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

Trade beach chairs for jungle trails. This Puerto Vallarta outing gives you a lively mix of local transport, steep coastal hiking, quiet coves, swimming, and a boat ride across Banderas Bay. I especially like the ride from Zona Romántica with ordinary local passengers, and I like finishing at Playa Las Animas, where a seafood lunch is easy to arrange. The main catch is clear: this is a rugged hike, not a gentle stroll, and snorkeling depends heavily on surf and visibility.

The guides make a real difference. Diego, Juan, Victor, Alex, and Juan Carlos are all praised for setting a good pace, sharing facts about plants and animals, and helping people over tricky rocks. I would book this if you want movement and scenery more than long beach stops, but I would not choose it if you have mobility concerns or are counting on a full snorkeling session.

Key points to know before you go

• The first 40 minutes are the toughest: Expect steep climbs, descents, large rocks, and some scrambling before reaching Colomitos.
• You travel like a local: The day begins with public transport from Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán, then ends with a boat and another transport connection.
• Colomitos is the scenic star: Mexico’s famously tiny beach makes an excellent first pause for photos, swimming, and possible snorkeling.
• Snorkeling is never guaranteed: Equipment is included, but waves, tide, and murky water can cancel the fish-watching portion.
• Playa Las Animas is the practical finale: You can buy seafood, drinks, and a place to sit, but lunch costs extra.
• Bring serious footwear: Shoes with traction are the safest choice, especially on wet rock and sandy sections.

Starting in Zona Romántica and riding south

You meet at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, the old center of Puerto Vallarta. That location is useful if you are staying near the Malecón or in the Romantic Zone, though cruise ship passengers need to allow extra time for getting from the terminal.

The first transport is part of the charm. Instead of beginning with a private van, you take public transport toward Boca de Tomatlán, a small fishing town south of Puerto Vallarta. The advertised ride is about 25 minutes, though some outings take 40 minutes or more depending on traffic and the group.

I like this start because it puts you into the daily rhythm of the coast right away. You see a little of the towns and shoreline between Puerto Vallarta and Boca de Tomatlán, rather than being sealed inside a tour vehicle. The tradeoff is less control over timing. If you are visiting from a cruise ship, remember that local time may differ from the ship’s clock.

At Boca de Tomatlán, the guide gathers the group and explains the route. The group limit is 14 people, with many outings running closer to nine or twelve. That is small enough for personal help on steep sections, though a larger group can mean slower transitions at the beaches and less time for snorkeling.

The Boca de Tomatlán trail begins with a workout

The walk starts near the riverbank before turning into tropical forest. You climb through the trees, with views opening toward the Pacific and the rocky coast. The first section takes roughly 40 minutes to reach Playa Colomitos, but the distance is not the main issue. The trail rises and falls sharply, and some parts involve stepping over or down large rocks.

You should think of this as an intermediate hike with a few advanced-feeling sections at the beginning. The total walking distance is described by some participants as about 3.5 to 4 miles. Fitness levels differ, of course, but everyone should be ready for repeated inclines and declines on uneven ground.

Good shoes matter. Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes with traction, and choose footwear you do not mind getting wet. Portions of the route run along sand or near the water, so you may take shoes on and off. Some confident hikers managed parts of the route in sandals or barefoot, but I would not copy that plan unless you are very sure of your footing.

Carry water, sunscreen, a small towel, and a small backpack that leaves your hands free. A protein snack is also useful, and you will want Mexican pesos for drinks, food, or possible transport changes. The supplied information recommends a moderate fitness level, but the trail feels strenuous if you are not used to rocky coastal hiking.

Playa Colomitos, the tiny first beach

After the opening climb, you reach Playa Colomitos. It is presented as the smallest beach in Mexico, and its compact size is part of the appeal. Forest, rock, and bright water frame a narrow strip of sand that feels much more dramatic than its size suggests.

This is usually the first real rest stop. You have time for photographs, a swim, and, if the water cooperates, snorkeling. Colomitos is often the best place to hope for fish, and sightings can include striped fish, black fish, stingrays, pufferfish, and even a moray eel. Those sightings are possible, not promised, so keep your expectations sensible.

Colomitos can also be the busiest beach on the route. Boats arrive here, and the small beach has a strong reputation, so it may not feel especially secret during the busiest part of the day. I still think it is worth seeing, but I would not book this outing solely for solitude at Colomitos.

Time here varies with the group and ocean conditions. Some outings provide about 25 to 30 minutes at a beach, while others spend more time at the first stop for swimming or snorkeling. If you have a favorite cove later in the day, tell your guide. The guides have shown flexibility about where the group pauses.

Smaller coves and quiet swimming breaks

From Colomitos, the trail continues along the coast. This is where the outing earns its name. You pass several beaches and coves, some reached only by foot or water taxi, with rocky points and forested slopes between them.

Do not read six beaches as six long beach vacations. You may see several beaches during the walk, but the schedule does not allow an extended swim at every one. Some are brief viewing stops or sections of the route, while one or two receive the main swimming breaks.

That arrangement works well if you enjoy walking from one setting to another. You get a sense of how the south coast changes from tiny coves to wider beaches, and the elevated trail offers fine views over the bay. It works less well if your ideal day means lying on the sand for hours.

The first two beach sections are the roughest. Later stretches can feel more level, but the route remains uneven. A guide is useful here, not just for local information but for showing you where to place your feet. Diego is praised for adjusting to different fitness levels, while Juan has been noted for calm instructions and humor. Victor is especially appreciated for spotting wildlife and explaining local trees and animals.

The water is the great variable. On a calm day, you can swim in a quiet cove and feel far removed from Puerto Vallarta’s main beaches. On a rough day, the beaches become scenic rest points rather than safe swimming areas. In February, some outings encountered strong surf and poor snorkeling conditions, so check the sea with your guide before entering.

