This hike is a break from deck-chair travel. You’ll walk the coast like locals, hit hidden beaches such as Colomitos, and swap crowds for jungle trails and sea views.

I especially like that the tour includes snorkel equipment, so you don’t have to haul gear or guess what to pack. I also like the “you’re here for the walking” approach: short beach hangs, then back on the trail, with a guide who can steer you through rockier sections.

One thing to consider: snorkeling depends hard on sea conditions, and some days the water is rough enough that you may do mostly swimming or just admire the fish without getting in.

Quick hits

• Zona Romántica start, local-style transport: you ride a public bus segment like locals do.
• Colomitos Beach is the first big stop: about 40 minutes into the hike, with that famous small-sand vibe.
• Snorkeling is optional in real life: equipment is included, but waves and tide decide what’s possible.
• The trail is not flat: steep inclines/declines and uneven terrain are part of the fun.
• Small group size: capped around 14 travelers for a more controlled day on rugged paths.
• End at Playa Las Ánimas: time for a meal there, typically local seafood, though lunch isn’t included.

Getting to Boca de Tomatlán: the ride sets the local tone

Most days start in Zona Romántica, the classic old-center area of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll meet at C. Constitución 363 and then take an urban transport segment along the coast. The ride is about 25 minutes, and it’s a nice change from being herded straight into a “tour bubble.”

Next, you’ll get dropped near the fishermen’s town of Boca de Tomatlán. From here, the day turns active fast: the hike begins with a riverbank stretch and an ascent into tropical forest. This is where the “hidden beaches” idea becomes real, because the trail is literally working its way away from the road and its crowds.

Colomitos Beach in about 40 minutes: small, scenic, and photogenic

The first real destination comes relatively early—roughly 40 minutes into the hike. That stop is Playa Colomitos, often described as the smallest beach in Mexico, and it earns the hype with a tight, dramatic coastal setting.

This is where you’ll get your first chance to cool off. You’ll also see why guides love this spot: it’s easy to take in the scenery quickly and then move on before the day turns into a long beach slog. In several experiences, people found the first stop worked best as a swim-and-reset moment, especially if ocean conditions were better early in the day.

If you’re tempted to treat this like a beach lounge day, don’t. This tour is built for movement: short breaks, then back onto jungle and coastal paths.

From Colomitos to secret coves: swimming depends on tide and sea state

After the first beach, the route shifts into “leave the many tourist behind” mode. You’ll keep following the coast/jungle trail, with more secluded swimming opportunities. One key detail: the tour is designed so you can feel like you have a private slice of coastline—when you’re walking far enough away from the main beach access points.

There’s an added snorkeling component later, but it’s not guaranteed in practice. The tour description is clear that snorkel time depends on whether the sea is calm. When conditions cooperate, you may reach a secret snorkeling place and spot a good variety of fish. When they don’t, you’ll still have gorgeous coves and swim time—but you might not get the underwater show you planned.

A smart mindset here is: plan for beaches and views first, and treat snorkeling as a bonus when the ocean allows it. That keeps the day fun even if the water is a little too rough.

Playa Las Ánimas: the finish line with local seafood options

The final destination is Playa Las Ánimas. This is where the vibe shifts from “quiet cove” to “enough services for a proper meal.” The tour description notes that you can have an incredible local seafood plate here, though lunch is not included in the price.

From a practical viewpoint, this is a good stop to re-fuel. Reviews-style feedback around this end-of-tour meal is mixed on timing, so I’d treat food as something you’ll enjoy, not something you’ll rush through. If your main goal is more beach time, you can still plan for a shorter order and go back to the sand quickly.

Once you’re done eating and resting, the day ends with a return by boat. You’ll see the bay from a different perspective than you had at the start—more like “viewing Puerto Vallarta from the water” instead of “walking it from shore.”

Snorkeling expectations: gear included, conditions decide

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, which is a big value point for $38. You’re not stuck paying extra for a mask or hoping rentals are easy to find.

But the water can be temperamental. Some experiences describe February conditions with rougher seas and reduced snorkeling visibility, leading to little or no snorkeling during the day. That lines up with how this kind of coastline works: winds, tide, and swell can change the experience quickly.

Here’s how I’d plan your expectations:

• Treat the first swim stop as the most likely time to feel “ready for water.”
• Accept that later snorkeling may turn into mostly swimming or skipping the water entirely.
• Bring a calm attitude. If snorkeling happens, great. If it doesn’t, you still get a serious coastal hike and beautiful beaches.

Also, even if you snorkel, you’re still hiking rugged terrain afterward. So keep your gear simple and don’t plan on staying perfectly dry.

Trail difficulty: rugged, steep in places, and not for slow movers

Even with a fun group vibe, this is still a hike. The tour is designed for moderate physical fitness, with a min age of 10 and max age of 60. In real-world terms, many people describe steep inclines/declines and rocky, sometimes technical footing.

