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

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta, this all-inclusive boat tour promises a mix of snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach time. We’ve looked into what this experience offers and what some travelers have shared, so you can decide if it fits what you’re after.

What we like about this trip is the chance to explore multiple attractions in one day, including the iconic Los Arcos National Marine Park and the charming beaches of Las Animas and Quimixto. The inclusion of food and drinks on board adds to the relaxed vibe, and the variety of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding make it feel lively rather than just a boat ride.

However, a few reviews mention that the snorkeling times can be limited, and some facilities, like equipment or options at certain stops, might not always meet expectations. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a fun, active day on the water with good food and drinks, but aren’t expecting a fully immersive or exclusive experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring multiple spots, loves a lively atmosphere, and appreciates having everything included, this tour could be a good pick. Just keep in mind that some parts can feel rushed, and the experience can vary depending on weather and crowd size.

Key Points

• Includes multiple attractions in one day, offering a good overview of Puerto Vallarta’s coastlines.
• All-inclusive with breakfast, lunch, drinks, and activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
• Group size is capped at 40 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded.
• Mixed reviews highlight great crew service and scenic views but also point out occasional issues like limited snorkeling time.
• Cost-effective considering food, drinks, and activities are included, but some extras and park fees are additional.
• Timing starts early at 9:15 am, so be prepared for a full day.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

We’ll walk through what this tour typically involves, so you can picture what your day might look like and whether it ticks your boxes.

The Meeting Point and Departure

The adventure begins early in the morning at Puerto Mágico with a 9:15 am start. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable catamaran with an open bar and a lively atmosphere. The group usually stays around 40 people, making it lively but still manageable for chatting with fellow travelers.

The Boat Ride and Scenic Views

The boat ride itself is part of the fun. With music playing and an open bar, it’s a relaxed way to get to your first stop. Many reviews mention the boat’s crew as friendly and attentive, ready to help with life jackets or answer questions. The views of the coastline and islands are stunning, providing plenty of good photo opportunities.

Los Arcos Marine Park

Your first major stop is at Los Arcos, a renowned natural rock formation and marine sanctuary. It’s a favorite for snorkeling, with vibrant fish and clear waters, although some reviews note that snorkeling can be brief—around 20-30 minutes. One traveler pointed out that the water was a bit murky during their trip, which affected underwater visibility.

Some mention that the tour emphasizes the scenery more than the underwater life, but you’ll still get a taste of the marine environment from above the water. The crew usually offers snorkeling gear and fins—though, as some reviews indicated, equipment can sometimes run out or be limited.

Las Animas Beach

Next, the boat heads to Las Animas, a scenic beach with soft sand and a lively vibe. Here, you have options: stay on the boat, relax at the beach chairs (though some mentioned no free chairs or umbrellas unless rented), or explore the area. You might find vendors selling snacks or souvenirs, but be aware that many reviews advise bringing cash for extra drinks or activities.

The beach itself is described as pretty but somewhat crowded and touristy, with some travelers disappointed by the cleanliness or the quality of the food served at the nearby restaurants. One review suggested that the beach amenities could be better, and some found the wait times at the restaurant a bit long.

Quimixto and Waterfall Hike

From Las Animas, the tour usually offers a trip to Quimixto, where visitors can hike to a waterfall or relax on the beach. The waterfall hike is a highlight for many, though one reviewer mentioned that you need to buy a drink to access the waterfall area, and the trail can be challenging.

Some travelers loved the hike and swimming at the waterfall, describing it as worth the effort, but others felt the overall experience was rushed, especially if the boat left late. The waterfall and swimming spots are beautiful, but the access often involves some additional costs or effort.

Additional Activities and Optional Extras

While kayaking and paddleboarding are included, some reviews claim that these activities are scarce or unavailable at times. A reviewer mentioned that the kayaks and paddleboards seemed imaginary or unavailable, and water conditions can impact the availability of water sports.

