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

Six beaches, one rugged coastline.

This full-day hike from Puerto Vallarta takes you off the main roads and into a jungle-and-coast rhythm, with Colomitos Beach as a star stop. I like that you start in the old center (Zona Romántica) and ride a local bus like you belong there, then end the day with a boat ride back. Plus, you get snorkeling equipment included, so you can pack light and focus on shoes, water, and showing up for the views.

The main thing to consider is that this is not a flat stroll. Expect steep, rocky up and down sections, and snorkeling depends heavily on the sea that day, so it is wise to plan as if you might swim more than you snorkel.

Key things that make this tour worth your day

• Local bus start in Zona Romántica, then off to the Boca de Tomatlán area with real views
• Small group size (max 14), which keeps the pace easier to manage on rugged trail
• Colomitos Beach as the early highlight, often with the best chance for snorkeling and a calmer feel
• Snorkel gear included, but ocean conditions decide whether you actually go in
• Playa Las Ánimas as the payoff, plus a chance to eat local seafood at the end
• Boat back to town, a nice reset after a long day of walking

From Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán, the day starts like locals

I love tours that begin with normal life, not a fancy pickup that skips the local feel. This one starts in Zona Romántica at C. Constitución 363, then you take an urban transport for about 25 minutes along the coast. You get ocean views during the ride, and you arrive in a small fisher town area ready to hike instead of waiting around.

Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, your day shifts into jungle mode. You start near the riverbank and begin an ascent through tropical forest, which is why the morning feels like you are moving away from Puerto Vallarta instead of just walking along it.

If you are a cruise passenger, take extra care with timing. The tour notes that you should account for local time versus boat time, because you do not want to be racing the clock after a full-day hike.

The real work: a rugged trail with steep inclines and rocky footing

This is a hiking tour, not a beach crawl with optional stairs. The route includes a mix of riverbank walking, jungle ascent, and coastal trail, plus rocky sections that can include steep climbs and declines. Reviews repeatedly call out a fast pace or technical footing, so I would treat it as intermediate-to-strenuous depending on your comfort level.

A few practical points from real experiences:

• Bring shoes with traction. Good footwear matters most on the rocky up and down stretches.
• Parts of the hike can involve wet footing. I would rather have shoes that handle water than shoes that you have to protect.
• Plan on some scrambling. You might step over or down bigger rocks in steeper sections.

One helpful tip: pack a hand towel and a water bottle. When you swim, you will be glad to dry your feet and reset for the next stretch.

Also, there is a built-in reality with walking tours like this: the total distance is not huge in hours, but the “vertical effort” is real. One review notes the ability to handle inclines and declines for about 3.5 to 4 miles worth of hiking work. If you are unsure, be honest with your fitness and choose accordingly.

Colomitos Beach: the smallest star, and often your best snorkeling window

Colomitos Beach is the first real destination, reached after a hike of about 40 minutes. It is officially described as the smallest beach in Mexico, and the vibe matches that name: it feels intimate, scenic, and a bit more sheltered than the bigger coastal areas.

This is also where many people get their swim time, and where snorkeling often fits best. You are provided snorkeling equipment, but the success of snorkeling depends on the sea. If the water is calm, you can get clear views and more chances to see marine life near the rocks.

Based on guides like Diego and Juan doing this day after day, the best approach is simple: take snorkeling seriously, but do not treat it as guaranteed. Reviews mention that conditions can be rough, especially at certain times of year, and that waves and murkiness can shut down visibility fast.

If you do snorkel, keep your expectations grounded. One person described seeing stingrays, pufferfish, and a moray eel around the first beach with guide help. Another described fish variety even when visibility was not perfect. The point is that your guide often helps you focus where to look, but nature is still the boss.

Beyond the crowds: how hidden beaches work on a day like this

After Colomitos, you continue along the coast and leave behind the larger tourist flow. This is where the tour earns its “hidden beaches” promise, because you are not just walking from one famous stop to the next. You are moving through jungle-and-beach terrain in a way that feels like it would be hard to stitch together on your own.

One review puts it plainly: you may see the idea of six beaches, but you might not spend equal time at all of them. Often, you get longer pauses where the guide judges conditions, energy levels, and the group’s comfort on the trail. That can be a good thing. Instead of rushing every shoreline, you focus on the best-feeling spots.

This middle section is also where swimming might feel most magical if the water cooperates. If the sea is calm, you may get a visit to a secret snorkeling place with a good variety of fish. If it is not, you still get the best part of the day for many hikers: empty-feeling water breaks, quiet coves, and cliff-and-bay viewpoints.

One neat bonus that came up in reviews: people have spotted humpback whales from shore. That is not something you can plan on, but it shows you the area can surprise you, even without getting in the water.

