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

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is that it gets you off the usual beach strip and onto a rugged jungle-and-coast trail south of town. You ride public transport with locals, walk past cliffs and small beaches, swim when conditions allow, and return by boat across the Bay of Banderas.

I like two things right away: the local transport makes the day feel connected to Puerto Vallarta rather than sealed inside a tour van, and the guides, including Juan, Diego, Alex, and Victor, add useful facts about plants, animals, and local life. The main catch is simple: this is a real hike, not a flat beach stroll, and snorkeling depends heavily on the sea.

Key points to know before you go

• The hike begins at Boca de Tomatlán, reached by a public bus ride of roughly 25 to 40 minutes from Zona Romántica.
• Colomitos is the first major stop, a small, photogenic beach with swimming and possible snorkeling.
• The trail has steep climbs, descents, rocks, and high steps, covering roughly 3.5 to 4 miles according to practical trip details.
• Snorkel equipment is included, but rough surf, tide, murky water, or limited time can cancel that part of the day.
• Playa Las Ánimas is the finish, with several restaurants, loungers, drinks, and seafood available at your own cost.
• The return includes a boat ride, followed by public transport unless you arrange an optional paid boat transfer farther toward Puerto Vallarta.

Why this coastal hike feels different from a beach day

Puerto Vallarta is easy to enjoy from a beach chair. This trip asks you to earn the view. You begin in Zona Romántica at Constitución 363, then take an urban bus toward Boca de Tomatlán. That first ride is part of the experience. It can be crowded, but it gives you a look at local neighborhoods, the coast, and the southern side of town.

At Boca de Tomatlán, the route follows the riverbank before turning uphill into tropical forest. The first climb brings the workout quickly. You will deal with uneven ground, exposed roots, rocks, steep grades, and sections where you need to step carefully over larger stones. One guide reportedly handled the route barefoot, but I would not copy that stunt. Sturdy shoes with good grip are the sensible choice.

The payoff comes through gaps in the trees, where the coast opens below you. You may spot iguanas in the trees or on warm rocks, and guides such as Victor are especially good at pointing out plants and animals that you would otherwise walk past. This is not a wildlife safari, but the natural details give the walk more purpose than simply moving from beach to beach.

Boca de Tomatlán: the useful local start

Boca de Tomatlán is both a working coastal community and the trailhead for the day. Beginning here matters because you see a less polished side of the Puerto Vallarta area before entering the forest.

The bus ride is not luxurious. That is exactly why it works. You are moving as local residents do, rather than being picked up in a private vehicle and delivered straight to a resort beach. Allow more time than the advertised ride if traffic or boarding delays slow things down.

At this point, keep your day pack light. You will want both hands free on the rocky parts of the route. Carry water, sunscreen, a small towel, some pesos, and a snack. A waterproof phone pouch is useful, since your shoes may get wet and you will be near the sea for much of the day.

Colomitos: the first beach and likely swimming stop

After roughly 40 minutes of walking, you reach Playa Colomitos. It is known as one of Mexico’s smallest beaches, and its tight cove gives it a dramatic first impression. The approach through the trees is part of the charm. You emerge from the forest to sand, rock, and clear coastal views.

This is often the best place to plan on swimming. If the water is calm, the guide may bring out the included snorkel equipment here. Fish sightings can include striped and pale fish, black fish, stingrays, pufferfish, and even a moray eel, but none of that is guaranteed. Sea conditions control the show.

You should also understand the difference between equipment being included and snorkeling being assured. Rough waves, high tide, poor visibility, or a busy group can shorten or remove the snorkeling stop. On some days, the water is too unsettled to make it worthwhile. Bring your own goggles if snorkeling matters greatly to you, but book the day for the hike and beaches first.

Colomitos can also be the most crowded beach on the route. Boats call here, and its small size means even a modest number of people can make it feel busy. That does not ruin the stop, but it does mean the word hidden should be taken loosely.

The middle beaches: quieter water and harder walking

After Colomitos, the path continues along the coast. You pass rocky coves and smaller beaches, with sections that rise and fall through forest and along the shore. Some parts are easier, but the early beach treks are the more demanding portion of the route.

You may walk directly on sand or wet rock, so shoes that tolerate water are a smart choice. Some people switch to sandals at the beaches, but sandals are less useful on steep, slippery sections. I would start in trail shoes or sturdy hiking shoes and carry sandals for swimming.

The schedule does not mean you will spend a long, leisurely break at all six beaches. The experience is better understood as a coastal hike that passes several coves, with selected stops for swimming, photos, or rest. You may see six beaches, but you should not expect six full beach sessions.

This is also where the small group size helps. The maximum is 14 people, and some departures are smaller. Guides such as Alex and Diego have been praised for keeping a relaxed pace and giving people time at preferred stops. Still, the group sets the rhythm. A slow hiker, a long lunch, or extra time at a beach can push the return later than the six-and-a-half-hour estimate.

