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 the perfect half-day adventure 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: Ocean Grill restaurant nearby (reservations recommended)
- Best Time to Visit: November–May for dry season weather
- Cost: Free to visit, water taxi ~ $X MXN per person round trip
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 (~10 pesos).
Alternatively, you can easily catch a taxi or Uber ride to Boca.
The restaurants in this area seem to change frequently, but there is always fresh seafood on hand. It’s also a good place to stock up on hiking supplies, such as bottled water and sunscreen.
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: Around $100 MXN per person each way (confirm on arrival)
- Frequency: Boats run roughly every 15–30 minutes during the day, starting around 9 am and finishing by 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: About 1 mile (1.6 km) one way
- Time: 30–45 minutes depending on your pace and fitness level
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — some rocky, uneven sections and short uphill climbs
After arriving in Boca de Tomatlan, start by following the Horocones River upwards. You’ll see a footbridge that crosses over the river.
After crossing the bridge, follow the left side of the river back towards the sea. The trail to Colomitos beach goes up the hillside. After about a mile, you’ll pass the Ocean Grill Restaurant, and Colomitos is just past it. You can see what it’s like to hike to Colomitos in the video below!
@explorewithlora Love this spot 🥰 #colomitos #colomitosbeach #puertovallartamexico #visitpuertovallarta #mexicobeach ♬ Free – YANAtheartist
Plan on the hike taking between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on both your fitness level and your desired speed.
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.
If you don’t want to hike back, you can take a water taxi back from Las Animas to Boca. I always enjoy ending my hike with a few margaritas on the beach here and taking the water taxi back!
Best Colomitos tours
Here are some of the most popular Colomitos tours.
Private Colomitos & Los Arcos Snorkeling Tour
⭐️ 5/5 (10+ reviews) | 🕕 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 (up to 10 people) 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 that you’ll have the boat all to yourself, and not have to deal with annoying strangers kicking your face while snorkeling. Plus, the guides know how to find the best water for snorkeling, as well as less crowded areas where you’ll have more room to spread out.
Ecotours is also a good option because they provide pickup from most of the major resorts. Plus, water, sodas, and granola bars are all included.
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
⭐️ 5/5 (40+ reviews) | 🕕 5.5 hours | Check availability here
This tour picks you up in Puerto Vallarta and includes bus transportation to Boca de Tomatlan. From there, you’ll hike to Colomitos with an expert guide, learning about the many local plant and animal species along the way.
Operated by Luna Tours, this guided excursion includes a tropical fruit snack, as well as a choice of guacamole or ceviche when you reach Colomitos. The entire tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, and anyone who doesn’t feel like hiking back can take the water taxi for a small fee.
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
The calm, emerald-green water is perfect for cooling off after the hike or boat ride. It’s shallow near the shore, making it great for a quick dip or lounging in the shallows.
2. Snorkel Along the Rocks
Bring your own mask or join a tour to explore the rocky edges of the cove, where you can spot colorful tropical fish. Mornings are usually the clearest for snorkeling.
3. Ocean Grill
There is an awesome restaurant near the beach called the Ocean Grill. Because it can only be accessed by boat or hiking trail, it has become a legendary place to have lunch or dinner while in PV. It’s also been ranked as one of the top 100 restaurants in Mexico. Be sure to make a reservation, as seating is limited!
Ocean Grill is right on the water, which means that inclement sea conditions can force it to close on some days. Check the Facebook page if you plan to attend, as they update it immediately if there is a weather-based closure.
4. Hike to the waterfall
If you’ve made it as far as Colomitos, there’s no reason not to hike a few minutes further to see a stunning natural waterfall.
The trail to the waterfall splits off from the main trail and leads upwards. It can be difficult to spot when there is a lot of foliage, but it’s well worth finding.
If you go in the middle of the dry season (December – March), there is a chance that the waterfall won’t be running. Like other waterfalls in the area, the best time for gushing waters is June to September.
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 – There are no vendors on the beach itself.
- Pack out your trash – Keep the beach clean so it stays beautiful for everyone.
- No shade on the sand – Bring a hat, umbrella, or sarong for sun protection.
- Ocean conditions can change – The water is usually calm, but in rainy season, check for stronger waves before swimming.
- 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 about 30–45 minutes from Boca de Tomatlán or take a 10-minute water taxi from the Boca pier.
Can you take a boat to Colomitos Beach?
Yes. Water taxis leave Boca de Tomatlán every 15–30 minutes during the day and cost about $100 MXN per person each way.
Can you walk to Colomitos Beach?
Yes. The trail from Boca is easy to moderate and has gorgeous coastal views. It’s part of the longer Boca to Las Animas hiking route.
How long is the hike to Playa Las Animas?
From Boca, it’s about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on your pace and whether you stop at Colomitos along the way.
Is there a restaurant at Colomitos Beach?
Yes – Ocean Grill Vallarta, a small, oceanfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and views. Reservations are essential.
Do you need to pay to visit Colomitos Beach?
No entry fee. You’ll only pay if you take the water taxi or dine at Ocean Grill.
Is Colomitos Beach good for swimming?
Yes, the water is usually calm and clear, making it perfect for a refreshing swim.
When is the best time to visit Colomitos Beach?
November–May offers the sunniest, driest weather. June–September is lush and green but also rainy.
Is Colomitos Beach safe?
Yes, it’s safe for visitors. Just watch your footing on the trail if hiking, and keep an eye on ocean conditions during the rainy season.
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
- 12 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts
