Colomitos Beach, a Place you Must Visit Near Puerto Vallarta

There are plenty of Puerto Vallarta beaches that attract the masses but none are quite like Colomitos Beach. One of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta, this small beach nestled on the southern shores of Banderas Bay is the ideal spot to stop for a quick dip in the ocean on your hike further south or to spend the day soaking up the sun and playing in the waves. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta, a visit to Colomitos is a must.

Where is Colomitos Beach Located?

Colomitos Beach is located on the southern end of Banderas Bay, between Boca de Tomatlán and Las Animas. The small beach, which is only accessible by boat or on foot, is situated in Cabo Corrientes, a region of Jalisco that is just south of Puerto Vallarta.

How to Get to Colomitos Beach

When you’re figuring out how to get to Colomitos Beach, you may be surprised to learn that there are only two ways to get there, by boat or on foot. While each is an adventure in itself, there are some things you should know before venturing off to Colomitos, one of the best Puerto Vallarta beaches.

Read: Exploring the Local Food Scene in Puerto Vallarta.

hiking puerto vallarta

Hiking to Colomitos Puerto Vallarta

If you’re up for some exercise and into cheap thrills, hiking to Colomitos Beach is a must. First, grab a bus or a taxi and head to Boca de Tomatlán, a town along Vallarta’s southern shores.

Once you’re there, ask around and you’ll be directed to a path that follows the coastline, taking you from one beach to another. The hiking trail passes in front of homes, up hills, and into the jungle. If you decide to take the hike, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and pack lightly.

You’ll be traversing up and down the mountainside before arriving at one of the most beautiful Puerto Vallarta beaches, and while the hike is worth your while, it isn’t as easy as you might hope.

Pro Tips:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The locals are friendly and almost everyone will be able to point you in the right direction.
Beware of the dogs. Along the route, you’re likely to encounter a number of local dogs and while they are usually friendly with people, they may not be so welcoming to your furry companions. If you do take your dog on the hike, make sure to keep them close by and keep your eyes peeled, especially around town and when passing by the waterfront homes at the beginning of the hike.
Hike to Colomitos and take a water taxi back. The hike to Colomitos is great, especially if you plan to spend a few hours there. If you aren’t up for hiking back, flag down a water taxi that is passing by and they’ll return you to Boca de Tomatlán for less than 80 pesos a person.
If you’re hiking with little kids, be prepared to carry them some of the way. The hike is difficult for small children and they’ll require some assistance crossing tiny bridges, hiking down steep hills, and in some cases, climbing up big rocks.

Check out more Hiking Trail Routes in Puerto Vallarta.

how to get to colomitos

Taking a Boat to Colomitos

If hiking to Colomitos Puerto Vallarta isn’t your thing, then the only other way to get there is by taking a boat. While you can hire a yacht and spend the day perusing Banderas Bay, there are a slew of pangas, or small fishing boats, that leave Boca de Tomatlan and will drop you off at the beach for quite a bit less. These shared water taxis will charge you around 80 pesos per person each way unless you request a private trip.

Pro Tips:

Check the wave report before attempting to go to Colomitos Puerto Vallarta. If the waves are strong, boats won’t stop in the small bay and there won’t be much beach to play on anyway.
Be prepared to get wet upon arriving and departing. Most boats won’t get close enough to drop you on shore and there is no pier.
Bring cash if you want to consume anything at the beach bar at Colomitos Beach.

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Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Near Colomitos Beach

Bring your own snorkeling gear and witness the wonders beneath the ocean’s surface. There are schools of tropical fish and other amazing sea life to be seen just a short swim from the shore.
After spending some time at Colomitos Puerto Vallarta, hike further south and visit Playa Caballo, a barren strip of sand that is both beautiful and great for swimming, Las Animas, one of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta for fresh seafood and aquatic activities, or Quimixto, a small village with great surfing and a very laid back ambiance.
Spend the afternoon at one of the chick restaurants along the coast, including Casita Maraikas, La Troza, or Ocean Grill. If you want to include this in your plans, call ahead because reservations are required.
If you’re looking to revel in a small coastal charm, visiting Yelapa is by far one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The gem sits on the southern-most tip of the Bay and offers a genuinely relaxing ambiance for everyone.

Another adventure you can take: Top 8 Reasons to Visit Sayulita Mexico.