This hike turns a beach day into a real walk. You start in town, then follow the coast through small coves and big ocean views, with plenty of time in the water.

I especially love how the guide brings the place to life, Abraham is a biologist who explains the nature and even the insects without turning the walk into a lecture. I also like the pacing, with a short town start in Boca, a quick swim stop at Colomitos, then a long stretch at Las Ánimas.

One thing to consider is that this is not a sit-and-look tour. You need moderate hiking fitness, and lunch, water, and even getting back by boat are on you to budget for.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel on This Hike

• Abraham, a biologist guide who connects what you see to wildlife and local nature
• Two swim breaks including Colomitos, known for its clear, emerald-green water
• Main beach time at Las Ánimas with restaurants and lots of rentals nearby
• Small group size (up to 12), so the hike stays friendly and manageable
• Coastal trail views with bay panoramas and granite island scenery from the road
• Free beach stops listed at Boca de Tomatlán, Colomitos, and Las Ánimas

The Best Part: A Real South Shore Walk, Not Just a Beach Drop

This is a half day that stays active, but not punishing. The total time runs about 6 to 8 hours, and you’ll be moving along the bay after a short start in Boca de Tomatlán.

The group stays small, up to 12 people. That matters because you get a hike rhythm that doesn’t feel crowded, and you can ask the guide questions while you’re walking instead of waiting at the front or back.

You’ll also get a built-in reason to keep your energy up: the schedule is timed around views and swims. It’s not just, go walk, then maybe find water later. You do, and it’s the point of the day.

Starting From Zona Romántica and Riding the Two Lane Road

You meet at Basilio Badillo 339A, in the Zona Romántica area, and you’ll head out in the morning with the group. The start time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

On the way, you get a slow, scenic reveal of what South Shore looks like from the road. You pass through an upscale neighborhood, then roll past beach front villas and resorts, with the jungle canopy hanging over the lanes like a roof.

This drive is more than filler. It sets expectations for what you’re about to see on foot: steep, scenic coastline, small pockets of beach, and water that looks close enough to touch from the trail.

Mismaloya, the Film Connection, and the Bay Views

As you continue along, you’ll pass through Mismaloya, a place that shifted from a quiet fishing village to a Hollywood filming spot. You’ll catch a glimpse of the bay and the bigger hotels on the bluff and beach as you move through the main road.

If you’ve seen the classic movie connection, this stop helps you understand why filmmakers kept coming back to the coastline here. Even from the bus, you can clock the dramatic shapes of the shore, the way the water changes color with the angle, and why the views feel so open.

This segment is also where you get the first real sense of scale: you’re not hiking in a tiny backyard cove. The coast keeps unfolding.

Granite Islands and the Marine Sanctuary Moment

One of the roadside highlights is a view of the large granite islands that make up the National Marine Sanctuary. The tour notes that the islands are home to millions of birds and fish.

Why this matters to you on the hike is simple. When a guide can point out the bigger ecology, the smaller details start to make sense. You might notice more birds overhead or pay closer attention to what’s happening near the waterline once you’ve been told what the islands support.

Even if you never see every species, this kind of context turns the day from “nice views” into “I understand what I’m looking at.”

Boca de Tomatlán Town Walk, River Footbridge, Then Coast Trail

At Boca de Tomatlán, you step off the bus and begin with a short walk through town. This is a useful warm up, and it also keeps the day from feeling like it starts on hard trail with zero lead-in.

Then comes the footbridge over the river. It’s a small moment, but it signals the shift from town to coastline. After that, your hike begins out of the cove and along the bay toward Las Ánimas.

You’ll spend about 30 minutes at Boca, which is enough time to get your footing, take a quick look around, and settle in before the real walking starts. The schedule also keeps things from dragging, so you still arrive at the best water early enough for a real swim later.

Playa Colomitos: The Quick Swim Stop That Makes People Remember This Day

Your next stop is Playa Colomitos, a beach often described as the most beautiful in the area. The main value here is the water and the mood.

You get about 30 minutes here. That might sound short, but it’s timed well because Colomitos is the kind of place where the water is the show. If you want to swim, this is your best chance before the main beach stretch.

Practical tip: treat this as a “get in, get your photos, get out” stop. Don’t overthink it. The day is built to keep moving, and you’ll have longer beach time at Las Ánimas after.

Playa Las Ánimas: 2 Hours Minimum of Lunch and Beach Time

This is the anchor of the tour. At Playa Las Ánimas, you’ll spend about 4 hours total, and the plan includes at least 2 hours for lunch and relaxing in the warm water.

The setting is set up for you. There are at least 10 restaurants along the beach, so you’re not stuck guessing from a menu in the middle of nowhere. If you don’t feel like planning ahead, you can just pick something once you’re there.

