorites and vegetarian options.
• Big but not huge group limits: up to 300 travelers, so it can feel active at peak times.

Playa Chica Locca: a boat-only south shore retreat

What makes this day pass feel different is the access. Playa Chica Locca is only reachable by boat, and that simple fact changes the whole mood. You’re not competing with city beach traffic. You’re stepping into a quieter pocket of the bay, on the south shore of Banderas Bay, where the setting feels more private than the typical Puerto Vallarta shoreline stop.

The beach area is set up like a proper resort day. Think oceanfront infinity pools, swim-up bars, and shaded day beds that make it easier to stay comfortable for hours. The terraces are spacious, and there are air-conditioned bathrooms and outdoor showers so you’re not stuck with the usual “sand-to-stomach” problem after swimming. If you like your vacation days to feel frictionless, this design does a lot of work for you.

The only drawback to boat-only access is also the benefit: once you’re there, you’re committing to a beach-focused day. If your dream is a quick dip and then a self-guided explore of the coastline, this is more “full day” than “touch-and-go.”

Free pickup from Boca de Tomatlán, and how the day really flows

The meeting point is Boca de Tomatlán (48292). Pickup is included at no extra cost, and the ferry handles getting you over to the beach and back. The biggest practical win is that you’re not locked into one strict departure time.

You can show up between 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM, whenever you’re ready to start. That window is helpful if you want to sleep in, or if you’re coordinating with a cruise schedule or a hotel morning routine. You’ll take the ferry over, spend your beach day at Playa Chica Locca, and then head back to the area for the return.

One more practical note: the meeting point is near public transportation. So if you’re not using pickup, you’re not stuck figuring out a complicated, isolated access point.

How long you’ll be out is listed as about 8 hours. That’s enough time to do the water activities, try the hike, eat well, and still have downtime without feeling rushed.

Infinity pools and air-conditioned comfort for 8 hours

A lot of day trips promise luxury, then quietly deliver the bare minimum once you arrive. Here, the comfort details are spelled out clearly, and they matter because you’re there for hours.

You can relax around oceanfront infinity pools, then cool off whenever you want. There are swim-up bars for when you want to stay in the water zone, plus shaded day beds for the sun-avoidance crew (or the people who burn the moment sunscreen gets ignored). Outdoor showers make it easier to rinse sand off before grabbing food and heading back to the pool area.

Even the bathrooms are part of the comfort plan: they’re air-conditioned. That means you can re-set without doing the typical “tropical heat bathroom stamina test.” It’s a small thing, but it changes how the day feels.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of comfort setup can be a big deal. The experience is designed to keep families supported and moving smoothly, and the crew is attentive about helping everyone get back to Puerto Vallarta with extra peace of mind.

Unlimited snorkeling gear plus kayaks and paddleboards

The water part is the heart of the day pass. You have unlimited water sports access, and the included equipment list is clear: snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, water mattresses, and access to swimming areas.

Here’s how that translates into a practical experience for you:

• You can alternate activities without paying extra each time you want to try something new.
• You can match the activity to your energy level. Want gentle? Paddleboard. Want more motion? Kayak. Want to spend time near the surface? Snorkeling gear does the job.
• You’re not limited to one “show up, get one turn” water activity. The day is set up for repeated use throughout the time you’re there.

The presence of water mattresses is underrated. They are the kind of included item that lets you float, relax, and still feel like you’re doing something fun, not just lying on a beach towel.

I’d call out one consideration: with any included water setup, popular items can get busy at peak hours. You’ll have the most relaxed experience if you treat the day like a long afternoon, not a timed competition. Start with one activity early, then rotate.

A guided 30-minute hike to a year-round waterfall

Most beach day trips forget nature entirely. This one adds a guided change of scenery: a waterfall hike that takes about 30 minutes.

The hike is guided, and it runs through lush landscapes, ending at a scenic waterfall that’s described as year-round. That’s the kind of detail that matters. A year-round waterfall means you’re not relying on a seasonal miracle for the reward moment.

