Colorful water and real hiking await you. This Puerto Vallarta South Shore day turns a bus ride through upscale neighborhoods into a coastal walk with big views, led by biologist Abraham and his knack for spotting what most people miss. My favorite part is the Playa Colomitos stretch, where the water looks unreal—emerald, green, and bright enough to make you slow down and actually look around.

You’ll also get the payoff of marine scenery: big granite islands that are part of the National Marine Sanctuary, with birds and fish living their daily routine nearby. One consideration: lunch and drinks aren’t included, and there are extra local costs like bus fare each way and the boat back from Las Animas.

Key things that make this hike work

• Abraham, biologist guide who explains the nature as you walk, including insects and wildlife details
• Playa Colomitos swim time with standout color and a cove-like feel
• Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas route along the bay, not just a drive-by beach stop
• National Marine Sanctuary viewpoints focused on birds and fish around granite islands
• Small group size (max 12) for a more comfortable pace and easier guiding

A Puerto Vallarta hike that mixes views, swimming, and real walking

If you want Puerto Vallarta that feels like Mexico—not just another beach bus—this is the kind of trip that delivers. You start in the romantic zone area and head south with stops along the road, but the heart of the day is the hike along the water.

What I like most is that you’re not stuck in one place all day. You get scenery from the highway, then you switch gears to an actual coastal walk, then you land at beaches that are good enough to make you want to linger. This isn’t a sprint. It’s a day with pauses built in.

The morning drive: upscale villas, jungle canopy, and Mismaloya clues

The day begins at Basilio Badillo 339A in the Zona Romántica (Emiliano Zapata area). You’re picked up at 9:00 am, and from there you ride the two-lane highway while the scenery changes from built-up coast to jungle canopy.

This first segment is more than just transportation. You get a sense of how the south shore is organized: upscale beach-front villas and resorts stacked along the coast, and then the look of bigger hotels as you approach Mismaloya. If you’ve ever wondered why people romanticize this part of Puerto Vallarta, the drive gives you the answer fast.

Mismaloya itself has a story. It was once a quiet fishing village, and then Hollywood showed up for the classic film Night of the Iguana. Along the road, you catch glimpses of the bay and the bluff hotels, which helps you understand what you’ll be seeing up close later.

Boca de Tomatlán: start of the hike, small town energy, big water views

At Boca de Tomatlán, you get off the bus and do a short walk through the town. It’s not a long city stop, but it gives you a moment to shift from tourist mode to local setting. Then you cross a foot bridge over the river, which is a quick change of scenery before the coastline opens up.

This is where the day starts feeling like an actual hike. You begin along the bay, moving toward Las Animas with water always in your peripheral vision. The route is built for “look, walk, look again,” not for fitness bragging rights.

Boca de Tomatlán is also one of those places where you can feel the coastal geography. The cove and the way the shoreline curves means you’re constantly changing angles—so even if you repeat a view, the light and perspective still shift.

The National Marine Sanctuary islands: birds and fish behind the scenes

Along the journey, you get views of the large granite islands that make up the National Marine Sanctuary. This isn’t just scenery trivia. Seeing these islands gives context for why the water here is so alive.

The sanctuary is home to millions of birds and fish, and the guide brings that to life while you’re moving through the area. Even when you can’t spot everything at once, it changes how you look at what you do see—birds overhead, movement in the water, and the sense that you’re walking through an ecological system, not a postcard.

This part of the experience pairs really well with a good guide, and that’s where Abraham shines. He’s a biologist, and he clearly enjoys explaining what you can observe—especially the smaller stuff most people ignore until someone points it out.

Playa Colomitos: the short swim stop that changes the whole mood

Playa Colomitos is the “stop and stare” beach. You spend about 30 minutes here, which sounds brief until you arrive and realize the goal is to enjoy the water color and stretch your legs, not to spend the whole afternoon changing outfits and ordering cocktails.

This is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in the area, and the vibe matches the reputation. The water sits in that emerald-green range, and it feels like a sheltered cove, which makes it feel calm compared with open stretches.

Practical tip: since the time window is limited, make your plan before you wade in. If you want photos, get them fast and then switch to swimming. You’ll enjoy the rest of the day more when you don’t feel like you “missed” the beach while rushing.

