Puerto Vallarta: Arcos, Animas, Quimixto + Open Bar Onboard

Los Arcos is the main event here. You’ll ride out to Puerto Vallarta’s famous marine preserve, put on the included mask and snorkel, and look for tropical fish in clear water beneath dramatic rock formations. I like that the day pairs active time in the water with a proper beach stop, rather than making you snorkel and head straight home.

I also like the chance to visit Quimixto’s seasonal waterfall, since it gives the outing a touch of village life and forest scenery beyond the coast. The main drawback is the full eight-hour schedule: with snorkeling, beach time, a waterfall visit, lunch, music, and games, this is a social group outing, not a quiet boat ride. An extra 30 pesos per person marina fee is also due at the port.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos snorkeling: Use the included mask, snorkel, and life jacket to explore a marine preserve known for tropical fish and clear water.
• Three different settings: The day moves from open water to Las Animas Beach and then inland toward Quimixto’s seasonal waterfall.
• Beach lunch and kayaks: Lunch is served on the beach, with kayaks available for another way to enjoy the water.
• Double-decker boat: The top deck offers space for sun, music, dancing, and games during the ride.
• Included food and drinks: You get a continental breakfast, lunch, and an all-you-can-drink open bar on board.
• Extra costs: Bring 30 pesos for the marina entrance fee, plus cash for tips, photos, and similar extras.

Los Arcos makes the morning memorable

The tour begins aboard a double-decker boat headed toward Los Arcos, the group of rocky islands and arches south of Puerto Vallarta. This marine preserve is the most natural fit for a snorkeling stop, with clear water and tropical fish close to the boat.

You receive a mask, snorkel, and life jacket, so the main equipment is covered. The bilingual English and Spanish guides help organize the water activity and keep the day moving. Exact water conditions and fish sightings can change, but the appeal is easy to understand: you get to see Puerto Vallarta from below the surface, not just from the deck.

I would treat the snorkeling as an included highlight rather than a private wildlife expedition. You are on a full-day boat with music, food, and a group itinerary, so the stop has a lively excursion feel. If you prefer calm, unhurried snorkeling with lots of time in the water, this may feel brief or busy. If you want a straightforward chance to see marine life without arranging separate equipment, it is a useful part of the package.

The rock formations also give this stop its sense of place. Los Arcos is not just a generic swimming area. The combination of stone arches, open sea, and fish makes it one of the more memorable coastal views near Puerto Vallarta.

Breakfast helps you settle into the boat day

A continental breakfast is included aboard the boat. That matters because the outing lasts eight hours, and you may be getting started before you feel ready for a full meal.

The breakfast is practical rather than a reason to book on its own. It gives you something to eat before or around the morning activity, while lunch arrives later at Las Animas Beach. Since food is built into the fare, you do not need to plan an extra restaurant stop during the main excursion.

Bring water-friendly clothing and expect the day to move between sun, sea spray, swimming, and the beach. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are specifically recommended. A camera can be useful, but protect it from water and keep track of it during the snorkeling stop.

Las Animas combines swimming and a beach break

After the marine preserve, the boat heads to Las Animas Beach. This is the slower part of the day, giving you time to swim, relax, and enjoy the coast without staying on the boat the entire time.

Lunch is served on the beach, which makes the stop more than a quick landing. You can eat, swim, sit in the sun, or take part in optional beach activities. Kayaks are included, adding a little independence to a day that otherwise follows a set group program.

Las Animas is a good counterpoint to Los Arcos. The first stop asks you to get in the water and look for marine life. The beach stop lets you choose your own pace. I like that flexibility, especially for groups with mixed interests. One person can swim while another rests, and children or less confident swimmers can enjoy the shore.

Still, remember that this is not a private beach day. Lunch, activities, and the next part of the schedule all fit into an organized excursion. You may not have unlimited time to claim a quiet patch of sand or linger as long as you wish. The value comes from having beach time included alongside the other stops, not from getting a full day at Las Animas alone.

Quimixto adds a seasonal waterfall walk

The trip to Quimixto changes the mood again. This picturesque village offers access to a seasonal waterfall, reached either by horseback or on a guided hike.

That choice is important. A guided walk gives you a chance to reach the waterfall under your own power and see more of the route. Horseback riding provides another option for reaching the site. The provided details do not specify the length or difficulty of the walk, so you should be ready for a nature outing rather than assume a short stroll from the beach.

At the waterfall, you can admire the cascading water and swim in the pool below. The waterfall is seasonal, so its flow can vary. That is worth keeping in mind when setting expectations. The appeal is the setting and the change from coastal activities to a freshwater pool, but the waterfall may not look the same at every time of year.

