Six beaches, and you feel off the tourist grid. This Puerto Vallarta tour strings together coastline walks and jungle edges, then tops it off with a boat ride back from Las Ánimas. I love the way the day mixes picture-perfect sand stops with real local-leaning moments around Boca de Tomatlán, and I also like that your guide (like Diego, Emilian, and Jerry) actively helps with photos so you’re not just guessing where to stand.

Here’s the catch: the early hiking can be steep and uneven, with rocky stairs and bumpy trail sections. This isn’t the move for you if you have joint or mobility issues, are recovering from recent surgery, or if you’re not feeling steady on your feet.

Quick Hits: Why This Tour Works

• Small group, big attention: Maximum 12 travelers, so you’re not lost in a crowd.
• Photo support included: Guides help with shots during the hike, not just at the beach.
• Snorkel time at Colomitos: Snorkel and life jacket are provided for the swim stop.
• Multiple beach flavors: From Colomitos to Madagascar to Los Caballos, then Las Ánimas for the finale.
• Boat ride return: You get a different angle of the coast, plus a real finish after the trek.

Coastal Meets Jungle: How This 6-Beach Day Actually Feels

This is a half-day adventure that’s mostly about moving—on foot, along the waterline, and then through short stretches that feel more “jungle trail” than boardwalk. You start in the Zona Romántica area, get transported south to where the hiking begins, and spend the morning and early afternoon hopping between beaches that are otherwise hard to reach without a boat or good local knowledge.

What makes it work is the pacing. You’re not doing one long grind with no payoff. You get repeated chances to cool off in the water, rinse off with a beach break mindset, and snack your way through the day (even though lunch and drinks aren’t included, there’s a built-in place to buy food at the end).

Also, this is one of those tours where the guide’s role matters a lot. People like Diego, Emilian, Isai, and Jerry repeatedly pop up in the experience as the type who help with route navigation, timing, and safety on tricky spots, while keeping the vibe fun and easy.

Meet in the Zona Romántica, Then Head to Boca de Tomatlán

Your start point is very specific: C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, with a 9:30 am start. The plan is that you meet at the romantic zone bus stop location, and you wait for the guide—don’t take the bus on your own to get started.

You’ve got two transport styles here:

• The standard option uses the tour’s transportation (described as bus ride and included transport services).
• There’s also a car pickup/drop-off option for an extra fee, where they pick you up at your preferred location.

For most people, the value of the extra pickup fee is simple: it saves you time and makes the morning less chaotic. For others, the public transport access nearby is fine since you’re meeting in the same Zona Romántica area.

Either way, once you’re moving, the coastline ride south sets expectations for the day. You’ll be in that “ocean and mountains close together” Puerto Vallarta zone fast, and that matters because the hike later makes more sense when you’ve already seen the geography from the car or bus.

Playa Colomitos: Snorkel Time and a Small-Bay Swim Stop

The hike begins in Boca de Tomatlán, then you head along the coastline to Playa Colomitos, described as the smallest beach in the bay. This is the stop where the day starts to feel special because the water is crystal clear and the sand is bright and clean.

This is also your main water moment. There’s an option to snorkel, and snorkel and a life jacket are provided. If you’re not a confident swimmer, the life jacket helps you feel more relaxed. If you are a confident swimmer, you’ll still like having the gear ready without having to plan a gear hunt in town.

There’s one more bonus possibility at Colomitos: the option to look at a secret waterfall. Whether you reach it depends on conditions and timing, so don’t count on it as a guaranteed “must-see,” but it’s a nice flavor of exploration beyond just beach time.

Practical tip: bring a swimsuit under your clothes and pack a towel. You’ll want to change quickly after swimming so you’re not hiking in damp clothes.

Playa Madagascar and Playa Los Caballos: Beaches With Different Moods

After Colomitos, the route continues through other beach stops, including Playa Madagascar for white sand and open-water views. This part is less about a single big activity and more about the scenery rhythm—walk, stop, swim if you want, then continue.

Then you reach Playa Los Caballos. This is where the day shifts slightly into “treat-yourself mode.” There’s a beach-side food stand with options like fresh fruit, coconut delights, or a chilled cerveza. It’s described as optional personal expense, so budget for it if you want the full beach-stand experience.

What I like about this stop is that it gives you something more realistic than just snacks. You’re on a shoreline with a place to buy simple local food, so you’re not stuck relying on what you packed in your day bag.

The Las Ánimas Finish: Seafood by the Water and a Real End Point

The hike ends at Playa Las Ánimas, where you finish at a seafood restaurant setting. This is a solid design choice for the tour because it gives you a clear landing: you’ve hiked, you’ve swum, and then you can sit down without having to decide what to do next.

Here, you can enjoy a seafood meal or even a cold margarita at the restaurant. The key detail: lunch and drinks are not included, so you’ll pay on site if you want to eat and drink.

