Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure

Puerto Vallarta’s best snorkeling often starts with a bus ride, not a hotel pickup. This half-day trip takes you down the lush coast to Boca de Tomatlán, then by small boat toward Majahuitas Beach and Playa Colomitos, with two snorkel stops and time at a secluded beach.

I like the small group of no more than 10 and the personal care from guides such as Elian, who helps first-time snorkelers and older swimmers feel safe. I also like the local shape of the day: public bus, family-run waterfront restaurant, boat ride, fresh coconuts, and quiet coves that cannot be reached by road.

The main drawback is that several costs sit outside the $54.36 tour price. Bus fare, snacks, coconuts, beach drinks, and possibly lunch are extra, so check the meal option before booking and bring some cash.

Key points to know before you book

• Two snorkel sites near Majahuitas and Colomitos: You can spend up to about 30 minutes at each site, with equipment, fins, a snorkel tube, and life jacket supplied.
• Elian is a hands-on guide: He helps with gear, entry and exit from the boat, and basic safety, which matters if you are new to snorkeling or less agile in the water.
• The boat leaves from Boca de Tomatlán: The scenic bus ride from the Romantic Zone takes about 25 minutes and is part of the outing, but bus fare is not included.
• A beach stop adds local flavor: You can buy coconut water, coconut meat with lime and spice, beer, water, and other drinks, though these cost extra.
• Lunch is optional: You return to Boca de Tomatlán to eat at a waterside restaurant, but you need to select the included meal option when booking.
• Whales may add a surprise: Some departures have seen whales or heard whale songs underwater, but sightings depend on conditions and timing.

Why this Puerto Vallarta snorkeling trip feels different

Many boat outings from Puerto Vallarta begin and end at a marina. This one starts in the city, sends you south by local bus, and uses Boca de Tomatlán as the launch point. That gives you a better sense of how the southern coast works before you even reach the water.

The bus ride takes roughly 25 minutes. The road winds through thick tropical foliage and passes through a less polished side of Puerto Vallarta. You will not have a private vehicle or hotel pickup, but the tradeoff is a simple, local start and a chance to see the coast beyond the resort zone.

The tour meets at C. Constitución 363 in the Romantic Zone. From there, you ride to Boca de Tomatlán, walk a short distance from the bus stop to the beach, and wait while the boat is prepared. The small restaurant near the harbor has a pleasant view, and you can sit at a table without ordering anything.

That waiting period is worth understanding. This is not a tightly choreographed marina departure where every minute is controlled. Boat preparation can take some time, and the restaurant stop gives you somewhere comfortable to sit. If you want a quick transfer from city street to open water, this may feel slow. If you enjoy seeing how a local boat day comes together, it adds character.

Boca de Tomatlán: a practical launch point

Boca de Tomatlán is a working coastal village and the gateway to the southern beaches. The harbor is small, scenic, and close to the restaurant used before and after the boat ride. You walk only a few meters from the bus stop to the beach, but you should still wear footwear that is easy to remove and carry.

The boat ride south lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Along the way, the guide points out beaches tucked between the coastline and the hills. Several of these places can be reached only by boat or on foot, which explains why a small boat is a better choice than trying to visit them by road.

The boat has a cover, an important detail in Puerto Vallarta’s strong sun. You can still enjoy the coast without sitting in direct sunlight for the entire ride. A covered boat also gives you a more comfortable ride back after snorkeling, when you may be wet and tired.

Captain Brian has been praised for both his boat handling and his interest in snorkeling. That combination matters. You are not simply being transported to a drop-off point, then left to figure out the water alone. The captain knows the area and can take part in the practical side of the snorkel stops.

Majahuitas Beach and the first swim

Majahuitas Beach is one of the main snorkeling stops. The water is used for close views of fish, including king angelfish and sergeant major fish. Reports also include sightings of an eel, a sea cucumber, a starfish, and a small conch.

Marine life is never guaranteed, and visibility can change with weather and sea conditions. Still, the setting gives you a good chance to see more than a few fish passing at a distance. Some fish may come quite close, which makes the stop enjoyable even for people who have snorkeled in other places.

You can spend up to about 30 minutes here. That is long enough to get comfortable with the mask and snorkel, circle the area at an easy pace, and give first-time swimmers time to settle down. The guide supplies a snorkel tube, fins, and life jacket.

Elian’s support is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. He checks that beginners are properly fitted and watches the group in the water. He has also helped older people get in and out of the boat, a task that can be awkward even for confident swimmers.

If you are nervous, say so before entering the water. The guide can help you adjust your equipment and understand the plan. The tour is suitable for most people, but swimming ability, comfort in open water, and ease of getting into a boat still matter.

Playa Colomitos and the second snorkel stop

The second site is Playa Colomitos. Like Majahuitas, it is part of the southern coast’s string of small beaches and coves. The tour allows up to roughly 30 minutes here as well, giving you a second chance to see fish if the first stop was affected by water conditions.

Two separate swim stops are better than one long stop for most people. You can compare the sites, take a short rest on the boat between them, and avoid feeling that the whole outing depends on one patch of water. You also have more time to practice if you have never used a snorkel before.

