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. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO
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.
Last Updated on 13/04/2023 by Puerto Vallarta Net
I have lived in Puerto Vallarta almost 11 years and have often enjoyed going to Boca de Tomatlán. I have never been to Colomitos beach, but contrary to what this article says any time you are walking through ANY jungle in this area you do, in fact, need to keep an eye open for coral snakes. Chances are you won’t see one, but I have seen them crossing the coastal highway from the jungle. I would certainly advise wearing shoes or boots if walking through the jungle rather than sandals or flip-flops.