Hidden beaches, without the hassle of DIY planning. This tour takes you from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán by bus, then out by boat along the coast toward Yelapa for a route built around two snorkel sessions, plus a laid-back stop on the way back. I love the personal feel you get with a maximum of 10 travelers, and I also love how the guide helps you get sorted safely in the water, even if you are new to snorkeling. One thing to consider: a few extras can show up, like coconut snacks that are not included, and the meal is only included if you select the included option at booking.

If your idea of a good day is fish time plus sea views, you are going to like this. You get snorkeling gear, a life jacket, bottled water, and the boat trip, and the pace is relaxed, about 30 minutes at each snorkeling stop. The rest of the time is spent traveling in comfort and soaking up those coastal, boat-only beach moments.

Key things I’d call out before you book

• Small group up to 10 travelers, which keeps the snorkeling time feeling personal
• Bus to Boca de Tomatlán first, so you get the scenic PV coastline before you even reach the water
• Two snorkel stops for up to ~30 minutes each, plus a return beach break
• Snorkeling gear and life jacket included, with hands-on help for getting in and out safely
• Boat ride along the coast, with the option to see hidden beaches only reachable by water or hiking

Boca de Tomatlán bus ride: the start of the day’s best scenery

Your day starts at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica. From there, you ride south by bus to Boca de Tomatlán, and that part matters more than you might think. The road runs through lush tropical foliage, with winding views that give you a quick dose of what makes Puerto Vallarta special beyond the hotel strip.

This also sets expectations for timing. You are not just being dropped at a pier. You are moving together as a small group, then you reach Boca and walk a few meters from the bus stop to the beach area. It keeps things simple, especially if you do not want to figure out local transport on your own.

When the group arrives, the boat can take a few minutes to get ready. Instead of idling in the sun, you hang out at a restaurant with a scenic view while things get set. That little pause can turn into a nice reset, so you are not rushed when it’s time to snorkel.

Boat time along the coast toward Yelapa: comfort, cover, and quick stops

Once you board, the boat heads south along the coastline toward Yelapa for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is where the trip feels like an adventure, because the route is built around hidden beaches you pass along the way. You are not just using the boat to get from A to B. You are using it to enjoy the coast at sea level.

The boat has a cover, which is a big deal if the sun is strong. You still get the sights, but you are not stuck baking while you travel. In reviews, that shade came up as a real comfort point, especially for people who just want to focus on the day instead of fighting sun.

As you go, your guide points out beaches along the shoreline. Some are places you will not reach without a boat or hiking, which makes the later stops feel like a reward rather than a random beach break.

Two snorkel stops at a human pace: Majahuitas and Playa Colomitos

This is the main event, and the structure is smart. You get two snorkeling places, spending up to about 30 minutes at each. You are provided with snorkeling equipment, including a snorkel tube and fins, plus a life jacket. That matters if you are new or if you just want less stress about gear and safety.

The first two stops are Majahuitas Beach and Playa Colomitos. In practice, the biggest difference between a good snorkel day and a forgettable one is how you feel once you hit the water. Here, you get setup help. Even people who had never snorkeled before were able to do it well, because the guide gets you ready and checks on you so you are comfortable.

What you might see depends on conditions, but the snorkeling descriptions were consistently lively. You can expect lots of fish close to you, including sightings like king angelfish and other species. One review even mentioned an eel and a mix of creatures like sea cucumber and starfish. Another mentioned sargent fish swimming near the group.

Tip for comfort: plan to take it easy at the start of each swim. If you get your breathing calm first, the rest of your time turns more fun and less effort. With shorter snorkeling blocks, you want your energy for watching wildlife, not fighting nerves.

Potential drawback: boarding and stepping on and off the boat for the beach stop can be tricky for some people. In one review, the group helped carry passengers where needed. If you have mobility challenges, it’s worth thinking about your comfort with steps and balancing in a moving boat environment.

The return beach stop: coconut drinks and a hidden beach break

After the second snorkeling session, you head back and make a stop at a favorite hidden beach for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to cool off, dry out a bit, and just enjoy the coastline from a calmer spot.

On that beach, you can enjoy coconuts and drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, plus beer and water. This is one of those moments where the trip feels like it has texture, not just activities.

A note on budgeting: coconut with lime and spice came up as an extra fee in a review. The tour includes bottled water, but snacks like coconut are listed as not included. If you are the type who likes to try everything, have a little cash set aside so you can say yes without stress.

The vibe here is simpler than the snorkeling. Think shade, quick conversation, and a slower pace before you head back to eat.