Multiple experiences emphasize that it’s not flat, and that some portions can feel challenging—especially the early climbs and scrambles over rocks or steps. Distances described in feedback are often around 3.5–4 miles of hiking activity, even if you’re not constantly on a long straight path.

What helps most is footwear. People consistently recommend good shoes with traction, and several also mention wet feet being part of the deal. If you prefer sneakers or sturdy sandals, pick what you can handle while stepping over uneven coastal rocks.

If you have mobility issues or know you avoid steep uneven trails, I’d skip this one. The trail can be a bit “hold on and place your feet” in places, not just a casual coastal walk.

Transport details: public bus there, boat back, and cruise timing matters

One reason this tour feels authentic is the way you move through the area. You start with public transport from the Puerto Vallarta center area. Then, later, you return via boat to where you begin the hiking route area.

For cruise passengers, the tour explicitly warns about local time vs boat time. If your ship is your clock, double-check your local schedule and build in a buffer for transfers. Experiences from cruise days also note that getting back can take extra steps (bus, taxi, and walking around the port area), so plan conservatively.

There’s also mention of boat options. Some people describe an included boat return that brings you back to Boca de Tomatlán, and an extra-cost option that returns closer to the cruise port area. If you’re on a cruise, it’s worth asking your guide what return option is being used and how it affects ship-timing.

Price and value at $38: what you’re getting for your money

At $38 per person, this tour is strong value if your goal is active sightseeing. You’re paying for three big things that usually cost extra separately:

1) a guided route to beaches you can’t reach easily on your own,

2) snorkeling equipment included,

3) a full-day structure that includes transport segments and a boat return.

Lunch is not included, so factor in that you’ll probably spend extra at Playa Las Ánimas (or snack elsewhere). Still, the $38 price is doing a lot of work: you’re not just paying for a beach day—you’re paying for guided access, gear, and a day’s worth of movement.

Also, the small group size helps. Around 14 travelers max means you’re less likely to feel like you’re sprinting in a crowd or waiting endlessly for the guide to sort the next step.

Guides make the day: Diego, Juan Carlos, Victor, and Alex

This tour’s quality isn’t only about beaches. It’s about how your guide helps you move safely on uneven terrain and get to the right spots.

Several guides are mentioned:

• Diego: praised for strong local knowledge and pacing that doesn’t bulldoze the group.
• Juan Carlos (often described with the nickname Johnny Jungle): praised for humor and ease of managing the route and snorkeling decisions based on conditions.
• Victor: described as patient and attentive, especially when groups include different fitness levels.
• Alex: praised for a chill, friendly style and keeping things organized while still giving people time to enjoy the beaches.

You’ll feel this most in the tricky moments—steep sections, rock scrambling, and the general “where do I place my foot” parts. Good guides can also translate the area beyond just the beaches, like pointing out wildlife and plants along the way.

What to bring for a wet, sunny, steady-hike day

This is a practical hike. You’ll be in and around water, plus on rocky trails. Pack like the beach and the hike are both in play.

Here’s what I’d bring:

• Traction shoes (and expect they might get wet).
• Sunscreen and sun protection, since you’re in open coastal sections and active climbing.
• A hand towel (for drying feet after getting in the water).
• A small day pack for water and snacks.
• Pesos for drinks or snacks at beaches, since food at stops is available but not included.

If snorkeling happens, you’re covered on equipment. If it doesn’t, you’ll still want to be comfortable in swim-worthy conditions and ready for a hike afterward.

Should you book this hidden-beach trail?

Book it if you want a real active day in Puerto Vallarta that goes beyond the main road beaches. It’s especially a good fit if you:

• like hiking with short beach breaks,
• want the option of snorkeling with gear included,
• are comfortable with steep, rocky terrain, and
• enjoy quieter coves and ocean views more than a resort-style lounge day.

Skip it if you’re expecting flat walking, snorkeling on every day, or a gentle stroll. Rough seas can shut down underwater visibility, and the trail can be more technical than it sounds in a brochure.

If you’re the type who’s happy trading comfort for access to quieter shoreline, this is the kind of day you remember for years.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where do I meet for the hike?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, but snorkeling depends on sea and tide conditions.

Do I get lunch on this tour?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have food options at stops, especially near the end at Playa Las Ánimas.

How difficult is the hike?

It requires moderate physical fitness. The trail is not flat and includes steep inclines/declines and rugged terrain.

What are the age limits?

The tour lists a minimum age of 10 and a maximum age of 60.

Will the group be small?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

Is this tour good for cruise ship passengers?

It can work, but plan carefully. The tour specifically notes local time vs boat time, and the day can involve multiple transport steps after the boat ride.

What should I bring?

Wear sturdy traction shoes (they may get wet), bring water, sunscreen, and a towel if you plan to get in the sea. It also helps to have pesos for drinks or snacks.

What happens if 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.