Full-Day Trail to 6 hidden Beaches, Colomitos & Snorkel

South of Puerto Vallarta, the coast quickly leaves the city behind. This six-hour coastal hike begins with a public bus ride to Boca de Tomatlán, then follows a rough jungle-and-beach trail toward Colomitos, small coves, and Playa Las Animas. You get cliffs, forest, local villages, and ocean views in one active day.

I like two things right away: you see Puerto Vallarta’s south shore the way locals move through it, and the guides add much more than simple directions. Diego, Juan, Victor, and Alex are frequently praised for their humor, patience, and knowledge of local plants, animals, and traditions. I also like the boat ride at the end, which gives you a fine view of the coast from the water.

The catch is simple: this is not a flat beach walk. Steep slopes, slippery rocks, and high steps make the route a moderate to strenuous hike. Snorkeling is also dependent on the tide, waves, and water clarity, so book this for the hiking and beaches first, not for a guaranteed underwater session.

Key points to know before you book

• Colomitos arrives after about 40 minutes of hiking: The first beach is small, photogenic, and often the main swimming or snorkeling stop.
• The trail is rugged: Expect inclines, declines, rocks, beach walking, and some scrambling over larger steps.
• Snorkeling is condition dependent: Equipment is included, but rough surf or murky water can cancel this part.
• Public transport is part of the experience: You ride a local bus from Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán, then return by boat and bus.
• Playa Las Animas is the finale: Restaurants, loungers, drinks, and seafood make it an easy place to end the hike.
• The group is capped at 14 people: Guides can usually keep a closer eye on different fitness levels than on a large coach tour.

Why this south-coast route is worth your energy

Puerto Vallarta’s famous beaches are easy to reach, but the coast south of town feels different once you leave the main roads. Boca de Tomatlán is a small fishing town, and from there the route turns toward tropical forest, rocky shore, and coves that are reached mainly by foot or boat.

That change is the real value of the outing. You are not simply driven to a beach and handed a lounge chair. You ride a local bus, walk through the forest, pause at beaches, and finish with a boat trip. The day gives you a practical look at the south side of the bay and a little contact with everyday Puerto Vallarta.

The price is $38 per person, which is strong value if you want a guide, organized transport at the start, snorkeling equipment, and a full day outdoors. Lunch is extra, and you should also budget for drinks, snacks, or possible optional boat transport. Even with those costs, the tour is less expensive than arranging every bus, beach stop, and boat ride yourself.

Meeting in Zona Romántica and riding to Boca de Tomatlán

The meeting point is at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, in Puerto Vallarta’s old center. From there, the group takes public transport along the coast to Boca de Tomatlán. The ride is described as roughly 25 minutes, though actual reports put the trip closer to 40 minutes or more depending on traffic and timing.

That bus ride is not a flaw. It is part of the character of the day. You see the coast, small communities, and local life instead of spending the whole morning inside a tour van. Still, allow extra time. The advertised six hours and 30 minutes may stretch, especially when a group has mixed hiking speeds or takes a long lunch.

If you are arriving on a cruise ship, pay close attention to local time and ship time. The tour provider specifically warns cruise passengers about this difference. You also need enough time to return from Boca de Tomatlán to the cruise terminal after the hike, since the included boat may return you to Boca rather than directly to the port.

The first climb through tropical forest

The hike begins near the riverbank and then rises into tropical forest. The first 40 minutes lead toward Playa Colomitos, with views opening through the trees toward the Bay of Banderas.

This early section is where you feel the route most. The trail includes steep climbs and descents, loose or uneven ground, and large rocks that require careful foot placement. Some sections involve stepping high over rocks or managing slippery areas. Several participants completed parts of the route barefoot, but I would not copy that plan. Sturdy shoes with good traction are the safer choice.

You may need to remove your shoes for beach sections or wet crossings, so shoes that can tolerate some water are useful. Sandals may work for confident hikers, but hiking shoes or solid sneakers offer better protection on the rougher parts.

A small backpack is more practical than a shoulder bag. Keep both hands free for balance, especially on the steeper sections. Bring water, sunscreen, a towel, and a snack. Mexican pesos are useful for drinks, food stands, and other small purchases along the route.

Playa Colomitos, the smallest beach on the route

After the first section, you reach Colomitos, described as Mexico’s smallest beach. It is a compact cove with a dramatic setting, and the approach through the trees makes the arrival especially appealing.

This is usually the most important water stop. If the sea is calm, the guide may provide snorkeling gear here and point out fish close to shore. One participant saw stingrays, pufferfish, many smaller fish, and a moray eel. Another saw striped and dark fish in somewhat murky water.

Do not treat those sightings as a promise. Ocean conditions can change the experience completely. High tide, strong swell, and poor visibility may leave you with only a swim and a beach break. On some days, the guide may decide that snorkeling is not safe or worthwhile.

Colomitos can also be the busiest beach of the day. Boats arrive, and its small size means even a modest crowd feels noticeable. If your main goal is solitude, you may prefer the later coves. If your goal is the classic small-beach photograph and the best chance to snorkel, this is the stop to watch.

Leaving the crowds for smaller coves

After Colomitos, the route continues along the coast. The exact number of beaches where you stop can vary, so do not expect six long beach sessions. You may pass several coves, pause briefly at some, and spend more time at one or two.

That distinction matters. The title promises six beaches, but the practical experience is a hike connecting several beaches rather than six equal swimming stops. The walking is the main event. At some coves you may swim, rest, take photos, or simply look out over the water before moving on.

