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

The Pacific coast rewards a little effort. This six-and-a-half-hour outing leads you from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán, then along a rugged jungle and beach trail toward Colomitos, quiet coves, and Playa Las Animas. I like the mix of local transport and water taxi, plus the chance to see a less polished side of the coast. I also like that guides such as Diego, Juan, Victor, and Alex add useful nature notes and adjust their pace to the group.

The catch is simple: this is a hike first and a snorkeling trip second. The trail has steep climbs, rocky footing, slippery sections, and several high steps. Snorkeling depends on tide and surf conditions, so you should book this for the coast and the walk, with fish viewing as a welcome extra.

Key things to know before you go

• You ride public transport like a local: The day begins with a roughly 25 to 40-minute public bus ride from Zona Romántica toward Boca de Tomatlán.
• Colomitos comes early: Mexico’s officially smallest beach is the first major stop, with time for photos, swimming, and possible snorkeling.
• The trail is genuinely rugged: Plan on steep uphill and downhill sections over about 3.5 to 4 miles.
• Snorkeling is not guaranteed: Murky water, high tide, or rough surf can cancel this part of the day.
• Lunch is extra at Playa Las Animas: You can order seafood and drinks at one of several beach restaurants.
• The return boat is part of the fun: The included water taxi takes you back to Boca de Tomatlán, followed by public transport to Puerto Vallarta.

From Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán

Your morning starts at C. Constitución 363 in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica. This is a convenient meeting point in the old center, but the tour does not begin with a private van or polished coach. You board public transport, just as local residents do.

That bus ride is part of the experience. It takes roughly 25 minutes according to the tour description, though some outings have taken closer to 40 minutes. You get views along the coast and a quick look at towns south of Puerto Vallarta. The bus can be crowded, but it gives the morning a more everyday feel than a standard sightseeing transfer.

You get off in Boca de Tomatlán, a small fishing town and the practical gateway to the southern coast. From here, the route follows the riverbank before turning into tropical forest. The first part of the walk brings the hardest climbs, so do not treat the opening stretch as a gentle warm-up.

Guides are an important part of the day. Diego has been praised for explaining local plants, animals, and customs, while Juan, also known as Johnny Jungle, is known for humor and calm trail guidance. Victor and Alex have also received strong praise for helping people manage steep sections and different fitness levels.

The first climb and the trail’s real difficulty

The initial walk to Colomitos takes about 40 minutes, but the clock does not tell the whole story. You will deal with inclines, declines, rocks, uneven ground, and occasional high steps. Some parts feel like rock scrambling rather than a smooth walk.

You should be comfortable walking for several miles in heat and humidity. The published age range is 10 to 60, but age alone is not the deciding factor. A fit teenager may find it manageable, while a person with knee, balance, or mobility trouble may find it unsuitable.

Good traction matters. Hiking shoes are the safest choice, although some people have managed parts of the route in sandals or even barefoot. I would not copy the barefoot approach. You may cross wet sand or step through shallow water, so shoes that can get damp are useful, but they still need a secure sole.

Bring a small backpack rather than a loose beach bag. You will want both hands free on steeper sections. Pack water, sunscreen, a snack, a small towel, and pesos for drinks or food along the coast.

Colomitos, Mexico’s smallest beach

After the opening climb, you reach Playa Colomitos. It is often described as Mexico’s smallest beach, and its compact size makes it feel more like a scenic cove than a broad resort beach. Jungle slopes and rock formations frame the water, creating one of the best photo stops of the day.

This is usually the first place for a swim. When the water is calm and clear, it can also be the strongest snorkeling stop. Fish seen here have included striped fish, white fish, black fish, stingrays, pufferfish, and a moray eel. Those sightings are possible, not promised.

The main limitation is space. Colomitos can attract boats and other visitors, especially at popular times. One person may find it crowded, while another may still consider it wonderfully scenic. The guide may give you around 25 to 30 minutes here, though timing depends on the group and sea conditions.

If you want a long, lazy beach stay, this is not that kind of tour. The goal is to connect several beaches by foot. Colomitos is a rewarding first stop, but the day keeps moving.

Beyond Colomitos, where the coast gets quieter

Once you leave Colomitos, the route heads toward less accessible beaches. This is where the outing earns its title. You pass coves that are difficult to reach without a boat or a trail guide, along with villas, resorts, rock formations, and wide views over Banderas Bay.

The beaches are not all formal stops with a set amount of free time. You may see six beaches during the route, but you should not expect to stop and swim at all six. In practice, the group spends meaningful time at a few beaches and passes others during the hike.

That distinction matters. The experience is about seeing a string of coastal spots while walking between them, not collecting six separate beach sessions. Some sections are fairly level, but the first two beach connections are considered the most demanding. Later stretches generally feel easier.

Your guide may let the group decide where to linger. If you prefer a swim at a later beach rather than extra time at Colomitos, speak up. The day has some flexibility, but a group of up to 14 people cannot follow every individual preference.

Snorkeling depends on the Pacific

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but equipment does not control the ocean. Tide, swell, wind, and visibility determine whether you actually snorkel.

