Looking for a hidden beach escape in Puerto Vallarta? Colomitos Beach is one of my favorite spots to sneak away to when I need a break from the city. The first time I visited, I couldn’t believe my luck – there was no one else around, and it felt like my own private paradise.
Since then, every visit has been a little busier (word has definitely gotten out), but it’s still every bit as stunning. Tucked between lush jungle and emerald-green water, this tiny cove is easy to reach by a short hike or quick boat ride, making it a fun half-day trip during your time in Puerto Vallarta.
Quick Info – Colomitos Beach at a Glance
- Location: Just west of Boca de Tomatlán, south of Puerto Vallarta
- How to Get There: Hike (30–45 minutes) or water taxi (10 minutes) from Boca
- Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, photography, jungle hike
- Facilities: Bring your own water and snacks. Ocean Grill nearby requires a reservation.
- Best Time to Visit: November–April is generally drier; May is a transition month.
- Cost: No beach admission fee. Ask the boat staff for the current round-trip fare and arrange your return before leaving Boca.
Join this guided hike to Playa Colomitos and more secluded beaches along the coast!
Where is Colomitos Beach Mexico?
Colomitos Beach is a small, secluded cove just west of Boca de Tomatlán, about a 40-minute drive south of downtown Puerto Vallarta along the coast.
It sits between jungle-covered hills and the Bay of Banderas, and there’s no road access — you can only get there by hiking (about 30–45 minutes) or by water taxi (about 10 minutes) from Boca.
It’s one of the first beaches on the popular Boca to Las Animas coastal trail, making it a favorite stop for both hikers and boaters looking for a quiet, scenic swim.
How to Get to Colomitos Beach from Puerto Vallarta
Whether you’re traveling by boat or by foot, your trip to Colomitos will begin in Boca de Tomatlan.
This is a small fishing village a short way south from the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. It’s frequently referred to simply as “Boca.”
Boca de Tomatlan can be reached by boarding a local bus from Zona Romantica here.
Sometimes the bus is labeled “Boca de Tomatlan”, but more frequently, it’s the bus labeled “Mismaloya.” (Mismaloya is a few stops before Boca de Tomatlan if you’re heading south). It’s about a 40-minute bus ride and is by far the cheapest way to get there (confirm the current fare with the driver; urban fares increased to 11 pesos in April 2026, and the Boca route may cost more).
A taxi or Uber can also take you to Boca. Check the current quote before booking, and don’t count on finding an Uber waiting there for the trip back.
You can stop for seafood in Boca before or after your hike. Buy your water and snacks before leaving town, so you’re not relying on a shop being open when you arrive.
Playa Colomitos by boat (water taxi)
The fastest and easiest way to reach Colomitos is by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán.
- Travel time: About 10 minutes
- Price: Ask for the current quote, and check whether it’s per person or for a private boat.
- Frequency: Arrange a return time with the boat staff before leaving Boca. Don’t assume boats will keep stopping at this little beach until sunset.
- Tickets: Buy directly from the boat staff at the pier in Boca
Colomitos beach hike
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the hike to Colomitos is part of the Boca to Las Animas trail and offers stunning coastal views.
- Distance: The first section of the Boca-to-Las Animas coastal trail; download an offline map.
- Time: 30–45 minutes depending on your pace and fitness level
- Difficulty: Uneven and rocky, with steps and short climbs. Sturdy shoes help.
In Boca, head upstream along the Horcones River to the footbridge and cross there. Don’t try to wade or swim across the river mouth.
On the other side, follow the coastal path toward Colomitos. It climbs above the shore and passes homes before heading through the trees. Check your offline map at junctions and stick to the public trail. You can see my hike in the video below!
@explorewithlora Love this spot 🥰 #colomitos #colomitosbeach #puertovallartamexico #visitpuertovallarta #mexicobeach ♬ Free – YANAtheartist
Allow around 30–45 minutes each way in good conditions, with extra time for breaks or tricky footing. Skip the hike during storms or when the path is slippery or damaged.
Continuing to Las Animas Beach
If Colomitos is too crowded, or if you feel like a longer hike, you can follow the trail past Colomitos and end up at Las Animas beach.
Depending on your fitness level, it could take an additional hour or an hour and a half.
Las Animas is a tiny village with a stunning beachfront. There are multiple restaurants, shops, vendors, and musicians.
You can take a water taxi from Las Animas back to Boca. I always enjoy ending my hike with a few margaritas on the beach here! Arrange the boat and agree on the fare before settling in, so you’re not left looking for a ride late in the day.
Best Colomitos tours
Here are some of the most popular Colomitos tours.
Private Colomitos & Los Arcos Snorkeling Tour
🕕 4 hours | Check availability here
Not far from Colomitos is Los Arcos, which is perhaps the most ideal snorkeling spot in all the Bay of Banderas.
This 4-hour private tour from Ecotours will take you and your family or group on a guided snorkeling adventure in Los Arcos, followed by a relaxing stop at Colomitos Beach.
The biggest advantage of booking a private tour is having the boat just for your group. You can talk to the guide about your swimming ability and spend the outing together. Visibility and the stops still depend on sea conditions.
Ecotours currently departs from Marina Vallarta and includes snorkeling gear and drinking water. Food and port fees cost extra. Los Muertos pier pickup may be arranged, subject to availability; check the departure point and inclusions on your selected booking.
Michael was our snorkeling instructor, and he was polite and informational. He was very helpful guiding us through the swim, and he took us to a more secluded beach with more fish to see. Overall it was a great time.
