Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Big views, mixed expectations, long day. This Puerto Vallarta boat trip combines Los Arcos snorkeling with a beach stop at Las Animas and the option to visit Quimixto waterfall. I like the generous route for the price, and I like having breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks and paddle boards bundled together. The open bar and lively crew also make the ride home feel more like a party than a quiet nature cruise.

The catch is that snorkeling may take only 15 to 30 minutes, and water clarity can be poor. Las Animas is a long stop, with some visitors waiting several hours while others choose extra-cost activities or the waterfall walk. If your main goal is serious snorkeling, this is a risky choice. If you want a full day on the water with food, drinks, music and a pretty beach, it may suit you well.

Key points to know before you book

• Los Arcos is the main snorkeling stop, but actual water time may be much shorter than expected.
• Ocean conditions control the snorkeling quality. Murky water, algae and crowds have made it hard to see fish.
• Las Animas takes up much of the day, with a beach stay that may last three to four hours.
• The open bar applies on the boat, while drinks and some beach activities cost extra at Las Animas.
• Kayaks and paddle boards require advance reservation, and availability may be limited once you reach the beach.
• The boat ride is social and lively, with music, dancing, karaoke and a bilingual crew, but English explanations may be brief.

What this Puerto Vallarta cruise really offers

At about $75.93 per person, this is a value-focused group excursion rather than a small, quiet sailing trip. The advertised length is roughly eight hours, beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio and returning to the same meeting point.

The package covers a lot: catamaran transportation, a continental breakfast, lunch, national drinks, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, bilingual guides and onboard insurance. Kayaks and paddle boards are included when reserved ahead of time. There is also music, dancing and karaoke.

That list sounds like a full menu of activities. In practice, the schedule is driven by boat loading, sea conditions, snorkeling time and the pace of the entire group. The experience can feel generous if you treat it as a social boat day with several stops. It can feel misleading if you book it mainly for equipment-based water sports.

The listed maximum is 40 participants, but descriptions of some departures refer to much larger boats and crowded conditions. I would confirm the vessel size and expected passenger count before paying, especially if comfort or personal space matters to you.

Boarding at Puerto Magico and breakfast on the catamaran

The meeting point is Puerto Magico, a convenient starting place in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. Ground transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina. The stated departure time is 9:15 a.m., but boarding can take time, and some departures have returned much later than planned.

Breakfast is listed as hot cakes, coffee, eggs, fruit and juice. It is a useful start for a long day, though expectations should stay modest. Pack water in a small backpack, especially because the heat and humidity can make the morning feel thirsty before the main meal.

The catamaran is part of the attraction. You get open views of the bay, music and a chance to meet a mix of local and international passengers. The ride has been praised for a friendly crew, fun dancing and good drinks.

It is not a silent wildlife cruise. Music may be loud, and much of the entertainment is geared toward a party atmosphere. Some departures have used mostly Spanish commentary and music, with only limited English instruction. If you need clear safety information in English, listen carefully at the start and ask a crew member to repeat anything important.

Los Arcos: beautiful rocks, uncertain snorkeling

Los Arcos is the most visually memorable part of the route. These rock formations rise from the sea near Puerto Vallarta and create caves, arches and sheltered-looking water. Even when visibility is poor, the formations make a worthwhile photo stop.

The snorkeling itself is the weak point of the trip. The planned session may be described as roughly 40 minutes, but actual time in the water has often been closer to 15, 20 or 30 minutes. Delayed departure, slow loading and the need to keep a large group together can cut into the water time.

Water clarity changes with the season and weather. Some outings have had clear enough water to feel like an aquarium, while others encountered green or muddy water where swimmers could barely see their hands. Algae, cold water and heavy boat traffic were all cited as possible reasons for poor visibility.

Crowding is another concern. At times, many people enter the water together, leaving little room to swim freely. One account describes swimmers packed close together near a cave, with a current pushing people toward the rock. If you are not a confident ocean swimmer, stay near the crew and avoid forcing your way into a tight passage.

The equipment is supposed to be included, but supply problems have been reported. Some people have had difficulty getting a mask or snorkel, even after boarding a snorkeling cruise. I would ask the crew to confirm your equipment before the boat leaves the dock. If you have your own mask and snorkel, bringing them would remove one major uncertainty.

The snorkeling stop is best treated as a short bonus, not the central reason to choose this tour. Los Arcos itself is worth seeing. The underwater experience is highly dependent on nature and group management.

The long ride to Las Animas Beach

After Los Arcos, the boat heads toward Las Animas. This stretch of the cruise offers coastal views, open-bar service and music, but it can also feel long. The beach stop is the main block of time in the schedule, often lasting three or four hours.

Las Animas is attractive, with a broad beach setting and easy access to restaurants and water activities. Several people have enjoyed swimming, relaxing, drinks and the general atmosphere. The beach is also where the tour shifts from included services to optional spending.

The boat may transfer you to shore in a smaller open boat. Boarding and unloading can be slow, especially with a large group or rougher waves. Be prepared for a less polished arrival than you might expect from a resort excursion. Hold your bags securely, follow crew instructions and take extra care if you are traveling with children.

Once ashore, you may sit at the restaurant area while waiting for lunch. Restaurant access, beach chairs, drinks and some facilities can involve separate charges. Outside sellers may approach you with souvenirs, food or activities. You are not required to buy from them, but the sales activity can make the stop feel less peaceful.