Playa Las Animas: where you recharge, eat, and choose your beach play

Las Animas is the main beach time—plan for roughly 4 hours, including lunch and hanging out. This is your longest stretch, and it’s built for a classic beach rhythm: warm water, time to eat, and a chance to do more than just stand in the sand.

A useful detail: there are at least 10 restaurants on the beach area. That matters because you’re not stuck with one single option. You can choose something that fits your appetite and budget once you arrive.

There are also rentals and activities if you want movement after the hike. You might find boogie boards, sail boards, banana boat rides, and parachute rides available. If you’re the type who needs a little action to fully relax, this is where you can make that happen without planning extra transportation.

Downside to keep in mind: the longer beach time also means sun management matters. Bring what you need so you don’t spend the best part of the day looking for shade.

The hike pace: moderate fitness, small group comfort, and fewer bottlenecks

This trip is designed for people with moderate physical fitness. You don’t need to train like a trail runner, but it’s not a stroller stroll either. The walking is the point, and the day includes enough movement that you’ll feel it afterward.

The group stays small—maximum of 12 travelers—which I’m glad about. Smaller groups reduce the stress of waiting at each bend, bridge, or viewpoint. You also tend to get more helpful interaction with the guide because attention isn’t diluted.

Timing-wise, it’s a 6 to 8 hour day. That’s long enough to feel like you did something real, but short enough that you can still have an evening plan back in town.

Price and value: $49.50 is fair, but budget for the extras

At $49.50 per person, the pricing feels reasonable for a guided coastal day that includes multiple scenic stops and a beach hike. You’re paying for the structure: transportation, the guide, and the route that connects Boca de Tomatlán, Playa Colomitos, and Las Animas.

What’s not included can add up a bit, and I think you should plan for that up front:

• Lunch and all water, food, and beverages at lunch are excluded
• Bus fare is 10 pesos each way
• The boat back to Boca from Las Animas is not included, about 250 pesos

So the real value calculation is this: you’re not just paying for walking. You’re paying for a guided day where the best stops are connected efficiently. If you arrive ready to cover the local costs and bring smart snacks (or plan meals at the beach), the total day still feels like good money.

One more practical note: you’ll get a mobile ticket. That’s convenient if you’re bouncing around Puerto Vallarta and don’t want to hunt for paper.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This hike is ideal if you want:

• A guided Puerto Vallarta walk with nature commentary
• Water time at Playa Colomitos and long beach time at Las Animas
• A day that mixes viewpoints and coastline, not just one beach

It’s less ideal if you:

• Want only lounging with minimal walking
• Hate budgeting for extra on-site costs like bus fare and the boat ride back
• Need a fully packaged meal plan included in the price

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the small group size works well. If you’re traveling with friends who enjoy both beaches and walking, this is also a great “let’s do the active thing and still eat well” option.

Booking and the best way to think about timing

On average, this tour is booked about 33 days in advance. That tells me it’s a popular slot, likely because it hits multiple favorites in one go: hike, sanctuary views, and the Colomitos swim.

Start the day on time. The 9:00 am start matters because you’ll want daylight for the coastal walk and enough beach time to enjoy the meal and water without feeling rushed.

Should you book this Remote Hidden Beaches hike?

If you want Puerto Vallarta that’s more than sitting still, I’d book it. The combination of an actual bay walk, a short but memorable swim at Playa Colomitos, and the long hang time at Las Animas is a strong recipe for a satisfying day.

I’d especially recommend it if you appreciate guided nature talk. Abraham’s biologist approach adds real value, because you’re not only seeing places—you’re understanding what’s around you, from wildlife to the sanctuary context.

Just go in with eyes open about the add-ons: lunch is on you, bus fare is on you, and the boat back has a separate cost. If that fits your style, this is a solid, authentic south shore experience.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Basilio Badillo 339A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

It starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the hike?

The duration is about 6 to 8 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is there a guide?

Yes. You’ll have a guided trip with an experienced hiking guide along the seashore and beaches.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, and water, food, and beverages at lunch are excluded.

Do I need to pay extra for transportation?

Bus fare (10 pesos each way) is not included, and the boat back to Boca from Las Animas is also not included (about 250 pesos).

Is it possible to cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.