The later beaches often feel quieter than Colomitos. Rocky formations, forested slopes, villas, and resorts appear along the route. The views are excellent, but the trail remains physical. You will continue to climb and descend before the route becomes easier and more level nearer Las Animas.

Guides may adjust the pace and let the group choose where to spend extra time. Diego has been praised for handling different fitness levels, while Juan and Alex are known for keeping the mood relaxed and helping participants through difficult sections. The small group limit of 14 makes that personal attention possible, though a group of 12 can still mean less time at each beach.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the role of sea conditions

The snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing a mask and fins. That is useful, but the equipment does not control the ocean. The tour provider states that the snorkeling stop depends on calm conditions, and actual visibility may be poor after wind or strong surf.

I would book this as a coastal hike with a possible snorkeling bonus. That mindset prevents disappointment. You might see fish in clear water, or you might decide that swimming and looking at the shore are the better choices that day.

You can still have a good outing if snorkeling is canceled. The beaches, forest, wildlife, and views carry the experience. Iguanas have been spotted along the trail, and humpback whales have even been seen from shore at times. Those moments are never guaranteed, but they show why it pays to keep your eyes open between beaches.

Playa Las Animas and the long lunch stop

The route ends at Playa Las Animas, the largest and most developed beach on this part of the coast. It has several restaurants, beach loungers, drinks, and places to sit by the water.

Lunch is not included. A seafood meal is the usual choice, and guides may recommend a restaurant for the group. Food quality and service can vary by restaurant, and lunch can take a while. One reported stop lasted more than an hour, leaving less time for swimming. If you care more about the water than a long meal, tell your guide early and ask how much beach time the group plans to allow.

Las Animas is a good ending because you can recover after the hike. You do not need to swim again, and you can simply eat, have a cold drink, and enjoy the setting. Bring pesos, though some restaurants and loungers may accept credit cards. Prices for lunch are not part of the tour fee, so check the menu before ordering.

Returning by boat, bus, or optional water taxi

After Las Animas, the included boat ride takes you back toward Boca de Tomatlán, where you can catch public transport back toward Puerto Vallarta and the original meeting area. The boat changes your view of the coast. From the water, the coves, cliffs, villas, and beaches line up in a way you cannot see from the trail.

Some groups arrange an additional water taxi directly toward Puerto Vallarta, near the Malecón area. This costs extra, with one report citing about 250 pesos per person for a group booking. That option can save the return bus connection, but it is not included in the basic price.

If you choose the included return, plan for several travel steps: boat to Boca, bus toward town, and possibly a taxi to your hotel or cruise terminal. The public bus is affordable and gives you another look at local life, but it takes time. A cruise passenger should build in a generous buffer before all-aboard time.

How hard is the hike?

The stated requirement is moderate physical fitness, with a minimum age of 10 and a maximum age of 60. Those limits do not tell the whole story. Fitness levels vary, and the route can feel moderate to one person and strenuous to another.

The first two beach sections are the hardest. Expect steep up and down grades, rough rocks, and some scrambling. Later sections may be more level, but you still need steady footing for several miles. One practical estimate places the total hiking distance at about 3.5 to 4 miles.

This is not a good choice if you have mobility problems, balance concerns, or health issues that make steep terrain risky. It can suit an active family with an older child, a fit couple, or a solo participant who enjoys a demanding day outside. Guides can offer advice and adjust their pace, but they cannot turn the trail into an easy walk.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

Wear sturdy shoes with traction. Shoes that you do not mind getting wet are ideal because parts of the route run along beaches and you may be taking footwear on and off.

Pack:

• Water and a protein snack
• Sunscreen and a small towel
• Swimwear
• A small backpack that leaves your hands free
• Mexican pesos for food, drinks, and possible transport
• A dry bag or plastic bag for wet items

Snorkel equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer a personal fit. A hand towel is especially useful after swimming or walking through wet sand.

The group is limited to 14 people, and the experience is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transport. Confirmation arrives when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Is this Puerto Vallarta beach hike a good buy?

At $38, this is a good deal for an active introduction to the south coast. You receive a guide, local bus transport at the start, snorkeling equipment, a full route through forest and beaches, and a boat ride back toward Boca de Tomatlán.

You should book it if you want to walk, climb, swim, and see a less polished side of Puerto Vallarta. You should also book ahead, since it is commonly reserved about 16 days before the date and group size is limited.

Skip it if you want a relaxed beach day, guaranteed snorkeling, or a direct ride from your hotel. The best reason to choose this tour is the combination of local transport, physical effort, coastal views, and guide-led access to beaches that are harder to reach alone. Bring the right shoes, expect a workout, and let the snorkeling be a pleasant extra rather than the main promise.

FAQ

How long does the hidden beaches tour last?

The scheduled duration is approximately six hours and 30 minutes. The day can take longer depending on the group’s pace, lunch duration, and the return connections by boat and bus.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta.

What transportation is used?

You take public transport from Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán, hike along the coast, and return by boat toward Boca de Tomatlán. From there, public transport can take you back toward Puerto Vallarta.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on calm seas, tide, surf, and water clarity. Snorkeling equipment is included, but the guide may cancel this portion if conditions are unsuitable.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Playa Las Animas is purchased separately. The beach has several restaurants and places to buy drinks and food.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike requires moderate physical fitness and includes steep inclines, declines, rocks, and some high steps. The route is not recommended for people with mobility issues, and sturdy footwear is advised.