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

Puerto Vallarta’s best coastal views are not found from a hotel pool. This active day takes you by local bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then along a rough jungle and beach trail toward tiny Colomitos, quiet coves, and Playa Las Ánimas. Expect steep climbs, rocky footing, and a fine workout before the sea-level reward.

I like the local transport and the boat ride back, which make this more than a standard beach transfer. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Diego, Juan, Victor, and Alex are praised for spotting wildlife, explaining local plants, and keeping mixed-ability groups moving.

The catch is simple: this is a hike first and a snorkeling trip second. Snorkeling depends on surf and visibility, and several stops are short beach pauses rather than long swims. Bring sturdy shoes and accept that the sea may cancel the fish viewing.

Key points before you book

• A rugged coastal trail: Expect steep inclines, declines, rocks, and some high steps over uneven ground.
• Colomitos comes early: This tiny beach is scenic but can be busy, with boats and other visitors.
• Six beaches does not mean six long beach stays: You pass several coves, but the main rest and swimming stops vary by group and sea conditions.
• Snorkeling is optional and weather dependent: Equipment is supplied, but rough or murky water can end the activity.
• Playa Las Ánimas is the lunch stop: Seafood and drinks are available, but lunch costs extra.
• A real local transport day: You ride public buses at the start and usually return by boat to Boca de Tomatlán, then continue back to Zona Romántica.

A coastal day that earns its beaches

At $38 per person, this is an unusually inexpensive way to reach the south coast of Puerto Vallarta with a guide. The price covers a six-and-a-half-hour outing and snorkeling equipment. It does not cover lunch, and you should carry pesos for food, drinks, and possible transport upgrades.

The value comes from the route. You are not simply dropped at a beach and left there. You get a guided walk through tropical forest, cliffside viewpoints, several coves, a swim stop when conditions permit, and a boat ride across the Bay of Banderas.

I would not book this for a lazy beach day. The trail has enough climbing to make proper footwear important, and the pace can feel brisk if you are not used to rough ground. But if you want to see the coast south of Puerto Vallarta while getting out of town, the price is strong.

Groups are capped at 14 people, which keeps the outing smaller than a large coach excursion. The exact feel depends on the guide and the fitness mix in your group. Guides such as Diego, Juan, Victor, and Alex have been praised for being patient, funny, flexible, and attentive to different abilities.

Starting in Zona Romántica and riding like a local

The meeting point is at Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, the old center of Puerto Vallarta. From there, the group takes public transport along the coast to Boca de Tomatlán, a small fishing town south of the city.

The ride is part of the experience. You see ordinary neighborhoods and coastal scenery rather than spending the whole morning inside a tourist van. The trip is described as about 25 minutes, though some outings have taken closer to 40 minutes depending on the day and transport.

This also means you should build in patience. Public buses can be crowded, and the tour involves several moving parts. If you are coming from a cruise ship, pay close attention to local time and ship time. The advertised six-and-a-half-hour duration is approximate, and a slow group or a long lunch can push the return later.

Boca de Tomatlán is where the walking begins. You follow the riverbank before heading uphill into tropical forest. The first climb gives you wide views over the coast, but it also makes the difficulty clear right away.

The first climb to Colomitos Beach

The initial walk takes about 40 minutes to Colomitos Beach. It is a short distance on paper, but the trail is not flat. Expect rocky sections, steep grades, and places where you step up or down larger rocks.

Colomitos is known as Mexico’s smallest beach. Its size gives it a special look, with a tight strip of sand framed by tropical vegetation and rocky coast. It is also the first place where you can stop for photographs, rest, swim, and possibly snorkel.

This is often the prettiest early reveal, but do not assume it will be empty. Boats and other visitors can make Colomitos feel less secret than the name of the tour suggests. Some participants prefer the later beaches because they are quieter.

The first stop may also be your best chance for snorkeling. When the water is calm and clear, you may see small reef fish and other marine life. One guide has helped people spot stingrays, pufferfish, striped fish, and a moray eel. On another day, the water was too rough and murky for useful viewing.

That contrast matters. The equipment is included, but the ocean decides whether snorkeling works. Treat it as a welcome extra, not the main reason to book.

Leaving the crowds for the smaller coves

After Colomitos, the route continues through forest and along the coast toward several lesser-visited beaches. This section gives the outing its strongest sense of discovery, though the path remains physically demanding.

You may walk over rocks, along sandy patches, and through sections where shoes can get wet. There are steep rises and drops, and parts of the route feel more like scrambling than a smooth nature walk. One useful way to judge the difficulty is to expect roughly 3.5 to 4 miles of uneven walking, with plenty of inclines and declines.

The middle beaches are less about checking off a precise list and more about finding a good place to stop. Depending on the sea, weather, and group pace, you might swim at one or two beaches while passing others. You may spend 25 to 30 minutes at a stop, or less if the trail is taking longer than planned.

This is where a good guide matters. Diego is noted for adjusting to different fitness levels and explaining local plants and animals. Victor has pointed out iguanas in the trees and on sun-warmed rocks. Juan is known for humor and calm instructions. Alex has been praised for keeping the mood relaxed while still sharing information about the area.