There is a real choice here. You can stay near the restaurant, spend time on the beach, reserve a kayak or paddle board, or go toward Quimixto and its waterfall. The problem is that the included package does not always feel equally clear about which option is available, how long it takes and what costs extra.

Quimixto waterfall and the extra-cost details

The waterfall option is one of the most appealing parts of the day. The route from the beach to Quimixto involves a hike, and the setting has been praised as beautiful. The walk can be hard going uphill, but people who complete it have found the pool and waterfall rewarding.

You may also hear about horse transport or another ride to shorten the journey. Additional charges can apply. One useful practical detail is that a local ride to the waterfall has been described as much faster than walking, while horses take longer. Confirm the price and exact arrangement before committing.

The waterfall itself may not be part of the smooth, organized experience some visitors expect. Restaurants near the falls may ask you to buy food or a drink if you want to use certain seating or facilities. The tour operator says the waterfall can be visited without an entry charge, but services around it are run separately.

Bring cash. The banana boat is listed at MX$500 per person, and beach activities may have their own prices. The Las Animas area is remote enough that relying on a credit card may be inconvenient. The MX$32 Los Arcos National Marine Park dock tax is also not included in the tour price.

Kayaks and paddle boards are listed as included with prior reservation. That phrase matters. Do not assume you can arrive at the beach and immediately find equipment waiting. Availability has been limited on some departures, and rough water can prevent use. Reserve early and ask the guide exactly where and when you can collect the equipment.

Lunch, open bar and the party-boat mood

The food package includes breakfast and a substantial lunch option with chicken, fish or beef. The broader menu lists fish fillet, chicken fajitas, roast beef quesadillas, hamburgers, rice, beans, salad and tortillas.

Food quality has been inconsistent. Some people found lunch better than expected, while others described small portions, cold food or disappointing fish and burgers. I would treat the included meals as practical fuel, not a reason to book the tour.

Lunch may be served at the beach restaurant rather than as a buffet on the boat. Keep any meal ticket or instructions provided by the crew. Timing can also be awkward, with some meals arriving shortly before the group has to leave.

The national open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, brandy, soft drinks, juice and water. This is one of the stronger parts of the package for people who enjoy a festive cruise. Drinks are included on the boat, but do not assume the same applies at Las Animas. Bring cash for beach drinks and snacks.

As the boat returns to Puerto Vallarta, the mood often becomes louder and more celebratory. Music, dancing, karaoke and freely available alcohol attract a party crowd. That can be great fun with friends or older children, but it is not ideal if you want a calm ride or a nature-focused outing. Some passengers have become noticeably intoxicated, so families should think about the atmosphere they prefer.

Timing problems and what an eight-hour day means

The advertised duration is about eight hours, but the actual day may run longer. Delayed boarding, late departures, slow transfers and waiting for people to return from shore activities can push the return well past the expected time. Some accounts describe arriving around two and a half hours late.

This is not always a sign of poor organization. A group boat must wait for late passengers, finish loading safely and coordinate several activities. Still, the schedule leaves little room for a late return if you have dinner reservations, an evening show or transportation plans.

I would keep the rest of your evening open. Arrive early, avoid booking anything important after the cruise and carry water. A small backpack is useful for water bottles, sunscreen, a towel, identification and cash.

The cancellation policy gives you a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The tour also depends on good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this excursion if you want several Puerto Vallarta experiences in one day and do not need every activity to run perfectly. It suits social groups, friends, couples who enjoy music and families with older children who can manage a long day and changing plans.

The best match is someone who values:

• A boat ride with scenery and entertainment
• An included open bar
• A beach stop with optional activities
• A chance to see Los Arcos and possibly Quimixto
• A lower price than booking several separate outings

I would not choose it for a serious snorkeling holiday, a quiet sailing trip or a carefully timed family itinerary. You should also think twice if you dislike crowds, loud music, beach vendors or paying extra for activities after arrival.

For dedicated snorkeling, a smaller boat with a clear focus on water time would likely offer better control over equipment, crowding and visibility. For a simple visit to the waterfall and beach, independent transport through Boca de Tomatlán and a water taxi may be cheaper, though that would not include breakfast, lunch or the open bar.

Should you book the Los Arcos and Quimixto cruise?

Book it if you see the $75.93 price as payment for a full social day at sea, with food, drinks, scenery and a pretty beach. The crew is often friendly, the return ride can be genuinely fun and Los Arcos gives you a memorable coastal view even when the snorkeling disappoints.

Skip it if the word snorkeling is the main reason you are interested. The short water session, possible equipment shortages, murky conditions and crowded swimming area create too much uncertainty. Before booking, confirm the expected boat capacity, reserve any paddle board or kayak, ask how long the snorkeling stop will be and budget extra cash for the marine park fee, beach drinks, waterfall transport and other activities.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta. Ground transportation to the meeting point is not included.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 9:15 a.m. The experience lasts approximately eight hours, but return times can be later if boarding or shore transfers take longer.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. Kayaks and paddle boards are included with prior reservation, and availability may be limited.

Are meals and drinks included?

Breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and an onboard national open bar are included. The listed drinks include rum, beer, tequila, brandy, vodka, juice and water. Drinks at Las Animas and other beach purchases are not necessarily included.

What extra fees should I expect?

The Los Arcos National Marine Park dock tax is MX$32 per person. A banana boat ride is listed at MX$500 per person. Other beach activities, waterfall transport, drinks and purchases from independent vendors may cost extra.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can receive a different date or a full refund.