You come for the beaches, but you stay for the trail. This full-day hike strings together six lesser-known coves, with jungle views, swim stops, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing.

I especially love how this feels like a real local outing: you meet at OXXO, take public-style transport, and hop by water taxi to keep the route fun instead of just bus-and-beach. I also like that it’s small-group, limited to 14 people, so the guide can keep tabs on everyone on the rocky bits.

One consideration, though: it’s not an easy stroll. The hike can get steep and technical in places, and some people find the timing and swimming conditions unpredictable depending on the day.

Key points to know before you go

• Meet at the OXXO, not the tour shop: go to the sidewalk in front of OXXO with the white and green buses to Mismaloya.
• Colomitos Beach makes a memorable first swim break: photos and a real chance to cool off early in the day.
• Snorkeling depends on sea calm and tide: you may snorkel at a secret spot if conditions cooperate.
• Footwear matters more than people think: closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended, and many guides push for secure traction.
• Playa Las Ánimas is the payoff stop: you get your last beach time, plus the chance to eat local seafood.
• You’ll ride back by water taxi: it’s short, but it changes the view of the bay in a fun way.

Six Hidden Beaches and a Jungle Trail: What You’re Really Buying for $37

This tour is built for people who like mixing effort with payoff. You’re not just getting dropped at one beach. You’re walking along the coast south of Puerto Vallarta, hitting a sequence of beaches that feel more private, more natural, and more “how do we get there?” than the common tourist strips.

The best part is the rhythm. You hike from stop to stop through tropical plants and coastal viewpoints, then cool down with swims when you reach the next cove. That loop, repeated several times, makes the day feel varied even though it’s centered on the same overall coastline.

For $37 per person, the value comes from what’s included. You get a live guide, transport by bus, and the boat fee. Food and drinks are not included, so you control what you spend once you’re on the beach. In practice, this is one of those trips where your cost stays predictable, but your day feels bigger than the price tag.

Starting in Zona Romantica and Getting to Boca de Tomatlán by Bus Like Locals

The meeting spot is simple once you know what to look for. You meet on the sidewalk in front of an OXXO store, near the white and green buses heading to Mismaloya. Important detail: don’t go into the touring shop next to the bus stop. This is a different company, and showing up at the wrong place wastes time.

After pickup, you ride for about 30 minutes, then arrive in Boca de Tomatlán. From there you’re not instantly on the beach. You start with a hike segment that sets the tone: riverbank and coastline walking, with wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.

This “public-transport style” approach is actually a plus. Several guides keep the day lively while you transfer, and it helps the whole outing feel grounded in the region instead of feeling like a sealed resort day.

Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos Beach: Jungle Scenery and a Steep Start

Your first real hiking chunk begins once you’re out of town and heading along the riverbank and the sea. The area is lush, and this is where you start seeing why local guides take pride in explaining flora and fauna while you walk. You’re moving through a tropical corridor, not a landscaped trail.

At some point you ascend into a tropical forest area with views over the coastline. That climb is one of the reasons this tour is so satisfying, because the scenery improves as you gain elevation. You also get a clear “now we’re in it” feeling once you drop back down toward the beach access points.

Then comes Colomitos Beach, often described as the smallest beach in Mexico. Even if you’ve heard that nickname before, it still delivers. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop for photos, wade in, and realize you’re not dealing with crowds. The first major break is about an hour, with time for pictures, swimming, and snorkeling depending on conditions.

A small practical drawback: early on, your pace and timing can feel more intense than expected if you’re not used to uneven surfaces. Closed-toe shoes are worth it here, not later.

Colomitos to the Next Quiet Shores: When Swimming Becomes the Main Event

After Colomitos, the tour keeps moving through the coastline sequence. Some beaches may feel like full stops, while others can be more of a pass-by with quick swimming time. Either way, you’re constantly alternating between hiking and getting wet, which is part of the tour’s magic.

At certain stops, you’ll be positioned near clear blue water where swimming is the main refresh. When the sea is calm, the guide may take you to a secret snorkeling spot to observe marine life. That’s the big promise for snorkel lovers.

But here’s the reality check that matters for your planning: snorkeling isn’t guaranteed every day. If waves are up or the tide makes conditions tougher, you might spend more time swimming and fewer minutes snorkeling. People who skipped snorkel on rougher days still loved the day for the coastline scenery and the swim breaks, so don’t treat snorkeling like a sure thing.

If you’re hoping for marine life, keep your expectations flexible. The guides focus on what’s around you, and the water varies daily.

Cabo Corrientes Views and the Midday “Hidden Beach” Switchbacks

One of the stops along the way is Cabo Corrientes, where you get scenic views while you hike. This is less about a long beach lounge and more about turning your attention outward. You’ll see why this part of the Bay de Banderas shoreline is so dramatic, with curves, coves, and vegetation rising right out of the hills.

Then you head toward another “hidden gem” type destination, with a shorter break and time to swim. The goal here is variety, not long downtime. You’re on a route, not parked.

This stage can be where the day starts to test your feet a bit. You’ll likely deal with rocky sections, narrow pathways, and uneven ground. Some areas are described as tricky, especially during the early climb and the tougher rocky stretches. The good news is the guides typically adjust the pace for the group and keep everyone together.

If you’re the kind of person who gets nervous on narrow walkways, it helps to remember this: the tour is designed with a guide in charge, and many guides actively help people navigate down to beach access points.

Playa Las Ánimas: Last Beach Time, Lunch, and That End-of-Day Glow

Your final major beach stop is Playa Las Ánimas. This is usually where the day feels most like a reward. The break here includes lunch time, and you’ll have the chance to try local seafood from the beach-area restaurant options.

