Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour

Reviewed · PUERTO VALLARTA TOURS

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour

★ 5.0 · 40 reviews 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $44 Operated by Las Animas Adventure Park · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

One of Puerto Vallarta’s best mixes is adrenaline plus swim time. You’ll pair a Playa Colomitos snorkeling stop with major energy at Las Ánimas Adventure Park, all while cruising past Pacific Ocean views and tropical greenery.

I especially like how the day is run with safety-minded guides, with standout guidance referenced by name, like Edwin and Arturo, who focus on keeping you comfortable and confident. I also love the combo of water time plus park time, because the snorkeling clarity at Colomitos is what turns a normal beach stop into a real highlight.

One thing to plan around is good weather, since the experience depends on it. Also, expect extra-cost add-ons beyond the ticket, like drinks, bottled water, and photos, so bring some pesos and decide early if you want the picture package.

Key highlights you should care about

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - Key highlights you should care about

  • Max 25 travelers keeps the day from feeling chaotic.
  • Playa Colomitos snorkeling in clear, calm-looking water makes this more than a quick swim.
  • Las Ánimas park thrills include suspension bridges, zip lines, and climbing on walls and networks.
  • Pacific Ocean and rainforest views from the bus add scenery even before you get wet.
  • Food is included, but you’ll still want budget room for drinks and possible lunch extras.
  • Guide energy matters, and the experience repeatedly credits leaders like Edwin and Arturo for upbeat, professional coaching.

Starting point in Zona Romántica, and how the day flows

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - Starting point in Zona Romántica, and how the day flows
This tour begins in Zona Romántica, at Constitución y Calle Basilio Badillo, in the Emiliano Zapata area. It starts at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point, which is handy when you want a full evening open for dinner and a beach walk.

You’ll likely ride in a bus first, and that bus time is not just dead travel. The route is built to give you ocean and rainforest scenery along the way, so you get a preview of what Puerto Vallarta looks like when you leave the main strip and head toward the coast.

The whole schedule is built around two big experiences: the adventure park and the coastal water time. That matters because you’re not choosing between thrill and views, you’re getting both in one day. And with a maximum group size of 25 travelers, you should feel like you’re doing an active outing, not joining a moving crowd.

Quick practical tip: if you’re the type who gets hungry mid-activity, this tour is better for you. Food is listed as included, and the day is paced so you’re not bouncing from one intense thing to another with nothing to refuel.

Vallarta outings in Puerto Vallarta we have also put through the notes

Las Ánimas Adventure Park: zip lines, suspension bridges, and real coaching

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - Las Ánimas Adventure Park: zip lines, suspension bridges, and real coaching
The main event sits at Las Animas Adventure Park, and the energy there is what you’re paying for. The program leans into variety. You’re not only zipping through the trees, you’re also crossing suspension bridges and scaling walls and networks.

The park also lists more than 20 extreme activities completed in safety, which is a big deal when you’re evaluating value. Many adventure tours sell one signature moment. This one gives you a longer sequence of action, so even if you skip one activity you still have plenty to do.

Two things I’d watch for while you’re there:

  1. Follow the instructions the first time you hear them. The park’s value is its safety setup, and you’ll get more fun per minute if you’re moving with the flow.
  2. Ask questions if you’re unsure about heights, harness fit, or how fast platforms move. The reviews highlight guides who keep things encouraging, and that kind of guidance tends to make the difference between nervous and excited.

In particular, Edwin gets praised for being knowledgeable, professional, and fun, with a style that keeps the vibe upbeat. Arturo is also described as flexible with timing and focused on making the experience feel personal rather than rushed. Translation for your day: if you’re the kind of traveler who wants clear support, this tour likely delivers it.

Stop 1: Playa Las Ánimas, the warm-up beach moment

You’ll start with a coastal stop at Playa Las Ánimas. Think of this as the “set your brain to vacation mode” phase. Even if you’re itching to start ziplines right away, this beach stop helps break up the morning and gives you a moment to orient your body before the park.

What I like about having a beach stop early is simple: it sets expectations. You get the ocean sounds, you see the coastline, and you can mentally shift from city pacing to coastal pacing. Then the park activities feel like the natural next step, not a jump straight into the hardest part.

Potential drawback: if your goal is purely snorkeling or purely adrenaline, you might find this first stop less specific than the others. It’s still part of the day and the rhythm, but it’s not the same “one big wow” stop as Playa Colomitos for snorkeling.

If you’re sensitive to sun, plan for that. Coastal mornings can feel bright quickly, and your hands will later be busy with activities, so it’s smart to take a quick moment for sunscreen and water before you start the park portion.

Stop 2: Playa Colomitos snorkeling, where the trip earns its wow

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - Stop 2: Playa Colomitos snorkeling, where the trip earns its wow
This is the stop you’ll remember: Playa Colomitos. It’s described as the smallest and most charming beach in the region, and the point of going there is the snorkeling.

The waters are presented as beautiful blue and crystal clear, which matters because snorkeling feels very different when visibility is good. When you can actually see what’s around you, even a short swim turns into a real experience rather than a quick gear moment.

Here’s a reality check that can help you set expectations. One review notes that they did not see a ton of fish, but still had a great time. That tells me two things. First, you should go in hoping for marine life, but also appreciating the water and the chance to swim in a calm, scenic spot. Second, the tour is designed so the day stays fun even if the wildlife feels shy.

What you’ll likely do here:

  • Get into the water and snorkel in clear coastal conditions.
  • Enjoy the beach atmosphere afterward, not just the water time.
  • Take photos when the light hits the coast the best.

