Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

Los Arcos is the star of this Puerto Vallarta boat trip: tall rock formations, clear Pacific water and a chance to see tropical fish from the boat’s small snorkeling area. I like the combination of snorkeling and beach time, and I also like that lunch, breakfast and drinks are included rather than sold separately all day.

The trip gives you several ways to spend your time, from swimming at Las Animas to visiting Quimixto’s seasonal waterfall. The main drawback is control: the snorkeling period can be short, equipment may be limited, and you may need to choose between the beach and waterfall activities instead of doing both.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos comes first: You may see fish, turtles or even whales during the day, but crowded water and limited snorkeling time can reduce the payoff.
• The day is social, not quiet: Expect loud music, dancing, games and an open bar on the double-decker boat.
• Quimixto requires a choice: You may have to pick beach time or the waterfall outing soon after arriving, rather than fitting in both.
• Food is simple: Breakfast is continental and basic, while the beach lunch has received more favorable feedback.
• Plan for a long day: The stated duration is eight hours, but one departure ran from about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Bring photo ID: It may be requested before you receive snorkeling equipment.

A full day on Puerto Vallarta’s Pacific coast

This is a big, social boat outing rather than a small sailing trip. You board a double-decker vessel at Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, and spend the day moving between sea, sand and the coastal villages south of the city.

The boat format matters. You get an upper deck for sun, music and views, plus lower areas where you can sit and take a break. The crew provides bilingual service in English and Spanish, and the included open bar keeps the party going as the boat travels between stops.

I would not choose this experience if you want a peaceful day with a quiet guide and long stretches of solitude. I would choose it if you want to meet other people, listen to music, swim, eat on the beach and let someone else handle the basic schedule.

Breakfast is useful, but keep expectations modest

The morning begins with a continental breakfast. It is a practical start, not a reason to book the tour. Expect something simple, and consider eating a proper breakfast before arriving if you need a substantial meal before snorkeling.

The advantage is convenience. You do not need to find a café near the terminal or carry breakfast onto the boat. The meal gets you started while the crew sets the tone for the day.

Food quality appears uneven. The breakfast has been described as basic or mediocre, so I would rate it as a useful inclusion rather than a highlight. The beach lunch has received a warmer response and is likely to feel more satisfying after swimming and time in the sun.

Los Arcos: scenery first, snorkeling second

Los Arcos is a protected marine area known for its offshore rock formations and sea life. The setting is the reason this stop is worth having on the route. From the boat, you get a look at rugged stone pillars rising from the Pacific, with clear water around them when conditions are favorable.

Snorkeling equipment, including masks and snorkels, is included. Life jackets are also provided. Bring your own equipment if you already have gear you trust, but the tour does supply the basics.

Here is the important practical warning: equipment may not be available for everyone at the same time. Bring photo identification, since it may be needed to receive snorkeling gear. The water session can also be brief. One account described roughly 10 minutes in a small marked area, with much of the stop taken up by getting people into and out of the water.

A crowded snorkeling area can change the experience. Fish may move away from a large group, and visibility may not match the ideal conditions suggested by the promotional description. You might see fish, turtles or other sea life, but do not book this as a dedicated marine wildlife trip.

I would treat Los Arcos as a scenic coastal stop with a short snorkeling opportunity. If you get calm water, good visibility and a less crowded group, it may be the day’s best moment. If not, the rock formations and boat ride still provide the main value.

Las Animas gives you time to slow down

After Los Arcos, the boat heads toward Las Animas Beach. This is the more relaxed part of the day, with time to swim, sit by the water or join optional activities.

Kayaks are available on the beach, which gives you another way to use your time beyond sitting in the sand. You can also swim or simply enjoy the coastal setting. The beach stop helps balance the busier boat atmosphere and the short snorkeling session.

Do not assume every beach activity is included. The tour includes kayaks, but some activities connected with the shore may cost extra. Keep a little cash available if you are interested in optional offerings, and ask the crew for the price before committing.

Las Animas works best for people who like flexible downtime. You can make the stop active or lazy. If your ideal excursion has every minute filled with guided sightseeing, you may find this portion loose and unstructured. I prefer that freedom on a full-day outing, especially after a noisy boat ride.

Quimixto and the waterfall decision

Quimixto is a small coastal village and the most nature-focused stop. The advertised choices are horseback riding or a guided walk to a seasonal waterfall, where you can see the falls and swim in the natural pool below.

The word seasonal matters. Water flow may vary, so the waterfall could be more impressive at some times of year than others. The walk also takes effort, and you should be ready for a hot, active outing rather than a simple viewpoint stop.

The schedule can force a decision soon after arrival. You may have only about five minutes to choose between the beach option and the waterfall activity, and you may not be able to change your mind later. The practical result is that you should decide in advance what matters most.