Two practical points here. First, lunch and drinks are not included in the tour price, so bring cash if you want to eat or buy beverages on-site. Second, this is often the stop where you’ll appreciate having good traction footwear, because moving between paths and beach edges can still be uneven even if the pace slows.

Once you finish up, you head back toward the fisher town by boat or water taxi. The boat portion is short, about 10 minutes, but it changes your perspective. You get a different view of the bay and the coastline, and it helps you mentally wrap up a long day outdoors.

Then it’s a bus ride back, about 30 minutes, finishing near the original meeting area.

How Hard Is It, Really? Fitness, Footwear, and Keeping Your Balance

This is a strenuous hike for many people, even though it’s only around six hours total. The time breaks up with beach stops, but the walking segments can be steep, rocky, and uneven. That’s why the tour isn’t suitable for people with low fitness levels, children under 9, people with respiratory issues, or people over 60.

Footwear is not a suggestion. Bring closed-toe shoes with grip. Several participants mention sand being slippery and the terrain including roots, rocks, and man-made steps in some stretches. Sandals often turn into a problem fast.

If you’re wondering how it feels, think “moderate-to-sturdy hiking,” not “easy nature walk.” Some guests say the first half is physically demanding, while others find the day manageable if they’re in decent shape. Either way, you should plan like you’ll be on uneven surfaces for a good part of the day.

A smart tip: eat a good breakfast before you go. Timing can vary based on pace and sea conditions, and you may end up later for lunch than you expect.

Snorkeling Reality: Tide, Waves, and Still Having a Great Day

Snorkel lovers should go in with a flexible mindset. The tour’s snorkel component depends on sea conditions. If the water is calmer, your guide may take you to a secret spot to swim and look for marine life.

If you get bigger waves, snorkeling may be limited or skipped. That’s not necessarily a letdown, because you’ll still have multiple chances to swim and enjoy the scenery. Plus, even when snorkel time shrinks, the hike-to-beach flow keeps the day active.

If you’re serious about snorkeling, keep one practical item front and center: check your own comfort in open water and consider that tide changes can affect visibility and safety. Ask the guide on the day what to expect, then decide what feels right once you’re out there.

Also note: some people mention stinging jellyfish in certain months. If you’re sensitive to that, pack accordingly and follow the guide’s advice on where to swim.

Guides Make It (Especially Alex, Juan, Diego, and José)

The guides shape the vibe of this trip. Many people highlight the same pattern: guides are energetic, watch the group carefully, and share local insights on plants and wildlife as you move through the jungle.

Names that come up again and again include Juan, Diego, Alex, and José. People praise them for keeping everyone safe on tricky sections and for making the day feel fun, not just instructional. Several guides also help with timing surprises, like when a cruise-day schedule runs late and you need to catch the water taxi and bus back.

If you care about learning something real, you’ll likely enjoy the plant and animal commentary. And if you care about not getting separated on steep paths, you’ll appreciate how guides keep the group together.

One small improvement idea you can keep in mind as a guest: sometimes it’s hard to recognize the guide at the meeting point. If you can, look for the guide before boarding and confirm you have the right person.

What to Bring for a Smooth Day by the Sea

This is where most comfort comes from. Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Beachwear
• Cash for drinks and snacks
• Closed-toe shoes

One more practical habit: wear active clothing you can sweat in, then let the beach breaks reset you. If you pack light snacks, you might feel better if lunch runs later.

Also pack insect repellent. Coastal jungle trails can attract bugs, and many people specifically recommend it.

Price, Inclusions, and Where You’ll Spend Extra

Let’s break down the money in a way that helps you plan.

Included:

• Boat fee
• Bus fee
• Guide

Not included:

• Food and drinks

So your base cost covers the “hard parts” of organizing the day: transport, the guide, and the water return. What you add is optional. You might buy a drink on the beach or eat at the end when you reach Playa Las Ánimas.

This structure tends to feel fair. You avoid being herded into an included lunch you might not want, but you also aren’t stuck paying for logistics on top of the tour price.

If you’re budgeting, decide in advance how much you want for snacks and drinks. Having cash helps, since beach-area purchases often run on simple on-site payment.

Should You Book This 6 Beaches Hike in Puerto Vallarta?

Book it if you want a day outdoors that mixes walking, jungle scenery, and multiple swim breaks. This is a great fit for active travelers who enjoy small groups and want beaches that feel quieter than the main tourist strips.

Skip it if you have joint issues or you get stressed on uneven rocky terrain. This tour is not built for delicate feet or low stamina days. Also skip if you’re over 60 or if respiratory issues make strenuous outdoor effort a bad idea, since it’s clearly not designed for those needs.

If you’re unsure, ask yourself one question: would you enjoy hiking on uneven ground with steep moments, then rewarding yourself with swimming and beach time? If yes, you’re the right match.

If no, you might still love Puerto Vallarta, but you’ll likely enjoy a different type of coastal tour that keeps the walking easier.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for the 6 hidden beaches hike?

Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store near the white and green buses to Mismaloya. Do not go into the touring shop next to the bus stop, because it is a different company. The tour notes that you should not board the bus on your own, find the guide first.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes the guide, the bus fee, and the boat fee. Food and drinks are not included.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

Snorkeling depends on sea conditions. If the sea is calm, your guide will take you to a secret place to snorkel. If conditions are rough, snorkeling may not happen the way you expect.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, cash, and closed-toe shoes. Closed-toe shoes are important because the trail can be rocky and uneven.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 9, people with respiratory issues, people with low level of fitness, and people over 60 years old.