Colomitos Beach
Micro-cove paradise reachable only by jungle trail or kayak
About
Playa Colomitos is an 80-metre white-sand cove tucked into the jungle south of Puerto Vallarta, accessible only on foot or by water. The crystal-clear water laps quietly against the shore, and the scale of the place — a single palapa, a rope swing, dense green walls on three sides — makes it feel genuinely remote. It sits roughly 15 kilometres from Puerto Vallarta along the Mexican Pacific coast, reachable via Yelapa village. The wild vibe is real: no road reaches here, no vendors swarm the shoreline, and the jungle presses right down to the waterline.
How to get there
Playa Colomitos has no road connection whatsoever — reach it from Yelapa village, itself a boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. From Yelapa, you have two options: a 15-minute jungle trail on foot, or a 10-minute paddle by kayak around the headland. Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is roughly 20 kilometres away, but getting to Yelapa first requires a water taxi or ferry from Puerto Vallarta's waterfront. There is no parking of any kind — the entire access chain is boat and trail.
Who it's for
For couples
The micro-scale and quiet atmosphere make Colomitos one of the more genuinely private beaches on the Puerto Vallarta coast — you may have the whole cove to yourselves outside peak season. The short jungle hike in adds a sense of arrival that a drive-up beach simply can't match.
For families
Swimming is safe and the water is crystal clear, which suits younger swimmers well. That said, the jungle trail requires reasonable fitness and proper footwear, and the rope swing carries real risk for unsupervised children — factor both into your planning.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Playa Colomitos is safe to swim and the water is genuinely crystal clear — that part of the reputation is earned. The rope swing is fun but unsupervised, so assess it yourself before use. What makes this place worth the effort is the combination of micro-scale, wild jungle setting, and near-total quiet that's almost impossible to find this close to Puerto Vallarta. The 15-minute trail from Yelapa is the natural approach; the kayak route is the more scenic one. Skip July, August, and September — the trail floods and the experience degrades significantly. Come between November and April, combine it with Yelapa village and the waterfall, and you have one of the more honest 'off the beaten path' days on the Mexican Pacific coast.
What to do
The rope swing over the crystal-clear water is the signature activity — it's the reason most visitors make the trek. From Yelapa village, just 0.5 kilometres away, you can also explore Playa Yelapa, famous for its horses and pie vendors on the beach. The Yelapa Waterfall, a freshwater cascade reachable by a short hike from Yelapa village, is worth combining into the same day trip. For a longer water adventure, Playa Majahuitas — an isolated cove with coral reef about 6 kilometres away — is reachable by private water taxi.
Frame the rope swing from the waterline with the jungle canopy behind it — this is the defining shot of Colomitos.
The view from the water looking back at the white sand arc and the single palapa against the green cliff wall is equally strong, best captured in morning light before the sun climbs overhead.
Where to eat
There are no food vendors at Colomitos itself, so pack your own supplies before you leave Yelapa. Back in Yelapa village, Los Mangos, Restaurant Playa Mi Ranchito, Restaurant El Embarcadero, and Boca Del Mar are all within about 1.1 kilometres and cover your post-swim meal. Plan your return timing around restaurant hours — once you're at the cove, you're committed until you hike or paddle back.
Where to stay
There are no hotels at Playa Colomitos. Yelapa village, roughly 0.5 kilometres from the cove, is the natural base for anyone wanting to stay overnight near the beach — it has small guesthouses and eco-lodges, though none appear in the verified listings for this guide. Most visitors do Colomitos as a day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
Photography
The best shot is from the water looking back at the cove: white sand, jungle canopy, and the rope swing framed against the green cliff — morning light before 10 a.m. keeps the sun off the water's surface. The rope swing itself, captured mid-arc against the crystal-clear water, is the defining image of this beach.
Good to know
The jungle trail turns seriously muddy during the rainy season (May–October) — wear proper closed-toe footwear with grip, not sandals. The trail is slippery and partially flooded from June through October, and July, August, and September are best avoided entirely. The rope swing is a highlight, but use it at your own risk — there is no lifeguard on site. Bring everything you need: food, water, sunscreen. This is a micro-cove, not a resort.
Map
Nearby places
Los Mangos
Restaurant Playa Mi Ranchito
La Cecicheria Lo Dr Magy
Restaurant El Embarcadero
Boca Del Mar
Things to see around Cabo Corrientes
Yelapa Waterfall
Freshwater cascade reachable by short hike from Yelapa village beach.
Playa Yelapa
Remote village beach with horses and famous pie vendors.
Playa Majahuitas
Isolated cove with coral reef, accessible by private water taxi.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other wild beaches in Mexico
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.