Two snorkel stops, zero crowds. This Puerto Vallarta adventure uses a small boat from Boca de Tomatlán and follows the coast toward Yelapa, with a guide like Elian pointing out hidden beaches and helping you get set for the water. I especially like the personal feel (max 10 people) and the short, focused snorkeling blocks that keep you from burning out. One thing to consider: bus fare isn’t included, and the snorkeling sessions are about 30 minutes each, so it’s not an all-day swim party.

You’ll start at the meeting point in the Romantic Zone (C. Constitución 363) and head down the winding road with lush tropical scenery. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with life jackets and bottled water, and the boat trip is part of the price. If you choose the included meal option, you’ll also eat back in Boca; otherwise, plan on making decisions at the beach and at lunch.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Two real snorkeling stops (Majahuitas Beach and Playa Colomitos), each around 30 minutes
• Small group size (max 10), which makes safety and attention feel easier
• Boat captain guidance you can count on while getting in and out of the water
• Hidden-beach time on the return, with coconuts and drinks on shore
• Coastline cruise toward Yelapa where you can spot interesting spots from the water

Boca de Tomatlán bus ride and the pre-boat restaurant break

This tour starts with a bus ride from Puerto Vallarta down to Boca de Tomatlán. The payoff here isn’t just getting from A to B. The road winds through tropical foliage, and you get that classic PV feeling—green slopes, bright coastal light, and a gradual shift from town streets to “real coastline” vibes.

Once you reach Boca, you walk a few meters from the bus stop to the beach area. Then there’s a short wait while the boat gets ready. Instead of making you stand around, you stop at a restaurant table with a view. You’re not pressured to order anything during the wait, which helps if you want to keep your money for the snorkeling day itself.

There’s also something practical about this setup: you’re calmer when you finally board. You’ve already gotten oriented, you’re in swim mode, and the boat time starts with less chaos. That matters more than it sounds, especially for first-time snorkelers or anyone who doesn’t love rushing.

A covered boat with a small crew: safety, timing, and comfort

The boat ride is short and focused—about 20 to 30 minutes heading south along the coast toward Yelapa. You’ll also be shown various hidden beaches along the way, so you’re not just “waiting to snorkel.” That in-between time is part of the experience.

A big value factor is the group size. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re less likely to be fighting for attention in the water or struggling with gear. You get snorkeling equipment (including snorkel tube and fins) and a life jacket is included too.

You’ll spend up to about 30 minutes at each snorkeling stop. That timing is smart. It gives you enough water time to see fish and get comfortable, without the “too long in the ocean” problem. If you’re snorkeling for the first time, this structure helps because you get to learn, float, and breathe without pressure to “perform.”

From real-world experience on similar small-group setups, getting in and out can be the tricky part. This tour’s format tends to keep that manageable because the guide and captain are there for setup and safety, and they’re used to helping people who need extra patience.

Yelapa coastline cruise: the hidden beaches you’ll spot from the water

After boarding, the boat heads south along the coastline toward Yelapa. Expect a moving tour of the coast—your guide points out hidden beaches you’d never reach easily by road.

Even if you’re mainly there for snorkeling, this section adds real payoff. It turns the day into more than two water stops. You’re getting context for where you’re going and why certain beaches feel remote. It also helps you spot the shape of the coastline—rocky bits, sheltered coves, and areas that look like they’d be hard to access on foot.

This cruise also makes the return trip feel purposeful. You’re not just heading back blankly. The coastline talk and the passing scenery keeps momentum going, especially if you’re doing this as a half-day break from other Puerto Vallarta plans.

And yes—there can be a wildlife bonus in the right season. Some departures may include whale activity like hearing whale songs underwater or even spotting whales during the day. It’s not something you should book around like a guaranteed show, but it’s a memorable possibility on a coastal route like this.

Snorkel Stop 1: Majahuitas Beach (what to expect underwater)

Your first snorkeling stop is Majahuitas Beach. You’ll typically have up to around 30 minutes here, and the gear is provided: snorkeling tube and fins, plus your life jacket.

What you’re looking for is simple: marine life and lots of fish close to the surface. A common highlight in this area is the way fish swim right around your face and fins when conditions are calm. You don’t need special skills to enjoy that—just follow the guide’s instructions and keep your breathing steady.

If you’ve snorkeled before, you might still appreciate the variety. In this part of the Pacific, you can run into surprises like eels, king angel fish, and other colorful species depending on the day. The best part is that you get enough time to reorient after your first entry, rather than rushing straight to the “cool moment.”

If you’re new to snorkeling, the tour structure helps you learn in a low-stress way. The guide is there to help you get set up correctly and safely so you spend less time wrestling with equipment and more time watching fish.

