Clear water makes the walk worth it. This South Shore hike links Boca de Tomatlán, Playa Colomitos, and Playa Las Ánimas into one long, scenic day of coves, birds, and hard-to-find beach time. I especially like the way the route favors the shoreline over the roadside, plus the guide’s deep nature focus (Abraham is a biologist and explains what you’re seeing). One thing to consider: it’s a real hike and you’ll want moderate fitness, and key costs like lunch and the boat ride back are extra.

You also get a strong sense of place before you even start walking. You roll past jungle canopy and beach-front resorts, then through the history of Mismaloya, and you even get a look at the granite islands tied to the area’s marine sanctuary. The group stays small (max 12), which helps the guide manage the pace.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Small group size (max 12) keeps the hike feeling personal, not crowded.
• Abraham, the biologist guide shares what’s going on with birds and sea life as you walk.
• Boca to Las Animas is the core: you’re not just doing quick look-and-leave stops.
• Playa Colomitos is a swim highlight with standout emerald-green water.
• Las Animas gives you real time for lunch and renting beach gear.
• Lunch, water, and the boat return are not included, so budget ahead.

Why Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas feels different from a standard beach day

Most Puerto Vallarta beach plans are either sand-first or sightseeing-first. This one is a shoreline-first day, where the walking sets up the payoffs. You start in Boca de Tomatlán, follow the bay along the coast toward Las Ánimas, and break it up with two beach stops that actually give you time to swim and relax.

What makes it feel special is the mix of scenery and wildlife awareness. People love this hike for the blue-and-green clarity of the water and the chance to see a variety of birds along the way. And because Abraham is a biologist, the trip doesn’t turn into generic “look at that” commentary. He’s known for adjusting to your level, which matters when your group has different speeds.

The other thing I like: your day isn’t built around rushing. The timing gives you breathing room—about a half hour at Boca for the transition, a short swim stop at Colomitos, then a longer beach block at Las Ánimas where you can eat without feeling chained to the schedule.

The road to the coast: upscale views, Mismaloya, and granite islands

Before you lace up shoes, you’ll travel the two-lane highway and get a layered view of what’s nearby. You’ll pass an upscale neighborhood with beach-front villas and resorts tucked under jungle canopy. It’s the kind of contrast that helps you understand why this coastline has so many different “moods” within short distances.

Then the route hits Mismaloya. This used-to-be sleeping fishing village is famous for getting attention from Hollywood when films were shot there, including the classic movie Night of the Iguana. You’ll catch glimpses of the bay and larger hotels sitting on bluff and beach as you move through.

Right after that, you’ll see the large granite islands that make up the National Marine Sanctuary—home to millions of birds and fish. Even if you don’t see everything with your own eyes, it gives context for why the area is protected and why the birds show up where they do. It also makes the walk feel more intentional, like you’re moving through a living coastline, not just scenic backdrops.

Boca de Tomatlán start: footbridge, cove exit, and a biologist who spots nature

Boca de Tomatlán is your launch point. You’ll get off the bus, walk through the town, and cross a foot bridge over the river. That bridge moment matters more than it sounds—it’s a quick reset from town energy into coast energy, and it lines you up with the cove.

From there, you start your hike out of the cove and along the bay toward Las Animas. This is where you’ll notice the “shoreline” part of the experience in a real way. The water and cliffs keep changing as the coastline curves, so the walk feels active even when you’re not climbing steep terrain.

The strongest praise attached to this part of the day is about Abraham himself. He’s described as a biologist who knows a lot about nature and wild animals, including insects. That’s useful on a hike, because small details can be the difference between a photo stop and a richer walk. If you like learning what you’re actually seeing—birds, coastal life, plant and insect clues—this guide style is a big win.

One practical note: the schedule gives you about 30 minutes around Boca. That’s enough time to transition, but not enough time to wander for an hour like you would on a free day. If you want extra strolling time in town, plan to do it before or after the tour.

Playa Colomitos: a short stop that’s timed for swimming

Playa Colomitos is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the area. The plan is simple: you get a stop of about 30 minutes, and the focus is on water time. Expect emerald-green water and a cove setting that makes swimming feel like the main event.

This stop is short, so it’s best if you’re ready to act quickly: swimsuit on, quick dip, then settle in for the rest of the time. If your idea of a beach stop is long lunches and slow shade hunting, this part will feel brisk. But if you want a highlight beach without losing the day to downtime, it fits perfectly.

Because the tour keeps moving, Colomitos also works as a mental gear shift. After the morning start, this is the moment you get that payoff—cool water, clearer views, and a reset before Las Animas becomes your longer beach hang.

