Puerto Vallarta has a secret coast day.

This full-day hike trades lounge chairs for hidden beaches, jungle trail views, and optional snorkeling, all led by a local guide like Diego or Juan. You also get snorkel equipment so you do not have to pack it.

My favorite part is the day is built around actual movement, not just stopping for photos. The second big win for me is Colomitos Beach at the start, the “smallest beach in Mexico” moment, which makes the whole route feel like a discovery mission.

The main consideration is the terrain: it is not flat, and some sections can feel steep, rocky, and rugged, with snorkeling that depends on sea conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group hike (max 14) keeps it more personal and easier to navigate tricky sections.
• Snorkel equipment included, but snorkeling quality can vary day to day.
• Colomitos Beach is an early highlight, with swimming and often the best chance to see fish.
• You will travel by urban transport to Boca de Tomatlán, then return by boat.
• Bring traction footwear because you will hit inclines, declines, and wet beach stretches.
• This is a moderate-fitness hike for ages 10 to 60, so pace matters.

Hidden Beaches Hiking From Puerto Vallarta: the Big Idea

This is a coastal hike that feels like you are doing what locals do, not what tour buses do. You start near Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, ride out like a local, then earn your beach time on a jungle and beach-path route.

The “6 hidden beaches” promise is mostly about variety and viewpoints. Practically, you should expect several stops, not nonstop lounging at each one. You will likely spend more time at a few main beaches, then move on to keep the day moving.

If you want a day that mixes coastline drama, forest trail, and the thrill of reaching a beach that feels far from the main strip, this fits.

Zona Romántica Meet-Up and the Local Bus Ride to Boca de Tomatlán

Your day begins in Zona Romántica, at C. Constitución 363. From there, you take urban transport along the coast, about 25 minutes, just like the locals do.

This matters more than you might think. The ride breaks the day into two phases: city start, then a gradual shift into fishing-town energy and trail mode. You are not just transported to a beach, you are transported into the route.

It also sets expectations. When the bus drops you in Boca de Tomatlán, you are already in “walk time,” so the first stretch feels like a proper start instead of a slow build.

The Jungle and Riverbank Lift to Colomitos Beach (Mexico’s Smallest Beach)

Right after arriving in the fisher town, the route begins following the riverbank and climbing into a tropical forest. You get views along the way, and the rhythm is part hike, part breath, part look-around.

Then comes the first major payoff. A hike of about 40 minutes brings you to Playa Colomitos. It is often described as the smallest beach in Mexico, and the route gives it a dramatic sense of arrival. You are not trudging to a random sand patch, you are reaching a tiny, scenic coastal pocket.

From Colomitos, the day builds in a smart way:

• you get early swimming and photos
• you start to “lose” the crowds you see near the road
• you switch from tourist energy to near-private beach vibes

One practical note: plan on getting your feet wet at times. Several hikers recommend shoes you do not mind getting wet, because you will transition between rocky steps and sandier sections.

After Colomitos: More Hidden Stops, More Inclines, Real Coastal Views

Once you leave Colomitos, you keep moving along a beach and jungle trail. This is where the tour really feels like a hike rather than a beach day with occasional walking.

The trail includes steep inclines and declines, and you will deal with uneven ground. The upside is the scenery, you keep changing viewpoints, and you see the coast from angles most people never reach.

At the same time, it is not a “walk for fitness only” kind of route. It is more like “earn your access.” One of the best parts is that you get to feel removed from the main tourist circuits, without feeling like you are totally off the grid.

If you are the type who hates rushing through stops, this tour can surprise you. You will have beach time, but the day is paced to move you to multiple locations and finish strong at the end.

Snorkeling With Included Gear: Go in Flexible, Not Hopeful

Snorkel gear is included, so you are set up to try. But you should go in with flexibility. Snorkeling depends heavily on tide and surf conditions, and conditions can change even within a region.

In plain terms, the water might be clear and calm, or it might be rough and murky. Some days you will swim with a good chance of seeing fish, and other days the best plan is just to enjoy the water and skip the snorkeling portion without feeling like you “missed” something.

