Secret beaches beat the usual boardwalk stops.
This full-day trail starts in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica and quickly shifts you into jungle-and-coast country—part hike, part swimming, part ocean views. I especially like the “locals-first” vibe: you take an urban transport to Boca de Tomatlán instead of a coach drop-off, so the day feels grounded. And because the hike is built around beach/Jungle paths, you’re not just lounging—you’re earning the quiet coves.
My second favorite part is practical value for the money: snorkel equipment is included, and the route is paced so you can actually enjoy time at the water (not just do a quick dip and keep marching). The trade-off is real, though: snorkeling depends heavily on tide and surf, and the day can get rougher or less clear than you hoped, especially in rougher sea conditions.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A Coastal Jungle Hike That Starts Like the Locals Do
- What You Get for $38: Hidden Beaches Plus Snorkel Gear
- The Public Bus Ride to Boca de Tomatlán (And Why It’s Worth It)
- The 6.5-Hour Reality Check: Terrain, Inclines, and Your Fitness Level
- Colomitos Beach: The Smallest Stop That Sets the Tone
- Moving Past the Crowds: Hidden Beaches and a Snorkel Spot That Depends on the Ocean
- Playa Las Ánimas: Where the Day Lands (And Where You Eat)
- The Boat Back to Town: Banderas Bay From a Fresh Angle
- Pace and Group Size: Why It Feels Manageable for Many People
- What to Pack (So You Don’t Spend the Day Thinking About Gear)
- Who Should Book This Hidden Beaches Trail (And Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book? My Simple Decision Guide
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this tour?
- How long is the full-day experience?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What’s not included in the price?
- How fit do I need to be?
- Is lunch available during the tour?
Key things to know before you go
- Small group size (max 14): more flexibility and less chaos on steep sections and beach stops.
- Hike-first, lounge-last: you’ll spend more time walking than sitting, with time to swim where it works.
- Colomitos Beach is the anchor: you reach it quickly and it’s a great first swim and photo moment.
- Snorkel stops are condition-dependent: bring the right mindset (gear included, good water not guaranteed).
- Playa Las Ánimas is the payoff: you end at a beach area where you can order a local seafood plate.
- Return by boat, then back to town: you’ll see Banderas Bay from a different angle on the way out.
A Coastal Jungle Hike That Starts Like the Locals Do
This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta day that feels like a switch flips. One moment you’re in the old center (Zona Romántica), and the next you’re riding along the coast and stepping into a fisher town where your boots hit trail instead of pavement.
I like how the day is organized around movement. You’re not waiting around for transfers all afternoon, and the rhythm is clear: bus to the start, hike toward the coast, swim and rest at beaches, then boat back.
And yes, you still get the “vacation” bits—ocean time and beach time—but the main event is the route itself.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
What You Get for $38: Hidden Beaches Plus Snorkel Gear
At $38 per person, this is solid value because you’re paying for three things that normally cost extra separately: guided navigation, active time to reach remote beaches, and snorkeling equipment.
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but here’s the honest part: equipment doesn’t control water visibility. If the sea is rough or the tide isn’t cooperating, you may end up mostly swimming rather than spotting fish like you’re on a postcard.
Also, lunch isn’t included. You’ll have food options at the end point (Playa Las Ánimas), and a local seafood plate is available, but you should plan to pay for your own meal.
The Public Bus Ride to Boca de Tomatlán (And Why It’s Worth It)
Meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica. From there, the day starts with an urban transport ride—about 25 minutes—along the coast.
This matters more than it sounds. When you ride like locals, you see normal Puerto Vallarta instead of only the postcard version, and you get dropped in the right area to begin hiking without a complicated chain of private pickups.
Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, you’re in a fisher town setting and ready for the trail. You follow the riverbank first, then begin climbing into tropical forest.
The 6.5-Hour Reality Check: Terrain, Inclines, and Your Fitness Level
This isn’t a flat, easy shoreline stroll. The route includes steep up and down grades, rocky footing, and sections that can feel advanced even if the total distance isn’t huge.
Multiple guides pace the day for mixed groups, but the path still demands balance and sure-footed steps. Plan for moderate physical fitness, and if you struggle with stairs, hills, or uneven ground, this may be too much.
One more practical note: parts of the hike can involve wet sand or barefoot-friendly footing (some people do it), but you’ll be happier in footwear with traction. You don’t want one slippery moment ruining the day.
Colomitos Beach: The Smallest Stop That Sets the Tone
About 40 minutes into the hike you reach Playa Colomitos. This is described as the smallest beach in Mexico, and the important point isn’t trivia—it’s atmosphere.
Colomitos gives you an early “wow” without burying you in hours of uphill first. You’ll get rest and photos, and it’s also the best bet for swimming and snorkeling timing because it comes early while conditions may still feel manageable.
