Colomitos Beach
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Colomitos Beach

4.7
·2k reviews·, Mexico

Mexico's smallest beach, a tiny jungle-backed bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid crowds, pristine views

CrowdLow
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Colomitos Beach

Colomitos Beach

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid crowds, pristine views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mexico's smallest beach, a tiny jungle-backed bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Found a paradise in Colomitos, a hidden beach with incredible turquoise water."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Grippy Shoes for Hike

The hike from Boca de Tomatlán has sandy rocks; good grip shoes are essential to prevent slips.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the hike! Carrying water is crucial, especially during warmer months.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters

Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters

The bay

Dive into incredibly clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and spotting vibrant marine life.

Instagram+1
The 'Postcard Beach' Charm

The 'Postcard Beach' Charm

The entire bay

Experience the intimate beauty of Mexico's smallest beach, a tiny bay backed by lush jungle.

Instagram
Snorkeling Adventures

Snorkeling Adventures

The bay

Discover a diverse array of beautiful fish just beneath the surface in this sheltered cove.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Paradise

Colomitos is a tiny gem, so arriving early is key to experiencing its magic. Many visitors suggest heading out before 8 a.m. to avoid the midday rush of boats and water taxis. This ensures you get the most serene experience in this secluded bay. Instagram

Hike or Boat: Choose Your Adventure

You can reach Colomitos via a scenic hike from Boca de Tomatlán or by taking a water taxi. The hike offers stunning jungle views but requires good grip shoes and water. The boat offers a quicker, more direct route to this postcard-perfect beach. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Avoid crowds, pristine views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer boats and water taxis
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Los mejores planes✨ #playa #colomitos #puertovallarta #sol #amigos
@doracpd
39.7K likes • 438.4K views

👟 Wear Grippy Shoes for Hike

The hike from Boca de Tomatlán has sandy rocks; good grip shoes are essential to prevent slips. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the hike! Carrying water is crucial, especially during warmer months. Reddit

COLOMITOS: La playa más pequeña de México está en PuertoVallarta, puedes llegar haciendo senderismo ó rentando un barco, ¡Te orientamos para que lo logres! #puertovallarta #beach #turquoise #colomitos #vallarta #playavirgen #yates #yacht
yachtmomentsmx
35 likes • 1.1K views
PARAÍSO EN MÉXICO ☀️🤍🌊 📍Playa Colomitos. #playacolomitos #puertovallarta Cómo llegar a playa Colomitos de Puerto Vallarta? • Se localiza al sur de Puerto Vallarta, es un paraíso de aguas cristalinas habitado por una diversidad de peces hermosos que puedes avistar! Sus aguas tranquilas hacen de esta playa la ideal para nadar y disfrutar. - Hoy te explico cómo llegar desde el centro de 📍Puerto ...
fergalien
5.6K likes • 115K views

🚤 Water Taxi Convenience

Water taxis from Boca de Tomatlán offer a direct and scenic route to this hidden paradise. InstagramReddit

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling; bring your own gear to explore the underwater world. Instagram

🏖️Bienvenidos a playa Colomitos es una hermosa playa, con agua cristalina, se puede llegar caminando desde boca de Tomatlán o tomando una Panga. • • • • #puertovallarta #pv #méxico #playa #beach #travel
visita_vallarta
32 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Grippy Shoes for Hike

The hike from Boca de Tomatlán has sandy rocks; good grip shoes are essential to prevent slips. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the hike! Carrying water is crucial, especially during warmer months. Reddit

🚤 Water Taxi Convenience

Water taxis from Boca de Tomatlán offer a direct and scenic route to this hidden paradise. InstagramReddit

🐠 Snorkel Gear Recommended

The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling; bring your own gear to explore the underwater world. Instagram

💰 Cash for Refreshments

A local kiosk often sells drinks and snacks, so having cash on hand is convenient. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Colomitos Beach is a stunning, tiny paradise with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors rave about its natural beauty and intimate charm, though some note it can get crowded with boats. The hike from Boca de Tomatlán is a popular, albeit sometimes challenging, way to reach it.

