Six beaches, one guided day, big Puerto Vallarta vibes. Starting near the Zona Romántica bus stop, this tour takes you from Boca de Tomatlán along the coast and through jungle-touched trails, with beach time at multiple stops that most visitors never reach.

I love that snorkeling at Playa Colomitos comes with snorkel and a life jacket, so you can swim without hunting gear. I also love the included photo service, where guides help with pictures during the hike so you can actually enjoy the day instead of filming every step.

The main tradeoff is the hike itself: you need strong physical fitness. Expect uneven paths, steep steps in the early stretch, and heat, and the route can feel tougher than a casual beach walk.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• 6 beach stops south of Puerto Vallarta with mix of coast-hugging walking and short jungle sections
• Snorkel + life jacket provided at Playa Colomitos for crystal-clear water time
• Guides that actively help with photos and keep you moving safely
• Boat ride back included, and on some days you may even spot whales offshore
• Small group size (max 12), which makes it easier to match pace and get questions answered
• Great value for $45, since you get guided access plus transportation and photos (but not lunch/drinks)

A 9:30 am meet-up in the Zona Romántica that sets the tone

This starts at 9:30 am near the romantic zone bus area at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica. You’ll meet your guide there and then follow the plan as a group—don’t try to take a bus on your own. The day is built around moving south to Boca de Tomatlán, then working your way back by foot and boat.

A nice detail for planning: your total time is about 5 hours 30 minutes, but not all of that is hiking. Some hours are travel time, which matters because you’ll want to pace yourself and save energy for the trail sections that actually require it.

This tour runs in English, uses a mobile ticket, and keeps groups small (up to 12). If you want personal attention, that small group number helps a lot—especially at the beaches, where you’ll have to hear instructions clearly before you go in the water.

Getting to Boca de Tomatlán: bus ride, pickup options, and your first coastal views

Most people will do the included bus ride as part of the experience. One reason this day feels more local than “tour-bus tourism” is that you’re riding with the guides rather than being packaged off in private bubbles.

If you’d rather skip that public transit step, there’s a car pickup/drop-off option for an additional fee. You pick your preferred pickup location, and the trade is simple: less hassle for you, more cost for the convenience.

Either way, you’re headed along the coastline toward Boca de Tomatlán, a fishing village that feels like a real stop, not a staged photo set. You’re not just going to beaches—you’re getting there by following the coast the way locals do.

Playa Colomitos and Playa Madagascar: snorkel time with real white sand

Once you reach Boca de Tomatlán, you begin hiking the coastline toward Playa Colomitos, described as the smallest beach in the bay. This is the stop where the water and sand do most of the heavy lifting: crystal-clear water, white sand, and a more relaxed feel than you’ll get in busier areas.

The practical bonus here is snorkel and a life jacket are provided. If you’re not a confident swimmer, that safety gear is a smart buffer. And even if you’re not snorkeling, it’s still a great place to cool off and reset.

There’s also an option for a secret waterfall look. That’s not guaranteed to be a highlight on every day—think of it as a bonus if conditions and timing allow—so I wouldn’t build your whole memory of the day on it.

From there, you continue toward Playa Madagascar, another white-sand stop with the kind of view that makes you forget you’re on a schedule. You’re not getting one quick peek. This portion gives you time to actually enjoy the water and the beach atmosphere.

Los Caballos: the food stop that turns the route into a break you’ll look forward to

As you keep moving through the middle of the day, you’ll reach Playa Los Caballos. This is where the tour shifts from pure beach-and-swim to a more “let’s refuel” rhythm.

You’ll find a local food stand right on the beach, and the idea is you can pause for things like fresh fruit, coconut options, and even a chilled cerveza. This part is listed as an optional personal expense, which is fair. It means you’re not forced into a set meal, but you’ll want to bring cash (or plan to pay however the stand accepts) if you think you’ll eat.

Why I like this stop: it breaks up the hike so you don’t get stuck in that tired, “just get me to the end” mood. And it’s a good time to dry off a bit, hydrate, and get back into “trail mode” without rushing.

Las Ánimas Beach finish: seafood restaurant, marine life talk, and time to relax

The hiking ends at Las Ánimas Beach, where you can take a break at a seafood restaurant. This is your chance to decide how you want to end the day: go for a seafood meal, or just relax with a drink if that’s your style.