If you want the waterfall, choose it promptly and confirm the meeting instructions. If you want an easy beach afternoon, skip the land outing and stay near the shore. Trying to do both may not be possible within the available time.

Also, do not assume horseback riding is guaranteed. One reported departure offered motorcycles instead of horses, with an extra charge of 600 pesos per person, per motorcycle, and the passenger did not drive. Ask the crew exactly what is available that day and what it costs before signing up.

This is the tour’s least predictable section. The village and natural setting can add something special, but the activity choice, extra charges and seasonal water conditions require a little flexibility.

The boat atmosphere is part of the package

Music, dancing and games continue aboard the vessel. The open bar includes unlimited drinks, and you can take them to the upper deck while watching the coastline pass.

This is lively rather than refined. Music can be loud, and the selection may feel dated if you prefer current songs or a quiet ride. I would bring patience, especially during the longer stretches between stops.

The bar is a value point for people who plan to drink. It saves you from buying each beverage separately, and the upper deck gives you a place to sit in the sun with a drink and a view. Still, drinks have been described as diluted, so anyone seeking strong cocktails may be disappointed.

You can also choose not to participate. Sit away from the speakers, use the boat as a sightseeing platform and treat the entertainment as background. The double-decker design gives you some choice, though the party atmosphere remains part of the experience.

What the $120 price really covers

At $120 per person, this is not simply a boat transfer to three coastal stops. The price includes bilingual guides, breakfast, beach lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, an open bar, kayaks, music, games and dancing.

That package can be good value if you intend to use several inclusions. A person who snorkels, eats lunch on the beach, drinks on board and enjoys the entertainment is getting a full day of services. A person who wants only quiet coastal sightseeing may be paying for extras they will barely use.

The value drops if snorkeling time is short, equipment runs out or optional activities add unexpected charges. The Quimixto choice also matters. If you picture horseback riding and a waterfall visit as included parts of the day, confirm the details before booking.

I see this as a package for convenience and energy, not a premium small-group experience. The tour gives you transport, food and activities in one booking. It does not promise much personal space or precise control over the schedule.

Timing can stretch beyond eight hours

The stated duration is eight hours, but you should leave your evening open. One departure left at about 10 a.m. and returned around 7 p.m., making the actual day closer to nine hours.

Boat tours often lose time while people board, change activities and return from shore. Here, the snorkeling stop alone may include a long period of moving people through the equipment and water process.

Do not schedule a tight dinner reservation, airport transfer or evening show immediately after the planned return. I would leave at least a couple of extra hours if your evening matters.

The meeting point is the Maritime Terminal, also known as Puerto Mágico, and you should look for the Beach Boy company. The operating provider is Puerto Vallarta Net. Since the pickup information names both the terminal and Puerto Mágico, check the exact meeting instructions when you book.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to you if you like a full social day with several stops, music and included drinks. It suits couples, friend groups and families with older children who can handle a long day on a boat.

It is also a reasonable choice if you want to sample Puerto Vallarta’s south coast without arranging separate transport to Los Arcos, Las Animas and Quimixto. The guide, meals and activity equipment make planning simple.

I would be cautious if you want serious snorkeling. The limited equipment, short water session and crowded conditions can make Los Arcos feel more like a quick introduction than a proper marine outing.

I would also think twice if you dislike loud music, sales pitches or decisions made on a fixed schedule. Extra charges at the beach and Quimixto can make the day feel less inclusive than expected.

For the best chance of enjoying it, bring photo ID, sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel and an open schedule. Keep some money for optional activities, and ask what is included before you accept any shore excursion.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta tour?

Book it if you want a lively all-day boat party with scenery, a beach lunch, swimming and a chance to see several coastal sites in one outing. The best parts are the Pacific views, the variety of stops and the convenience of having meals, drinks and basic gear handled for you.

Skip it if your priority is quiet travel, excellent food, extended snorkeling or a tightly controlled itinerary. In that case, a smaller boat or a dedicated snorkeling trip would likely suit you better.

My practical verdict is conditional: good for a social, value-focused day, but only if you accept crowds, loud music, simple food and a flexible schedule. Confirm the Quimixto activity, ask about snorkeling gear and keep your evening free before paying the $120.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, in Puerto Vallarta. Look for the Beach Boy company.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is eight hours. Plan for extra time, since one departure ran from about 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

What languages are available?

The live guides provide service in English and Spanish.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask, snorkel and life jacket are included. Bring photo identification because it may be requested before snorkeling equipment is issued.

Are meals included?

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

Is the open bar included?

Yes. An all-you-can-drink open bar is available on board.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.