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

The best beaches require a little effort. This six-and-a-half-hour outing leaves Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica by public bus, reaches the fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán, then follows a rugged coastal trail through tropical forest to Colomitos and several quieter coves. I like the local bus ride and the return by water taxi because they make the day feel connected to everyday Puerto Vallarta, not sealed inside a tour vehicle. I also like the guides, including Diego, Juan, Victor, Alex, and Juan Carlos, who are praised for keeping groups together and pointing out wildlife, plants, and local customs.

The catch is simple: this is a real hike, not a gentle stroll between beaches. Expect steep climbs, steep descents, rocks, high steps, and sections where your shoes may get wet. Snorkeling depends on the sea, and rough water or poor visibility can cancel that part of the plan. Still, at $38 per person, with equipment included and a boat ride at the end, this is strong value if you want an active day on the southern coast.

Quick Takeaways

• Start with a local bus from Zona Romántica: The ride to Boca de Tomatlán takes roughly 25 to 40 minutes and offers an everyday look at the coast and nearby communities.
• Colomitos comes early: This tiny cove is often treated as the scenic prize of the first section, with time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling if conditions cooperate.
• The trail is moderate to strenuous: You will handle about 3.5 to 4 miles of uneven walking, with steep grades and some rock scrambling.
• The six beaches are not six long beach stops: You may pass several coves, but the group usually spends meaningful time at only a few.
• Las Ánimas is the finale: This larger beach has several restaurants and loungers, making it a practical place for lunch, though food is not included.
• The boat ride changes the view: The included return goes back to Boca de Tomatlán. A direct ride closer to Puerto Vallarta may cost extra.

Why This Coastal Hike Is Worth Your Time

Puerto Vallarta is easy to enjoy from a pool chair, but the southern coast gives you another side of the area. Here, the route moves between forest, rock, sand, and open Bay of Banderas views. You get a workout, but you also see small communities, fishing boats, villas, resorts, and beaches that are harder to reach by road.

I especially like the transportation because it adds texture to the day. You meet in the old center at Constitución 363, in Zona Romántica, then ride public transport much as local residents do. That bus can be crowded, but it is part of the point. The return boat offers a complete change of pace, carrying you along the shore after several hours on foot.

The tour is capped at 14 people, which is small enough for a guide to give trail advice and watch the group. Guides such as Diego and Victor are praised for adjusting their pace to different fitness levels. Juan is known for a calm manner and a good sense of humor, while Alex is described as easygoing and attentive. Those qualities matter on a route with awkward steps and loose footing.

From Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán

Your day begins in central Puerto Vallarta, not at a distant hotel or private marina. The public bus heads south along the coast to Boca de Tomatlán, a picturesque fishing town and the true starting point of the walk.

Allow more time than the advertised schedule if your group moves slowly or enjoys a long lunch. The overall outing is listed at about 6 hours and 30 minutes, but some days run later. One cruise ship family reached the cruise terminal area around 5 p.m. after combining the boat, bus, and a taxi. That detail matters if you are visiting from a ship, since local time and ship time can differ.

Boca de Tomatlán also gives you a useful introduction to the route. From here, you leave the paved streets and begin along the riverbank before turning into tropical forest. The opening section is scenic, but it is also where the trail gains height.

The First Forty Minutes: Forest, Rocks, and Rising Views

The first portion takes about 40 minutes and includes the hardest climbing for many people. You will walk up and down uneven ground, sometimes stepping over or down large rocks. It is not technical mountaineering, but it demands balance, steady legs, and attention.

The guide’s help is useful here. You may get advice on where to place your feet, how to handle a slippery section, or when to let a faster group member move ahead. The trail has enough variation to keep it interesting, with forest shade, glimpses of the water, and views across the coast.

Wear shoes with solid traction. Several people completed portions barefoot or in sandals, but that does not make it a smart plan for everyone. Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are the safer choice, and you can bring sandals for beach time. Expect to remove and put on footwear more than once because parts of the route run directly along sand or wet shore.

Bring water, sunscreen, a small towel, and a small backpack that leaves both hands free. You will appreciate having your hands available on the steeper sections.

Colomitos: Tiny Beach, Big Payoff

Colomitos is the first major stop and is described as Mexico’s smallest beach. It is a compact, photogenic cove framed by forest and rock, so the approach feels more dramatic than its size suggests.

This is usually the best place to swim, and it may also be the main snorkeling stop. If the water is calm and clear, you could see small reef fish and other marine life. One guide helped identify stingrays, pufferfish, striped fish, and a moray eel on a good day. On another outing, the water was murky enough that snorkeling was not worthwhile.

The conditions can change quickly. High tide, swell, and rough surf may turn Colomitos into a beautiful place to rest rather than a good place to use a mask. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, but you should not book this outing solely for underwater viewing. Think of snorkeling as a bonus, not a promise.

Colomitos can also be crowded, especially because boats bring people directly to the cove. That does not erase its beauty, but it does mean the word hidden should be taken loosely. The farther you continue along the trail, the more likely you are to find quieter stretches.

Beyond Colomitos: The Best Part of the Walk

After Colomitos, the route leaves the busiest cove and continues through forest and along the shore. This section gives you the coastal views that define the outing. You will see rocky points, small beaches, tropical vegetation, and the broad Bay of Banderas from changing angles.

The tour is marketed around six beaches, but you should understand the rhythm correctly. You may see six beaches or coves, yet you will not necessarily stop for a long swim at each one. Some are brief viewpoints or passing sections. Groups commonly spend around 25 to 30 minutes at selected beaches, depending on the pace, weather, and interest in swimming.

That is not a flaw if you want a hiking day. It is a drawback if your main goal is to spend an hour at every beach. The route works best as a coastal walk with beach breaks, not as six separate lounging sessions.

