Hidden beaches, two snorkel stops, no fuss. This 5.5-hour Puerto Vallarta adventure is built around a small group feel and two snorkeling stops, with a boat ride that drifts past scenic coves. My favorite part is how the day flows from a simple bus ride into calm time in the water, with gear and life jackets handled for you, and a return beach stop for drinks. The one catch to plan for is that bus fare and some beach snacks, like coconut, are not included, so your final spend can creep up.

I like that the crew keeps it practical. People are met at the meeting point in the Zona Romántica, then you head down to Boca de Tomatlán, where you can relax and get organized before the boat leaves. In many cases you’ll be guided by Elian, working with a captain like Brian, and the vibe is personal and safety-minded.

You’ll be snorkeling with provided equipment at two spots, then getting back on the water again briefly to reach the return beach stop near Boca. If you’re hoping for zero walking and easy boat steps every time, that’s the main thing to consider, since getting on and off the boat can be a bit tricky for some people.

Key highlights worth your time

• Small-group cap of 10 travelers for a more hands-on feel
• Two snorkeling sessions with provided fins, snorkel tube, and life jacket
• Majahuitas Beach and Playa Colomitos as your main in-water stops
• A covered boat that helps with sun during the ride
• A 30-minute hidden beach return stop with drinks and fruit options

From the Romantic Zone to Boca de Tomatlán: the ride that starts the day

The day begins right where most people are staying if they’re doing Puerto Vallarta the walkable way. You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, and then you’re on a bus headed toward the Boca de Tomatlán area. The ride is not just transport, it’s part of the scenery. Expect winding roads and lush tropical foliage as you move away from the main hotel strip.

This matters because it sets your expectations. You’re not spending the whole day cooped up on a boat. You get a real sense of how Puerto Vallarta looks once you leave the beachfront bustle behind. Also, since the meeting point is near public transportation, it’s easier to connect from other parts of the city if you want to mix this trip with other plans.

Boca de Tomatlán harbor waits: the calm before the snorkeling

Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, you walk a short distance from the bus stop to the beach area. Then you settle in while the boat gets ready. The tour includes a pause at a restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the view. You do not have to order anything right then, but it’s a good time to get comfortable, use the restroom, and beat the nerves if you’re new to snorkeling.

Boat time here is also smoother than the usual chaos you can get on bigger tours. In the small-group setup, you’re typically not racing around while strangers guess what’s happening. And from what I’ve seen described by people who did this trip, the boat is set up with shade, which helps if the day is bright.

Majahuitas and Colomitos snorkeling: your two in-water chances

The main structure of the trip is simple: a boat ride down the coastline, then two separate snorkeling sessions. The first two stops are:

• Majahuitas Beach
• Playa Colomitos

Each snorkeling session is up to about 30 minutes. That timing is smart for real life. You get enough time to gear up, get your breathing steady, and actually enjoy what’s around you, without burning the whole morning and ending exhausted.

Before you get in, you’ll be given snorkeling equipment: snorkel tube and fins, plus a life jacket for safety. The life jacket detail matters. Even confident swimmers tend to feel more relaxed when they know the basics are covered. If you’re a first-time snorkeler, this is where the guide makes a difference. People describe Elian as patient and focused on getting you set properly so you’re not fighting your gear underwater.

What you’ll see is the payoff. Around Puerto Vallarta’s calmer coastal waters, snorkeling can be fish-forward, and this route seems to deliver. Descriptions include king angelfish and other fish that swim close by, plus more interesting wildlife like an eel, a starfish, and a sea cucumber. If you’re the type who enjoys spotting “something unusual” rather than chasing every angle for photos, you’ll likely love how often you get close enough to notice behavior.

Also, depending on the season and conditions, you might get a bonus. People have reported hearing whale songs under the water during snorkeling. Others have even mentioned whale sightings. That part is never guaranteed, but it’s a fun reason this trip can feel more like a nature outing than just a beach activity.

The coastline ride to Yelapa: hidden beaches you can’t reach by foot

Between snorkeling stops, you ride south along the coast toward the Yelapa area. The tour description includes the idea that the guide points out various hidden beaches along the way. Even when you’re not planning to jump in, this is worth paying attention to.

Why? Because this is the logic of the “hidden beach” experience. Many of the best-looking beaches along this section of the coast are hard to reach from land. You get a front-row view of what makes them special, without needing to hike or fight steep access trails. If you like learning where places sit and why they’re hard to reach, the boat ride gives you that context naturally.

And it keeps the day from feeling like a rinse-and-repeat routine. You snorkel, you ride, you snorkel again, then you transition toward a final beach stop.

