Six beaches, one jungle trail.

This tour is interesting because you ride in like locals, hike through riverbank jungle, and end up in small cove swimming spots that feel far from the main strip. I also love the way a guide turns the route into a nature walk, pointing out plants and wildlife as you move between beaches. One real consideration: the hike can be strenuous on rocky, steep sections, and snorkeling depends on sea and tide conditions.

You’ll start near Zona Romántica, then head out to Boca de Tomatlán and work your way along the southern coastline. Expect salt air, lots of photo chances (Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas especially), and an overall “active day” vibe that feels more authentic than a beach-only excursion.

Key Highlights That Make This Tour Worth It

• Six beaches in one day: short swimming breaks and bigger picture views, not just one long beach session
• A guide who reads the trail and the water: you get plant and wildlife context as you walk
• Colomitos Beach photo moment: famous for being tiny and dramatic for pictures
• Snorkeling only when it makes sense: calm-water days can include a secret spot
• Local-feeling transport: public bus and a water taxi, so the day feels grounded
• Playa Las Ánimas lunch stop: a proper payoff beach at the end with food on-site

First Things First: What You’re Actually Buying for $37

At $37 for about 6 hours, the value is mostly about logistics plus a lot of variety in one outing. You’re paying for a guided hike and the trip includes the bus and boat fees, which is often where cheaper tours quietly cut corners.

You also get a rare mix: inland jungle trekking, coastal viewpoints, and multiple swim/snorkel breaks. Food and drinks are not included, so I budget for at least one meal later and some water snacks along the way.

Meet-Up in Zona Romántica: Don’t Get Tricked by the Wrong Bus Stop

This tour starts on the sidewalk in front of an OXXO store, with the white/green buses that go to Mismaloya. The key detail: don’t look for the guide inside the touring shop next to the bus stop. This is a different company, and it’s an easy way to waste time.

Go early and get your bearings fast. The meeting instruction is simple: stand where the OXXO is and find the guide there, not the bus on your own. If you’re prone to being ten minutes late, give yourself extra cushion.

Ride Out Like Locals: Boca de Tomatlán to the Start of the Trail

After pickup, you take a bus/coach for about 30 minutes, then arrive in Boca de Tomatlán. This is where the day flips from city travel mode to coastline mode.

From here, you hike along the riverbank and the sea. That matters because the route doesn’t feel like a random walk. It’s a moving “transition” through scenery: urban-ish start, then lush coastal edges, then up into the tropical forest area.

The Hike Reality Check: Rocky, Steep, and Totally Worth It (If You Train for It)

The trail is the main event, so be honest about your body. The tour isn’t built for low fitness, and it’s not for people with respiratory issues. Closed-toe shoes are required, and many guides reinforce this with how the terrain looks on the ground.

What I like about how this is run: the group size stays limited (up to 14), and guides are active about keeping everyone together. You’ll likely pass over uneven ground, and some sections can feel tricky underfoot. Several people recommend hiking sandals with grip (not flip-flops), or water-ready shoes with traction.

If you do this expecting a gentle stroll, you’ll get surprised. One theme in real feedback is that the hike is moderate to strenuous depending on conditions and where you land on the group’s fitness range.

Colomitos Beach: The Tiny, Photo-Perfect First Big Payoff

Colomitos Beach is often the first major stop, and it’s special because it’s small and scenic. The tour plan gives you time to take pictures, swim, and (when conditions allow) snorkel.

A few things to expect here:

• You’ll get a break time right at the beach, not just a quick stop
• There’s enough free time to cool down before you move on
• It’s a natural “anchor” moment for the day, so you can reset mentally after the first trail section

Snorkeling is a conditional bonus. If the sea is calm, your guide may take you to a secret snorkeling area. If waves are bigger, snorkeling plans can be limited. Either way, the visual payoff is strong.

Cabo Corrientes and the Scenic Climb: Views That Make the Sweat Pay Off

After Colomitos, the hike continues toward Cabo Corrientes, with about an hour for walking and scenic stops along the way.

This section is where you feel the coastal geography. You’re climbing and descending through a mix of jungle edges and mountain viewpoints. If you like “in-between moments” (the lookouts, the sudden sightlines over the bay, the changes in plant life), this is the part that makes the day feel like an actual hike, not just an endless beach-hopping bus stop.

Also note: some people find certain parts steeper and more technical. If you’re cautious, go slow and let your footing guide your pace. This isn’t a speed challenge.

The Quiet Stops Between Beaches: Hidden Coves, Swimming Breaks, and a Sense of Discovery

Between the main listed beaches, you’ll reach other smaller stops along the route, including a “hidden gem” style beach segment. The structure stays the same: short hike, short break, swim time.

