Puerto Vallarta: Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel

Six beaches and one jungle path. You get a real change of scenery fast, starting in Puerto Vallarta and heading south for jungle-and-coast hiking, beach time, and possible snorkeling. I love the photo-worthy stops like Colomitos Beach, plus the low-key local transport vibe that feels more like day-out logistics than a staged excursion, especially with guides such as Alex or Juan.

One thing to consider: this is not a casual stroll. The trail has steep and rocky sections, and some people end up leaving a later stop early if time runs tight. If you struggle on uneven ground, bring serious footwear and be honest about your fitness. Closed-toe shoes matter here.

Key Things I’d Pay Attention To

• Six beaches in one day, with time to actually swim between hikes
• Colomitos Beach (often called Mexico’s smallest beach) for that quick, postcard feel
• Jungle and mountain walking with frequent chances to look out over Banderas Bay
• Snorkel timing depends on conditions, with calmer water needed for the best chances
• Finale at Playa Las Ánimas, where food stops are a big part of the day
• Small group limit of 14, which usually means you move with less crowd pressure

A Puerto Vallarta Beach Hike That Feels Like Getting Out of Town

Puerto Vallarta has beaches everywhere, but this day trip works because it’s built around movement. You’re not just hopping from one resort strip to the next. You hike along a coastal route, hit several lesser-visited beaches, and get breaks that actually reset you before the next climb.

The best part is how the day balances effort with payoff. You’ll sweat on the trail, then you’ll cool off in clear water. And because you’re with a local guide, you’re also hearing stories about plants and wildlife as you go, not just taking photos and moving on.

Meeting Point at Zona Romantica, and the One Place You Should Not Board

Your day starts back in Puerto Vallarta, near C. Constitución 363. You meet your guide on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store by the white/green buses heading to Mismaloya.

Important practical detail: you’re meeting your guide in front of the OXXO, not inside a touring shop next to the bus stop. People get turned around here. A simple reference point is that The Pancake House is across the road.

Once you’re with the right bus and the guide confirms everyone is accounted for, the group rides like regular folks do. That local transport feel is part of why this tour is fun.

Bus to Boca de Tomatlán: Warm-Up Walking with Wildlife Views

After pickup, you take a short bus ride (about 30 minutes) to the Boca de Tomatlán area. This is the launchpad for the whole coastline.

From there, the walking begins. The route follows a riverbank and the sea, which is a nice way to get your legs going without feeling like you dropped into wilderness immediately. You get the early coastal views, and the guide typically points out local fauna and flora along the way.

You should expect about one hour around this first segment, including wildlife viewing time. It sets the tone: the day is active, but it’s not rushed.

Colomitos Beach Stop: Mexico’s Smallest Beach, Maximum Photo Time

Next up is Colomitos Beach, a stop that earns its reputation quickly. It’s often described as the smallest beach in Mexico, and you feel that the moment you arrive: it’s compact, scenic, and photogenic.

You get about an hour here with a real mix of moments:

• free time to take pictures and relax
• time to swim
• and, when conditions allow, time that feeds into snorkeling plans later

The beach is also a good mental break. You’ll usually be ready for sand time after the first hike stretch. If you’re the type who likes to linger, this is one of your best windows.

Cabo Corrientes: The Climb That Gives You Those Coastal Lookouts

After Colomitos, you head toward Cabo Corrientes. This part is about views and altitude. You’ll be climbing through tropical forest and mountain areas, so you’ll feel the trail more here than at the waterline.

Expect about one hour for this segment, including hiking and scenic stops along the way. The reason this climb is worth it is simple: you’re moving to vantage points where the coastline looks bigger and more dramatic than from beach level.

Guides tend to keep the pace reasonable for a small group, but you still need to watch your footing. It’s not just the incline. The terrain can be uneven and rocky.

Hidden Beaches Between Hikes: Where the Day Turns From Exercise Into Adventure

After Cabo Corrientes, you’re heading to what’s described as a hidden coastal stretch, with another about 50 minutes of hiking plus time at the next beach stop.

This is where the tour feels most “secluded.” You’re not always parked at a main access point. You’re working along the coast, reaching beaches that feel quieter and more personal.

You’ll also likely get another swim break here. Some groups report that the day includes opportunities for a unique bonus moment, like a cliff jump in the right spot and with the right group energy. If that’s part of your wishlist, ask your guide about whether it’s happening on your day.

Playa Las Ánimas: Final Beach Time, plus a Real Local Food Moment

The last major beach stop is Playa Las Ánimas. This is the one many people remember after because it’s where the day’s energy shifts toward finish-line relaxation.

You get about one hour here, including lunch. Food is not included in the tour price, but the payoff is that this stop is set up for you to eat in a beach setting.

Local seafood meals are the star. Names that come up from past groups include Abelardo’s in Las Ánimas and Maraika Beach Club, and people consistently highlight fish-focused plates and solid drinks.

After that, you take the next step back to town by water taxi (about 10 minutes). That boat ride is short, but it changes the perspective. You see the bay from a different angle, and it’s a nice transition once your energy has been spent.