If you want extra excitement, there’s usually the option to pay for parasailing or additional vendors on the beach, but these are not part of the main package. Be prepared to carry extra cash if you’re interested in these extras.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The food served on the boat is generally described as decent and plentiful, including options like fish fillet, chicken fajitas, and roast beef quesadillas. Breakfast and lunch are both served buffet-style, with soft drinks and alcohol included on the boat. Some reviewers found the food just okay, noting that the quality could be better, but it’s enough to keep you energized.

The open bar is a definite plus, with drinks like tequila, rum, vodka, beer, and soft drinks available. A few travelers mentioned that the drinks on the beach are paid separately, so keep some cash handy for those.

The onboard atmosphere is lively, with music, dancing, and karaoke. That makes it a fun environment, especially if you enjoy a party vibe on the water.

Real Traveler Insights

• One traveler raved about the crew, calling them fantastic and noting they took great care of everyone, making for a relaxing, friendly day.
• Conversely, a few reviews highlight disappointments with snorkeling, citing short durations and murky waters, which can be frustrating if snorkeling was your main goal.
• Several mention long wait times and rushed schedules, especially around the beach stops and activities, so if you prefer a more leisurely experience, that’s something to consider.
• Some travelers noted the music and crowd as hit-or-miss; loud music and singing on the way back might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer peace and quiet.

Practical Information

The tour costs around $75.93 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and activities. That’s reasonably priced for a full day with food and entertainment, but remember that extra costs may come into play for souvenirs, additional drinks outside the included ones, or optional activities like parasailing.

The tour begins at Puerto Mágico and ends back at the same spot, making logistics simpler. It’s not including ground transportation or the MX$32 park fee, so plan accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy social atmospheres, lively boat rides, and a mix of scenic beauty and active water sports. It’s ideal if you’re okay with some parts feeling rushed and don’t mind a busy day packed with different stops.

If you’re more into leisurely, in-depth snorkeling or exploring at your own pace, this might not be your best choice. Also, if you’re sensitive to crowds or prefer quieter environments, the lively vibe and sometimes crowded beaches might be less appealing.

While it’s not necessarily tailored for families with very young children, older kids and teenagers who enjoy water sports and group activities could have a good time. Just be aware of the time constraints and the potential for choppy water conditions.

FAQs about the Tour

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, you get a buffet lunch with dishes like fish fillet, chicken fajitas, or roast beef, along with drinks.

Are activities like kayaking and paddleboarding guaranteed?
Not necessarily. Some reviews mention limited or no availability of these activities, depending on the day and water conditions.

How long is snorkeling?
Typically around 20-30 minutes, but some travelers found that the water was murky or that they only had a brief window for snorkeling.

Do I need to bring extra money?
Yes, for souvenirs, additional drinks on the beach, optional activities, or tips. The included drinks are only on the boat, and fees apply at certain stops like the park or restaurants.

What’s the start time?
The tour begins at 9:15 am, so be ready early to enjoy the full day.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
With a maximum of 40 travelers, it’s a fairly moderate-sized group, which helps keep the atmosphere lively without feeling overcrowded.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides are bilingual, which helps in understanding the itinerary and safety instructions.

How is the overall experience rated?
It has a mixed score of 3.3 out of 5 based on 72 reviews, with highlights being friendly staff and scenic views, but some frustrations with equipment, timing, or food.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may result in a reschedule or full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto snorkeling cruise offers a lively, full-day adventure with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty and water activities. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a combination of sightseeing, socializing, and good food in a reasonably priced package.

However, be prepared for the possibility of short water activities and some rushed moments, especially at popular spots. The experience can vary, and some might find it a bit chaotic or crowded, but many travelers have enjoyed the fun atmosphere and scenic views.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one day trip with a lively vibe and plenty of included amenities, this could be just the ticket. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, in-depth experience, you might want to explore other options.

Final Recommendations

• Bring extra cash for optional activities, souvenirs, and beach drinks.
• Arrive early and be ready for a full, energetic day.
• Manage expectations about snorkeling time and water clarity—these can vary.
• Enjoy the crew’s friendly service and the beautiful coastline views.
• Consider your preference for a busy, social day versus a quiet, more leisurely experience.

Enjoy your adventure in Puerto Vallarta, whether you choose this tour or something more tailored to your style!