Remote Hidden Beaches Hike of South Shore (Puerto Vallarta)

The best part of this outing is the walk from Boca de Tomatlán to the small beaches south of Puerto Vallarta. You leave the road, cross a footbridge, and follow the coast through jungle and rocky shoreline toward Colomitos and Las Ánimas. The reward is clear green water, sea views, and beaches that feel far removed from the resort strip.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which keeps the hike more personal. I also like the guide, Abraham, a biologist who can explain birds, insects, plants, and local wildlife while adjusting the pace to your ability.

The main drawback is that this is a real hike, not a simple beach transfer. You need moderate fitness, and the advertised price does not include lunch, the 10-peso bus fare each way, or the roughly 250-peso boat ride back from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán.

Key points to know before you book

• A true coastal hike: Walk from Boca de Tomatlán along the shore rather than riding directly to the beach.
• Three distinct beach stops: See Boca de Tomatlán, swim at Playa Colomitos, and spend the longest break at Las Ánimas.
• Guide Abraham: A biologist who brings useful nature knowledge to the walk and can adapt to your pace.
• Up to four hours at Las Ánimas: You have time for lunch, swimming, and optional beach activities.
• Extra costs matter: Lunch, food, drinks, local bus fare, and the boat back are not included.
• Moderate physical effort: This suits people who enjoy walking on a coastal route, not those seeking a short stroll.

Why this South Shore hike is worth your day

Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore changes quickly once you leave the city. The road passes upscale homes, beach villas, and resorts tucked among jungle canopy. Then the setting shifts again at Boca de Tomatlán, where the road gives way to a small town, a river crossing, and a footpath along the bay.

That change is the reason I like this trip. You see more than a beach. You get a short look at the polished resort side of Puerto Vallarta, a working coastal village, a protected marine area, and two beaches reached on foot.

The water is a major draw. The route includes clear blue-green and emerald water, with time to swim at Playa Colomitos. The shoreline also gives you a chance to notice birds and other wildlife, especially with Abraham explaining what you are seeing.

At $49.50 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want a guided day outdoors. You are paying for transport from the meeting point, a guide, and the route planning. Still, the price is not the full cost of the day. Add food and drinks, 20 pesos for bus fare if you pay 10 pesos each way, and about 250 pesos for the boat from Las Ánimas back to Boca.

The ride south through Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya

The meeting point is at Basilio Badillo 339A in Zona Romántica. The start time is 9:00 a.m., so plan to arrive ready for the full six-to-eight-hour outing.

The ride south follows a two-lane highway through some of Puerto Vallarta’s most sought-after coastal areas. You will pass beachfront villas and resorts set among thick jungle growth. This part is more of a moving introduction than a formal stop, but it helps you understand how quickly the developed coast gives way to less built-up shore.

The route passes Mismaloya, once a quiet fishing village. It became famous after Hollywood filmed Night of the Iguana here. From the road, you get a glimpse of the bay and the larger hotels on the bluff and beach.

You also see the large granite islands that form part of a National Marine Sanctuary. The area is home to large numbers of birds and fish, so the ride provides useful context before the walking portion begins. Do not expect a separate island visit. The islands are viewed from the route.

Boca de Tomatlán is the real starting point

At Boca de Tomatlán, you leave the bus and walk through town. The route then crosses a footbridge over the river before heading out of the cove toward Las Ánimas.

Boca is important because it is not just a pickup point. It gives the day a sense of place. You begin in a coastal settlement, then move into a quieter stretch where the shoreline and jungle take over.

The first section is listed as about 30 minutes, though the full walk continues beyond this point. Expect a route that requires steady movement and some comfort with uneven coastal ground. The supplied fitness guidance calls for a moderate level, so you should not treat this as a flat promenade.

This is where a guide adds real value. Abraham is identified as a biologist, and his knowledge covers nature and wildlife, including birds and insects. That can turn pauses along the trail into part of the experience rather than simple breaks in the walk.

The group size helps here. With no more than 12 people, it is easier to hear explanations and easier for the guide to keep an eye on the pace. Abraham is also described as adapting to different ability levels, which matters if your group members walk at different speeds.

Playa Colomitos delivers the first big reward

Playa Colomitos is often regarded as the prettiest beach in this area, and the stop is designed for enjoying the cove rather than rushing past it. You have about 30 minutes here, with time to swim in the emerald-green water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim and a look around, but it is not a long beach stay. Bring your swimwear where you can reach it easily, rather than burying it in a large bag. The information provided does not specify changing facilities, so arriving prepared is the practical choice.

Colomitos is also a good test of the day’s pace. If you are already tired here, remember that the route continues and the longest stop comes later. If you enjoy the walk, this small cove gives you a pleasant pause before the extended beach time at Las Ánimas.