This area also has plenty to do nearby—parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and you may even notice marine life, plus local plants, reptiles, and birds in the surrounding area. The point isn’t that you’ll do every activity; it’s that Las Ánimas feels lively enough to keep the day fun even after you’re tired.

Guides have a strong reputation for making this stop more meaningful than a simple landing point. Names like Emilian and Gerardo (Jerry) show up often for sharing clear info about plants, wildlife, and local village history while you’re walking. That kind of narration turns the trail into something you remember, not just the next step until the restaurant.

The boat ride back from Las Ánimas to Boca: when the day turns scenic

After the beach-and-meal break, you take a boat ride included from Las Ánimas back to Boca de Tomatlán, then continue back toward Puerto Vallarta.

This is one of the smartest parts of the day. Your legs already did the work, and the boat gives you a lighter, more scenic return. It also helps explain why the day is still a manageable total length even though the hike can be demanding.

A fun detail: people have reported whale sightings during this return boat ride. That’s not something you can count on, but it’s a great example of how the route can reward you when the ocean is in a good mood.

How hard is this hike: shoes, heat, and the “first third” reality check

You should treat this as an active day. The tour is not suited for people with joint or mobility issues, and it’s not recommended for those recovering from recent surgery. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart conditions, and there are age limits: no kids under 10 and no adults older than 70.

Even if you’re healthy, bring respect to the terrain. Multiple guides have been praised for safety and support, but the trail can include rocky stairs, uneven footing, and a somewhat steep start. One review specifically called out the first third as the toughest, especially in hot weather.

My advice if you want to enjoy yourself instead of suffer politely:

• Wear proper hiking shoes with grip and support
• Bring water, and plan for heat, especially in warmer months
• Pack a towel and a swimsuit so you can change quickly when you hit Colomitos and other beach time
• If you use a small daypack, keep your hands free for tricky steps

Also, the description suggests a strong physical fitness level. That matches what the best day-of feedback points to: this is for people who like walking and can handle an uneven trail.

Price and value: what $45 buys you in a 5.5-hour beach-and-coast day

At $45 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly adventure, and the value mostly comes from what’s bundled. You get transportation (bus ride), a boat ride, guided stops across multiple beaches, and pictures included.

The items that aren’t included are exactly the ones you’d expect: lunch and drinks. That means you’ll want to budget extra for the seafood meal at Las Ánimas if you’re hungry after hiking. The good news is you can control that spend. If you just want a light snack or water on the beach, you can.

Think of the $45 as paying for access and guidance. The beaches are spectacular, but the magic here is how you reach them—by hiking and by boat, not by sitting in traffic and collecting a few quick photos.

Booking tips that match how the day runs

This tour sells. It’s commonly booked about 24 days in advance on average, so if you’re traveling in peak weeks, plan early.

Because it’s weather-dependent, you should also expect that the day can shift or get rescheduled if conditions aren’t right. If you’re flexible, great. If you have tight plans, consider booking earlier so you have options.

One last practical tip: if you’re the kind of traveler who likes convenience, you’ll probably enjoy paying extra for pickup/drop-off rather than using the public bus. Reviews also mention the public bus element as part of the charm for some people, so decide based on your travel style.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta 6-beach hike?

Book it if you want a real active day with multiple beach stops, time to snorkel at Playa Colomitos, and a guided route that takes you beyond the easy-to-reach spots. It’s especially worth it when you care about details—guides like Diego for photo help, and Emilian or Jerry for wildlife and village storytelling—because that’s where the day goes from nice to memorable.

Skip it if you need a low-impact stroll. The hike has real steps and uneven trail sections, and the health restrictions are strict for a reason. Also, keep expectations flexible: on some days the hike portion may feel shorter depending on group comfort level, so don’t count on the most intense version being the exact same for everyone.

If you’re fit, bring good shoes, and treat the day like an outdoor outing rather than a casual beach tour, you’ll likely have a strong match with this one.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 9:30 am. You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered for an additional fee, and you’re picked up at your place. Without that option, the tour uses the meet point in the Zona Romántica area.

What’s included and what’s not?

Included: pictures, bus transportation, and the boat ride from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán. Not included: lunch and drinks.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling and a life jacket are provided at Playa Colomitos.

Who shouldn’t book this tour?

It’s not suitable for people with joint or mobility issues, those recovering from recent surgery, pregnant women, or people with heart conditions. There’s also an age limit: no kids under 10, and no adults older than 70.