Las Animas beach time: lunch breaks, rentals, and plenty of ways to relax

Las Animas is the big beach block. You’ll spend at least two hours here for lunch and enjoying the warm water. And the options are real. There are at least 10 restaurants located right on the beach, so you’re not stuck with one menu choice. You’ll also see multiple activities you can rent, including boogie boards, sail boards, banana boat rides, and parachute rides.

This is the part of the day where the tour earns its value for a wide range of travelers. Some people want active beach fun. Others want a quieter lunch-and-swim rhythm. With a range of rentals and food options along the shore, you can pick your comfort level without feeling like you must join every activity.

What’s not included is important for planning: lunch and all water, food, and beverages are excluded. Also, the boat back to Boca from Las Animas is not included and is about 250 pesos. That matters because Las Animas is where you’ll likely spend the most money besides the tour itself.

The practical takeaway: treat Las Animas as your mini free day inside the tour. Use the restaurant variety to choose what fits your budget and appetite, and plan your return timing around the boat cost being separate.

Price, time, and what you should budget for

The tour costs $49.50 per person and typically runs about 6 to 8 hours. For that price, you’re paying for a guided coastal hike, time at multiple beaches, and a small-group experience (max 12). You’re also getting transportation along the route and a nature-focused guide, which can be hard to find on “just walk to a beach” plans.

Where the value can surprise you is that it’s not all inclusive at the beach. Lunch and drinks are excluded, the bus fare is 10 pesos each way, and the boat return is about 250 pesos. If you ignore those add-ons, the final cost can feel higher than you expected.

So here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Pay $49.50 for the hike and guide plus beach time.
• Expect to pay for your own beach meal and drinks.
• Plan around local transport and the boat return, since the ride back isn’t covered.

One more detail: there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That’s useful if you’re still watching weather or trying to fit your schedule.

Getting to the start point and pacing the hike without burning out

You meet at Basilio Badillo 339A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. It’s also listed as near public transportation, which is a plus if you don’t want to fuss with parking.

As for pacing, the physical requirement is “moderate physical fitness.” This isn’t described as a strenuous climbing tour, but it is a real hike along the bay. The good news is that Abraham is known for adapting to your level, so the group isn’t just dumped onto the trail and left to figure it out.

Your best strategy: wear something you can hike in, even if you’re tempted to go casual. Bring swim gear, but also plan for walk time. Think “comfortable shoes” first, “beach outfit” second, and you’ll move through the day with less stress.

What to pack for hidden beaches, sun, and a long beach block

I’d pack for a mixed day: walking, sun exposure, and a swim-ready beach rhythm. You’ll also be near the water during stops, so you don’t want to rely on dry clothes and hope.

Here are the essentials that make this kind of trip smoother:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Swimsuit and a quick-dry layer
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• A small day bag and a way to keep valuables from getting wet
• Cash or card for the extra costs at Las Animas and for the boat back

If you’re the type who wants to linger at every photo spot, slow down on purpose. With Colomitos at only 30 minutes and Boca at about 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy the day more if you use time efficiently.

Who this hike suits best, and who might want a different plan

This tour is a great fit if you want a guided day that combines coastline beauty with actual beach time. It’s especially good for people who like to learn what they’re seeing—birds, sea life context, and natural details—because Abraham’s biologist background is a defining feature.

It’s also a solid choice for groups who don’t want big-boat energy or long museum days. The small maximum group size helps keep it comfortable, and the schedule is built around movement rather than waiting.

Who might hesitate? If you don’t like hiking at all, or if a moderate fitness level is outside your comfort zone, you may feel the day is too physical. Also, if you want lunch included and you hate budgeting extra for food and return transport, you’ll probably prefer a more all-in package.

Should you book this South Shore Hidden Beaches hike?

I’d book it if your ideal day looks like this: start in a local coastal town, walk along the bay with changing views, swim at a standout beach like Colomitos, then spend real time at Las Animas with restaurant choices and rentals. It also helps if you value a guide who explains nature rather than just pointing.

I’d skip or switch tours if you need everything included, or if 6 to 8 hours with a moderate hike doesn’t match your comfort level. And if you’re counting on the boat return being covered, remember it’s not, and it’s a separate cost.

FAQ

How long is the Remote Hidden Beaches Hike of South Shore?

It runs about 6 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?

The meeting point is Basilio Badillo 339A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, and the start time is 9:00 am. It ends back at the meeting point.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $49.50 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the tour?

You get a guided trip with an experienced hiking guide along the seashore and pristine beaches.

What’s not included?

Lunch is not included. Water, food, and beverages at lunch are also excluded. Bus fare (10 pesos each way) and the boat back to Boca from Las Animas (about 250 pesos) are not included.

Do I need to pay entrance fees at the beach stops?

The beach stops listed during the hike are marked as admission ticket free.

How fit do I need to be?

The tour is for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t accepted.