Beach colors and a real hike—minus the crowds. This South Shore walk strings together road views, ocean viewpoints, and three beach stops, starting in the Zona Romántica area and ending right back where you began. You’ll ride out past neighborhoods and classic Mismaloya scenery before switching to footpaths along the bay.

I love how the route balances scenic bus sightseeing with actual hiking, so you get movement and payoff. And I really like that your guide is not just a leader for the trail—Abraham, a biologist, brings bird and insect knowledge and adjusts the pace to match your level.

One consideration: you’ll be on the hook for lunch and drinks, plus the bus fare and a separate boat ride back toward Boca are not included. That doesn’t make it a bad deal, but it does mean you should budget for a full day at the beach.

Key highlights worth showing up for

• Max 12 travelers keeps the hike friendly and lets you ask questions along the way.
• Abraham the biologist guide adds real nature spotting—birds, fish, and insects come into focus.
• Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas is the main hiking payoff, with coastal views along the bay.
• Playa Colomitos swim stop is built for a quick reset in emerald-green water.
• Playa Las Ánimas time gives you hours for lunch, warm water swimming, and beach rentals.
• Marine sanctuary views from the road hint at why this coast feels so alive.

South Shore hike overview: what your $49.50 buys

This tour costs $49.50 per person and runs about 6 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am from Basilio Badillo 339A in the Zona Romántica area. You’re paying for guided hiking plus transportation through the South Shore coastal corridor, then time at three beach areas that are famous locally for their water and scenery.

Here’s the value math that matters: lunch and drinks aren’t included, and the bus fare (10 pesos each way) is also extra. Then there’s the boat back toward Boca after your beach time at Las Ánimas—budget about 250 pesos for that ride. Even with those adds, you’re still getting a guided route that takes you to multiple coasts without needing to rent a car or figure out logistics on your own.

The tour is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and caps at 12 travelers. That small group size is not just a nice perk—it makes the hiking feel controlled, especially because the day includes a trail portion plus time walking through a town.

Getting out of town: upscale villas, Mismaloya movie history, and the marine sanctuary vibe

You begin with a bus ride that’s more than just transit. You’ll travel along a two-lane highway where you can spot beachfront villas and resorts set under a jungle canopy. If you like your travel to include quick “wow” moments without stopping traffic, this part works.

Next you pass through Mismaloya, once a quiet fishing village that later became a film location. You’ll catch a glimpse of the bay and larger hotels along the bluff and beach as you continue. It’s a useful context stop, because it explains why this coastline carries both local life and tourist scale side by side.

Then the ride turns nature-focused. You’ll view the large granite islands that make up a National Marine Sanctuary, a place described as home to millions of birds and fish. You’re not walking in that sanctuary from here—but that mental picture helps your brain pay attention later. When you reach the beaches and start spotting birds, it feels connected instead of random.

Boca de Tomatlán: the town walk, the footbridge crossing, and the start of the real hike

The day kicks into gear at Boca de Tomatlán. You’ll get out of the bus and do a short walk through the town, then cross a foot bridge over a river before the hike begins. That bridge matters because it’s a clear “we’re changing worlds” moment—town rhythm shifts into coastal trail mode.

From there, you’ll hike out of the cove and along the bay to Las Animas. This is the core of the experience: you’ll be on the move long enough for the views to feel earned. The coastline along this stretch tends to reward you with changing sightlines—more water, more birdlife, and those long curves of shoreline that look different every time the trail bends.

This part is also where your guide makes the day feel easier. Abraham is described as knowing nature and wild animals, including insects, and he’s known for adapting to your pace. If you’re not a trail runner, that’s good news. You still get a hike, but you’re less likely to feel like you’re dragging yourself to keep up.

Plan for about 30 minutes at Boca for the initial town + setup time. That means the hike starts relatively quickly after you arrive, so it helps to be ready to go when you step off the bus.

Playa Colomitos swim stop: emerald water, quick break, and what to watch for

After the main coastal walking begins, you reach Playa Colomitos, generally seen as one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. This stop is designed as a reset: about 30 minutes to enjoy the water, especially if you want a swim.

The water here is described in standout terms—emerald green with clear color. For you, that means you can treat Colomitos like the day’s “palette cleanser.” Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still spend the time wading and watching how the shoreline and rocks shape the water.

What I’d pay attention to here is less about perfect Instagram angles and more about how your body feels. This is a short break before the longer beach stretch at Las Animas. If you’re going to get into the water, do it during this stop when the time pressure is lowest.