Snorkeling in Blue Water: Great When It’s Calm, Not a Promise

This tour includes snorkeling as part of the experience, but the details matter. The plan is that if the sea is calm, your guide will take you to a secret place for snorkeling where you can observe marine life.

So here’s the practical takeaway: snorkeling quality depends on conditions. On rougher days, you might still swim at the beaches, but you may not get the same snorkeling opportunity. That isn’t a flaw in the tour. It’s just the ocean.

If snorkeling matters a lot to you, plan to enjoy swimming even if the underwater portion is limited. The views and beach time are still a large part of the value.

The Guides Make This Tour: Juan, Alex, Diego, Victor, and the Rest

Small group tours live or die by the guide. This one tends to nail it.

You’ll meet guides like Juan, Alex, Diego, Victor, José, and David, and what they have in common is a mix of energy and care. Several guides were praised for:

• keeping the group together
• answering questions about plants, wildlife, and the coastline
• adjusting pacing so people aren’t left behind

One fun example: Juan has been described as sharing wild local details as you walk, including stories that go beyond the obvious. There’s even a story about termite tasting with a guide claiming the flavor is like cilantro. If you’re the adventurous type, that kind of local curiosity can be the highlight of your day.

Fitness and Footwear: This Is an Adventure Day

The trail varies, but most feedback is consistent: you should be ready for a hike that can feel moderate to strenuous depending on your comfort level.

You may deal with:

• steep parts
• rocky sections
• narrow or uneven footing
• sand that can get slippery in places

Footwear advice is clear: bring closed-toe shoes. Sandals are risky, and some guidance specifically points out that you should not go in sandals. People mention using trail-running shoes, hiking sandals with grip, and water-friendly footwear like Chacos and Tevas, but the key is traction and support.

Also, you’ll be moving on and off beaches. So think about what’s easy to manage when you’re wet and salty.

If you have respiratory issues or low fitness, this is typically not a good match. The tour also isn’t suitable for children under 9 and is listed as not suitable for people over 60.

Time Management: What the 6 Hours Actually Feel Like

The tour is listed as 6 hours total, and that’s usually enough time for six beach stops plus transport. But it’s still a packed day.

One realistic concern that has happened: if you start from a cruise ship and the schedule runs longer than expected, there’s less buffer. In one case, the last stop had to be skipped, but the guide helped make the transport connection.

So I’ll say it plainly: build your day around this tour. Don’t schedule something right after with a tight arrival window unless your plans are flexible.

What to Bring (and Why You’ll Care)

This is a bring-these-items kind of hike. The list is straightforward, and the reasons are practical.

Bring:

• towel
• sunscreen
• water
• beachwear
• closed-toe shoes
• cash
• some insect repellent is smart based on what people recommend

Cash matters because food and drinks are not included. You’ll likely want water, sodas, snacks, or lunch at the end. Even if you pack your own basics, having some cash keeps the day smooth.

Price and Value: $37 for Guide Time, Boats, and Hard-to-Reach Beaches

At about $37 per person, the value is in what’s bundled. Your price covers:

• guide
• bus fee
• boat fee

You’re not just paying for sightseeing. You’re paying for logistics that are harder to DIY: getting south along the coast, organizing beach stops, and coordinating the water taxi return.

The tradeoff is that food and drinks are not included, so you should mentally add a little extra for lunch and snacks. Even with that, the cost still tends to make sense because you’re getting multiple beaches and a real guided route, not just one swim stop.

Who Should Book This Tour

This is a strong choice if you want:

• a coastal adventure with multiple swim breaks
• a small group pace
• real nature conversation from a local guide
• beaches that feel less like a single main attraction

It’s not a great fit if:

• you have joint issues or struggle with steep, uneven paths
• you want a completely easy walk
• you need snorkeling to be guaranteed no matter the sea conditions

If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta for the first time and you’re willing to work a little for scenery, this tour is one of the best ways to see the south coast without renting anything.

Should You Book It?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the idea of hiking between beaches and you’re okay with the ocean making the snorkeling call. The tour’s best moments come from the mix of trail time, guide-led nature info, and beach stops like Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas.

Skip it if you want an easy day, or if your fitness and footwear limits make the rocky parts stressful. The route can be worth it, but it’s not designed for comfort-first strolling.

If you do book, do one thing right: bring the right shoes, carry water, and arrive ready for a full, active day in Banderas Bay.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet your guide on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the white/green buses (to Mismaloya), near C. Constitución 363. Do not go onto the bus on your own, and do not look for the guide inside the touring shop next to the bus stop.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Lunch is available at Playa Las Ánimas, but you’ll pay for it separately. Bring cash for snacks and drinks.

What about snorkeling, is it guaranteed?

Snorkeling happens when the sea is calm. If conditions are rough, you may still swim at the beaches but the snorkeling stop may be limited.

What should I wear or bring for this hike?

Bring towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, cash, and closed-toe shoes. Closed-toe footwear is especially important because the trail and footing can be rocky or uneven.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 9, people with respiratory issues, people with low level of fitness, and people over 60.