Playa Las Ánimas: your final beach stop and where food becomes part of the memory

Your final destination is Playa Las Ánimas, reached after the coastal walking and swim breaks. This is where many people feel the payoff, because the effort from earlier sections finally pays you back with a classic end-of-day beach mood.

The tour description also flags a major reason to end here: you can have an incredible local seafood plate at the end of the tour, though lunch is not included in the base price. That matters for value planning, because you should budget for food if you want the full local experience.

You may also find multiple places to eat around the final area. Reviews mention options like Pichón Restaurant and El Caracol Restaurant bar, with people describing decent food and cold drinks. Exact timing can vary with your group and how long you linger on the sand, but the overall ending is built to give you a real stop, not just a quick photo and go.

One thing to note: do not assume you will be in the water the entire time at Las Ánimas. Some groups pass on swimming there and go straight for food, and that can be a smart call if conditions earlier were rough or if you are simply tired in the good way.

The trip back: boat ride, bus ride, and what to expect after a full day

After Playa Las Ánimas, the tour takes you back by boat to the point where you started the hike. The tour says you return to where the hike began, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

This return is not just convenient, it is part of why the day feels balanced. You finish on sand and seafood, then shift into a boat ride that gives you a different perspective on the bay.

A couple of real-world transport notes that help you plan:

• You will likely take public transportation as part of the day. The tour description says it is near public transportation, and reviews confirm a public bus ride both ways.
• There can be options for water taxi returns, sometimes discussed as extra cost. One review mentions a water taxi option that cost extra per person, so ask your guide on the day if you want to shorten travel.

If you are time-sensitive, especially on a cruise day, plan conservative. You are not just walking for hours, you are stacking transit hops too. The best move is to let the guide lead the timing, then double check you know how to get back to your ship area once you finish.

Price and value: why $38 feels fair for what you get

At $38 per person, this tour is priced like an outdoor day with local guidance rather than a luxury excursion. For that money, you get a guided hike, included snorkeling equipment, and a boat return after the hike. You also get a small group cap (max 14), which usually translates to less waiting and more attention on tricky trail sections.

What you do not get:

• Lunch is not included.
• Snorkeling is equipment-included, but sea conditions determine whether you snorkel and how much you see.

So the value question becomes: will you enjoy hiking first and snorkeling as a bonus? If yes, this price is a steal. If you mainly want guaranteed snorkeling time, you might find the day frustrating, because the ocean can make the plan change.

In practical terms, expect to spend extra on:

• Food at Colomitos and Las Ánimas (guided choices are common, but you pay yourself)
• Water and snacks if you prefer to bring your own
• Possible taxi or water taxi options if you want shortcuts

The guides can also help with local water taxi connections, including steering you toward the easiest way to get back to town.

Who should book this hidden beaches hike, and who should skip it

You will probably love this tour if you want an active day that mixes jungle trail, cliff views, and quiet beaches you cannot reach as easily on your own. This is a great fit for people who enjoy being outside and are okay with the idea that you are doing a workout disguised as sightseeing.

Book it if:

• You can handle steep inclines and declines, rocky terrain, and a moderate-to-active pace
• You have solid walking shoes and you are comfortable getting a bit wet
• You like the idea of swimming and snorkeling when conditions are good, without demanding perfect control

Skip or consider another option if:

• You have mobility limits or health concerns that make stairs and rocky footing risky
• You want snorkeling to be guaranteed and timed like a snorkeling-only tour

Age range is listed as min 10 and max 60. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is offered in English with a mobile ticket.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta hidden beach hike?

I think you should book this tour if you like the “hike to the good stuff” style of travel and you do not mind that the ocean sets the schedule. For $38, you are getting real local transport, a guided route to lesser-traveled beaches, included snorkeling gear, and a boat return that caps the day in a way that feels special.

Book only if you are honest about the trail. Several reviews describe it as challenging with rugged footing, steep up and down sections, and a pace that rewards fitness. If you want an easy beach day, this is not it.

If your priority is nature, coastline views, and the satisfaction of reaching secluded beaches on your own effort, this tour is one of the more memorable ways to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Puerto Vallarta hidden beaches hike?

It runs about 6 hours and 30 minutes approximately.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $38.00 per person.

Where do I meet the guide for the tour?

You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join?

The tour includes hiking and swimming opportunities, and snorkeling depends on conditions. The info specifically notes snorkeling gear, but it does not state swimming requirements.

How physically demanding is the hike?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness. Many parts include inclines and declines, with rugged terrain and steep rocky sections.

Is snorkeling guaranteed every day?

No. Snorkeling depends on sea and weather conditions, and the tour description notes that snorkeling may happen if conditions are right.

What is the minimum and maximum age?

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

Is there a refund if I cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. Weather-related cancellations can also result in a different date or a full refund.