Snorkeling: a bonus, not the main event

Snorkel equipment is included, which saves you from packing a mask and fins. The guide looks for a sheltered place where you can see fish, usually around the first beach or another suitable cove.

Still, you should treat snorkeling as an optional extra. The tour depends on tide, swell, and water clarity. Rough water can make swimming uncomfortable, and murky conditions may leave you seeing little even when fish are present. On some days, the group cannot snorkel at all.

That is not a flaw in the operator’s control, but it is important when deciding what you are buying. The reliable product is the coastal hike, beach scenery, and local-style transport. Snorkeling is a welcome possibility, not a guarantee.

If snorkeling matters greatly to you, bring realistic expectations and perhaps your own goggles if you have them. Do not let the lack of fish ruin the day. The strongest parts of this outing are above water.

Playa Las Animas and the seafood finish

The route ends at Playa Las Animas, the largest and most developed beach on the itinerary. Here you find restaurants, beach seating, drinks, and seafood. Lunch is not included, so plan to pay separately.

This is a good place for a meal after the climb. A plate of local seafood and a cold drink can feel well earned, and several guides have recommended restaurants that served satisfying food. Service can be slow, though, especially when a group arrives together. One outing spent more than an hour waiting for lunch, which reduced time on the beach.

You may prefer to keep the meal short if you want to swim or sit by the water. Ask the guide about the available restaurants and how much time remains before the return boat. The supplied plan gives you the chance to eat, but it does not promise a particular restaurant, menu, or service speed.

Las Animas is not a secluded cove. It has several bars and restaurants and can feel busier than the earlier beaches. That is useful for food and facilities, but it also marks a clear change from the quieter trail stops.

Returning by boat across Banderas Bay

After lunch, you return by boat. The included option takes you back to Boca de Tomatlán, where you reconnect with public transport to Puerto Vallarta and the original meeting point.

This final boat ride gives you a different view of the coast. From the water, you can look back at the cliffs and coves you crossed on foot. It is a fitting end because the morning showed you the coast from the trail, while the afternoon shows it from the bay.

An extra-cost water taxi may be available to take you closer to Puerto Vallarta, near the Malecón or the cruise port area. The price mentioned in one account was about 250 pesos per person for a group water taxi, though you should confirm the current amount with your guide. If you use the included ride to Boca, you then take the bus back and arrange a taxi or other transport as needed.

Cruise ship passengers should plan carefully. One outing that began at 9:00 a.m. ended near the cruise area around 5:00 p.m. after the boat, bus, and taxi connections. The listed duration is about 6 hours and 30 minutes, but groups can run longer, especially when lunch or transport takes extra time. I would leave a generous buffer before your ship’s departure.

What $38 really gets you

At $38 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want an active outing rather than a private beach transfer. You receive a guide, the public transport orientation, the hike, beach access along the route, snorkeling equipment, and the return boat to Boca de Tomatlán.

You do not receive lunch, drinks, or every possible water taxi connection. Those extra costs are reasonable to expect for a coastal day, but they mean the advertised price is not your full spending total.

The value comes from the route and the guiding. You could arrange parts of the coast independently, including buses, beach walks, and water taxis. But if you have never visited the area, coordinating the trail, ocean conditions, and return transport can be a nuisance. The guide also adds local context about plants, animals, culture, and the small communities along the coast.

With 97 percent of customers recommending it and a 4.8 rating from 527 ratings, the experience has a strong record. The praise is most consistent around the guides, scenery, and sense of adventure. The repeated cautions are also consistent: steep terrain, limited beach time, uncertain snorkeling, and transport connections.

Who should book this coastal hike?

I would choose this for an active couple, solo visitor, family with older children, or small group that wants to see the south side of Puerto Vallarta on foot. The minimum age is 10, and the upper age is 60. Those limits are useful guides, but your actual fitness and comfort on rocky ground matter more than your age.

It can work for families, including one outing with a 13-year-old, provided everyone is ready for a strenuous walk. I would not choose it for anyone with health or mobility issues, or for someone who dislikes steep trails and high stepping over rocks.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Coastal views and tropical forest
• Quiet swimming spots more than resort beaches
• Local buses and boat rides
• Wildlife and plant facts from a guide
• A full day with physical effort
• Flexible beach stops

You may prefer another Puerto Vallarta activity if you want guaranteed snorkeling, a flat walking route, private transport, or a long uninterrupted beach stay.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is seeing Puerto Vallarta’s south coast through a mix of jungle hiking, small beaches, and local transport. The guides are the strongest part of the experience, and names such as Diego, Juan, Victor, Alex, and Juan Carlos come up often for their humor, patience, and local insight.

Go prepared with traction shoes, water, sunscreen, pesos, and a towel. Expect the first part to be steep, accept that snorkeling may be canceled, and allow more than 6.5 hours if you are connecting to a cruise ship. If you can make peace with those limits, $38 buys an unusually active and varied day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather or insufficient bookings may lead to a new date or full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The planned duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included. The guided hike, local transport connections, beach visits, and the included boat return to Boca de Tomatlán are part of the experience.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Playa Las Animas is not included and must be purchased separately.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on the tide, waves, and water clarity. Rough or murky conditions may prevent the group from snorkeling.

How difficult is the hike?

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The trail includes steep climbs and descents, rocky sections, and portions where you may need to step over or down large rocks.

What footwear should I wear?

Wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Choose footwear you do not mind getting wet because parts of the route pass along beaches or near the water.

What is the minimum age?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 14 people.

Can cruise ship passengers take this tour?

Yes, but cruise ship passengers must account for local time and boat time. You should also allow extra time for the public bus, boat, and possible taxi connections after the hike.