"Short but moderate hike to a small beautiful beach. There was a family offering drinks and snacks on the beach. Great snorkeling."

Scot Bowen

"The hike from Boca de Tomatlánwas difficult and fantastic but this beach was so full of inconsiderate boats just parked at the beach and so many water taxis coming in and out that it was difficult to even swim and felt very unsafe. Would recommend continuing the hike to the next beach."

Alan Kurzawa

"The 1.2 mile hike in took us about an hour. Bring water and wear shoes with good grip as there are a lot of sandy rocks that make it easy to slip."

Kat

What People Like

Beautiful turquoise water
Great for snorkeling
Picturesque jungle backdrop

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Boat traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You have two main options: hike from Boca de Tomatlán (about 1.2 miles, takes an hour) or take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán. Some also suggest water taxis from Los Muertos Pier, but Boca is often recommended for a more direct route to Colomitos. InstagramReddit

The hike is described as moderate, taking about an hour. It involves sandy rocks, so good grip shoes are recommended. It's manageable for those in decent shape. InstagramReddit

Yes, water taxis (pangos) are a popular and convenient way to reach Colomitos, especially from Boca de Tomatlán. This is a great option if you prefer not to hike. InstagramReddit

The hike from Boca de Tomatlán takes approximately 1 hour. Taking a water taxi is significantly faster, usually around 15-20 minutes. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can easily take an Uber or taxi from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán, which is the starting point for the hike or water taxi to Colomitos. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no entrance fees for Colomitos Beach itself. You only pay for transportation (water taxi or fuel for a private boat) or if you choose to purchase food and drinks from the local kiosk. TikTok

Colomitos Beach is a natural attraction and doesn't have official operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Water taxis typically operate from morning until late afternoon. Instagram

No, there is no admission fee to access Colomitos Beach. It's a public beach, and the costs are associated with getting there. TikTok

While you can often find water taxis readily available at Boca de Tomatlán, booking in advance might be possible through local tour operators, especially during peak season. Reddit

As a natural beach, there are no specific entry restrictions. However, it's important to be mindful of the environment, pack out what you pack in, and respect the tranquility of the area. Instagram

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

Colomitos is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing on its small, picturesque shore. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for enjoying the ocean. Instagram+1

Yes, the clear, calm waters are excellent for snorkeling, allowing you to see a variety of fish. It's a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

There's typically a small kiosk selling coconut water and beer. Some reviews mention a fruit vendor as well. For more substantial meals, consider visiting nearby Las Ánimas. TikTokReddit

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and cash for any purchases. If hiking, wear appropriate footwear. Snorkel gear is also recommended. Reddit

Colomitos is a very small beach, so it can feel crowded, especially when boats are present. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to experience its tranquility. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning turquoise water, the lush jungle backdrop, and the intimate scale of the bay. Drone shots offer a unique perspective of its secluded beauty. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Its small size, vibrant colors, and jungle setting make it incredibly photogenic, often described as a 'postcard beach.' Instagram

Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination and fewer people, making it ideal for photography. Midday sun can be harsh, but the water colors are still striking. Instagram

Drone usage is generally permitted in open natural areas, but always check local regulations and be respectful of other visitors' privacy. Instagram

Focus on wide shots of the bay, close-ups of the clear water, and the textures of the jungle meeting the sand. Shots of people enjoying the water also capture the vibe. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Colomitos Beach is a great option for families looking for a beautiful and relatively calm swimming spot. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for children to play in safely. The small size of the beach means you can keep an eye on little ones easily. Instagram Consider taking a water taxi to minimize travel time and effort, especially with younger children. Instagram While there's a kiosk for drinks, bringing snacks and extra water is always a good idea for families. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the hike from Boca de Tomatlán is the most economical way to reach Colomitos Beach. While you'll need to factor in transportation to Boca, the hike itself is free. InstagramReddit Bringing your own snacks and drinks will also save money, as options at the beach are limited and can be pricier. If you opt for a water taxi, compare prices from different operators in Boca de Tomatlán. Reddit