Expect this to be the moment you remember when you think of the tour later. The approach into the bay, the rock formations nearby, and the quieter vibe compared to the main road beaches are a big part of why people love the first stop.
Moving Past the Crowds: Hidden Beaches and a Snorkel Spot That Depends on the Ocean
After Colomitos, the route shifts away from the many tourist crowds and continues toward more secluded beaches. This is where the trail-as-adventure feeling becomes strongest: you’re walking along beach/Jungle paths and using short rests to refill and reset.
You’ll also have an opportunity to swim alone and feel like you’re in paradise when the sea is calm. If the water is clear and the surf is cooperating, you may visit a secret snorkeling spot and observe a great variety of fish.
But you should plan like a realist. Snorkeling is tide and surf dependent, and if the ocean is rough, that section can be less enjoyable or not worth forcing. The included gear is your safety net, but it can’t fix visibility or waves.
If snorkeling is your top priority, go with flexibility. Choose the hike as the main experience, and treat snorkeling as a bonus when conditions line up.
Playa Las Ánimas: Where the Day Lands (And Where You Eat)
The hike’s final destination is Playa Las Ánimas. This is where you shift from trail mode to beach mode, with time to relax and a chance to refuel properly.
Food is available here, and you can order a local seafood plate at the beach area. Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so bring cash or plan for card payments where available.
One smart way to use the last stretch: treat it like your decompression period. If you spent the day scrambling and climbing, you’ll feel it in your legs. Las Ánimas is the place to slow down, soak in the view, and stop thinking in navigation terms.
The Boat Back to Town: Banderas Bay From a Fresh Angle
After your time at the beach, you take a boat back toward where the hike started. This boat ride gives you a different perspective on the coastline and Banderas Bay, which is a nice reward for the effort of getting there on foot.
The included option typically returns you back to the starting area you used to begin the hike. There may also be other return choices (for example, some travelers mention an optional water-taxi style shortcut that costs extra), but the key point for your planning is this: the tour ends back near the meeting point area.
If you’re on a cruise day, pay attention to local time and the timing of your boat/bus hops. The day can be totally doable, but cruise passengers should plan with cushion.
Pace and Group Size: Why It Feels Manageable for Many People
This tour runs with a maximum group size of 14 travelers, which is a big deal on a steep, rocky route. Smaller groups spread out on the trail, and you’re more likely to get actual guidance at the moments that matter.
Guides also tend to adapt pacing to the group. Some hikes start with steeper scrambling sections and then gradually ease as you move along the route, which helps many people settle into the rhythm.
If you’re prone to moving fast, you’ll still feel the day moving you along. If you need frequent breaks, go in with confidence that the stops at beaches will give you those natural pauses.
What to Pack (So You Don’t Spend the Day Thinking About Gear)
You don’t need to carry snorkeling equipment yourself—it’s provided. Still, you should show up prepared for wet feet, sun, and a workout.
Here’s what matters most:
- Water shoes or sturdy hiking shoes with traction (you’ll likely get wet at points)
- Sunscreen (you’ll be exposed on and near the coast)
- A small towel or quick-dry cloth for drying feet after swim sections
- Water and a snack (protein snacks are a good idea)
- Cash/pesos for drinks or meals at beach stops
Also, bring the right expectations about snorkeling. Even with gear, you can’t control surf, tide, or water clarity.
Who Should Book This Hidden Beaches Trail (And Who Should Skip It)
This tour is best for people who want active beach time. If you like hiking, enjoy ocean views from odd angles, and don’t mind that snorkeling may be optional depending on conditions, you’ll probably love it.
It’s also a good choice if you want to see the quieter side of Puerto Vallarta. By focusing on the trail and reaching beaches that don’t feel like the main drag, you get a more authentic slice of the region.
Skip it if you have mobility limitations or you know you struggle with steep, rocky climbs. Even if parts of the route are easier, the overall trail includes challenging inclines and declines.
Age limits are minimum 10 years and maximum 60 years, which helps set expectations for the physical demands.
Should You Book? My Simple Decision Guide
Book this tour if you want a full-day nature and coastal experience where the hiking is the point and the beaches are the reward. The included snorkeling equipment and the small group size add value, and the end at Playa Las Ánimas gives you a satisfying finish with food nearby.
Don’t book it if you’re mainly chasing guaranteed snorkeling. Ocean conditions can shut down visibility or make swimming feel less ideal, and the day still demands real footwork on uneven terrain.
If you’re reading this and thinking yes—good. This is exactly the kind of outing that helps you understand why Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a seaside resort. It’s also a place where you can still reach quiet coastline by walking.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this tour?
You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.
How long is the full-day experience?
It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes on average.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What’s not included in the price?
Lunch is not included.
How fit do I need to be?
The tour is for people with a moderate physical fitness level. The hike is described as having steep inclines/declines and rugged terrain.
Is lunch available during the tour?
Food is available at the end point area on Playa Las Ánimas, but lunch is not included in the tour price.
