Choosing between Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Beaches Hike and Los Arcos Boat Tour? Compare itinerary, fitness level, and highlights to pick the best tour for you.

1. Introduction
2. Option 1: Active Adventure – Full-Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches + Snorkel
3. Option 2: Relaxed Experience – Los Arcos 5 Islands Boat & Snorkel Tour
4. Which One Should You Choose?
5. Booking Tips
6. Related Posts
7. Final Thoughts

Introduction

Looking for the best way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful southern coast?

There are two excellent options that most travelers love:

1. An active full-day hike that takes you to six hidden beaches with snorkeling
2. A more relaxed boat tour to the famous Los Arcos islands with snorkeling

Both tours are run by the same reliable local company and offer great value. Here’s a clear comparison so you can easily choose the one that fits your travel style.

1. Option 1: Active Adventure – Full-Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches + Snorkel

This is one of the most unique and highly rated experiences in Puerto Vallarta if you enjoy walking and discovering quieter beaches.

🌴 What You’ll Do

• This tour lets you experience hiking, hidden beaches, and snorkeling all in one day along Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast.
• Here’s the detailed itinerary
• Starting Point: Meet your guide in front of C. Constitución 363 in Zona Romántica.
• Transfer: Take a local bus for about 30 minutes to Boca de Tomatlán.
• Hiking Begins: Start the coastal and jungle trail for about 1 hour. You’ll walk along the river and shoreline while spotting local wildlife.

• Colomitos Beach: Spend about 1 hour here. This tiny, photogenic beach is perfect for photos, free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

• Cabo Corrientes Section: Continue hiking for about 1 hour with beautiful scenic views along the way.
• Hidden Gem Beach: Enjoy around 50 minutes of rest, additional hiking, and swimming at another secluded spot.
• Playa Las Ánimas: Spend about 1 hour here. Relax on the beach or enjoy a fresh local seafood lunch.
• Return: Take a short water taxi (about 10 minutes), then a bus ride of about 30 minutes back to the starting point.
• Overall, the day follows a nice rhythm of hiking → beach time → hiking again. It’s a rewarding option if you want to actively explore multiple hidden beaches in a single day.

🎯 Best For

• Travelers who like light hiking and don’t mind some physical activity.
• People who want to visit multiple beaches in a single day.
• Those looking for a more adventurous and less touristy experience.

⚠️ Things to Know

• Fitness Level: Moderate (includes some uphill, stairs, and rocky sections).
• Not Recommended For: Young children, people with limited mobility, or those seeking pure relaxation.
• What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a towel.

👉 [Book the Full-Day Hidden Beaches Hike + Snorkel on GetYourGuide]

2. Option 2: Relaxed Experience – Los Arcos 5 Islands Boat & Snorkel Tour

If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery without much walking, this boat tour is a great choice.

⛵ What You’ll Do

• Meeting & Transfer: Meet in the Old Town and take a short bus ride to Mismaloya.
• Marine Park Cruise: Board a boat and cruise directly into the Los Arcos National Marine Park.

• Islands & Caves: Explore five scenic rock islands and unique natural arch formations.

• Snorkeling: Snorkel in one of the best marine spots in the bay (all equipment provided).
• Wildlife Spotting: Spot colorful tropical fish, sea birds, and sometimes blue-footed boobies.
• Beach Option: Optional time for a refreshing drink or lunch by the beach afterward.

🎯 Best For

• Couples, families, or anyone who wants a scenic and relaxed day.
• Travelers who mainly want snorkeling and gorgeous ocean views.
• People who prefer boat transportation over trekking.

⚠️ Things to Know

• Fitness Level: Easy (very little physical effort required).
• Snorkeling Conditions: Water clarity and sea conditions vary day to day.
• Key Highlight: Great option to see iconic Puerto Vallarta landmarks with minimal effort.

👉 [Book the Los Arcos 5 Islands Boat & Snorkel Tour on GetYourGuide]

3. Which One Should You Choose?

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Hidden Beaches Hike	Los Arcos Boat Tour
Travel Style	Active & adventurous	Relaxed & scenic
Main Activity	Jungle/beach hiking + multiple coves	Boat cruise + snorkeling
Physical Level	Moderate	Easy
Best For	Active travelers, hikers	Couples, families, relaxed travelers
Highlights	Colomitos, Las Ánimas, hidden beaches	Los Arcos islands, marine life, caves

💡 Quick Recommendation

• Want to move, explore, and visit several hidden coves? → Choose the Hike.
• Prefer to relax on a boat and focus on snorkeling? → Choose the Los Arcos Boat Tour.

4. Booking Tips

• Free Cancellation: Both tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Book Early: Reserve ahead of time during peak season (December–April) as spots sell out fast.
• Bring Cash: Have local currency on hand for optional lunch, drinks, or gratuities.
• Sun Protection: Wear reef-safe sunscreen and comfortable swimwear/clothing.

5. Related Posts

• ✈️ [LAX to Puerto Vallarta: How to Get There + Best Areas to Stay]
• 🏨 [Cancun & Playa del Carmen: The Ultimate Mexico Getaway Guide from LA (2026)]
• 🌴 [Best Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta]

6. Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the active hidden beaches hike or the more relaxed Los Arcos boat tour, both experiences give you a beautiful taste of Puerto Vallarta’s southern coastline.

Pick the one that matches your energy level and travel style — you really can’t go wrong with either.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through the links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!