I NO LONGER RECOMMEND VISITING THIS CABO CORRIENTES BEACH (THE NEIGHBORING MUNICIPALITY – NOT PUERTO VALLARTA). THEY’VE DESTROYED THE BEACH WITH A HORRENDOUS RESTAURANT, BLOCKED THE STREAM FROM THE JUNGLE AND HAVE COVERED THE SMALL BEACH WITH TABLES.
DO NOT SUPPORT THESE PREDATORS AND IF YOU ARE A LOCAL CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND DEMAND AN EXPLANATION.
Wildlife
Hiking
Swimming
South Zone
Introduction
Aerial view of Colomitos Beach, Cabo Corrientes, Zona Sur, Puerto Vallarta
Located 1000 yards (5 minutes in water taxi) to the west of Boca de Tomatlán (11 miles/17 km from Puerto Vallarta’s main square), Colomitos Beach (Playa Colomitos) is a small clear-sand beach located between the clear emerald sea waves, rounded rocks, a waterfall, and a small creek that sneaks out of the lush tropical jungle.
How to get to Colomitos?
View north from Colomitos Beach
There are two ways to get to the beach and cove. One of the easiest and recommended options for those that are not into hiking through the jungle and going up and down slopes is by the sea in one of the local “pangas”, water taxis that depart from the pier in Boca de Tomatlan (they charge a few dollars per person for the ride).
To start off this adventure, I would recommend you travel by land southward from downtown PV to Boca de Tomatlán, where you can take the water taxi going to the other western beaches (Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa) as they will first go by Colomitos’ small bay and beach on their normal route (see map above). Check out the water taxi schedule.
Complete hike from Colomitos Beach to Boca de Tomatlan in real-time (44 minutes)
You can get to the small fishing town (AKA Boca), by taking a taxi or a local bus; or if you’re into sailing and don’t easily get seasick, by panga (water taxi), as its bay is the most popular one for taxis. These pangas can be caught around the pier at Los Muertos Beach and at Marina Vallarta in PV.
Beaches south of Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, Colomitos
Walking/Hiking to Colomitos
If you’re the outdoorsy kind of person, we suggest you consider taking the trail and hiking from Boca de Tomatlán, which is about a mile through the jungle (some 25–40 minutes depending on the pace and experience).
Diagram of the trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Colomitos Beach
Initially, you’ll walk upriver till you find a footbridge to cross over the Horcones river (you also enter the Cabo Corrientes municipality when you do so) and then follow the west side edge of the river (left side) toward the sea edge, then follow the mountainside path up the hill in the general direction of the Ocean Grill restaurant. That then takes you (on the left side) to the tiny beach and small creek area.
Colomitos beach (drone view from above) Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico
Watch this video and see the whole route from Boca to Colomitos as a time-lapse.
What you’ll see along the way
You may find different wild animals along the way, such as iguanas, foxes, raccoons, skunks, crabs, and small reptiles, to name a few. The “wildlife” you will find is not a concern, as these animals are accustomed to visitors hiking and exploring the surroundings. The times I’ve gone, I’ve only heard birds and seen a few insects, but no larger animals. This also depends on the time of the year. During the rainy season, things really take off in terms of life and abundance.
Crossing the deciduous forest, or Vallarta’s “veranera,” you’ll walk through an ecosystem of palms, ficus, and frangipani, among other species that belong to the Mexican Pacific coastal flora. You may also be able to see large termite nests, butterflies, and various birds of the area, including the yellow-winged jay or Mexican Cacique, a native of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico.
About Colomitos Beach
Colomitos Beach, south of Puerto Vallarta, close to Boca de Tomatlán
This small and hidden space is one of the favorite unspoiled beaches in the area. With barely 30 yards of sand, Colomitos is one of the most intimate and cozy spots you’ll find near Puerto Vallarta.
Colomitos Beach is located in the southern curve of Banderas Bay, between the Horcones River (Boca) and El Caballo beach (just before Las Animas). Colomitos offers crystal clear water and white warm sand and is an ideal place for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, or just sunbathing.
Colomitos beach seen from the path east
The name of the beach, “Colomitos”, means “little Colomos”, and Colomos is the local Mexican name for a plant known in Asia as “Ocumo” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthosoma.
Playa Colomitos (Colomitos beach) is without a doubt a small piece of paradise for those who love the outdoors, wildlife, nature, and calm, relaxing experiences.
What to do there
Playa Colomitos (Beach), Jalisco, Mexico
You will also have the chance to see a wide variety of tropical fish, that include king angels, giant damselfish, moray eels, sergeant majors, pufferfish, rainbow wrasses, reef cornetfish, spotted boxfish, among others.
If you are vacationing in the area, visiting it is highly recommended, whether you are there with your family, your friends, or your partner.
Another one of the attractions in Colomitos is the newly reopened restaurant there, Ocean Grill Vallarta. It offers a fabulous view of the sea, cove, and beach. You have it close at hand to make your trip all the more memorable. If you are planning to visit them, remember to make a reservation beforehand.
Different tours are available, lasting around six hours. They normally offer highly trained staff that will guide and help you there, either by hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply by taking a boat.
Tips and suggestions
Colomitos beach (drone view) Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico
When visiting Colomitos, do not forget to bring your swimsuit, towel, sandals, camera, sunscreen (biodegradable is best), a light jacket in case the temperature drops, bottled water or food, and mosquito repellent. Don’t forget to take all your trash back to town and leave the place cleaner than you found it, for all to enjoy.
For those that enjoy hikes and interesting and challenging adventures, you can continue hiking to the west along the edge of the sea from Colomitos all the way to Las Animas beach. There is a staircase that takes off on the western side of Colomitos beach which is the starting point of the path. The hike is well marked and there is no way to get lost, but do take at least 2 to 3 litres of water along for the trip, especially in the warm season. The trip is quite long (an hour, an hour and a half).
There are nice beaches along the way, quite a bit of challenging ups and downs, small houses, larger developments, nature, and more. I recommend it but would suggest doing the hike when the vegetation is thicker, and not during the dry season when you are much more exposed to the sun and the place looks a little bit sad and colorless thanks to the lack of vegetation.
Colomitos Location Map
Colomitos Beach (Playa Colomitos) is south of Boca de Tomatlán, Jalisco, Mexico. The next beach south of Colomitos is Las Animas.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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