REVIEW · COLIMA
Colima Volcano Trekking Plus Kayaking in a Crater Lake
Book on Viator →Operated by Admire Mexico Tours DMC · Bookable on Viator
Kayaking inside an active volcano crater feels unreal. I love how this day mixes a real volcano trek with quiet crater-lake paddling, so you get both big views and close-up nature. It’s also a solid choice if you want a guided day that stays active for hours, but not complicated.
I like that you’re not sent off with “good luck” gear. You get trekking poles and kayaking equipment, plus snacks and drinks to keep your energy steady. I also really value the small group size (up to 6), and when the guide—like Jupiter—talks through what you’re seeing, the whole area makes more sense. One drawback to plan for: food isn’t included (snacks/drinks are), and you’ll want to dress for weather since the tour runs in all conditions.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour worth your time
- Starting at Casa Volcán in Comala: your 8:00 am launch
- The climb to Colima Volcano: where views start and the work begins
- A realistic drawback to consider
- The crater lake switch: boots off, then a kayak for about an hour
- Wildlife on the water: birds, iguanas, turtles, and the little moments
- The guide experience: why Jupiter’s explanations mattered
- What you’re paying for: $65 and how the value adds up
- Practical tips so you enjoy the full 6 hours
- Should you book the Colima trek plus crater lake kayaking?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What time does it start and where is the meeting point?
- Is kayaking included, and how long do I kayak?
- What’s included in the price?
- What should I bring since food isn’t included?
- Is it refundable if I cancel?
Key things that make this tour worth your time
- Crater lake kayaking for about an hour after the hike, not just a quick paddle
- Colima Volcano views from the top of Mexico’s most active volcano area (as conditions allow)
- All gear included, including trekking poles and kayaking equipment
- Wildlife spotting time: trogons, coots, muscovy ducks, blue herons, night herons, plus chances for iguanas and turtles
- Small group of max 6, so your guide can actually keep an eye on everyone
- English available, with a guide who may be multilingual
Starting at Casa Volcán in Comala: your 8:00 am launch
Your day kicks off at 8:00 am at Casa Volcán Barra de Café y Galería, in Centro, Comala (Venustiano Carranza 56 -A). The tour includes round-trip transport from that central meeting point, which matters more than it sounds—after a hike and kayaking, getting yourself back is the last thing you’ll want to worry about.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early. You’ll also want to keep your booking details handy: a passport name, number, expiry, and country are required for all participants. The good part is you get a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper confirmations.
This is also the kind of tour you don’t ignore if you’re flexible. It’s commonly booked about 5 days in advance, and the company confirms within 48 hours based on availability—so if you see a slot that works, grab it.
The climb to Colima Volcano: where views start and the work begins
You start the trek about 1.5 hours into the day at roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, in the foothills of Colima. This matters because at altitude you may feel the hike a bit more than you expect—especially if you’re used to flat coastal walking. It’s also why you’ll appreciate trekking poles. They’re included, and they make a difference on uneven ground.
The hike itself isn’t presented as a casual stroll. It’s an active trek that takes you toward a top-of-volcano experience, with a chance for postcard-perfect angles when the weather behaves. In the Comala countryside, you can pick up details like coffee plantations, enormous fig trees, and sugar cane fields—so even before you fully lock onto the volcano, the scenery gives you variety.
One of the best parts of this hike is that your guide is part interpreter, part route captain. On one run, you could see river bottoms and swinging bridges, and the volcano looming in the foreground until conditions changed. That’s the thing about Colima: it’s not just a background photo spot. You can get moments where it feels alive—like when ash and dust were reportedly thrown up dramatically during the day. You can’t count on eruptions, but you can count on the area keeping your attention.
A realistic drawback to consider
The tour operates in all weather conditions. That’s great for reliability, but it means you should show up ready to move in damp or changeable conditions. If you hate uneven footing or you’re traveling with heavy “I’ll just power through” expectations, this is where you’ll feel it.
The crater lake switch: boots off, then a kayak for about an hour
After the trek, you head to the crater lake for about an hour of kayaking. This is a key part of the experience because it’s not just “get in, take a photo, get out.” The schedule gives you real water time to slow down and look.
Kayaking gear is included, so you’re not trying to rent something last-minute. If you’re a kayaking beginner, you’ll still likely feel comfortable, especially since the group stays small. The main change is mental: you’re going from “climb mode” to “glide mode.” You’ll want to keep your balance and settle into the rhythm, because the best wildlife and scenery moments happen when you’re not rushing.