The boat and guide remain close by while you swim. Life jackets are supplied, and the equipment is included in the tour price. You should still expect a basic shared setup rather than a luxury watersports service.

Some departures have included whales in the wider outing. One group saw 10 whales, and another reported hearing whale songs underwater during the snorkeling season. Treat this as a lucky extra, not part of the guaranteed plan. The core activity is the two snorkel stops and the coastal boat ride.

The beach break: coconuts, drinks, and extra costs

After snorkeling, the boat stops at one of the favorite beaches for about 30 minutes. This is a welcome change of pace. You can get out of the water, walk along the sand, and enjoy coconut water, beer, bottled water, other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, and coconut meat.

Fresh coconut is one of the memorable local touches. A vendor can open the coconut so you drink the water, then slice it for eating. Lime, spices, and sauce may be added to the coconut meat. It is tasty, but it is not included in the tour price.

This is where the budget needs attention. The base price is $54.36 per person, but it does not include bus fare or snacks. Beach refreshments cost extra, and the meal option must be checked when you book. One useful habit is to ask the guide or vendor for the price before ordering, especially if you are already planning to tip the guide, captain, and restaurant staff.

The beach stop also requires care when getting on and off the boat. The transfer can be tricky, particularly for young children, older adults, or anyone with limited balance. The guides can assist, but this is not a step-free shore excursion.

Lunch beside the harbor in Boca de Tomatlán

After the beach stop, you return to Boca de Tomatlán to eat. The restaurant sits beside the water and offers a pleasant setting while you dry off and settle back into village life.

Lunch is not automatically part of every booking. Check the included meal option before paying. A cheeseburger received high praise, but the important point is that the meal gives you time to sit down after the boat trip rather than rushing straight back to Puerto Vallarta.

If you have a large breakfast or prefer to choose your own food, you may not need the meal option. If you want the day to feel complete and do not want to search for food after snorkeling, adding lunch makes sense.

The restaurant stop is also a reminder that this outing is built around local businesses, not an isolated resort operation. You ride a public bus, use a village harbor, eat beside the water, and buy refreshments from beach vendors. That makes the day feel more connected to Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast.

What the $54.36 price really covers

At $54.36 per person, the price is fair if you want a guided small-group boat trip rather than arranging transport, gear, and a water taxi yourself. The fee includes the boat ride, snorkeling equipment, fins, snorkel tube, life jacket, bottled water, taxes, and other listed fees.

The group limit of 10 is a major part of the value. A small group makes it easier for Elian to help with equipment, keep an eye on new swimmers, and assist people getting in and out of the boat. It also creates a quieter outing than a large party boat.

The price does not cover private transportation, bus fare, snacks, coconut treats, or beach drinks. Lunch depends on the option selected at booking. Add those costs before comparing this trip with another excursion.

You should also plan for tips if the guide, captain, and restaurant staff provide good service. Tipping is not listed as included, and some people choose to tip each person separately.

Who should book this outing

This tour suits you if you want more than a simple snorkeling transfer. It combines a scenic bus ride, a coastal boat trip, two water stops, a beach break, and time for food in Boca de Tomatlán.

It is especially useful for first-time snorkelers because Elian can help with setup and safety. It also works well for experienced snorkelers who prefer a small group and want a guide who can point out marine life rather than leaving everyone to swim alone.

Families can consider it, too. The guides have handled older children and a four-year-old with patience and care, but the boat transfer and open-water swimming still require close attention. Parents should be ready to help with the child’s comfort and safety.

This is less suitable if you want a private vehicle, a guaranteed whale sighting, a long beach stay, or an all-inclusive price. It is also not ideal if you dislike local bus rides or extra charges for food and drinks.

The tour is offered in English, confirmation arrives when you book, and it ends back at the starting meeting point. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum group size can lead to a new date, another activity, or a full refund.

Should you book the Hidden Beach Snorkeling Adventure?

I would book this if your priority is a personal, small-group day on the southern Puerto Vallarta coast. The two snorkel sites, covered boat, helpful guide, and local beach and restaurant stops give you more variety than a basic out-and-back swim.

Before booking, confirm the meal option, budget for bus fare and refreshments, and think honestly about boat access and open-water comfort. If you accept those practical details, the $54.36 price buys a well-rounded outing with a good chance of fish, a possible whale sighting, and plenty of time with guides who pay attention to the people in their care.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is C. Constitución 363 in the Romantic Zone, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Is transportation included?

The boat trip is included, but private transportation and bus fare are not. The tour begins with a bus ride to Boca de Tomatlán.

Which beaches are included?

The main stops are Majahuitas Beach, Playa Colomitos, and Boca de Tomatlán. The boat also passes other beaches along the southern coast.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

There are two snorkeling locations. You can spend up to about 30 minutes at each one.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, a snorkel tube, fins, and a life jacket. Bottled water is also included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch depends on the option selected when booking. You return to Boca de Tomatlán to eat, so check that the included meal option is selected if you want lunch covered.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.