– Tobin (read more reviews here).
Educational Hike to Colomitos
🕕 About 6.5 hours | Check availability here
The Luna Tours hike meets at Aguacate 341 in the Romantic Zone, then uses the city bus to reach Boca. You’ll walk with a guide to Colomitos and continue to Las Animas.
Allow about 6.5 hours for this guided excursion, including transport and beach stops. The current listing includes the bus, a boat ride, a guide and snacks. Budget separately for lunch; don’t plan around the old ceviche-and-guacamole description.
The best time to see lots of vegetation is between June and October. But this is also the rainy season, so be sure to pack a poncho and some mosquito repellent.
This was such a wonderful experience. Our guide, Alejandro, was incredibly kind, gracious and knowledgeable and helped make this such a great experience for my family and I. The ceviche, chips and fruit that he provided for lunch were delicious, and the water taxi was a nice end to the trip. If you book this, you will love it!!
– Katie (read more reviews here)
Things to do at Colomitos Beach Jalisco
Even though it’s tiny, Colomitos packs in a lot of ways to enjoy the day. Here are my top picks:
1. Swim in Crystal-Clear Water
That emerald-green water is a big part of why I love Colomitos. Before getting in, check the waves, currents and boat traffic, and choose a spot where you can enter and get back out comfortably. It isn’t always calm or shallow.
2. Snorkel Along the Rocks
Bring your own mask if you want to look for fish along the rocks, or choose a guided snorkeling trip. Visibility changes with swell and runoff. Give boats plenty of room, and leave the rocks and marine life alone.
3. Ocean Grill
Ocean Grill is right above the water near the beach. This is a lunch stop, so book a seating instead of arriving for dinner. It currently takes cash and requires a reservation deposit for its boat transfer; if you hike in, that deposit is applied to your restaurant bill. Check the current terms when booking.
Rough seas can cancel the restaurant’s boat service or close it for the day. Confirm your reservation and transport before setting off. You can also check its Facebook page for updates.
4. Hike to the waterfall
There’s also a seasonal waterfall near Colomitos, but it’s a separate detour from the coastal trail.
The side path can be hard to find under thick foliage. Go with someone who knows the route, and don’t push through an unfamiliar stream or scramble just to find it.
The waterfall may be dry during the drier months. Rainy season generally runs June–October, but fuller water also brings slippery footing and stronger flows. Avoid the detour during storms or after heavy rain.
5. Continue Hiking to Las Animas
If you’re up for more adventure, keep going along the coastal trail for about an hour to Las Animas Beach. You can reward yourself with lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants and take a water taxi back to Boca.
Tips for Visiting Colomitos Beach
- Go early in the day – The beach is small and can feel crowded fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Weekdays are quieter – If possible, plan your visit midweek for a more relaxed vibe.
- Bring cash – For water taxis, Ocean Grill, or snacks in Boca de Tomatlán. Many places here don’t take cards.
- Wear sturdy shoes if hiking – The trail has uneven, rocky sections and can be slippery after rain.
- Bring water and snacks – Don’t rely on finding vendors on this little beach.
- Pack out your trash – Keep the beach clean so it stays beautiful for everyone.
- Bring sun protection – Bring a hat, umbrella, or sarong for sun protection.
- Ocean conditions can change – Check waves, currents and boat traffic before swimming in any season.
- Combine with other stops – Hike on to Las Animas or enjoy lunch at Ocean Grill to make the most of your trip.
Colomitos Beach, Puerto Vallarta – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
How do you get to Colomitos Beach?
You can hike from Boca de Tomatlán or take a water taxi. Allow around 30–45 minutes for the hike in good conditions; a boat takes roughly 10 minutes, depending on the sea.
Can you take a boat to Colomitos Beach?
Yes. Ask the boat staff in Boca for the current fare and agree on your return time before leaving. Don’t assume a fixed departure schedule or a boat at sunset.
Can you walk to Colomitos Beach?
Yes. The coastal trail has rocks, steps and short climbs. Wear sturdy shoes, use the footbridge in Boca and take an offline map.
How long is the hike to Playa Las Animas?
Allow roughly 2–3 hours of walking from Boca in good conditions, plus time for beach stops. Arrange a return boat from Las Animas before the hike.
Is there a restaurant at Colomitos Beach?
Ocean Grill is nearby above the water. It serves lunch, takes cash and requires a reservation. Check its current deposit, transport and admission policies when booking.
Do you need to pay to visit Colomitos Beach?
There is no beach admission fee. Budget for transport, food and any restaurant reservation or boat charges.
Is Colomitos Beach good for swimming?
Swimming depends on the conditions that day. Check waves, currents and boat traffic, and make sure you can get in and out comfortably.
When is the best time to visit Colomitos Beach?
November–April is generally drier, with May a transition month. June–October is usually rainier. Start early and avoid storms or damaged trails.
Is Colomitos Beach safe?
I’ve enjoyed my visits here, but take the usual precautions: keep valuables with you, watch your footing, check the sea and arrange your ride back in advance.
Final thoughts: Colomitos Beach
Whether you hike the jungle trail or arrive by boat, Colomitos Beach is one of those places that captures the magic of Puerto Vallarta in a single view. Golden sand, emerald water, and lush green hills all around you.
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, set aside a half-day to make the trip. I’ve been more times than I can count, and each visit reminds me why this little cove has become one of my favorite spots in the Bay of Banderas.
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Don’t miss these posts!
- Pros and Cons of Living in Puerto Vallarta
- Differences between Cabo and Puerto Vallarta
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