💑 Couples Seeking Romance

Colomitos Beach offers a wonderfully intimate and picturesque setting for couples. Its small size and stunning natural beauty create a romantic ambiance. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can provide a more secluded experience, perfect for enjoying each other's company amidst breathtaking scenery. Instagram Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy on the sand, or simply relax and take in the tranquil turquoise waters together. Instagram

🚶 Day-Trippers

Colomitos is an excellent destination for a day trip from Puerto Vallarta. You can easily combine it with a visit to nearby Las Ánimas by taking a water taxi. InstagramReddit Opt for a water taxi for a quick and scenic journey, allowing you ample time to swim, snorkel, and relax. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks to make the most of your day. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Colomitos Hike: An Adventurer's Guide

The hike to Colomitos Beach from Boca de Tomatlán is a popular choice for those seeking a more immersive experience. This approximately 1.2-mile trail winds through lush jungle, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna. While not overly strenuous, it requires sturdy footwear due to sandy, rocky terrain that can be slippery. InstagramReddit Key advice from travelers includes bringing ample water and wearing shoes with good grip to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. The journey itself is part of the adventure, rewarding you with stunning natural beauty before you even reach the beach. Instagram

Many visitors find the hike to be a fantastic prelude to the beach's tranquility. It's a chance to connect with the natural environment and appreciate the secluded nature of Colomitos. Some reviews suggest that the hike can be challenging for some, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Remember to check the weather and go during daylight hours for the best experience. Reddit

For those who complete the hike, the reward is a pristine, less-trafficked beach. It’s a great way to earn your relaxation time and feel a sense of accomplishment. The trail is well-trodden, making it relatively easy to follow, but always be aware of your surroundings and stay on the marked path. Instagram

Navigating Colomitos: Boat vs. Hike

Choosing between a hike and a boat to Colomitos Beach depends on your priorities and fitness level. The hike from Boca de Tomatlán offers an adventurous route through the jungle, providing scenic views and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a great option for active travelers who want to experience the natural surroundings more intimately. InstagramReddit

Alternatively, taking a water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlán or other nearby points is a quicker and more relaxed way to reach the beach. This is ideal for those who prefer to maximize their beach time or have mobility concerns. Water taxis offer a direct journey, allowing you to soak in the coastal views from the water. InstagramReddit Some travelers even combine the two, hiking one way and taking a boat back, or vice versa, to experience both aspects of the journey. Reddit

It's worth noting that while the hike is rewarding, it can be challenging for some. Water taxis, while convenient, can add to the cost of your visit. Consider your budget, time constraints, and desired level of adventure when making your decision. Both options lead to the same beautiful destination, so the 'best' choice is subjective. Instagram

The Charm of Colomitos: A Tiny Paradise

Colomitos Beach is renowned for its incredibly small size, earning it the nickname 'postcard beach.' This intimate, sheltered bay is backed by dense, vibrant jungle, creating a picturesque scene. The turquoise waters are exceptionally clear and calm, making it a perfect spot for swimming and observing marine life. Instagram+1

Despite its small stature, Colomitos offers a unique charm. Visitors often praise the natural beauty and the feeling of discovering a hidden gem. The presence of a kiosk selling refreshments adds a touch of convenience, allowing you to enjoy a cold drink while taking in the stunning views. TikTokReddit However, due to its size, it can become crowded, especially when multiple boats are anchored. Arriving early is highly recommended to fully appreciate its serene atmosphere. Instagram

The beach is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling, with a variety of fish visible in the clear waters. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and connect with nature. The combination of its secluded feel, beautiful scenery, and accessible activities makes Colomitos a must-visit for many exploring the Puerto Vallarta coastline. Instagram

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