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

A full-day adventure in Puerto Vallarta, this tour offers a unique way to explore the coastline’s best-kept secrets. For $36 per person, you get a 6-hour guided hike through lush jungle and scenic mountain trails, visiting six hidden beaches including Colomitos and Playa las Animas. The experience stands out with its combination of nature, local culture, and water activities like swimming and snorkeling, making it especially appealing for active travelers eager to see parts of Puerto Vallarta most travelers miss.

The tour begins in Zona Romantica with a simple meet-up point in front of an OXXO store. From there, you travel by local bus to Boca de Tomatlán, starting your hike along rivers and through tropical forests. Expect a moderate challenge—the trails involve some steep sections and rocky terrain—so comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended. Along the way, guides share insights into the area’s flora and fauna, enriching the walk with cultural and ecological stories. After visiting beaches like Colomitos, known as Mexico’s smallest beach, the trip continues with scenic views, swimming, and optional snorkeling in calm, clear waters. A highlight is the leisure time at Playa las Animas, where delicious local seafood is available at an included restaurant.

While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, it does have some considerations. The hike length is about 1.8 miles but can feel more strenuous due to the terrain. Some reviews note the importance of proper footwear and good physical fitness. The public transportation—bus and water taxi—adds an authentic local touch but can be crowded or hot during peak times. The small group size (limited to 14 participants) helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Key Points

• Price: Only $36 per person for a 6-hour tour full of exploration and water activities.
• Highlights: Visit 6 secret beaches, hike through jungle and mountain trails, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
• Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Juan, Alex, and Victor lead the journey, sharing insights into local flora, fauna, and culture.
• Physical level: Suitable for those with decent fitness; expect some steep climbs and rocky paths.
• Includes: All boat and bus fees and guiding services; food and drinks are not included but available at the last stop.
• Timing: Tours typically last around 6 hours and operate mainly in the morning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour departs from C. Constitución 363, with participants meeting in front of the OXXO store. After a 30-minute bus ride to Boca de Tomatlán, the adventure kicks off. The public bus experience adds a local flavor, and the water taxi at the end offers a scenic return, with some travelers choosing to pay extra for the private boat back.

This mix of transport and hiking gives a more authentic feel of Puerto Vallarta’s surroundings. Guides ensure smooth transitions between stages, keeping the group together and comfortable throughout. The small group size enhances safety and allows for personalized attention, especially important during the more challenging parts of the trail.

Exploring the First Beaches: Colomitos and Beyond

Your journey begins with a hike along a riverbank, ascending into the tropical forest. The first notable stop is Colomitos Beach, famous as Mexico’s smallest beach, tiny but packed with charm. Here, you get the chance to snap photos, swim, and snorkel, observing marine life if the waters are calm.

From there, the trail continues along the coast to explore more hidden beaches. Some beaches are pass-by points, giving opportunities to appreciate the rugged coastline from above. The guides provide interesting insights into the local ecosystem, making each stop informative and engaging.

Challenging Trails with Scenic Rewards

The trail involves steep sections and rocky terrain, with stone stairs and worn paths that test your agility. While some describe the hike as moderate to strenuous, most agree it’s manageable with good footwear and a moderate level of fitness. The guides are attentive, offering assistance and encouragement along the way.

The views from the mountain trails are a major highlight, offering vistas of Banderas Bay and the lush jungle landscape. The trail’s rugged nature provides plenty of opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, making the physical effort well worth it.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Water Play

Most beaches on the itinerary allow for swimming in calm, blue waters. When conditions permit, guides take visitors to a secret snorkeling spot to observe marine life in undisturbed environments. The water activities offer a refreshing break from the hike and a chance to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

A notable feature is the bonus cliff jump at one of the beaches, included as part of the adventure. This activity adds an extra element of fun and adrenaline for those interested, but participants should feel comfortable with heights and jumping into water.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Relaxation at Playa las Animas

The final stop is Playa las Animas, a well-loved beach with a restaurant serving local seafood. After a morning of hiking and swimming, this spot provides a relaxing environment to rest, eat, and soak up the scenery. The meal is considered delicious, with many reviews highlighting the quality of the food.

Travelers often spend as much time as they like here, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere before heading back to the starting point by boat. The scenic water taxi ride offers a gentle return and exceptional views of the coastline.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour is designed with flexibility and authenticity in mind. The meeting point is convenient, and the group size keeps the experience intimate. Guides are fluently bilingual in English and Spanish, adding valuable commentary along the way.

Participants are advised to bring towel, sunscreen, cash for snacks or souvenirs, beachwear, and closed-toe shoes suitable for rocky paths. The activity is not recommended for children under 9, individuals with respiratory issues, or those over 60. The duration of approximately 6 hours means you should be prepared for a full but rewarding day.

The Experience for Active and Curious Travelers

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking, beach time, and snorkeling. The physical demands mean it’s best suited for those in decent shape; however, the guides’ attentive nature and the availability of water taxis make it accessible for a range of fitness levels.

The trip’s cultural and ecological insights, combined with its scenic vistas, make it a rich experience. It offers a more personal perspective on Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, away from crowded beaches and tourist traps.

Puerto Vallarta: Hidden Beaches and Snorkel Adventure Summary

The full-day hike to six hidden beaches in Puerto Vallarta provides a cost-effective and active way to see the area’s natural beauty. The mix of jungle trails, secluded coves, and local cuisine appeals to those seeking authentic experiences. The guides’ expertise and small groups ensure a safe and engaging journey, although participants should be prepared for some challenging terrain.

This tour balances adventure, scenery, and local culture, making it a standout choice for fit travelers looking to discover Puerto Vallarta’s best-kept secrets in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This activity is not recommended for children under 9 years due to the physical demands of the hike and rocky terrain.

What should I bring for the hike?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, cash for snacks, and closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven trails.

How physically demanding is the hike?
The hike covers about 1.8 miles with some steep and rocky sections, making it suitable for those in decent fitness levels.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased at the last beach stop where a delicious seafood lunch is available.

What transportation is involved?
Participants take a bus from the meeting point, hike along the coast, and finish with a water taxi ride back, adding an authentic local experience.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, when the sea conditions are calm, guides take visitors to a secret snorkeling spot to observe marine life.

Is the tour suitable for people with respiratory issues?
No, it is not recommended for individuals with respiratory problems due to the physical nature of the hike.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible planning.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 14 participants, ensuring a small group experience with personalized attention.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience spans approximately 6 hours, mainly in the morning, with plenty of time at each stop.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby