Six Hidden Beaches Hike

Puerto Vallarta hides beaches beyond the city. This hike is a practical day trip that starts in the Romantic Zone and uses public transportation along the coast so you see the southern shoreline like locals do. You’ll then work your way out to remote bays through jungle edges and beach paths.

I love how the route stacks multiple small beach moments into one trip: Boca de Tomatlán, Colomitos, several more coves, and the final finish at Las Ánimas. The whole day is paced around walking, photo stops, and chances to cool off in the water.

One big consideration: the label says moderate, but the terrain can feel tougher than you expect—this is not a good choice if you’re not in solid walking shape or if uneven footing bothers you.

Quick hits before you go

• Public transport on purpose: you ride the local bus down the coast instead of doing a private shuttle.
• Small-group feel: capped at 15 people, so the day stays organized rather than chaotic.
• A trail with teeth: expect uphill work and uneven surfaces even though the total hike is only a few miles.
• Water moments vary: swimming is possible, but sea conditions can be rough depending on the season.
• Rustic return by boat and bus: you head back over water, then finish with city transport.
• Bring cash and good shoes: snacks along the way cost extra, and the end restaurant isn’t included.

Meeting in the Romantic Zone and riding like locals

The day kicks off at C. Constitución 383, Zona Romántica at 9:30am. That location is easy to reach if you’re staying in central Puerto Vallarta, and it’s also a smart starting point because the first part of your experience is about leaving the tourist grid.

Here’s the local touch: instead of a private ride, you’ll hop on public transportation for about 25 minutes along the coast. You’ll pass some of the southern beaches that most people only see from a distance, and the bus rhythm gives you that real-world feel—hot, crowded at times, and definitely not staged.

I appreciate that this approach usually makes the tour feel more grounded. You’re not just being taken to scenic points; you’re actually traveling through the same area day-to-day locals use.

Boca de Tomatlán: the fishing-town start that changes the mood

After the coastal ride, the tour brings you to the small fishing town of Boca de Tomatlán—your first beach stop. This is where the day shifts from transportation mode into adventure mode.

You’ll start with a short hike (about 30 minutes) that sets you up for the signature moment of the day: the area around Colomitos, often described as Mexico’s smallest beach. The path won’t feel like a smooth stroll. It’s the kind of walking where your footing matters, and you’ll likely notice slopes and uneven stretches more than you would on a city trail.

If you’re coming for that laid-back beach vibe, you’ll probably love the payoff here. Colomitos is the sort of cove that makes you slow down. It’s small enough that you feel connected to the water, and it feels far from Puerto Vallarta even though you’re only partway through the day.

Colomitos and the best kind of break: swim, soak, and reset

This tour is built around chances to cool off. At Colomitos, you typically get time to swim or at least refresh before you keep walking.

Do plan for the fact that water conditions can change. Some days have calmer pockets; other days bring rougher water, and you might find it hard to swim safely. The good news is your guide can read the conditions and help you choose when to go in and how long to stay out.

What I like about this structure is the reset rhythm. You’re not stuck doing miles with zero payoff. You walk, reach a beach, and then get a practical break—shade, water, and the kind of beach time that makes the “work” worth it.

Four more beaches and one favorite you’ll remember

From the first beach area, the tour continues through four additional beaches. One of these is described as the guide’s personal favorite, and the pattern is similar at each stop: short hikes between coves, viewpoints, and time for photos and small breaks.

This is also where the jungle-and-coast combo becomes real. The trail often stays close to the shoreline, so you’re not only looking at water—you’re also walking through the in-between world where beach meets green. Even on a simple day hike, that mix tends to keep the scenery from feeling repetitive.

You’ll also get small stops along the way for snacks and drinks. Many people bring cash for this part. If you want fruit, coconut water, or beach snacks, don’t count on it being included. One detail that keeps showing up: cash access is important, and prices for food at the end can lean tourist-level.

The upside is that the route feels human. It’s a day that includes wandering, choosing when to move, and letting the day’s pace match the landscape and your own comfort level.

Las Ánimas: the final beach, seafood, and the end-of-hike reality

Your final destination is Las Ánimas beach. This is where the day puts a period at the end of your story—an oceanfront restaurant stop with seafood.

Here’s the key practical point: lunch is not included. So while the restaurant meal is part of the finish, you’ll be paying separately. In practice, this means the tour gives you the experience and the logistics, but it doesn’t promise you a free full meal.

Also, don’t assume you can swing by a café later. If you’re hungry, plan to either eat at the end restaurant or budget for the extra cost. Some people report that the final meal runs expensive, so going in with a clear expectation helps you avoid sticker shock.

One more detail that affects comfort: there usually aren’t great places to change. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear you can keep on under clothing and expect that your feet may get wet or sandy. A towel helps, and quick-dry clothes make the return more pleasant.

Boat back to the start, then the city bus home

After Las Ánimas, the tour returns by boat toward where the hike began, then you finish with city transportation back to Puerto Vallarta.

You’ll see why they use a boat crossing: it cuts across the water and saves you from doing the same hike in reverse. It also turns the day into a loop: walk outward, reach the beach chain, then slide back by sea and close out with the bus.