A few practical tips based on how this day tends to run:

• The snorkeling moment can be short and concentrated, so do not treat it like an all-day activity.
• If you care about seeing fish clearly, focus on swimming time when the water looks calmer.
• Reef visibility is not guaranteed, so bring your snorkel mindset as a try-it, not a must-see.

This is still a great day even if you do not snorkel at all. The hiking, the quiet beaches, and the coastline views carry the experience.

Playa Las Ánimas as Your Finale: Seafood Break and the Different View Back

Your final destination is Playa Las Ánimas. This is where the tone often shifts from active movement to relaxed enjoyment.

You can have an incredible local seafood plate here, but it is not included. Plan for extra spending if you want the full food experience, and also keep some pesos in your pocket for drinks and snacks at the beaches.

After the beach time, you take a boat back toward the start area. The return boat ride gives you a different perspective on the bay, because now you are looking back at what you just walked along.

This ending is a big part of why the tour feels satisfying. You do not just come back the same way you left, you close the loop with a water view that makes the coastline feel bigger and more connected.

Gear, Shoes, and Pace: How to Make This Tour Feel Good

This hike has a moderate physical fitness level requirement, and it is rated for ages 10 to 60. In real life, that means you should be comfortable with:

• inclines and declines
• rocky, uneven footing
• periods of sand, beach steps, and wet ground

The #1 gear item is footwear. Multiple guides are praised for pacing and instructions, but you still need stable traction. Many people recommend hiking shoes with grip. If you wear sandals, at least keep them for sections where the terrain is less technical, not the steepest, rockiest parts.

Here are the practical extras that help:

• bring water, because the hike is active and you will sweat
• use sunscreen, since you will get exposed on the coast and forest edges
• consider a small pack to keep hands free
• bring something small to dry off your feet if you plan to swim

Pace is another factor. Some people call it fast and challenging, especially in rugged sections near the beginning. Others find it manageable, especially when the guide keeps things moving but not frantic.

If you want the best chance of enjoying it, show up ready for a workout. This is not a casual stroll.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This is best for you if you want an active day that still ends with real beach time. It is ideal for:

• people who enjoy hiking plus swimming
• travelers who want a more local-feeling day than the usual viewpoint stops
• small groups that prefer a guide-led plan with flexibility

It can be harder for people who:

• have mobility limitations
• are expecting flat, easy walking
• are looking for reliable, guaranteed snorkeling visibility

Also, if you are a cruise passenger, pay attention to the time note in the tour information. The tour calls out that you should account for local time versus boat time, which is smart. Build buffer in your head, because you do not want to be calculating on the fly while you are on the move.

Price and Value: Why This $38 Day Works

At about $38 per person for roughly 6.5 hours, the value is strong when you look at what you get:

• a guided experience through multiple coastal and jungle areas
• snorkel equipment included
• transport components that get you between the start town, trail access, and the return by boat
• a small-group setup with a maximum of 14 travelers

This is one of those trips where the real cost is physical effort, not money. You are paying to access a route you probably would not connect on your own without a lot of planning, and you are paying to do it with a guide who knows the terrain.

If your alternative is a standard beach day, this costs a bit more once you add snacks, taxis, and gear. If your alternative is doing nothing and paying for a resort lounge day, this is a better use of time and gives you a story you cannot copy-paste.

Just be honest with yourself about snorkeling. The day is worth it even when snorkeling is limited, but your expectations should match nature’s reality.

My Take: Should You Book This Hidden Beaches Hike?

Book it if you want a true coastal adventure day around Puerto Vallarta, with quiet beaches, a jungle-to-coast hike, and included snorkel gear. It is also a great pick if you like small groups, clear instruction, and guides who make the route feel doable.

Skip or reconsider if you need easy walking, have limited mobility, or are counting on snorkeling as the main event. Also, come prepared for the reality that some routes focus on a few longer beach moments, and the “6 beaches” feel more like a sequence than a full time commitment at each stop.

If you fall in the first category, you will probably feel like this is exactly the kind of trip that turns Puerto Vallarta from a beach destination into a place you actually explored.

FAQ

How long is the full-day trail tour to hidden beaches and snorkeling?

It is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The meeting point is C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What is the minimum and maximum age for this tour?

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

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How should cruise ship passengers plan their timing?

The tour notes that cruise ship passengers should account for local time versus boat time.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid will not be refunded.