Visiting Colomitos Beach, Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Found

Your guide to Colomitos Beach, Jalisco’s hidden gem in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta.

I still remember the first time I stepped onto Colomitos Beach. After hiking through the jungle from Boca de Tomatlán, the trees suddenly opened up to reveal a tiny cove with impossibly clear turquoise water, white sand, and dense green hills tumbling right down to the shoreline. It was one of those moments that makes you stop for a second and simply take it all in.

Just south of Puerto Vallarta, Colomitos Beach is one of the smallest and most beautiful beaches on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Although it’s no longer the secret it once was, it still feels wonderfully removed from the busy hotel zone and crowded beaches further north. Whether you hike in through the jungle, arrive by water taxi, or continue along the coastal trail to nearby beaches, it’s an easy and rewarding day trip.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Colomitos Beach, including how to get there, what to expect, what to bring, and a few tips to help you make the most of your visit.

How to Get to Colomitos, Jalisco

Getting to this stunning beach is all part of the fun of exploring this gorgeous area just south of Puerto Vallarta. Access is via a hiking path by land or by boat, normally through a tour or private hire from Boca de Tomatlan. There are no roads in this very remote part of Jalisco. 

Hiking: The hiking trail starts in Boca de Tomatlan (which can be reached by bus or Uber from Puerto Vallarta) upon locating the footbridge spanning the river, guiding you to the trailhead marked by signs directing toward “Playa Colomitos”.

The Colomitos Beach hike isn’t difficult but the terrain is pretty undulating and uneven. You’ll hike through the dense jungle, for about 30 minutes of  (potentially) quite sweaty trekking. 

For this reason, it’s a good idea to carry quite a bit of water with you, especially in the warmer months. 

For those seeking further exploration, the trail extends an additional two miles to Playa Caballo and Playa Las Animas- both of which are also stunning and well worth the extra effort. 

The latter boasts a variety of amenities, including restaurants, resorts, and beach gear rentals, alongside the convenience of water taxi services back to Boca de Tomatlan.

I highly recommend making a day trip out of it, visiting Playa Colomitos in the morning (not too early) and hiking over to Playa las Animas for a late lunch before heading back to Puerto Vallarta. 

Boat: For those preferring a more direct route to Colomitos or those with mobility concerns, water taxis or pangas present a viable alternative. 

These taxis can whisk you away to the beach, allowing for a leisurely day by the sea. When ready to return, just signal one of the numerous water taxis passing which offer a swift and scenic passage back to Boca de Tomatlan or onward to Puerto Vallarta.

About Playa Colomitos, Jalisco, Mexico + What to Do There

Located within the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and gracing the beautiful Bay of Banderas, Playa Colomitos is a hidden gem in Jalisco, Mexico, for those that make it out of the broader Puerto Vallarta region. 

This enchanting beach, though small, boasts an untouched stretch of fine sand set within a scenic rocky enclave, all backed by the dense foliage of a jungle ravine. 

A charming creek meanders through the ravine merging with the sea. For those adventurous enough to follow the creek upstream for a few minutes, a quaint little waterfall awaits (could be dried up in dry season), offering a secluded spot for relaxation and a touch of natural beauty. 

On the beach, you won’t find much, occasionally there’s a drinks seller but they are fairly hit or miss so it’s better to bring in your own snacks and water.  Additionally, the Ocean Grill Vallarta restaurant is available for those who make reservations, providing a unique dining experience by the water.

The beach doesn’t feature rental chairs or umbrellas, largely due to space constraints, but the lush hillside foliage naturally provides ample shade. You’ll be wise to bring a towel to just lay down on the sand. 

You can also do snorkelling at Colomitos Beach, but there are no rental facilities, so you’ll need to bring in your own gear. You’ll have the opportunity to observe an array of tropical fish species, such as king angel fish, moray eels, sergeant majors and pufferfish to name a few.

Read more: Conchas Chinas Beach: A Hidden Gem in Puerto Vallarta

Tips for Visiting Colomitos Beach

Integrating a visit to Colomitos Beach Puerto Vallarta with an extended exploration of Jalisco with a greater hike of the area’s beaches is the perfect way to spend the day beach hopping. 

Starting in Boca de Tomatlan, you’ll be able to hike the coastal trail that leads to Playa las Animas where you can have lunch and relax- head to the bottom end of Playa las Animas for more privacy. 

If you’re only going as far as Colomitos Beach and planning to spend a few hours there, make sure to pack everything, including, a towel, water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and all other beach essentials. 

For photographers: The best time to photograph Colomitos, Puerto Vallarta is during mid-morning and in the afternoon, as this is when the beach receives the most light. Early in the morning, the entire beach is shaded. 

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