There is a cove on the southern coast of Banderas Bay that can only be reached by water. No road runs to it. The jungle comes down to the beach, the bay stretches out beyond it, and everyone who arrives does so the same way: by boat.
Las Caletas is a secluded beach hideaway with a fascinating connection to Puerto Vallarta’s history. Film director John Huston’s relationship with the region began when he came to the area in 1963 to film The Night of the Iguana. Las Caletas later became his secluded retreat, offering the privacy and natural setting that made this stretch of coastline so appealing.
Today, Las Caletas is home to a full-day beach experience that combines the setting with outdoor activities, food, and time to simply enjoy one of Banderas Bay’s more unusual destinations.
The Journey There
The experience begins with the boat ride across Banderas Bay and along its southern coastline. Jungle-covered hillsides rise above the water, with secluded beaches appearing between stretches of rocky shore. The approach is part of the experience. As the boat reaches Las Caletas, the coastline opens to reveal the beach against a backdrop of tropical vegetation. In the morning light, the combination of jungle, sand, and water makes arriving by boat feel less like transportation and more like the beginning of the day itself.
The Day at Las Caletas
The beach may be the first reason to come, but there is considerably more to do once you arrive.
Las Caletas offers a variety of activities that allow guests to experience both the water and the tropical surroundings. Snorkeling equipment is available for exploring offshore, while kayaks and paddleboards offer another way to see the coastline from the water.
Guests can also explore the natural environment on land. Nature experiences and animal sanctuaries are part of the Las Caletas setting, adding another dimension to the day particularly for families interested in seeing more than the beach.
Or you can do very little.
That may be one of Las Caletas’ greatest appeals. Find a place near the water, take in the jungle-covered coastline, and enjoy being somewhere that feels remarkably removed from Puerto Vallarta despite being reached by boat from the city.
Food and beverages are also included with the experience, making it possible to settle in for the day rather than continually planning what comes next.
The Evening Option: Rhythms of the Night
Las Caletas takes on an entirely different character after sunset.
For members looking for an evening experience, ALMA by Rhythms of the Night brings guests back to the cove for an immersive nighttime production featuring acrobatics, dance, live music, and storytelling in a setting surrounded by jungle.
Torchlight and candlelight transform the area after dark, and the natural landscape becomes part of the atmosphere of the performance. Dinner is incorporated into the evening experience, making Rhythms of the Night a separate outing rather than simply an extension of the daytime excursion.
The evening experience is currently offered to guests ages six and older. Because schedules, inclusions, and age requirements can change, members should confirm current details when booking.
Practical Notes
- Getting there: Las Caletas is reached by boat across Banderas Bay. Departure times and locations vary, so confirm the current schedule when making your reservation.
- What to bring: Sun protection, comfortable beachwear, and anything you normally bring for a day on the water. Check current tour information for specific recommendations and restrictions.
- Activities: Current offerings include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, nature experiences, and other activities. Availability may vary.
- Duration: Plan for Las Caletas as a full-day excursion. ALMA by Rhythms of the Night is a separate evening experience with its own departure and return schedule.
- Book through: Check with the resort activity desk at the resort for current availability, schedules, inclusions, and booking information. Advance reservations are recommended.
Las Caletas is one of those places where getting there is part of what makes the experience memorable. A boat across Banderas Bay. A beach with no road leading to it. Jungle at the water’s edge and a day with nowhere else you particularly need to be.
For members looking to experience a different side of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, that alone makes Las Caletas worth putting on the list.