The return hidden-beach stop: 30 minutes of coconuts and shade

On the way back, you stop at a favorite hidden beach for about 30 minutes. This is the “slow down” part of the day, the break between water time and the meal afterward. The beach stop is described as having coconuts and drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, plus beer and water.

One practical note: some extras may cost extra. People have specifically called out that coconut on the beach can be an additional fee. It’s also easy to assume refreshments are included since the environment is so tour-like. If you want to avoid sticker shock, I’d plan on spending a little cash for snacks or coconut, even if bottled water is included.

This stop is short, so it’s not about lounging for hours. It’s about resetting your body and enjoying a calmer moment on another slice of coastline before heading back to Boca.

Food back at Boca: lunch depends on what you chose

After leaving the return beach stop, you head back to Boca de Tomatlán to eat. The tour includes a meal option, but you have to check what’s selected during booking. In other words, lunch is tied to your chosen option, not something you should assume will automatically be part of the base price.

From descriptions, lunch is often enjoyed at a waterfront restaurant. One commonly mentioned spot is El Embarcadero, known for simple, solid beach-town comfort food. If you’re hungry after two snorkeling sessions, that matters. Snorkeling burns energy, and it’s nicer to have a real meal waiting instead of scrambling for food in transit.

Price and value: what $54.36 covers, and what to budget for

At $54.36 per person, this is priced like a mid-value adventure. It’s not a bargain ride, but it also isn’t priced like a private yacht day. The value comes from what you get bundled:

• Boat trip
• Snorkeling equipment (snorkel tube and fins)
• Life jacket
• Bottled water
• All taxes and fees

The main things not included are:

• Private transportation or bus fare (bus fare is not included)
• Coconut snacks, which can be extra at the beach stop
• Your selected meal option (included depending on booking)

Here’s how I’d think about it: you’re paying for access, safety basics, and time in the water. You’re not paying for full meals on the beach by default. If you like tasting coconut drinks and beach snacks, your total budget will go up in a normal way. If you prefer to keep costs controlled, you can mostly stick to included water and whatever meal option you select.

The small-group size also adds value. With a max of 10 travelers, you’re more likely to get real help fitting gear and getting in the water confidently. That’s the difference between “I survived snorkeling” and “I actually enjoyed it.”

Safety and comfort: gear, guidance, and boat step reality

This trip is built for participation, and the tour notes that most people can join in. What that translates to on the ground is that you can likely handle it even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler. The guide support is described as patient, and people who had never snorkeled before did well with help setting up.

Still, don’t ignore the physical reality. One person pointed out that it can be tricky getting on and off the boat at the hidden beach stop, especially for a very young child or older adults with less agility. The group had help carrying some people, but you should show up ready for a little uneven movement and stairs or steps.

If you have mobility limits, think ahead. Wear shoes you’re comfortable getting sandy in, and keep your hands free so you can use the offered support.

Who this tour is for in Puerto Vallarta

This Hidden Beach snorkeling outing is a strong fit if:

• You want a small-group experience instead of a big crowded boat
• You want snorkeling gear and life jacket provided
• You like the idea of seeing more than one beach area, without doing a full hike
• You want a day that includes both water time and scenic breaks

It might not be ideal if you:

• Hate boat rides or dislike getting in and out of boats
• Want every single refreshment included
• Are extremely budget-sensitive and don’t want to add anything beyond the base fare

If you’re the type who values safety, clear instructions, and a guide who actually helps you enjoy the water, this is the kind of trip that tends to land well.

Should you book Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure?

If your goal is two quality snorkeling sessions plus a real “hidden beach” feeling, this is easy to recommend. The combination of included snorkeling gear, life jackets, and a small group keeps the day from feeling stressful. Add the scenic bus ride and the calm harbor wait, and you get a day that feels like a proper outing rather than a quick in-and-out.

I’d book it if you can handle short stretches of walking and you’re okay with a bit of extra spending on coconut and drinks. If you want a fully all-inclusive lunch and snacks with zero surprises, you’ll need to plan your budget and meal choice carefully.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure?

You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

The tour is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, including a snorkel tube and fins, plus a life jacket.

How many places do we snorkel?

You snorkel at two locations.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The stops listed are Majahuitas Beach and Playa Colomitos.

Is there a meal included?

There is a meal option included depending on what you select during booking, so check before you finalize.

Is transportation included in the price?

Bus fare and private transportation are not included.

What is included in the price besides snorkeling?

Included items are life jacket, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, all taxes and fees, and the boat trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.