A private-feeling beach, eight hours long.

I like how this Remote Paradise Beach Day Pass turns Playa Chica Locca into a day that feels special, starting with the free ferry from Boca de Tomatlán and ending with real resort comfort. Two standouts for me are the big set of included unlimited water sports and the way the beach setup mixes luxury touches with practical facilities, like air-conditioned bathrooms and outdoor showers.

The one thing you should weigh first is the weather-dependent nature of a day that runs by boat and includes an active waterfall hike. If the sea is rough or conditions are poor, the experience can be rescheduled or refunded, so build in flexibility if your Puerto Vallarta days are tight.

Key things to know before you go

• Free ferry from Boca de Tomatlán: you show up in a wide time window and the team handles the boat transfer there and back at no extra cost.
• Unlimited water sports kit: snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, water mattresses, and designated swimming areas are included.
• Guided waterfall hike (about 30 minutes): a short hike to a year-round waterfall that adds a non-beach moment.
• Beach comfort like a resort: infinity pools, swim-up bars, shaded day beds, terraces, and convenient restroom and shower options.
• Food and open bar: included Mexican meals plus snacks, with drinks available during the day.

Getting to Playa Chica Locca from Puerto Vallarta, without the headache

This isn’t one of those tours where you fight traffic, find the right dock, and then hope you guessed the meeting point right. The day starts at Boca de Tomatlán (Jalisco), specifically listed at 48292 Boca de Tomatlán, and the big win is that pickup/transport to the ferry is free.

Here’s the practical rhythm: you arrive at the meeting point and you can start anytime between 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM. From there, the team ferries you over to the beach and brings you back to Puerto Vallarta, with no additional charge mentioned. The overall time is about 8 hours, so it’s long enough to feel like a real break, but short enough that you’re not mentally writing off an entire day.

One more point that matters: the experience is capped at a maximum of 300 travelers. That doesn’t make it a private villa, but it does suggest you won’t be dealing with an endless stampede. On a hot beach day, fewer bodies can mean easier breathing room around pool areas, snack stations, and water activity zones.

Playa Chica Locca: the secluded south-shore feel you’re paying for

Playa Chica Locca is positioned on the south shore of Banderas Bay, and the key detail is that it’s accessible only by boat. That boat access is more than a logistical note. It’s the reason the beach has that secluded, away-from-the-main-hotel-strip vibe, even though you’re still in the Puerto Vallarta orbit.

This matters if you’re tired of “beach time” that turns into a crowded public shoreline experience. Here, you get a day pass that’s built around staying in one managed place—easy to move between water, pools, food, and bathrooms without constantly uprooting yourself.

Also, the location is set up for comfort. The beach area includes infinity pools and swim-up bars, plus shaded day beds and spacious terraces. I like that this isn’t just about pretty views. It’s designed so you can switch gears: sun to shade, water play to a dry break, and snacks to proper meals.

Your water time: unlimited gear plus a real mix of activities

If your idea of a perfect Puerto Vallarta day includes being in the water, this pass is built for you. The package includes unlimited water sports, with access to snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mattresses. You also get access to swimming areas.

What I like about this setup is that it covers different comfort levels. If you’re a confident swimmer, you can spend time in the designated swimming zones and pair it with snorkeling gear. If you want something calmer, kayaking or paddleboarding gives you motion without needing to be underwater for long stretches. And if you want the easy win—just float and enjoy—water mattresses help you slow the day down.

There’s a practical advantage here too: you’re not doing a constant “sign up, rent this, pay for that” dance. Since gear and access are included, you can keep moving based on your energy, not your budget anxiety.

The guided waterfall hike: short, scenic, and different from beach lounging

After time in the water, the tour adds a guided waterfall hike. It’s listed at about 30 minutes, and it leads through lush landscapes to a year-round waterfall.

This part is a nice counterweight to a beach day. Even if you’re not a big hiker, a short guided walk gives your day shape and variety. It also helps you avoid the classic trap: spending eight hours only doing the same thing and then feeling like you never left the starting point.

The key consideration is effort level and timing. Because the hike is included, you should expect it to be an active break from laying down by the pool. If you’re traveling with kids, want a very low-movement day, or are sensitive to heat, plan your pace and bring a mindset of short-and-steady rather than long-distance walking. The day runs on a boat schedule too, so there’s less flexibility than a solo trip.

Beachside luxury that also makes practical sense

This is where Playa Chica Locca earns its reputation as more than a simple beach pass. The amenity list is the kind that changes how you feel during the day.