The appeal is the contrast between the rougher route and the calm water. You make an effort to reach the cove, then get time to cool off before continuing. That balance is better than a day spent only riding between beaches.

Las Ánimas gives you four hours to choose your pace

The main stop is Playa Las Ánimas, where you spend at least two hours and potentially about four hours, depending on the day’s timing. This is the place for lunch, swimming, and a longer break after the hike.

At least 10 restaurants sit along the beach, but lunch is not included. Food, water, and other drinks are also extra. You can choose what to buy once you arrive, but you should bring enough spending money and remember that the tour price covers neither a meal nor refreshments.

The long stop gives you flexibility. You can eat, swim, rest, or use one of the beach activities available for rent. Options listed include boogie boards, sail boards, banana boats, and parachute rides.

Those activities are optional and cost extra. They also change the character of the stop. If you want a quiet finish after the hike, you can simply enjoy the beach and warm water. If you want more action, Las Ánimas gives you choices that Playa Colomitos does not.

Las Ánimas is also more developed than Colomitos, with several restaurants and rented activities. That can be a benefit if you want food and services. It may feel less secluded if your main goal is a totally empty beach.

The schedule is useful for mixed groups. One person can take a swim while another eats, and nobody needs to spend the entire afternoon moving. Just keep an eye on the agreed meeting time, since the return portion still requires transport.

The return costs are small, but easy to overlook

The local bus fare is not included, at 10 pesos each way. The boat from Las Ánimas back to Boca de Tomatlán costs about 250 pesos and is also separate.

These are not large expenses, but they affect the value calculation. At the listed tour price, the outing looks inexpensive for a full day with a guide. Once you add lunch, drinks, bus fare, and the boat, your actual day cost will be higher.

The boat return is especially important because it is not optional in the same way as a beach activity. The provided details specifically say the boat back to Boca is excluded, so plan for it rather than assuming all transport is covered.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point. The details do not state the exact timing of the return, so keep the rest of your evening flexible. A six-to-eight-hour duration means you should not book a tight dinner reservation immediately afterward.

Who will enjoy this hike most

I would choose this for someone who wants nature, swimming, and a guided walk in one day. It works well if you have already seen Puerto Vallarta’s main beaches and want a more active view of the South Shore.

It is also a good fit if you like learning as you walk. Abraham’s biology background is a special part of the experience. He can point out the natural life along the route, which gives more meaning to the birds, insects, jungle, and marine sanctuary views.

The tour is less suitable if you want a fully relaxed beach day with no exertion. The route starts with a walk through Boca and continues along the coast, and the fitness requirement is moderate. You should be comfortable spending much of the day outside and on foot.

Families or groups with different fitness levels should think carefully. The guide can adapt to your level, but the route is still a hike. A person hoping to avoid walking may prefer another beach excursion.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack swimwear, sun protection, and enough water for the walking portion. The tour does not include water, food, or drinks at lunch, so do not rely on the tour price to cover basic refreshments.

Wear shoes suited to a moderate coastal hike. The supplied details do not specify the exact trail surface, so sturdy footwear is a safer choice than delicate sandals. You can bring sandals for the beach if you have room.

Carry cash for the 10-peso bus fare each way, the approximately 250-peso boat ride, and lunch or drinks. Beach activities at Las Ánimas also require separate payment if you choose them.

A small bag is easier than a large one. You will want your hands free on the walk and your swim items easy to reach at Colomitos. Keep valuables to a minimum, since the day includes walking, swimming, and boat transport.

Booking details and cancellation terms

The experience is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is normally sent at booking. If you book within one day of departure, confirmation arrives as soon as possible and depends on availability.

The group maximum is 12 people. That is small enough for a more direct guide experience, but the tour still requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum is not met and the activity is canceled, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations and changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Public transportation is nearby at the meeting point. The experience is offered by Puerto Vallarta Walking Adventures.

Should you book the Remote Hidden Beaches Hike?

Book it if you want an active South Shore day that combines a village walk, coastal scenery, two beaches, swimming, and nature interpretation. The strongest reasons are the route from Boca de Tomatlán, the clear water at Colomitos, the long break at Las Ánimas, and Abraham’s biology background.

Skip it if you want a short, effortless beach visit or if paying extra for food, drinks, local transport, and the return boat would bother you. For the right person, $49.50 is a good starting price for a full guided outing, but you should budget beyond the advertised fare and arrive ready for a moderate hike.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Basilio Badillo 339A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the activity begin?

The start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The approximate duration is six to eight hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What level of fitness do I need?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended because the activity includes a coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlán.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, food, water, and other beverages are not included.

Are the bus fares included?

No. The bus fare is 10 pesos each way.

Is the boat from Las Ánimas back to Boca included?

No. The boat costs about 250 pesos and is paid separately.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.