On calm days, the first beach can offer good fish watching. On other days, the water may be murky or rough enough that the guide cancels the snorkeling portion. Some outings have had equipment available but no practical chance to use it. That is not a flaw in the gear. It is a reminder that this is the Pacific coast, not an aquarium.

I would make your booking decision with this rule: if snorkeling is your main goal, choose a dedicated snorkeling trip. If you want a coastal hike and would enjoy seeing fish when conditions cooperate, this tour makes more sense.

You can still swim when snorkeling is not possible, although rough surf or high tide may turn the beaches into short rest stops. On one outing, the group saw humpback whales from shore, but wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable. Guides may also point out iguanas, birds, and plants along the trail.

The Bay of Banderas from the trail

The views are one of the strongest reasons to take this route. From the higher sections, you look over the Bay of Banderas and see the coast from angles unavailable on a normal beach day. The combination of jungle, cliffs, coves, and open water gives the walk its sense of discovery.

The views also make the climbs easier to accept. You are not trudging through an inland forest with no reward. The coast keeps appearing through the trees, and the beaches below provide clear targets for the next part of the route.

Still, do not mistake a beautiful setting for an easy walk. The trail can be slippery, especially near wet sand and rocky sections. Take your time on descents. A guide can help with footing and route choices, but you remain responsible for moving carefully.

Playa Las Animas and a well-earned meal

The route finishes at Playa Las Animas, the largest and most developed beach on this excursion. Here you find several restaurants, loungers, drinks, and a more social beach atmosphere. It is a sharp contrast to the smaller coves earlier in the day.

Lunch is not included. You can order seafood or another meal at the restaurant selected for your group, or you may have some choice about where to eat. Food quality has been praised, but service can be slow. One group waited more than an hour, which reduced time on the beach.

That is worth keeping in mind if you are on a tight schedule, especially if you are visiting from a cruise ship. Playa Las Animas is a pleasant place to sit down after the trail, but lunch can extend the day beyond the stated six and a half hours.

Some restaurants accept credit cards, but pesos remain useful for drinks, snacks, small purchases, and transport. A coconut drink or fresh coconut may also be available at a beach stand along the way.

Returning by water taxi

After lunch, you take a boat back toward Boca de Tomatlán. This is more than a simple transfer. From the water, you see the coves and cliffs from a new angle, and the ride gives your legs a break.

The included return generally goes to Boca de Tomatlán, where you catch public transport back toward the original meeting point. A different boat option may cost extra and take you closer to Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón or cruise area. Confirm the return plan with your guide, especially if you need to reach a ship.

Cruise ship passengers need to watch local time versus ship time. Leave a generous margin. The walk, lunch, boat, bus, and final taxi can take longer than planned, and one outing reached the cruise terminal area around 5 p.m. after a 9 a.m. start.

Is $38 good value?

At $38 per person, this is a strong value for an active full-day outing. The price includes a guide, snorkeling equipment, the organized route, and the included water taxi back to Boca de Tomatlán. You also get a local bus ride and access to coastal areas that would take more planning to visit alone.

You still need money for lunch, drinks, and possibly a taxi or an upgraded boat return. The food bill can vary, and a private taxi from the cruise area is separate. Even so, the price compares well with a private coastal excursion because the group size is capped at 14.

The value is highest if you want movement, nature, and local transport. It is lower if you expect a polished vehicle, long beach stays, guaranteed snorkeling, or a fixed gourmet lunch.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a rescheduled date or full refund.

Who should book this coastal hike?

You should consider it if you:

• Enjoy a strenuous walk with steep climbs and rough footing.
• Want to see south-coast beaches beyond the easiest public access points.
• Like using public transport and returning by boat.
• Can accept that beach time and snorkeling depend on conditions.
• Want a small group rather than a large coach excursion.
• Are comfortable carrying your own water and personal items.

You should think twice if you have mobility concerns, dislike uneven ground, or want a relaxed day beside the water. The minimum age is 10, and the stated maximum is 60, but fitness and balance matter more than the number on your passport.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

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

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is about six hours and 30 minutes, though lunch, group pace, transport, and sea conditions can make the day longer.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Playa Las Animas is purchased separately.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on tide, surf, and water visibility. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but rough or murky conditions may prevent snorkeling.

How difficult is the hike?

It requires moderate physical fitness and includes steep uphill and downhill sections, rugged terrain, rocks, and some high steps. The route covers about 3.5 to 4 miles according to practical guidance from the experience.

What beaches does the route include?

The route begins near Boca de Tomatlán, continues to Playa Colomitos and other coastal beaches, and ends at Playa Las Animas.

How do you return to Puerto Vallarta?

The included boat returns you to Boca de Tomatlán, after which you use public transport back toward the meeting point. A different boat return toward Puerto Vallarta may cost extra.

What is the minimum age?

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

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to earn your beaches. You will get jungle trails, steep coastal walking, a possible swim or snorkel, a seafood lunch, and a boat ride that ties the day together.

Do not book it for guaranteed fish sightings or six long beach breaks. Choose it for the scenery, the physical challenge, the smaller group, and the chance to see Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast in a more local way. At $38, it is an excellent deal for an active visitor who arrives prepared with sturdy shoes, water, pesos, and realistic expectations.