You’ll find:

• Infinity pools for that resort-style relaxation
• Swim-up bars when you want drinks without leaving the water area
• Air-conditioned bathrooms, which is a big deal on a hot day
• Outdoor showers so you can rinse off after swimming
• Spacious terraces where you can take a break from direct sun
• Shaded day beds so you can recover without hiding in a cramped room

I like the combo because it supports different travel styles. Some people want to be in the pool and on the water the whole time. Others want shade, seating, and clean facilities close by. This place is built to let you do both without turning the day into a scavenger hunt.

Food and drinks: more than snacks, with a real meal rhythm

A day pass only feels good if you can eat without worrying about finding a restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Here, you get fresh Mexican cuisine and drinks included.

The food list includes traditional chicken and beef fajitas, plus vegetarian options. You’ll also get guacamole with blue corn chips and snacks during the day. On top of that, the open bar is part of the experience.

In the reviews, the quality of drinks comes up as a pleasant surprise, not just basic pouring. One owner response even highlights the idea of personalized attention, and another review points to breakfast being served as soon as you’re on the boat, with drinks available throughout the day. That detail matters because it changes how you pace your morning—no searching for coffee or breakfast once you arrive.

If you like your beach day to include real food plus time to settle, this meal setup helps you relax right away.

Service at Chica Locca: the difference between a tour and a cared-for day

What makes this pass feel memorable is how the team shows up. In the feedback, staff are described as attentive, helpful, and good at making sure families feel taken care of. One review specifically calls out that the owner, Gil Drory, went out of his way to create a personalized experience for a wedding, with every staff member being accommodating.

Even if your day isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime event, that kind of service style tends to show up in the small things: quicker help when you need it, fewer moments where you wonder what happens next, and a smoother pace between pool, water activities, and food.

There’s also a practical note from a family review: the crew helped with the return to Puerto Vallarta with extra security and confidence. That doesn’t mean you should treat the day like a public bus ride, but it does suggest the team focuses on keeping you supported through the whole schedule, not just the beach portion.

Price and value: is $100 per person worth it?

At $100 per person, you’re paying for more than a shoreline. You’re paying for the whole package: boat access, admission, unlimited water sports gear, a guided waterfall hike, beach amenities, and included meals plus an open bar.

The value case is strongest if you’ll actually use the included activities. If you plan to snorkel some, paddle some, and spend real time in the pools, this becomes the kind of day where you stop counting extras. You’re not paying again for the gear and you’re not forced into a single activity line-up.

The value also improves if you want comfort without searching. Infinity pools, shaded day beds, air-conditioned bathrooms, and outdoor showers aren’t typical add-ons you get with a bare-bones beach trip. And when food is included on top of drinks, the day feels complete instead of patched together.

Is it worth it if you want a quiet, no-activity day? Maybe, but you’d be leaving some value on the table. This pass is best when you’re up for mixing water time, a short hike, and pool relaxation.

Who should book the Remote Paradise Beach Day Pass?

This is a great match for:

• Couples and friend groups who want an easy day that includes water sports + comfort + food
• Families who prefer a cared-for setup over “figure it out” beach logistics
• People staying in Puerto Vallarta who want to experience a more secluded beach without giving up a full day of sightseeing

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a totally passive day with zero walking or active breaks
• Have trouble with boat rides or you’re traveling in a week where weather could be unstable
• Are trying to fit too many plans into your Puerto Vallarta schedule, since the day is about 8 hours and runs on the ferry-based timing

My booking call: should you go?

I’d book this if you want a Puerto Vallarta beach day that feels organized and well stocked—water activities included, a short guided change of scenery, and resort-level comfort right on the property.

I’d think twice if your schedule is rigid or you hate anything weather-related. The experience requires good weather, and because it depends on boat access, you may need to be flexible if conditions are poor.

If you can plan around that, this pass is one of those “buy once, enjoy all day” deals. You spend your time in Banderas Bay using the gear and amenities, not hunting for them.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this beach day pass?

You start at Boca de Tomatlán, Jalisco, Mexico (listed as 48292 Boca de Tomatlan). Pickup/transport to the ferry is provided for free.

Is pickup included, and is it free?

Yes. Pickup to get you to the ferry is free, and you show up at the meeting point whenever you’re ready to start within the 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM window.

How long is the Remote Paradise Beach Day Pass?

The experience is listed at about 8 hours.

What activities are included at Playa Chica Locca?

Included activities include unlimited water sports with snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, water mattresses, and swimming areas. A guided waterfall hike of about 30 minutes is also included.

Is admission to the beach included?

Yes. The admission ticket is included with the day pass.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.