Because this stop is so central, it’s worth asking yourself what kind of traveler you are. If you love water time and want a short-but-real snorkeling experience, Colomitos is a strong match. If you’re an advanced snorkeler looking for a specific reef system, you may find this feels more like a scenic coastal swim plus a taste of snorkeling rather than an all-day underwater exploration. Still, for most people, it’s the right length for a half adventure day.

Stop 3: Boca de Tomatlán, the coastal finish

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - Stop 3: Boca de Tomatlán, the coastal finish
After the park and snorkeling, you’ll head to Boca de Tomatlán, which is your third coastal stop. This part of the day is less about a single activity and more about enjoying the setting as the schedule winds down.

Why it’s valuable: by the time you reach the final stop, you’re usually ready for a lighter rhythm. Even if you’re still energized, the body appreciates a change in tempo. You can take in the water views, soak up the coastal air, and let the day feel complete instead of rushed.

You’ll also likely appreciate that the day ends back where you started in Zona Romántica, so you’re not stuck figuring out transportation when your energy dips. A tour that returns you to the meeting point is a small thing that makes the day easier.

What included really means for your budget

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - What included really means for your budget
Here’s what’s included:

  • Bus fee
  • Water taxi
  • Adventure Park entrance

Food is listed as included in the overall description, but the price details also say lunch is not included with an approximate cost of $20 USD. Those two statements can both be true in practice. Sometimes the park meals are included while a separate lunch stop or extra meal is paid by you. Either way, the safe move is to budget for additional eating and not assume every meal is covered.

Plan for these extra costs:

  • Soda/pop: about $50 pesos
  • Bottled water: about $25 pesos
  • Pictures: cost not specified
  • Lunch: approximate $20 USD not included

For me, this is where value becomes clearer. The ticket price is $44.80, and it includes the two biggest cost drivers for most active day tours: getting you to the coastal area with a water taxi and paying park entrance. Once those are covered, your remaining costs are mostly personal extras. If you skip the bottled water and take your own if you have it, or if you decide whether photo packages are worth it to you, you can keep spending controlled.

Simple budgeting advice:

  • Bring enough pesos for drinks.
  • Decide before you arrive if photos are a must-buy or a nice-to-have.
  • Keep a little extra for that last stop when you may feel thirsty or ready for a snack.

The guide factor: why Edwin and Arturo get named

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - The guide factor: why Edwin and Arturo get named
This tour gets high marks not only for activities, but for the tone and support. The reviews specifically name Edwin as encouraging, professional, and knowledgeable, with a style that keeps the group confident. Arturo is described as kind, informative, flexible with timing, and good at keeping the day relaxed rather than rushed.

Why that matters to you: adventure parks can feel intimidating if you’re left to figure things out alone. Good guidance reduces stress, and less stress usually means better enjoyment. Even if you’re comfortable with heights, having someone coach you on harnesses and safety checks can make you feel more in control.

Another plus is timing flexibility. Arturo’s review highlights a no-rush feel, which you’ll appreciate if you like taking in the scenery and not feeling pressured at each platform or beach stop.

Timing and group size, so you can plan your day

Puerto Vallarta : Snorkeling at Playa Escondida & Canopy Tour - Timing and group size, so you can plan your day
Duration is listed at about 6 hours 30 minutes. That’s long enough to feel like you did something real, but not so long that you lose your whole afternoon.

The tour caps at 25 travelers, which is important for two reasons:

  • It helps keep instructions manageable at the park.
  • It reduces waiting time between moments, so you spend more of your day actually doing things.

The start time is 10:00 am, so you can still do a late breakfast, coffee, or a short morning stroll in Puerto Vallarta before heading to the meeting point.

If you’re planning other activities that day, treat this as the anchor. The day is action-heavy, and the park part plus snorkeling means you’ll likely be ready to relax afterward.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience requires good weather. If weather conditions prevent it, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund.

That’s not a small footnote. For a day with coastal snorkeling and outdoor park activities, weather affects more than comfort. It affects safety, water conditions, and the ability to run activities.

So when you’re deciding whether to book, check the forecast for your travel window. If it looks dicey, you may want to plan this tour as one of the options you can reschedule without ruining the trip.

Who should book this tour, and who might not love it

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want:

  • A single-day mix of snorkeling plus canopy-style adventure
  • A guided experience with safety coaching
  • A smaller group size (up to 25)
  • Enough time to relax at the beach between bigger action moments

You might want to skip or swap this if:

  • You’re only interested in serious snorkeling for lots of fish and underwater time
  • You don’t enjoy height-based activities like zip lines or suspension bridges
  • You hate budgeting for add-ons like drinks and photos

This is a good fit for couples, friends, and active travelers who want Puerto Vallarta to feel like a real outdoor destination, not just a resort beach day.

Should you book Puerto Vallarta snorkeling and Las Ánimas canopy tour?

If you want one ticket that gives you both water views and park thrills, I think it’s a strong choice. The value comes from the combination: the included transport pieces plus park entrance, then the centerpiece snorkeling at Playa Colomitos.

Book it if you’re excited to do zip lines and cross suspension bridges, and if you like the idea of snorkeling in clear coastal water. Consider a different option if you want a purely chill day, because the adventure park portion makes this an active outing.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta snorkeling and canopy tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where do the snorkeling and park activities happen?

You visit Playa Las Ánimas, Playa Colomitos for snorkeling, and Boca de Tomatlán, with the Las Ánimas Adventure Park as the main activity area.

What is included in the ticket price?

The price includes the bus fee, water taxi, and Adventure Park entrance.

What costs are not included?

Not included are soda or pop (approximate cost $50 pesos), pictures, bottled water (approximate cost $25 pesos), and lunch (approximate cost $20 USD).

What time does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at 10:00 am at Constitución y Calle Basilio Badillo, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Keep comparing guided outings across Puerto Vallarta

Further Vallarta outings we have reviewed in Puerto Vallarta