South PV: Nature, Sea, and Experiences to Discover

South of Puerto Vallarta lies Costalegre, a destination where nature sets the pace. This ecological tourism corridor in Jalisco encompasses more than 150 miles of beaches, cliffs, jungles, river mouths, estuaries, and mangroves, along with resorts and coastal towns that invite visitors to enjoy a different kind of experience, far removed from the bustle of major tourist centers.

Its natural wealth translates into various ways to explore the region. From diving into its waters to hiking through tropical vegetation or watching the glow of hundreds of fireflies, here are a few experiences worth having.

HIKING: A ROUTE THROUGH THE YELAPA JUNGLE
With its emerald waters and natural surroundings, Yelapa is one of the most dazzling spots on the South Shore.

The journey can begin at the Boca de Tomatlán Pier, where boats depart for Colomitos Beach. The next stop is Majahuitas Beach, an ideal setting for water sports—especially snorkeling. Beneath the surface, hundreds of colorful fish appear, turning the dive into one of the trip’s most memorable experiences.

Afterward, the journey continues toward Yelapa, where you can recharge with a seafood feast. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village beaches and wrapping up the day with a refreshing drink at one of its beachfront bars.

SCUBA DIVING: BENEATH THE COSTALEGRE SEA
Costalegre’s warm waters, marine diversity, and underwater landscapes make this region a prime location for those looking to try scuba diving for the first time or advance their training.

Classes, guided dives, and professional PADI certifications are available in the area, offering courses in Spanish, English, and French to support travelers from their first underwater experience up to advanced open-water levels.

AMONG BIRDS AND NATURE
In Barra de Navidad, birdwatching offers a different way to connect with the environment. Interpretive walks are available where participants learn to identify birds by their calls and understand their role within local ecosystems.

During the tours, it is possible to spot endemic species such as the San Blas Jay and the Orange-breasted Bunting. Beyond simply observing them, the experience offers insight into how these birds serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health and environmental changes.

A LANDSCAPE ILLUMINATED BY FIREFLIES
When night falls, Costalegre presents one of its most unique spectacles. From July to October, Barra de Navidad becomes the stage for an immersive experience where hundreds of fireflies illuminate the vegetation with their flashes of light.

The adventure begins around 8:00 p.m. with a short boat ride to the observation site, located along the edge of the Barra de Navidad Lagoon. For roughly an hour, a guide accompanies the tour and interprets the behavior of the three species found in the area: Photuris, Photinus, and Aspisomoides Bilineatum.

Costalegre is a land of experiences where every excursion offers a new way to connect with nature.