The middle section may feel easier than the opening climbs, but it remains uneven. One portion can be fairly level, followed by another rise or descent. You may also encounter high steps and rocks that require careful footwork. If you have mobility concerns or dislike uneven trails, this is not the right excursion.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Wildlife Along the Way

The water stops give the day a welcome change of pace. After walking through heat and forest, even a short swim feels well earned. Guides may suggest which cove is best for getting in, and some allow the group to choose where to stay longer.

Snorkeling is most realistic at the first beach, particularly when the sea is calm. The gear is included, but the amount of equipment carried may be limited, especially with a full group. If snorkeling matters greatly to you, bringing your own mask and goggles could be useful, though you still cannot control the visibility or surf.

The natural side of the route is one of its best features. Victor has pointed out iguanas in trees and on rocks, while other guides explain local plants, animals, traditions, and the coastal environment. You might even spot humpback whales from shore during the right season, though that is an unexpected sighting rather than part of the scheduled program.

Do not treat the hike as a race. Stay close enough to hear instructions, take care on descents, and accept that the group may pause for photos, wildlife, or slower walkers. The strongest guides create a friendly pace without turning the route into a forced march.

Playa Las Ánimas and the Long Lunch Question

Las Ánimas is the final beach and the largest developed stop. Compared with the smaller coves, it has several restaurants, beach loungers, and places to buy drinks. This is where you can order the seafood lunch mentioned in the tour plan, but the meal is not included in the $38 price.

The food can be a pleasant reward after the hike. Guides may recommend a restaurant, and some groups have enjoyed good seafood and cold drinks. Service can also be slow. One group waited more than an hour for lunch, which cut into beach time. If you prefer swimming to a long meal, tell your guide early and keep your expectations flexible.

Las Ánimas is not the most secluded beach on the route. It is busy and commercial compared with the smaller coves, but that also gives you choices. You can eat, rest, buy a drink, or sit near the water without needing to carry lunch through the forest.

The final stop can feel rushed if the group spends too long at the restaurant. On the other hand, a longer lunch may be exactly what you want after a strenuous walk. This is one of the few parts of the day where your group’s preferences can shape the experience.

Returning by Boat to Boca de Tomatlán

After Las Ánimas, you take a water taxi back to Boca de Tomatlán. The ride is short compared with the hike, but it gives you a fresh view of the coves, cliffs, and Bay of Banderas. After walking the shoreline, seeing it from the water helps you understand how isolated some beaches really are.

The included boat ride returns to Boca de Tomatlán, where you catch public transportation back toward the original meeting area. This option is practical and keeps the advertised price low.

Some groups arrange a water taxi directly toward Puerto Vallarta or near the Malecón. That is not included and may cost about 250 pesos per person for a group booking. You may also find individual boat fares along the coast in the range of 50 to 100 pesos per person, depending on the route. Confirm the plan and price with your guide before agreeing to an upgraded ride.

The bus ride back can be crowded, but it gives you another look at local life and the coast. If you are visiting by cruise ship, build in extra time for the return bus and any taxi needed to reach the terminal.

What $38 Really Gets You

At $38 per person, this is inexpensive for a full day that includes a guide, snorkeling equipment, public transport assistance, the hike, and the included water taxi back to Boca de Tomatlán. You are not paying for a private vehicle, a full meal, or guaranteed snorkeling. You are paying for route planning, local guidance, and a way to connect several hard-to-reach beaches without solving every transport detail yourself.

The value is strongest if you want an active coastal outing and would feel uncertain arranging the bus, trail, beaches, and boat independently. A self-guided day could be cheaper or more flexible, but it would require more planning and a better sense of the route.

The rating of 4.8 from 527 reviews, with 97 percent recommending the experience, fits the main strengths: beautiful scenery, strong guides, and a memorable mix of walking and boat travel. The consistent caution is the same one I would give you directly: expect a workout, and do not count on snorkeling.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather or an insufficient minimum group can lead to a new date or full refund.

Who Should Book This Beach Hike?

I would choose this trip if you enjoy walking, swimming, local transport, and scenery that takes effort to reach. It suits people with moderate physical fitness, including active families with children aged 10 and older, provided everyone is comfortable with steep and uneven ground.

I would skip it if you have mobility limitations, health concerns that make climbing difficult, or a strong preference for a flat beach day. I would also choose another outing if snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, since surf and visibility may cancel that portion.

FAQ

How long does the hidden beaches tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, though the day can run longer if the group takes extra time for lunch, swimming, or the return journey.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta. The group then takes public transportation to Boca de Tomatlán, where the hike starts.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Playa Las Ánimas is not included. You can purchase seafood, drinks, or other food at the restaurants there.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, but snorkeling depends on calm seas and good visibility. Rough water or murky conditions may prevent the activity.

How difficult is the hike?

The route requires a moderate level of fitness and includes steep climbs, steep descents, rocks, high steps, and some rugged sections. Several people describe it as moderate to strenuous rather than beginner level.

What age range is allowed?

The minimum age is 10 and the maximum age is 60.

Where does the tour end?

The included activity ends back at the original meeting point after the water taxi to Boca de Tomatlán and the return by public transportation. A direct boat ride closer to Puerto Vallarta may be available for an additional charge.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want to earn your beach time. You will see more of the southern Puerto Vallarta coast than you would from a standard beach transfer, and the mix of forest trail, small coves, local bus, seafood lunch, and boat ride gives the day real variety.

Go in with the right picture: Colomitos may be crowded, all six beaches may not receive equal stop time, and snorkeling is controlled by the ocean. With sturdy shoes, water, pesos, sunscreen, and a willingness to climb, this is a memorable and fairly priced way to get beyond the resort strip.