One thing to be ready for: the boat step-in and step-out can feel awkward at times. People describe it as hard or a little scary depending on sea movement and how the boat docks. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to wear shoes with traction and move slowly around the edge.

On the way back, some people mention an option tied to timing—either taking an included city bus route or paying for a faster boat return. If you think you might want the extra speed, bring pesos and ask your guide what the plan looks like that day.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($41.76)

At about $41.76 per person, this tour isn’t priced like a luxury excursion. You’re paying for three main things:

First, you’re paying for access to a route that would be hard to piece together alone. You’d need local knowledge to find the sequence of coves, avoid getting lost on the wrong turns, and know how to time your travel between areas.

Second, you’re paying for the transport mix: the local bus ride along the coast plus the water portion back and forth. Even if you like doing public transport on your own, combining it safely with the right trail route takes effort.

Third, you’re paying for guided pacing. The trail is short by distance—around 3.6 km (about 2.3 miles)—but it’s not a “flat park walk.” The guide helps you stay on track, manage safety, and hit the best beach timing you can.

So the value depends on you: if you love real local travel and you want a structured way to reach remote coves, this price feels fair. If you hate uneven walking and prefer to plan everything yourself, you might find a guided day less worth it.

Difficulty check: moderate label versus real footing

Let’s clear up the confusion. The hike is sometimes described as moderately strenuous, but the actual experience can feel more like moderate-hard. Reviews and tour notes point to a mismatch: people talk about a total walk closer to 2.6 miles plus uphill effort and uneven terrain, even if the distance on paper looks smaller.

This is exactly why footwear matters. Wear shoes with traction. Flip-flops and smooth soles won’t be your friend on stone, beach edges, and the kind of path that may be damp or gritty.

You should also be prepared for a demanding day even if you’re not an athlete. Think of it as a workout disguised as a beach day. If you’ve got knee issues, recent surgery, balance problems, or you’re not regularly walking, take that warning seriously.

A helpful mindset: if you can comfortably walk uphill for a while and handle uneven ground, you’ll probably enjoy it. If not, you’ll likely spend more energy fighting the terrain than admiring it.

What to bring: shoes, water, pesos, and a towel

This tour is simple, but it’s not casual. Here’s what you’ll want to pack to avoid discomfort:

• Good walking shoes with traction (non-negotiable on this one)
• Water (one guide-and-visitor tip: bring at least a liter per person, especially in hot weather)
• Pesos for snacks: drinks and beach treats cost extra, and small vendors don’t always make payment easy
• Swim gear and a towel if you plan to go in the water
• A snack you don’t mind eating if you get hungry between beach breaks
• Light layers to handle sun and shade swings

Also, plan for sand and wet feet. People recommend shoes they can get a little messy, and a towel helps you dry off enough to stay comfortable during the boat and bus portions.

Guide quality and group vibe (Juan, Isaac, Rocco, and others)

One of the strongest parts of this tour is the human element—guides who keep the group safe, informed, and moving.

In the guide team you may meet people like Juan, Isaac, Rocco, Carlos, Oscar, Diego, or Zach. Many guide-led days are praised for being attentive and for explaining what you’re seeing: local wildlife, plants, and how to handle water safety around the beaches.

Language support is also part of the promise. The tour is offered in English, and many guides are described as bilingual (English and Spanish) which matters if your group has mixed language levels.

What I’d watch for is pacing and communication clarity. A couple of experiences mention that group logistics can feel slower than expected, especially with a full day of beach stops and restaurant time. That’s not unique to this hike—group tours by definition move at a shared rhythm—but it’s good to know what you’re signing up for: a planned day, not a solo-speed mission.

When weather changes the plan

This outing depends on decent conditions. If the water is rough or high tide creates unsafe conditions, the operation may adjust the hike or swap you into a different activity (some people have been offered a partial hike, a full refund, or another route).

The practical takeaway: keep your day flexible if you’re visiting during the rainy or rough-water seasons. If you’re booking late in your trip, you might want a buffer day so you’re not stuck scrambling.

Should you book the Six Hidden Beaches hike?

I’d book this tour if you want an authentic-feeling day outside the main Puerto Vallarta beachfront zones and you’re up for real walking on uneven ground. The combination of the coastal bus ride, the chain of small coves, and the boat-and-bus return makes the day feel like more than just another beach stop.

Skip it (or choose a gentler alternative) if you’re dealing with injuries, limited mobility, or you hate rough footing. Also reconsider if you need guaranteed swimming every stop—sea conditions can make the water too turbulent at times.

If you go in prepared—traction shoes, water, and pesos—this is the kind of day that gives you memories you can’t get from a quick taxi ride. You’ll come back tired, sun-soaked, and happy you followed the trail where most people don’t bother to go.

FAQ

What time does the Six Hidden Beaches hike start?

It starts at 9:30am.

Where do we meet?

Meet at C. Constitución 383, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes, and it runs roughly from 9:30am to 4pm.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a water taxi and a bus ride.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included.

How strenuous is the hike?

It’s described as moderately strenuous, but you should expect it to feel challenging in parts. Good shoes and moderate physical fitness are recommended.

Will there be opportunities to swim?

There are chances to get in the water at beach stops, but swimming may not be possible every time if conditions are rough.

Is the tour in English, and how many people are in the group?

It’s offered in English, and the group size is capped at 15 travelers.