Snorkel Stop 2: Playa Colomitos for a second chance at the best fish

Stop 2 is Playa Colomitos. This is your second snorkeling round, again with up to about 30 minutes on site.

Think of this stop as your “second act.” If the first location is calm and busy with fish, you’ll be eager to see what the second spot brings. If you felt a little wobbly the first time, this is where you’ll probably feel more confident because you’ve already gone through the routine once—put on fins, get comfortable floating, and find your rhythm.

In productive snorkeling conditions, you can see a lot up close—king angel fish and sargent fish have been spotted around groups in this region. You may also encounter other marine life (like an eel or even smaller critters), which can make the second stop feel different even if both are “great snorkeling.”

The key is that both snorkeling spots are short and guided. That keeps the day enjoyable for different comfort levels, from confident swimmers to people who are just learning.

Hidden beach break: 30 minutes on shore with coconuts and drinks

On the way back, you stop at a favorite hidden beach for about 30 minutes. This is not another long snorkeling block. It’s a rest-and-refresh shoreline break.

On that beach stop, you can enjoy coconuts and drinks—alcoholic or non-alcoholic options, beer, and water. You should also expect there may be extras you pay for. The tour notes that coconut snacks are not included, so if you want more than drinks (like coconut meat preparations or snack-style items), bring extra money and choose what you want.

One popular touch at this stop is the coconut experience: you can buy a coconut that’s topped off and comes ready to drink, and you may see coconut prepared with lime and spices. It’s a simple payoff after time in the water—cool down, hydrate, and enjoy something local without turning it into a “shopping hour.”

Also, this break is a good time to reset if you’re tired from sun, salt, or simply being active. You’ll leave the water, dry off, and then head back toward Boca.

Lunch back in Boca: how the included meal option affects your day

After you leave the hidden beach, you return to Boca to eat. The tour includes an option for meals—make sure you check that part before booking.

This matters because the day already has a lot built in: bus ride, restaurant wait, boat time, two snorkeling stops, and the shore break. If lunch is included for you, you’ll likely keep the day smoother and avoid decision fatigue late in the outing.

If lunch isn’t included in your booking choice, you’ll need to plan for an additional cost at the restaurant. One name that comes up for the harbor-side dining wait and meals is El Embarcadero, which is right by the water and feels like part of the local rhythm instead of a tourist-only lunch counter.

Either way, this tour keeps food tied to the flow of the day, rather than making you chase a meal on your own after snorkeling.

Price and value: what’s included in the $54.36 and what costs extra

At $54.36 per person, this is priced like a practical, well-structured coastal day rather than a luxury private boat.

Here’s what you get in the price:

• Life jacket
• Bottled water
• Use of snorkeling equipment (snorkel tube and fins)
• Boat trip
• All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

• Bus fare (the local transport portion)
• Coconut snacks

That’s the value math. The snorkeling gear + life jackets + boat + taxes are the heavy pieces. You’re mainly paying for the logistics and the water access—exactly what costs money on the coast.

The biggest “add-on” surprise to watch for is bus fare and any coconut snack purchases at the beach stop. If you’re expecting a fully packaged day where you only spend money on souvenirs, you may feel the cost creep. If you’re fine with a few small extras, this is a solid value for two snorkeling stops and a guided day along the PV coast.

Who should book this Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure

This one fits best if you want:

• Two snorkeling chances instead of one
• A small group and more hands-on help in the water
• A day that mixes scenery, wildlife possibility, and short beach breaks

It may not be ideal if you’re looking for:

• A super long snorkeling session (each stop is about 30 minutes)
• A day with no extra spending (bus fare and coconut snacks can add up)
• A slow, lounge-by-the-beach schedule (this is active and structured)

It’s also a good match for beginners. The guide setup tends to work well for first-timers, and safety attention is part of the experience. Even if you’re not the most agile, the format is set up for helping you get in and out of the boat.

Should you book?

Yes—if your priority is real snorkeling plus hidden-coast scenery, this is a strong buy. Two guided water stops, a small group feel, and a return beach break with coconut and drinks makes the day feel full without turning into an all-day grind.

I’d book it especially if:

• You want the comfort of provided gear and life jackets
• You like the idea of a coastline cruise toward Yelapa, not just two anchor points
• You’d rather spend on a guided day than on multiple separate activities

Skip it if you hate boat days, have no interest in snorkeling at all, or want everything fully included down to every snack. For everyone else, this is one of the more practical ways to see the coast around Puerto Vallarta beyond the obvious beaches.

FAQ

How long is the Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You get use of snorkeling equipment, including the snorkel tube and fins, plus a life jacket.

Is lunch included?

An included meal option may be available. You should check the meal option during booking.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What’s not included in the price?

Bus fare (private transportation is listed as not included) and coconut snacks are not included. Drinks and coconuts are available on the beach stop, but coconut snacks are specifically listed as extra.