The crater lake setting is built for quiet watching. As you move across the water, it’s easier to notice birds and tree lines than it would be from the ground. And because the volcano dominates the view in the background, the whole scene feels cinematic—big and moody, with a calmer foreground.
Wildlife on the water: birds, iguanas, turtles, and the little moments
The crater lake portion is where the day earns its name: trekking plus kayaking in a crater lake. The tour description specifically calls out multiple birds, including elegant trogons, coots, muscovy ducks, blue herons, and night herons. Those aren’t just random species—they’re the kind of birds you notice when you slow down and let your eyes scan the edges of the lake and the nearby trees.
If you’re hoping for wildlife, this is one of those rare tours where you’re not forced to choose between hiking and “nature watching.” You get both. On the water, you can also catch other signs of life, and one day included birds plus fish activity like jumping, which made the lake feel busy even though everything looked calm.
The day also includes chances to spot iguanas and turtles. You shouldn’t treat wildlife as guaranteed, but the structure helps: you’re out long enough (about an hour) to notice patterns, not just pass through.
The guide experience: why Jupiter’s explanations mattered
A good guide can turn a scenic hike into something you remember with context. In this case, the name Jupiter shows up in the kind of feedback that makes a difference. When the guide explains what you’re seeing—why the area looks the way it does, what the volcano means for the landscape, and what birds might show up—it changes the tone of the whole trek.
You’ll also appreciate a guide who can match pace to the group. With a maximum of 6 travelers, you’re not stuck in a line of strangers moving at random speeds. That usually means more time for questions and fewer “wait for the stragglers” moments.
And since the tour is offered in English, you’re not translating in your head the whole time. You can actually listen.
What you’re paying for: $65 and how the value adds up
At $65 per person, this tour price lands in the “good deal” category when you look at what’s included. You get:
- a local guide
- round-trip transport from the meeting point
- all necessary equipment (trekking poles and kayaking gear)
- snacks and drinks
What’s not included is food and drinks. That’s the one cost you’ll need to plan for, especially because you’ll likely want a proper meal after getting back to Comala. The good news is the tour length is about 6 hours (approx.), so you’re not trying to replace an entire day of meals and hydration with snacks alone.
Also, confirmation happens within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability), and tickets are mobile. So if you’re building a tight schedule, this is the kind of setup that keeps friction low.
If you’re counting dollars, the biggest value lever here is equipment + transport. If you tried to arrange kayaking gear and a guide separately, you’d likely spend more and deal with more uncertainty.
Practical tips so you enjoy the full 6 hours
Here’s what will help you get the most out of the day without turning it into a struggle:
- Wear grippy shoes. You’re trekking near foothills and then moving into kayaking—your footwear choice affects comfort and safety.
- Dress for weather. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so bring layers you can handle if things cool down or get damp.
- Plan for altitude comfort. Starting around 1,500 meters can feel like a jump if you’ve been lower.
- Eat before you start and budget a real meal after. Snacks and drinks are provided, but food isn’t.
- Bring your passport details at booking. The tour requires passport name, number, expiry, and country for participants.
If you’re the type who likes to be active but wants a guided day with clear structure, this fits well. And if you’re even slightly curious about birds and tropical trees, the crater lake portion will give you that “slow down and look” reward.
Should you book the Colima trek plus crater lake kayaking?
Book it if you want a day that feels like a true combo: volcano trekking with crater-lake kayaking, plus wildlife time that’s long enough to matter. The small group size (up to 6), English availability, and the fact that gear is included make it a strong value at $65.
Skip it or rethink it if you strongly dislike hikes or rough ground, or if you need food included to keep your budget comfortable. Also, because the tour runs in all weather conditions, be honest about your comfort with changing conditions.
If you’re visiting Colima for scenery and you want a guide to help you understand what you’re seeing—while also getting time on the water—this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend about six hours in the area.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 hours (approx.).
What time does it start and where is the meeting point?
It starts at 8:00 am at Casa Volcán Barra de Café y GaleríaVenustiano Carranza 56 -A, Centro, 28450 Comala, Col., Mexico.
Is kayaking included, and how long do I kayak?
Yes. Kayaking is included, and you’ll kayak for about 1 hour on the crater lake.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are a local guide, round-trip transport from the central meeting point, and all necessary equipment. Snacks and drinks are also provided.
What should I bring since food isn’t included?
Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan for your own meal. The tour does provide snacks and drinks, but you’ll likely want a full meal after the activity.
Is it refundable if I cancel?
No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.
