Puerto Vallarta has a wild side.

This hike strings together six secluded beaches with real jungle-and-coast walking, plus time in the water.

I love the practical way it runs—meeting in Zona Romántica, then using local public transport to reach the trail. I also love the variety: Colomitos Beach for the postcard photos, and Playa las Ánimas for the classic end-of-day swim and seafood stop.

One heads-up: this is not an easy stroll. The trail can be steep, rocky, and slippery in spots, so closed-toe shoes and solid fitness matter.

Six beaches, one day: you’ll work for the views, then cash them in with multiple swim stops.

Public bus + water taxi: you travel like locals, not like a sealed tour bubble.

Colomitos Beach photo moment: the famous tiny-sand stop that’s made for pictures.

Snorkel depends on conditions: your guide adjusts if waves or tide aren’t cooperating.

Small group (max 14): enough people for energy, few enough for personal attention.

Getting to the Trail Like Locals: OXXO Meeting Point and Bus Ride

The day starts with an easy-to-miss detail: you meet on the sidewalk in front of an OXXO store with the white/green buses heading to Mismaloya. Do not wander into the wrong place next to the bus stop, and don’t assume the touring shop nearby is yours. A useful landmark is that The pancake house sits across the road.

Once everyone’s together, you take a bus/coach ride (about 30 minutes) toward Boca de Tomatlán. This part matters more than it sounds. You’re not just going from point A to point B—you’re seeing how people actually move around Puerto Vallarta, with the route pulling you out of the center and toward the coast.

Boca de Tomatlán Hike Start: Riverbank Walking and Wildlife Spotting

After arriving in Boca de Tomatlán, you start walking along the sea and riverbank area. Expect about an hour of hiking/wildlife viewing—think coastal scrub, jungle edges, and that humid air that makes everything feel alive. Your local guide keeps an eye out for plants and animals, and you’ll learn what you’re looking at as you go.

This first stretch sets the tone. It’s where you shake out legs, find your footing, and figure out how your group likes to move (steady pace vs. frequent photo breaks). If you’re the type who enjoys small nature moments—leaf shapes, tree textures, bird calls—this part is a treat, not filler.

Colomitos Beach: The Small Beach Moment, Plus Real Swim Time

Colomitos Beach is your first major payoff stop. The tour gives you about an hour here that includes photo time, free time, swimming, and snorkeling (when conditions allow). You’ll also hear it called the smallest beach in Mexico, and that reputation is easy to see once you’re there—tiny sand, big views, and a “how is this real?” feeling.

This stop is also where the day becomes visually addictive. One minute you’re climbing and descending through rugged terrain; the next you’re staring at clear water and grabbing your camera before the light shifts. If you’re planning to snorkel, keep your timing flexible. Sea conditions can change, and sometimes the guide will shift the plan based on what’s safest and calmest.

Practical note: several guides are known for strong group care—keeping everyone together, watching pace, and making sure you’re not left on the wrong side of a tide pool. That’s not just good manners. It’s how you avoid the “we’ll catch up” chaos that ruins beach days.

Cabo Corrientes and the Scenic Climb: Views That Reward Steeper Footing

After Colomitos, the walking ramps up again. You hike toward Cabo Corrientes for about an hour, with scenic views along the way. This is the portion where your legs start to understand the terrain: some rocky patches, some slopes, and enough uneven ground to make you pay attention.

In the real world, this is where you’ll notice the difference between “I can hike” and “I can hike today.” Closed-toe shoes aren’t just for comfort—they help on rock and sand, and they reduce the chances of a slippery stumble when you’re moving between beach and trail.

The upside is worth it. Cabo Corrientes is the kind of place where you catch broad coastal perspectives and realize you’re hiking along Banderas Bay, not just around it. It also helps mentally: you get a visual reset before you head into the next set of hidden shore stops.

More Hidden Beaches: A Secret Swim Break Before Las Ánimas

Next comes another hidden stretch—about 50 minutes at a secret beach stop with hiking and swimming. The tour’s design is smart here. You’re not rushing every single minute. You get a shorter push, then another water break, so the day feels like a rhythm instead of one long grind.

One reason this portion works is variety. Some beach segments are better for quick dips and photos than for extended lounging. Other spots feel calmer and more “settle in” friendly. Your guide helps you decide when to stay put and when to keep moving, based on conditions and group energy.

If you’re chasing marine life, don’t fixate on snorkeling as a guarantee. Your guide may take you to a secret snorkeling point only if the sea is calm. Even when snorkeling isn’t happening, the swimming and scenery still do the job.

Playa las Ánimas Finale: Seafood Lunch, Last Swim, and Bay Views

Your final named stop is Playa las Ánimas, with a break time and about an hour for lunch. This is where the trip shifts from “hike and discover” to “slow down and eat.” The tour explicitly notes you can try an incredible local seafood plate, and many guides seem to steer people toward a sit-down meal rather than a rushed snack.