The guides are not just there to lead the way. They help you decide where to place your feet, when to slow down, and when a swim is sensible. If you want more time at a particular beach, say so. The schedule has some flexibility, though the group and the conditions set limits.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the limits of the sea

Swimming is one of the best rewards on this route. After the climb, even a short break in the water feels welcome. Calm coves can offer clear views, warm water, and a fine sense of having reached somewhere far from the city.

Still, the Pacific is not a swimming pool. High tide, swells, and rough surf can shrink the beach and make entry uncomfortable. On some days, the water is calm enough for snorkeling. On others, the guide may decide that visibility and safety are not good enough.

Bring a swimsuit, but do not plan the whole day around snorkeling. You may see fish, or you may only get a swim and a coastal view. That uncertainty is normal for an outdoor trip, and the walk remains worthwhile when the water does not cooperate.

A small hand towel is useful if you get in the water. A compact daypack keeps your hands free on the rocky trail. You will also want sunscreen and plenty of drinking water, since the route combines heat, climbing, and beach time.

Playa Las Ánimas and the long lunch question

The final destination is Playa Las Ánimas, the largest and most developed beach on the route. Here you find several restaurants, beach loungers, drinks, and seafood. Lunch is not included, so check your budget before ordering.

This is a pleasant finish because you can sit down after the hard walking. A local seafood plate and a cold drink can feel well earned. Some groups have enjoyed a relaxed meal with good service, while others have found the restaurant wait slow, sometimes taking more than an hour.

That makes lunch a variable part of the outing. If you want a long meal, Las Ánimas gives you the chance. If you would rather swim or keep the day moving, ask the guide how much time remains before ordering. The beach itself can be more rewarding than a drawn-out restaurant stop, especially if the sea has been too rough for earlier swimming.

You may also find food and drinks at earlier beaches, including coconut in some spots. Carry pesos, since small beach stands may not take cards. Larger restaurants at Las Ánimas may accept credit cards, but cash remains the safer choice.

Returning by boat across the Bay of Banderas

The boat ride is one of the smartest features of the route. After walking south along the coast, you see the beaches and cliffs from the water. It gives your legs a break and offers a different view of the Bay of Banderas.

The included return generally takes you by water taxi to Boca de Tomatlán, where you reconnect with public transport back toward the original meeting area. Some groups arrange an additional paid boat ride directly toward town, near the Malecón. One reported price for that option was about 250 pesos per person, but confirm the current cost with your guide before agreeing.

The return can therefore involve a boat, a bus, and possibly a taxi. That is not a flaw if you want a local experience, but it is important planning information. The route back is not always one direct ride to your hotel.

Cruise ship passengers need special care here. The trip may finish later than the stated approximate duration, and you must allow time for the boat, bus, and transfer to the port. Check the ship’s all-aboard time against local time and leave a generous margin.

What to wear and carry for the trail

Good footwear is the most repeated practical lesson from this outing. Wear hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with traction. The route includes steep and slippery areas, beach walking, and rocks that can be awkward in sandals.

Your shoes may get wet. Some people switch to sandals at the beach or even walk barefoot on parts of the route, but that is not a smart plan for everyone. I would bring water-friendly sandals as a backup, not as your main footwear.

Pack light, since you need to keep your hands free for balance. Your small bag should contain:

• Water
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• A hand towel
• Pesos for food, drinks, and optional transport
• A protein snack
• Dry clothing if you plan to swim

The minimum age is 10 and the maximum is 60. The more useful guidance is the fitness requirement: you should be comfortable with several hours of uneven walking and steep uphill and downhill sections. This is not a good match for serious mobility limits, major balance problems, or anyone expecting a flat stroll.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta hike

You should book this if you like active days, small coastal towns, jungle trails, and beaches reached by foot. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and friends who want something more local than a resort activity.

It is also a good first activity in Puerto Vallarta if you want ideas for the south coast later in your stay. You learn where Boca de Tomatlán, Colomitos, and Las Ánimas sit, and you see which beaches might deserve a return visit by boat.

You should skip it if your priority is guaranteed snorkeling, long stretches of sunbathing, or a smooth and easy path. You should also think twice if you dislike public buses or a return trip with several transport changes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can also lead to a new date or full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, so check the forecast and your schedule early.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour for the walking, views, and local transport, not for the promise of six long beach stops or guaranteed fish. The best parts are the climb through the forest, the small coves, the guides’ eye for wildlife, and the boat ride back across the bay.

At $38, it offers a lot for an active half-day-plus outing. Bring strong shoes, water, pesos, and a flexible attitude toward snorkeling and lunch. If that sounds like your kind of Puerto Vallarta day, this is a rewarding way to trade the hotel chair for the coast.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The actual return can take longer if the group moves slowly or spends extra time at lunch.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta. The group then takes public transport to Boca de Tomatlán.

Where does the hike start?

The walking portion begins in Boca de Tomatlán, a fishing town south of Puerto Vallarta.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Playa Las Ánimas is not included. You can buy seafood, drinks, and other food at the beach restaurants.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on calm seas and clear visibility. Equipment is supplied, but rough surf or murky water may prevent the activity.

How difficult is the hike?

The trail requires moderate physical fitness and includes steep inclines, declines, rocks, and uneven ground. Some sections require high steps or careful scrambling.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included. The tour also includes the guided outing and the planned boat return to Boca de Tomatlán, while food and some optional transport arrangements cost extra.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.