Lunch back at Boca de Tomatlán: choose wisely between included and optional

After leaving the hidden beach, the boat returns to Boca, and then you eat. The meal can be included if you select the included meal option at booking, so check what you chose before you arrive.

In reviews, the restaurant experience at Boca got special praise. One review specifically called out El Embarcadero, describing it as right on the water with an excellent cheeseburger. Even if you are not a burger person, the point is that this is not a random, hurried stop. It’s a proper sit-down meal after you have worked up an appetite.

My practical advice: if the included meal option is available to you, it is usually worth it. You are already paying for the hard part of the day, boat time and snorkeling, and lunch is part of finishing the loop in a way that feels natural.

Safety and guidance: what makes this tour feel personal

A lot of snorkel tours say they are safe. This one earns trust by being hands-on. The guide, named Elian in multiple reviews, is repeatedly described as attentive, patient, and focused on making sure people are set up correctly. Another key person mentioned is boat captain Brian. Reviews describe him as an excellent captain who also snorkels, so he understands what it feels like in the water.

This matters most for two groups:

1) people who are new to snorkeling

2) anyone who wants less uncertainty about gear, timing, and getting in and out

Elian was also mentioned as taking photos in the water and air-dropping them afterward. That is not required for safety, but it adds real value if you want proof your day was as fun as it felt.

The tour includes a life jacket, which is a baseline you should feel good about. And because the group is capped at 10 travelers, the guide can keep closer eyes on everyone than on larger tours.

Price and value: what $54.36 buys you, and what it does not

At $54.36 per person, the headline value comes from what is included: boat trip, snorkeling equipment (snorkel tube and fins), life jacket, bottled water, and all taxes and fees.

What is not included is also clearly relevant:

• Bus fare (private transportation is also not included)
• Snacks like coconut

So the real cost is not just the listed price. It is the listed price plus local transit costs and any beach snacks you want to buy.

Where this becomes good value is the combination. You are paying to cover the boat, gear, and a guided day built around two snorkel sessions and a return beach break. If you were trying to DIY this, you would likely spend time and effort lining up transportation, finding equipment, and managing the timing yourself.

My take: this is one of those tours that stays fair because it is not trying to inflate the experience with extras. You get the essentials and a real guide, and you pay extra only if you choose to.

Who this tour fits best (and who might skip it)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Snorkeling with help, not just a handwave at the water
• A boat day that also includes sightseeing along the coast
• A small-group pace that feels manageable

It also sounds like a great fit for families who can handle getting on and off the boat. One review mentioned taking older kids and even a 4-year-old, with the guides described as empathetic and safety conscious.

If you dislike boats or you get stressed around steps and transfers, you might find the boat boarding and beach stop the hardest part. It sounds solvable with assistance, but it is still a factor to think about ahead of time.

Tips to make your snorkeling day smoother

You will get gear, but your comfort still depends on how you prepare. Here are practical things that reduce friction:

• Wear something you can swim in and bring something dry for after.
• Use sunscreen before you get on the boat, since waiting time happens too and you will be outside.
• Keep your phone protected if you want pictures, especially since you may be in and out of water.
• Go slow on the first breaths. Once you settle, you will spot more fish.
• Bring a little cash for coconut snacks if you want the lime and spice style treat mentioned in reviews.

And if you have never snorkeled before, do not treat it like a test. Treat it like a short, guided swim where you follow instructions and ask for help.

Should you book Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure?

If you want snorkeling that feels guided, not chaotic, I think this is an easy yes. The small group size, the included life jacket and snorkeling gear, and the hands-on approach from Elian make it especially attractive if you are new or you just want a calmer experience. The route is also more interesting than a single beach stop because you get boat time along the coast and a return hidden beach break.

I would only hesitate if you are sensitive to boat transfers, or if you dislike tours where extra snacks like coconut might cost more than you expected. For everyone else, this is a strong way to spend about half a day in Puerto Vallarta, with real marine life and coastal scenery built into the day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure?

It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico and ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a life jacket, bottled water, use of snorkeling equipment, and the boat trip, plus all taxes and fees.

What snorkeling spots are included?

The snorkeling stops listed are Majahuitas Beach and Playa Colomitos.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is available with an included meal option, but it depends on what you select at booking. If you do not choose the included meal, you may need to plan for food separately.

What is not included?

Bus fare (and private transportation) is not included, and snacks like coconut are also listed as not included.

How many travelers are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

Do weather conditions affect the tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.