This is where the tour feels most like exploring. You’re not just at one big tourist beach. You’re moving between multiple coastal “moods”:

• calmer water pockets for quick swims
• more rugged shoreline when you’re near viewpoints
• spots that feel quieter, because you’re not stuck in the same crowd all day

Some days include a cliff-jump option near one of the rock areas. It’s not something you should treat as guaranteed; if it’s offered, only do it if you’re sure-footed and comfortable with water entry.

Snorkeling Tips That Actually Matter Here: Tide, Waves, and Timing

Snorkeling is advertised as part of the day when sea conditions allow, and that’s accurate. The practical point is this: you don’t control tides or swell, so come with a flexible mindset.

Here’s what I’d do before you go in:

• plan for snorkeling as a bonus, not the whole reason
• pay attention to the guide’s cues about calm water
• bring the right footwear so you’re not rushing wet stairs or slick rocks

When snorkeling does happen, you may swim in a secret area chosen by the guide. That’s usually the best-case scenario, because it’s where conditions line up for clearer views of marine life.

Playa Las Ánimas: The Ending Beach That Feels Like a Reward

Playia Las Ánimas is your final big beach stop. You’ll get break time and a lunch window, plus a chance to recharge before the return ride.

Why this ending works:

• it’s a satisfying finale after multiple smaller coves
• there’s more going on here (food options and a lively beach scene compared to earlier stops)
• it gives you a chance to slow down once the hiking ramp-up is done

Local seafood plates are a common highlight here. If you have dietary needs, plan to ask questions, but the tour itself doesn’t include food, so you’re deciding your meal at the end.

Getting Back: Water Taxi Then Bus

Once you wrap up at Las Ánimas, you take a water taxi for about 10 minutes, then a bus/coach back for around 30 minutes to the original meeting area.

That water taxi beat is more than transport. It’s a nice shift in perspective after hours on foot. You’ll also feel the day “close” in a clean way, without a long, exhausting walk back through town.

Price and Logistics: Where This Tour Wins, and Where You Should Watch the Details

For $37, you’re paying for:

• a live guide
• bus fees included
• a boat/water taxi component included

What you’re not paying for:

• food and drinks

Some practical detail to plan for:

• bring cash for drinks/snacks at beach stops
• pack sunscreen and water, because the day is active
• start with a solid breakfast if you can, since timing can vary based on hike pace and water conditions

A small-group day (max 14) is part of the value too. You don’t get the “lost in the crowd” feeling. Guides in this format generally keep track of everyone.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is best for you if you want:

• active travel with real walking, not just beach lounging
• guided nature talk while you hike
• multiple swimming breaks and photo stops in one coastline loop
• small-group energy with guides who actively manage the group

It’s not a match if:

• you have low fitness or struggle with steep/rocky trails
• you have respiratory issues
• you’re under 9 or over 60 (not suitable per the tour info)

If you’re older or have knee/joint limits, tread carefully. Even if you can do the distance, the ground can feel uneven and technical.

Practical Packing List: The Stuff That Saves Your Day

Bring:

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

And I strongly recommend you actually treat shoes as serious gear. Lots of people note that sandals alone can be risky. You want grip, especially for rocky sections and slippery shoreline sand.

Also consider insect repellent, since you’re walking through tropical jungle areas.

My Final Take: Should You Book This Six-Beach Hike?

I’d book it if you like your Puerto Vallarta days with motion, scenery changes, and guided nature talk. The best part is the combination: you hike into quiet beaches, swim in multiple coves, and end with a real beach lunch payoff.

Skip it if you want an easy, no-stress outing. This is a hike-first day, and snorkeling is conditional.

If you do book, do it with the right expectations: shoes on, cash ready, and flexibility for tide/waves. When those pieces line up, this is one of the more memorable ways to see the coast beyond the main strip.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time are you walking?

The tour duration is about 6 hours. You’ll spend a meaningful chunk of that time hiking between beach stops, with swim/snorkel breaks included along the way.

Where do I meet the guide for pickup?

Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the white/green buses going to Mismaloya. Do not go to the touring shop next to the bus stop; that is a different company. Look for the guide in front of the OXXO.

Is snorkeling included, and will I definitely snorkel?

Snorkeling is part of the experience if sea conditions are right. The plan says your guide will take you to a secret snorkeling spot when the water is calm, so snorkeling isn’t guaranteed every day.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are the guide, the bus fee, and the boat fee. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, cash, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also a smart idea to pack what you need for a full active day outdoors.

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

The tour is not suitable for children under 9, people with respiratory issues, people with low level of fitness, or people over 60.