Snorkeling: treat it as a bonus

The tour includes snorkel gear, which adds value when the water cooperates. The best chance usually comes at the first beach or another calm cove, where fish gather around rocks.

But this is the part of the outing most affected by nature. February conditions, for example, can bring rougher water and reduced visibility. Even on a fairly calm day, swells may make the water murky. The guide makes the call based on safety and conditions, so you should not book this as a dedicated snorkeling trip.

If you are happy to swim, look around, and enjoy the shoreline even when snorkeling is canceled, you will have a much better day. If seeing fish is your main goal, a purpose-built snorkeling excursion gives you more dependable water time.

Playa Las Ánimas: lunch at the finish

The route ends at Playa Las Ánimas, a larger and busier beach with restaurants, bars, loungers, and seafood. After a warm, uneven hike, this is a welcome change. You can sit down, order a seafood plate, buy a cold drink, and let your legs recover.

Lunch is not included. The restaurant choice may be guided by the group or guide, and meal service can be slow. One practical account described a wait of more than an hour, so do not plan a tight schedule after the tour. On the other hand, several dining experiences here have been described as tasty and well organized, with El Caracol and other beach restaurants offering food and drinks.

You may prefer to spend more time swimming rather than eating. Tell the guide what you want, since some groups have been given a flexible choice of beach time. Las Ánimas is also a useful place to carry pesos, though some restaurants and loungers accept credit cards.

The boat ride back adds a fine final view

The return boat is more than just transport. From the water, you see the coves, cliffs, villas, beaches, and forest from a different angle. It also gives your legs a break after the trail.

The included return generally takes you back to Boca de Tomatlán, where you reconnect with the public bus toward Puerto Vallarta. Some groups arrange a separate water taxi for an additional charge, around 250 pesos per person in one account, to reach an area nearer the Malecón. Confirm the exact return plan with your guide before setting out, especially if you are visiting from a cruise ship.

That detail matters. Cruise passengers need to compare local time with ship time and leave a generous buffer. One full outing that included the hike, lunch, boat, bus, and taxi reached the cruise terminal area around 5 p.m. The boat and bus combination is enjoyable, but it is not a fast private transfer.

Price and value at $38

At $38 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full active day rather than a simple beach transfer. The price includes guiding, snorkel equipment, the coastal route, and the boat ride described in the standard plan. You also get help with local buses and trail navigation, which removes much of the guesswork for a first visit.

The value is less clear if you want long beach stops, guaranteed snorkeling, or a private pace. Lunch, drinks, taxis, and any optional boat ride farther toward town cost extra. You are paying mainly for access, local direction, and a well-connected route through an area that can be awkward to arrange on your own.

The tour is capped at 14 people, which is a reasonable size for a narrow trail. A smaller group may move more quickly and allow more personal attention. A larger group can mean less time in the water and longer waits at the beach.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta adventure

You are a good match if you enjoy:

• Steep and uneven hiking
• Swimming in natural coves
• Local buses and simple transport
• Wildlife, plants, and coastal scenery
• Flexible beach time rather than a fixed resort schedule
• A full day with several moving parts

You should think twice if you have mobility issues, limited hiking experience, or trouble with steep inclines and declines. The minimum age is 10 and the maximum is 60, but age alone does not decide fitness. The route is described as moderate to strenuous, and some sections feel more technical because of rocks and high steps.

Wear shoes with traction, bring water, and expect your footwear to get wet. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and pesos. A small backpack is better than a loose shoulder bag, since you will want your hands free.

The guides are one of the strongest parts of the experience. Juan is known for humor and a calm manner, Diego for local nature and culture, Alex for an easygoing pace, and Victor for careful help on difficult sections. Guide quality can vary by departure, but the supplied guide roster includes people who know how to manage mixed fitness levels.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to see the southern coast through a mix of hiking, swimming, local transport, and boat travel. The scenery is excellent, the route reaches beaches that are quieter than the main city shore, and the price is fair for the amount of guiding and transport involved.

Skip it if your ideal beach day means flat walking, guaranteed snorkeling, and hours on one stretch of sand. The six beaches are a theme for the route, not six long stops. For most active visitors, though, this is one of the better ways to trade a standard Puerto Vallarta beach day for something more physical and more connected to the coast.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. The outing can be canceled for poor weather or if the minimum group size is not reached, with a different date or full refund offered.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The scheduled duration is about 6 hours and 30 minutes, though the day may run longer if the group takes extra time for hiking, lunch, or transport.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta. The activity ends back at the meeting point under the standard plan.

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. Snorkel equipment is included, but snorkeling depends on tide, surf, water clarity, and available time. Rough water may prevent the activity.

How difficult is the hike?

The route requires moderate physical fitness and includes steep climbs, descents, rocks, slippery sections, and high steps. It is not recommended for people with mobility issues.

Can cruise ship passengers take this tour?

Yes, but cruise passengers need to allow extra time for the public bus, boat, and possible taxi connections. Check local time against your ship’s time and leave a generous return buffer.