Quimixto is also the part of the excursion that feels least like a standard boat-party day. You get a glimpse of a small coastal village and a chance to spend time away from the crowded deck. If you want every minute to involve swimming, music, and sun, the walk may feel like a detour. If you enjoy adding a little nature and local atmosphere to a beach trip, it gives the day more variety.

The double-decker boat keeps the return lively

Between stops, the boat itself becomes part of the entertainment. The upper deck is used for sun, music, dancing, and games, while the open bar serves drinks throughout the outing.

This setup suits people who like a friendly, energetic group atmosphere. You can sit back and watch the coast, join a game, dance, or simply enjoy a drink as the boat moves between locations. The double-decker layout gives you a choice of being closer to the action or finding a quieter place to sit, though the experience is still built around shared entertainment.

The open bar adds real value for some people. You are not buying each drink separately during an eight-hour excursion, and the food and main snorkeling equipment are already covered. You should still drink responsibly, especially before swimming, kayaking, or walking to the waterfall.

The tradeoff is that the entertainment is not optional in spirit, even if you choose not to join in. Music, dancing, and games are part of the character of the outing. If your ideal day is a silent sail with a book, this is the wrong boat. If you like a little noise and easy social energy, it helps fill the travel time between stops.

What the $118 price includes

At $118 per person, the fare is best judged as a bundle rather than as a simple boat transfer. You receive an eight-hour outing with bilingual guides, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, life jackets, beach kayaks, an open bar, and organized entertainment.

Booking those pieces separately could take more planning and may cost more once food, drinks, equipment, and transport are added. The included lunch is especially useful because it removes the need to arrange a meal at Las Animas. The open bar and onboard activities also make the price more attractive to people who plan to spend much of the day enjoying the boat itself.

There are still small costs to allow for. The marina entrance fee is 30 pesos per person, about $1.50 USD. Children ages 3 to 5 pay 100 pesos directly at check-in. You should also bring extra cash for tips, photos, and other personal expenses.

The price is less compelling if you care only about snorkeling. In that case, you are paying for several beach and entertainment elements you may not use. It makes more sense for someone who wants one large day that combines water activities, food, drinks, a beach stop, and Quimixto.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta boat trip

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups of friends who want a full day with several types of activity. It works particularly well if your group cannot agree on one thing to do, since the schedule includes snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, a waterfall visit, food, and onboard entertainment.

It is also a reasonable choice for first-time visitors who want to see more than the hotel zone. Los Arcos gives you a marine setting, Las Animas gives you a beach stop, and Quimixto adds a village and waterfall. You get a broad taste of the coast in one booking.

Families should note the stated child pricing for ages 3 to 5, with payment made directly at check-in. The day includes water activities and a nature walk, so pack carefully and keep the required items close at hand. A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera are all on the recommended list.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a private experience, a quiet pace, or a very focused snorkeling trip. The schedule is long and varied, and the boat has a social entertainment program. It is designed for participation and variety, not solitude.

Practical preparation for the eight-hour schedule

Wear your swimsuit from the start if that is comfortable for you. You will move between snorkeling, swimming, beach time, kayaking, and possibly the waterfall pool, so a towel and dry change of clothes can make the return trip easier.

Use sunscreen before boarding and bring it with you. A hat and sunglasses are useful on the open deck, while a camera can capture Los Arcos and the coast if you can keep it secure around water.

Bring the 30 pesos marina fee separately from your spending money. Extra cash is also recommended for tips, photos, and other purchases. Since children ages 3 to 5 pay 100 pesos directly at check-in, families should have that payment ready.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The guides operate in English and Spanish.

Should you book this experience?

Book it if you want one full Puerto Vallarta day with built-in variety. Los Arcos supplies the best water-based moment, Las Animas gives you room to relax, and Quimixto adds a seasonal waterfall and guided nature outing. Breakfast, beach lunch, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and entertainment make the $118 fare easier to justify.

Skip it if you are seeking a quiet private charter or a short snorkeling session with no party atmosphere. The strongest match is an active, social traveler who likes having the day organized and wants several coastal experiences without arranging them separately.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta tour last?

The experience lasts eight hours.

What languages are spoken by the guides?

The live tour guides speak English and Spanish.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and life jacket are included.

What food is included?

The tour includes a continental breakfast and lunch served on the beach.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An all-you-can-drink open bar is available aboard the boat.

Are kayaks available?

Yes. Kayaks are included for use at the beach.

Is there an extra marina fee?

Yes. There is a 30 pesos marina entrance fee per person, about $1.50 USD.

What should children ages 3 to 5 pay?

Children ages 3 to 5 pay 100 pesos directly at check-in.