Las Ánimas also tends to feel more active than the smaller secluded beaches on the route. It’s a place where families and friends gather, and the area is described as suitable for things like parasailing and banana boat rides, plus snorkeling and marine-life viewing. Even if you don’t book extra activities, just having that energy around you helps make the ending feel like a genuine beach day, not a “we’re done, now go figure it out” moment.

Boat Ride Back from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán

After your beach-and-food time, you take a boat ride included back from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán, and then you return toward Puerto Vallarta. This is one of the smartest parts of the day because you get a break from your legs before the final transport back.

It also changes how you experience the coastline. From the water, the beaches and cliffs make more sense, and the whole route feels tied together—hike, swim, and then see the same coastline from a different angle.

If you’re wondering whether the boat ride is “just a transfer,” it doesn’t sound like that. Multiple guides are described as making the day feel like a full experience, and people also mention wildlife surprises during the end-of-day boat return, so keep your eyes up.

Fitness, Footwear, and Heat: What You Should Plan For

This tour is built for people with strong physical fitness. It’s not suitable for those with joint or mobility issues, people recovering from recent surgery, pregnant women, or anyone with heart conditions. There are also age limits: no kids under 10, and no adults older than 70.

On the ground, expect uneven trails. From what’s described by people who did the hike, you should plan for:

• Steep steps early on
• Rocky stairs and uneven footing
• Wooden bridge sections that can feel a little rickety
• Uneven terrain where good shoes matter

So here’s my straightforward advice: wear proper hiking footwear with grip. Flip-flops don’t count. If you don’t have shoes with traction, you’ll spend more energy worrying about footing instead of enjoying views and swims.

Also, bring water and expect heat. People specifically call out that it can be hot in the warmer months, including times like December. Even if the day is only about 5.5 hours on paper, the hiking effort can feel longer in sun and humidity.

Price and Value: Is $45 Worth It for 6 Beaches?

At $45 per person, this tour is positioned as good value for what you actually get:

• A small-group setup (maximum 12 travelers)
• Transportation that’s described as included (bus ride)
• A boat ride included
• Multiple beach stops (the day focuses on Colomitos, Madagascar, Los Caballos, Las Ánimas, and the route along the way)
• Pictures included, with guides assisting on photo moments
• Snorkel gear support at the key swim stop (snorkel and life jacket provided)

What’s not included is also important. Lunch and drinks aren’t included, and that seafood-restaurant finish means you’ll likely spend some extra money if you want a full meal and a drink. The tour still works without it, but if you’re budgeting tight, plan to bring snacks or set a clear amount for the restaurant.

In practical terms, I think the best value is for you if:

• You want multiple beaches without spending your own day figuring out boats and access
• You like active travel but don’t want a full-day endurance trek
• You care about photos and don’t want awkward “tell me where to stand” moments

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you’re an active traveler who wants to see south Puerto Vallarta beaches and you’re okay with uneven trail sections. The route is also a strong pick if you enjoy learning on the go—guides are consistently described as sharing history and wildlife/plants info along the hike.

You’ll also like it if you’re traveling in a group that can keep a steady pace. Small groups help you stay together, but the hikes still require you to be comfortable moving over rocky, stepped terrain.

Skip it if any of these are you:

• You need mobility-friendly trails (not suitable for joint or mobility issues)
• You’re pregnant or have heart conditions
• You’re recovering from recent surgery
• You’re expecting an easy walk the whole way

And one more “real talk” consideration: the day can feel strenuous early, so if you’re someone who wants to fully control every minute of beach time, ask questions about pace upfront. Some groups and guides may adjust timing based on ability and comfort level.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta 6-Beach Hike?

Book it if you want a small-group, semi-active coastal day with snorkel support and a boat ride finish, and you’re happy to pay for food and drinks at the end. It’s especially good for you if you value guides who manage the day and help with photos, like Diego, Emilian, Jerry, Isai, and others known for making the hike feel well guided and fun.

Don’t book it if you’re not steady on uneven terrain or you fall into any of the clearly listed “not suitable” categories. In that case, you’ll be spending the day stressed instead of enjoying it.

If you’re on the fence, choose pickup if you want a smoother start, and pack well: proper footwear, a swimsuit, and a towel. That combo turns this tour from “workout you hope is worth it” into “the day you remember when you look at the photos later.”

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

You meet at C. Constitución 363, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, at 9:30 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available, and does it cost extra?

Pickup is available as a car pickup and drop-off option for an additional fee. For that option only, they pick you up at your place.

What’s included in the tour price?

The price includes pictures, transportation services (including a bus ride), and a boat ride from Las Ánimas to Boca de Tomatlán. There is also a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling included?

There is an option to snorkel at Playa Colomitos, and snorkel and a life jacket are provided.

How physically demanding is the hike?

The tour requires a strong physical fitness level and is not suitable for people with joint or mobility issues, people recovering from recent surgery, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions. It also is not suitable for kids under 10 or adults older than 70.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, but you’ll end at a seafood restaurant at Las Ánimas Beach where you can buy a meal or drinks.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

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, the amount paid is not refunded.