Puerto Vallarta: Hidden Beaches & Snorkel Trail with Locals

Six Hidden Beaches in One Day: The Hike Puerto Vallarta Locals Keep to Themselves

You hike through jungle and along beaches following a local trail, stop at Colomitos Beach for photos and swimming, snorkel at a quiet reef spot with included gear, and return by boat. The guides are biologists who explain the plants and animals along the way. Transport from the city center and all snorkel equipment are included. You arrange your own lunch at the final beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to hidden beaches and snorkel

• Meet in Zona Romantica
• Take urban transport along coast
• Arrive at picturesque fisher town
• Hike along riverbank and tropical forest
• Reach Colomitos Beach and rest
• Explore more hidden beaches
• Swim and snorkel at secret spot
• Continue to Playa las Animas
• Enjoy local seafood plate (not included)
• Take boat back to start

The experience

"Wait, we're taking the local bus?" I asked, watching our guide gesture toward the colectivo pulling up in Zona Romántica. That's exactly how it starts: a 25-minute ride along the coast with people heading to work, not tourists, and then you're dropped at a fishing village most visitors never see. From there, the trail climbs through tropical forest for about 40 minutes, and the guides (they're biologists, so they actually know what they're pointing at) stop to show you plants and animals you'd otherwise walk right past. The whole thing feels less like a tour and more like being let in on something.

Colomitos Beach hits different when you realize it's officially Mexico's smallest beach. You get maybe 20 minutes there to swim and take photos before the group moves on to the quieter spots, the ones without names on any map. If the sea's calm enough, there's a secret snorkel site where you're basically alone with the fish: no crowds, no noise, just you and the reef. Snorkel gear is included, so you don't have to rent or bring your own. After that, the trail opens onto Playa las Ánimas, where you can grab fresh seafood from a local spot (you pay separately for food), and then a boat takes you back along the coast so you see the whole bay from the water side instead of the land side.

The hike itself is real. It's not a stroll. You need closed shoes, a bathing suit under your clothes, and enough water and sunblock to actually use them. The guides keep groups small and the pace steady, which matters because the trail has elevation and you're moving between jungle and beach multiple times. It's the kind of day where you end up tired and salt-crusted and genuinely glad you went, not because someone told you it was amazing, but because you spent six hours doing something most people who visit Puerto Vallarta never do.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or meeting-point pickup in Zona Romántica, local bus transport to the trailhead (25 minutes), guided hike through jungle and along six hidden beaches, entry to Colomitos Beach, snorkel gear and a guided snorkel stop at a quiet reef site, and boat transport back to the starting point. Lunch is not included but available for purchase at Playa las Ánimas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Youth (9 to 11 years) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Vallartanaturetrips

Is this one for you?This works well if you want to see the beaches and jungle around Puerto Vallarta without renting a car or arranging guides separately: the fixed route and included transport handle both, and the biologist guides actually know what you're looking at instead of just walking you past it.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 11 years). Under 9: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual hiking time?

The first hike to Colomitos Beach is about 40 minutes. After that, you move between beaches at a steady pace, with swimming and snorkel breaks built in. Total time on the trail is roughly 5–6 hours before the boat ride back.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes, snorkel equipment is included. You don't need to bring your own or pay extra for rental.

What's the age requirement?

Minimum age is 8 years old, maximum is 60. Children should be comfortable hiking and swimming.

Do we need to arrange our own transport to the meeting point?

You meet in Zona Romántica, the old center of Puerto Vallarta. From there, the guide takes the group on a local bus (colectivo) for 25 minutes to the trailhead. That transport is included.

Is food included?

No. At Playa las Ánimas, the final beach, you can buy fresh seafood from local vendors, but you pay separately.

What should I bring?

Closed shoes or sandals, a bathing suit, comfortable clothing, a small backpack, sunblock, and water. Bring more water than you think you'll need.

Can cruise ship passengers do this tour?

Yes, but note that local time and boat time may differ. Plan your return carefully to make sure you're back before your ship departs.

Is this suitable for someone who's not a strong hiker?

You need at least a moderate level of fitness. The trail has elevation, and you're moving between jungle and beach multiple times over the course of the day.