Playa Las Animas: lunch time on the beach plus hours of warm-water fun

Playa Las Animas is where the tour lets you slow down. You’ll spend at least 2 hours here, and the beach time runs longer in practice because the scheduled slot is about 4 hours total for this stop.

This is the part of the day that can turn into your favorite if you like beaches with options. There are 10+ restaurants along the beach, so you can choose food without feeling stuck with one menu. Because lunch and drinks are not included, this flexibility matters—you can pick something simple or take your time with a proper meal.

The beach itself is described as having warm waters, and the scenery is tied to that same bay vibe you hiked toward earlier. If you want more than just swimming, this beach has rentals and activity options available like boogie boards, sail boards, banana boat rides, and parachute rides.

Two practical tips if you’re aiming for a smooth day:

• Keep some cash or a card ready for food and extras. Lunch isn’t covered, and the beach scene has lots of spending temptation.
• If you plan to do rentals, decide after you see the conditions. You’ll have enough time here to make a choice without rushing.

At the end of your Las Animas beach time, you’ll be part of the return flow that includes getting back toward Boca by boat—and that boat ride is not included (about 250 pesos).

Why this South Shore route feels alive: birds, fish, and the guide’s nature lens

A big reason this tour earns strong marks is that it doesn’t treat nature as a background decoration. The route sets you up for wildlife attention: the marine sanctuary you see from the road is tied to birds and fish, and then your guide turns that into a real-time experience.

Abraham’s reputation isn’t just that he points things out. He’s described as a biologist who knows about wild animals and insects, and he’s interactive in a way that makes the hike feel purposeful. When your guide explains what you’re seeing—why birds are around a certain stretch, or what insects are doing in the shade—the coast stops feeling like scenery and starts feeling like a system.

For you, that means you’ll probably notice more than you would on your own. Even if you’re not a hardcore wildlife person, the payoff is a calmer day. You’re less likely to zone out when you have a few grounded things to look for.

Pace, fitness, and what to bring for a full day on foot and sand

This is listed as requiring moderate physical fitness. That’s a fair label for a day that includes:

• a trail portion along the bay,
• walking through Boca and across a footbridge,
• plus time at the beach where you’ll likely be on uneven ground.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need comfort walking for sustained stretches. Wear shoes you trust. Beach sandals can work for part of the day, but for a coastal hike, you’ll be happier with closed footwear that grips.

Because water, food, and beverages at lunch are excluded, I’d treat this like a bring-your-own day unless you plan to buy everything on site. At minimum, plan how you’ll get water during the hike and how you’ll handle lunch at Las Animas.

Other practical items:

• A swimsuit plus a dry change for later, if you like to towel off between swims and meals.
• Sun protection. The day runs from 9:00 am onward and you’ll be exposed.
• A light layer. Coastal breezes can be cool at times, even when the water feels warm.

And since you’re dealing with a small group and a guided schedule, arrive at the meeting point ready to start. Starting on time helps your whole day feel like it flows.

Where the trip makes sense (and where it might not)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a guided hike with real views,
• a beach day that isn’t just lying down,
• and a guide who can turn wildlife spotting into something you actually understand.

If you like structured outings—ride out, hike, swim, long beach time, then return—you’ll probably enjoy the rhythm. The max group size of 12 keeps it from becoming chaotic.

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate hiking elements and want only a beach chair,
• expect lunch and drinks to be included,
• or are trying to keep the day ultra-budget. Between the bus fare and the boat back, your final cost will be higher than the base ticket price.

Also, if you’re traveling with very small kids or anyone with limited mobility, the moderate fitness requirement and the trail portion are likely to be a mismatch. The tour is built for people who can handle walking and a coastal hike at a steady pace.

Should you book the Remote Hidden Beaches South Shore hike?

I’d book it if you want the best version of “beach day plus hiking,” with a guide who brings science-level curiosity. The combination of Boca to Las Animas hiking, a swim stop at Playa Colomitos, and the long unwind time at Playa Las Animas creates a day with variety. Add the marine sanctuary context and Abraham’s biologist explanations, and it’s more than a walk to pretty water—it’s a reason to pay attention.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting a fully inclusive meal-and-drink package or you dislike paying extras for transport add-ons. You can still make it work—just budget for lunch and the return boat ride and keep water needs in mind.

If you’re okay planning around a guided schedule and you like coastal scenery with a little effort, this is a strong choice for the Puerto Vallarta South Shore.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet at Basilio Badillo 339A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 6 to 8 hours (approx.).

Is this tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Lunch, water, food, and beverages at lunch are excluded.

Is there a cancellation refund available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund.