A coast hike beats another day on a deck chair. This one gets you to quiet beaches like Colomitos and ends with a return boat ride for a different view of Banderas Bay.

What I really like is how the day mixes a guided jungle-and-coast trail with real beach time, and how the tour handles gear with included snorkel equipment. The small group size (max 14) also helps the guide keep everyone moving and safe.

The one drawback to watch is the terrain: it is not flat, and snorkeling depends on tide and sea conditions, so you may get less water time than you hope.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group (up to 14) makes a difference on rocky trails and at the beaches
• Snorkel equipment is included, but snorkeling quality varies with the ocean
• You start in Zona Romántica, then ride a public-style route like locals do
• Expect steep inclines and declines early on, plus wet rocks and sand
• You will likely see fewer crowds than the main road beaches
• The day ends with a boat ride, plus bus back to town

A trail that starts like locals do, not a bus lineup

The meeting point is in Zona Romántica, in old town Puerto Vallarta. From there, you take an urban transport along the coast, close to how locals travel day to day.

After about 25 minutes, you get dropped near Boca de Tomatlán, a fisher town vibe. That shift from city sidewalks to riverbank trail is part of what makes the day feel real.

Price and what $38 really buys you

At $38 per person for roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, this is strong value if you want an active day with a guide. You are paying for a local leader, access to quieter coastal spots, and included snorkeling equipment.

Lunch is not included, so you will still want cash or a card for drinks and food at the end. But the tour gives you multiple swim moments and the guided route, not just one beach stop.

The overall route: from riverbank climbs to multiple hidden beaches

This is a beach-and-jungle trail hike, not a gentle walk along boardwalks. You follow a riverbank at first, then climb into tropical forest with coastal views.

The pace is active, and the “6 hidden beaches” idea can be a little different from what you might picture. You may pass several beach areas while hiking, then spend real time at the best stops.

That structure works well if your goal is variety: views, short swims, photos, and a final, solid beach break at the end.

Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos: your first big stop in about 40 minutes

You hike from the fisher town area and reach Colomitos after a short 40 minutes of effort. Colomitos is famous as a tiny beach, and coming in feels like you earned it.

This is also where snorkeling tends to happen most often. The water can be clear on calm days, and at least one guide has led people to see stingrays, pufferfish, moray eels, and other fish around the first beach.

One practical note: the trail is rugged, and some of the route includes wet sections. Plan on footwear that can handle rocks and water, then drying your feet later.

Leaving the crowds behind: the quieter beaches and the “maybe” snorkeling moment

After Colomitos, the route continues away from the main tourist flow. You get chances to rest, take pictures, and swim in quieter spots that feel more like a secret.

If the sea is calm, the plan includes a secret snorkeling location where you can observe fish diversity. If the ocean is rough, you might only swim at a beach or skip snorkeling entirely, since visibility and safety depend on real weather and real waves.

So I treat snorkeling here as a bonus, not the core guarantee. The core promise is walking to secluded coastal views and enjoying beaches that stay away from the road crowds.

Playa Las Ánimas: the finish spot with local seafood and beach time

The final beach stop is Playa Las Ánimas. This is the place where you can slow down more, enjoy the scenery, and eat.

A local seafood plate is offered at the end, and while it is not included, it is part of the reason the day feels complete. One review mentioned a meal at Pichón Restaurant, and another mentioned El Caracol Restaurant Bar, both at or near the Las Ánimas area.

Also, Playa Las Ánimas is the bigger end of the day, with multiple restaurant options and places to sit. If you want a full wrap-up with food and conversation after hiking, this is where you do it.

Snorkeling reality check: included gear, but the sea decides

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to rent anything on your own. That said, snorkeling success here is strongly condition-based.

Some days have rough water, high waves, or murky visibility. That is when snorkeling might be limited to the first beach, or skipped because conditions are not ideal.

If you want to maximize your odds, be ready to jump in when the guide says conditions are good. If the guide holds back, take the hint and focus on swimming and beach time instead, because that part is always there.

The wildlife and guide factor that makes the hike more than walking

One of the most praised parts of this tour is the guiding. Names that came up again and again include Diego, Juan, Juan Carlos, Victor, and Alex.

Guides talk about local plants and animals, and they also keep the group moving at a pace that feels manageable for the day. People reported seeing iguanas along the trail, and there are also mentions of humpback whales from shore on some days.

This is where you get the “how did we find this?” feeling. You are not just doing a hike, you are getting a local story with every turn.

A realistic look at the hike difficulty and why shoes matter

This is not flat walking. Expect steep inclines and declines early, plus rugged footing along the way.

The route is described as moderately technical, with rocky steps and climbs that can feel challenging if you are not used to uneven terrain. Even groups who found it doable still recommended traction shoes, especially because you will be stepping around wet rocks and sand.

Some guides and a few hikers have done portions barefoot, but I would not plan your comfort around that. Bring shoes you trust, then switch to something easy to take off and put back on if you want to wade.

Getting back: boat ride views, then public bus back

At the end, you take a boat back toward where the hike started. Reviews describe the boat as short, with a chance to see the bay from a different angle.

From there, you return by bus. A cruise ship day takes more planning, because boat times and local times may not match your ship schedule, so you should build in extra margin.

One extra tip that can help your timing: the day can run long if your group lingers at beaches. If you have a hard cutoff, treat the listed duration as a rough guide and plan for delays.

What to pack: wet shoes, towel, water, and small cash

If you remember just five things, make it these: good traction shoes, water, sunscreen, and something small to carry essentials. A hand towel came up as a useful extra, especially for drying your feet after you get in the water.

Bring pesos for drinks and snacks because meals are not included. At the beaches, you can also buy protein snacks and refreshments, and you may want cash on hand even if some places take cards.

If you already have goggles or your own snorkel mask, you can bring them, but you still get equipment through the tour. Either way, be ready for the day to be partly about swimming when it works, not forcing snorkeling when it does not.

Who should book this hidden beach hike, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you like active days and you are comfortable with inclines and rocky trail sections. The minimum age is 10 and the maximum age is 60, and the tour lists a moderate fitness level requirement.

It is also best for people who want a guided route to quieter coastal spots instead of another “sit and wait” beach day. A group of friends, couples, and families reported having a blast, as long as everyone agreed to wear the right shoes and move at the pace set by the guide.

If you have mobility issues or you know you cannot handle steep, uneven terrain, skip this one. The hiking sections are the main event, and the beaches come as your reward.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta hidden beaches hike?

Yes, if you want a guided day that mixes jungle trails, quiet coastal swims, and a fun ending boat ride. I would especially consider it early in your trip if you like learning where to explore next, because this route shows you a side of Puerto Vallarta most people never reach on their own.

Skip it if your top priority is guaranteed snorkeling. Snorkeling depends on conditions, and on rougher days the day turns more into a hike plus beach breaks than a full-on underwater session.

Also be honest with yourself about footwear and footing. This is a great value at $38, but only if you show up ready to walk, climb, and enjoy the wet, rocky reality of the coast trail.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the full-day hike?

It is listed at about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included. Lunch is not included.

Do I need to bring lunch?

No lunch is included, so you will need to buy food on your own, typically at the stop near Playa Las Ánimas.

How does snorkeling work on this tour?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the plan includes snorkeling when conditions allow. The tour also notes snorkeling opportunities depend on conditions, and some days may have limited snorkeling.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level. The hike has steep inclines and declines and rugged terrain, so you should be comfortable on uneven ground.

How big is the group?

This experience has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What ages can participate?

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

Is it offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.