Las Ánimas also tends to feel more established than some earlier beaches—so you get a chance to regroup, rinse off, and recharge before the ride back. Some groups report ordering standout seafood and enjoying the end-of-day margaritas and tacos, but the key takeaway is simple: plan on buying your own drinks and snacks during the day, since food and drinks aren’t included in the price.

After lunch, you take a short water taxi ride (about 10 minutes) back toward the fisher town area, then the bus ride returns you (about 30 minutes) to the starting meeting area at C. Constitución 363.

Snorkeling Reality Check: When It Happens, When It Doesn’t

This tour’s snorkeling is condition-based, not guaranteed on every trip. The plan includes the chance to snorkel in blue waters and observe marine life, with your guide taking you to a secret spot if the sea is calm. Tide and wave size can affect whether snorkeling works well that day.

So here’s how I’d think about it: if snorkeling is the main reason you booked, show up with flexibility. Some days waves are too large, and you’ll swap snorkeling for extra swimming and beach time. That’s not a failure. It’s a normal trade-off on a coastal hike where water conditions decide the schedule.

The upside is that even “no snorkeling” days still deliver ocean time. You’ll be swimming between beaches, and your guide will still try to maximize water moments when the conditions cooperate.

Footwear, Fitness, and the Stuff That Actually Matters

The tour isn’t labeled as easy. It’s not for children under 9, and it’s not suitable for people with respiratory issues, low fitness, or people over 60. That isn’t to scare you—it’s to keep expectations honest.

On the ground, you should plan for a hike that can be strenuous, with steep rocky parts in the first half and uneven terrain throughout. Your group may have different comfort levels, but the overall message is clear from the experience design: you’ll want closed-toe shoes with grip. Even if a guide can do it barefoot, you can’t.

Also pack like you’ll actually be on the move. Bring:

• towel
• sunscreen
• water
• beachwear
• cash
• closed-toe shoes

Cash matters because you may want drinks and snacks at beach shops and at the end. The tour doesn’t include food or beverages, so having money ready prevents an awkward scramble at the exact time you’re hungry and sweaty.

Small Group Energy and Guide Care: The Difference Maker

The small group size—limited to 14—changes the feel of the day. It’s large enough for fun and group conversation, small enough for attention when trails get narrow or uneven.

A big theme here is guide behavior. Names like Juan, Diego, Alex, Victor, José, David, and Alberto come up repeatedly, often for the same reasons: lots of energy, strong pacing, and a real focus on keeping everyone accounted for. That matters on a hike with shifting footing and multiple beach stops, where it’s easy for someone to lag or miss a turn.

You’ll also notice different guide styles, but the best common traits are consistent: clear explanations about flora and fauna, quick adjustments when conditions change, and a calm “we’ve got you” attitude when the terrain gets tricky.

Price and Value: What $37 Covers and What You Should Budget For

At $37 per person for a 6-hour outing, this stands out because key costs are already covered: a guide, the bus fee, and the boat/water taxi fees. That means you’re paying for the full experience setup—getting you to the trail, moving you between beaches, and bringing you back.

What isn’t included is just as important. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll likely spend extra cash for lunch and snacks. Many people also buy beverages during beach breaks. If you want a smooth day, budget for a meal and a few drinks.

Value-wise, the smart part is that you’re not just paying to sit on a beach. You’re paying for the hike + navigation + nature interpretation + transport chain. For a short trip in Puerto Vallarta, that combination is hard to beat.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Six-Beach Hike?

Book it if you want an active day that still feels like a nature escape. You’ll enjoy it most if you’re comfortable hiking on rugged ground, you like swimming enough to plan around sea conditions, and you want to see parts of the coastline that feel less crowded than the main strips.

Skip it if you want a gentle, fully accessible walk. The trail can be steep and rocky, sandals are a bad idea, and your body will notice. If you’re unsure, treat the fitness requirement seriously—this is the kind of tour where good intentions don’t automatically replace good shoes.

If you’re still thinking about it, here’s my practical final advice: wear your grippiest closed-toe footwear, bring cash for food and drinks, and don’t lock your mind on snorkeling happening every stop. When conditions align, you’ll get it. When they don’t, you’ll still get a day of beaches that look like they were made for your camera roll.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet on the sidewalk in front of an OXXO store near the white/green buses that go to Mismaloya. The guide should be met there, and it’s not the touring shop next to the bus stop.

How long is the experience, and is it a small group?

The tour lasts about 6 hours. It’s a small group limited to 14 participants.

What’s the hike like, and who should avoid it?

The hike can be strenuous at times, with steep and rocky sections. It’s not suitable for children under 9, people with respiratory issues, people with low level of fitness, or people over 60.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is part of the plan, but it depends on conditions. The guide may take you to a secret snorkeling spot if the sea is calm, and snorkeling may not be possible when waves are large.

What is included in the $37 price?

The price includes the guide, the bus fee, and the boat fee.

Do I need to pay for food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included. Lunch happens at the end at Playa las Ánimas, and you’ll also likely want snacks or drinks during beach breaks.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, cash, and closed-toe shoes.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.