Why this works well for a beach day:

• It’s short enough that you won’t lose the whole day to walking.
• You get a break from sun and pool time, which helps your body feel better after swimming.
• It gives you a second type of memory, not just “I was in the water.”

The likely tradeoff is simple: if you want a totally no-effort day, you might skip the hike. But if you like a little variety, even a 30-minute guided walk can feel like a win.

Open bar and Mexican food included, with solid variety

This is not a “snacks only” day. You get an open bar along with fresh Mexican cuisine. Food and drink are part of the flow, not an afterthought.

You can expect:

• Traditional chicken and beef fajitas
• Vegetarian options
• Guacamole with blue corn chips
• Snacks throughout the day

And there’s an extra touch that’s easy to appreciate when you’re hungry and traveling by ferry: breakfast and drinks are provided as soon as you get on the boat, and they keep coming while you’re in transit and at the beach.

The drinks are also praised for quality, which matters because open bar setups can range from “fine” to genuinely enjoyable. Here, the day is built so the bar complements the setting rather than feeling like a checkbox.

If you’re picky with food, the good news is that there are vegetarian options listed. So you’re not forced into guessing what will be available once you arrive.

Price and what you really get for $100 per person

At $100 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing in Puerto Vallarta. But for what’s included, it can represent strong value if you’d otherwise pay separately for beach access, gear rentals, food, drinks, and transportation.

Your price covers:

• Ferry transfer to and from the beach
• Admission ticket included
• Unlimited water sports access with snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, water mattresses, and swimming areas
• A guided waterfall hike (about 30 minutes)
• Oceanfront amenities like infinity pools and swim-up bars
• Food (including fajitas and vegetarian options)
• An open bar
• Pickup is offered for free from Boca de Tomatlán

Also, the maximum group size is listed as 300 travelers. That matters for planning value. When the group is smaller or controlled, the staff can stay more responsive. When it’s larger, certain items can feel more crowded. With 300, you should expect a lively environment at busy times, but the amenity set-up is still designed for comfort.

Another small value signal: the day is scheduled for about 8 hours. You’re paying for a full beach day, not a rushed morning.

Who this Remote Paradise day pass suits best

This day pass is a strong fit if you want a “vacation day with structure” that doesn’t feel like a tour drill. You can choose how active to be with unlimited water sports, then take a guided hike, then relax in a resort-style setting.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• You want beach luxury without planning every detail
• You like mixing water time with a short activity away from the sand
• You’re traveling with friends or a partner and want something that offers options
• You’re bringing kids and want staff support and an easier return to Puerto Vallarta with more peace of mind

If you’re the type who wants to wander independently, find hidden streets, or spend the day exploring towns on your own schedule, this is less of a match. It’s designed to keep you together on a beach day plan.

Booking smart: weather, crowds, and what to pack

This experience requires good weather. If weather turns poor, it can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So I recommend you treat it like a flexible-day plan within your trip, not a rigid first-day commitment.

About crowds: up to 300 travelers is the ceiling. That number can translate to a busier vibe during peak water sports or meal times. You can make it feel calmer by spreading out your activities. Start water activities earlier, do the hike when you’re ready for a break from the beach heat, then settle into pool and bar time later.

What to bring is mostly standard beach sense stuff:

• Swimsuit you can wear again
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A cover-up for moving between pool, bathrooms, and dining areas
• Refillable water when you’re not in the drink mode

And one more thing: you’ll use a mobile ticket. If you arrive with a dead phone, you’ll make your own day harder. A quick charge check before you go is worth it.

Should you book the Remote Paradise Beach Day Pass?

I think you should book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes a boat to a secluded beach, unlimited water sports, and real comfort amenities like air-conditioned bathrooms and infinity pools. At $100, it earns its keep if you’d otherwise pay for gear rentals, food, drinks, and transportation separately.

Skip it if you want a mostly self-guided day in the city, or if you’re unlikely to adapt when weather changes. Because the day depends on conditions, you want your schedule to have some flexibility.

If you’re coming for a full beach day that feels like a proper resort escape, this one is built for that exact goal.