There are also lots of rentals nearby, so if you want beach play instead of beach sitting, it’s available. The list includes boogie boards, sail boards, banana boat rides, and parachute rides.

A heads up on money: lunch and what you drink with it are not included. You’ll want to budget for food and beverages, and if you tend to snack, plan to do that here rather than counting on the tour to provide it.

What the Hike Feels Like: Views, Water, and a Nature Guide Who Adjusts

The best part of this experience is how the hike stays interesting without being chaotic. You’re following a seashore route, so you get repeated sightlines to the bay and coastline. That means the walk doesn’t turn into a long, identical stretch of trail.

The guide makes a big difference. Abraham, the guide you may meet on this tour, is a biologist who knows the natural world around you, including wild animals and insects. The useful part is that he doesn’t just know facts. He adapts to your level, so you’re not stuck feeling behind or rushed.

That adaptability matters for a mixed group. With a maximum of 12 people, you can still move as a group, but the guide can slow down when someone needs a breather or speed up when everyone’s feeling good.

Price and Value: What You Pay For at $49.50

At $49.50 per person, the value comes from three things: a guided coastal hike, a structured day with swim stops, and a small group.

What you’re paying for

• A guide who walks with you along the seashore and explains what you’re seeing
• Organized stops at Boca de Tomatlán, Colomitos, and Las Ánimas
• Time built into the schedule for swimming and a long beach stretch

What you still pay for

• Lunch and what you eat and drink at lunch are not included
• The bus fare is not included, listed as 10 pesos each way
• The boat return from Las Ánimas to Boca is not included, listed as about 250 pesos

So the smarter way to think about the total cost is “tour plus your beach spending.” If you eat one meal on the beach and you want the boat return, you’re likely spending extra beyond the headline price. If you pack snacks and plan your meal, you can keep costs controlled.

Also, the beaches themselves are listed as admission ticket free at each stop. That’s good news. You’re not adding entrance fees on top of the hike.

How to Plan Your Day So You’re Not Rushed

This tour starts at 9:00 am, so you’ll want to be ready early. Wear shoes you trust for uneven ground. The route includes walking in town and then along the coast, and you’ll feel more comfortable with proper traction than with flimsy sandals.

Bring swim gear, because you’ve got a real swim stop at Colomitos and warm-water time at Las Ánimas. If you prefer to float and not commit, at least bring a cover layer for sun and breeze after you swim.

Pack practical sun protection. The schedule includes long beach time, and you will be outside most of the day.

Money planning matters too:

• Have cash for the bus fare (10 pesos each way)
• Decide if you want the boat back from Las Ánimas to Boca, since it is about 250 pesos and not included

If you like a simple day, this is a good one. You won’t need to solve transportation puzzles all morning, but you do need to manage what you spend on food and the return option.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This hike fits best for people who want a beach vacation with a purpose. You get nature talk, coastline walking, and actual time in the water, all in one day.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Have moderate hiking fitness and feel comfortable walking for hours
• Love views and don’t mind being active during your holiday
• Want a guide who can explain the living world, not just the route
• Prefer small group tours over crowded bus experiences

If you want a totally low effort day, this may feel like more work than you’re aiming for. You do get beach time, but it’s built around movement.

Should You Book This South Shore Hidden Beaches Hike?

If you like your Puerto Vallarta days with real scenery and a reason to walk, I think you should. The combination is hard to beat: guided coastal hiking, Colomitos swim water, and a long Las Ánimas beach window with restaurants and rentals. Abraham’s nature knowledge is also a standout, especially if you enjoy learning while you move.

Where you might hesitate is if you are trying to keep the day very budget tight, because lunch, bus fare, and the optional boat return can add up. Also, if moderate walking is a no-go for you, skip this and choose something more relaxed.

Overall, this is a smart value for people who want an authentic South Shore experience, not just a quick beach stop.

FAQ

How long is the Remote Hidden Beaches Hike of South Shore?

The tour runs about 6 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 9:00 am. The meeting point is Basilio Badillo 339A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and it ends back at the same place.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What should my fitness level be?

The tour is for people with a moderate physical fitness level.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch and all water, food, and beverages at lunch are excluded.

Is the boat back included?

No. The boat back to Boca from Las Ánimas is not included and is about 250 pesos.

Is bus fare included?

No. The bus fare is not included, and it is listed as 10 pesos each way.

Are there admission fees for the beach stops?

The stops listed at Boca de Tomatlán, Playa Colomitos, and Playa Las Ánimas are marked as admission ticket free.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. Free cancellation applies, but cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are not refunded.