Puerto Vallarta: Catamaran to Arcos, Colomitos and Animas

If you’re thinking about spending a day on the water exploring some of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic spots, this catamaran tour could be just what you’re looking for. It promises a mix of scenic views, snorkeling, great food, and fun entertainment—all in a comfortable 7.5-hour window. We’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you a clear idea of what to expect, so you can decide if it’s worth your time and money.

We particularly love how this tour combines beautiful scenery like the famous Arches of Mismaloya with active water experiences at Colomitos, plus a relaxing beach day at Las Animas. The open bar and lively on-board atmosphere are also big pluses if you’re into socializing and having a good time. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the day can be quite busy, with multiple stops and activities, which might be tiring if you prefer a more laid-back vibe. This trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of everything—scenery, adventure, and social fun.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery with stops at the iconic Arches of Mismaloya.
• Snorkeling and water activities available at Colomitos, ideal for active water lovers.
• Relaxation and swimming at Las Animas Beach, with a lively beach club atmosphere.
• Inclusive amenities like an open bar, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear.
• Convenient rental equipment including helmets and gasoline, making the experience hassle-free.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: What to Expect on This Catamaran Tour

Picture yourself stepping onto a comfortable catamaran, ready to explore some of Puerto Vallarta’s most scenic spots. The day kicks off with a cruise along the bay, giving you a chance to enjoy the ocean breeze and take in the city views from the water. The first stop is at the Arches of Mismaloya, famous for their birdlife and dramatic rock formations. This is a fantastic spot for photography—whether you’re into birdwatching or just want that perfect shot of the coastline. Reviewers have mentioned how “the views at the arches are breathtaking,” and “it’s a great backdrop for photos,” which makes it a highlight.

Next, the boat moves to Colomitos, a tiny, picturesque cove renowned for its vibrant marine life. Here, water activities like snorkeling and kayaking are included, and you’ll have plenty of time to splash around and explore underwater. The clarity and lively fish populations are often praised—some guests note how “the snorkeling was surprisingly good,” and “it’s a fun spot for families or anyone wanting to see marine life up close.” While the water activities are included, keep in mind that the tour provides all necessary gear, including snorkel equipment, so you don’t have to bring your own.

While you’re enjoying the water, a chef on board will prepare a grilled lunch—think chicken, roast beef, chorizo, and green salad. The food is generally considered decent, with some reviewers saying, “the lunch was simple but tasty,” and “the grilled meat was a nice touch.” After lunch, the boat heads to Las Animas Beach, a lively stretch of sand with a beach club atmosphere. You’ll have ample time here to relax, swim, or simply soak up the sun. The beach setting is lively yet laid-back, making it suitable for those wanting a mix of chill time and socializing. Some guests highlight the fun contests and parties held at the beach club, adding an extra flavor to the day.

Onboard Entertainment and Amenities

One of the tour’s big draws is the open bar—you can enjoy drinks throughout the day, making the experience more festive. The boat also offers paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear, so you can choose how active you want to be. The equipment is included in the price, and the fact that the rental includes helmets and gasoline makes it even more convenient—no need to worry about extra costs or gear.

The group size tends to be manageable, and descriptions suggest it’s a good mix of fellow travelers, which keeps the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded. The tour guide speaks both English and Spanish, making it accessible whether you’re a local or a tourist.

The Details That Matter

Let’s talk about the practicalities. The price of $93 per person is fairly reasonable considering what’s included—transport, activities, food, and drinks. When you think about the cost of doing snorkeling, kayaking, and a nice lunch separately, this package offers good value. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a 32 Pesos (about $1.50 USD) marina entrance fee, which is an extra cost you’ll need to budget for.

The tour lasts about 7.5 hours, usually starting in the afternoon, which fits well into most travel plans. You’ll want to wear your swimsuit, bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a camera—the typical essentials for a beach day on the water. Extra cash for tips or souvenirs is always a good idea, especially if you enjoy the service.

One review mentioned that “the day was packed with stops, but the crew kept it fun,” and others appreciated the flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Will Like This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of sightseeing, water activities, and socializing, this tour hits the mark. The lively atmosphere, combined with scenic views and lively entertainment, makes it an excellent choice for groups of friends or couples. It’s also suitable for those who want a hassle-free experience—everything from gear to lunch is handled, and you can just relax and enjoy.

However, if you’re after a super tranquil, solo-focused day, this might feel a bit busy or crowded at times. The stops are relatively close together, and the schedule is packed, which is great if you like your days full but less ideal if you prefer a slow, contemplative pace.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This catamaran tour offers a solid balance of adventure, relaxation, and social fun. The combination of stunning scenery at the Arches, exciting water activities at Colomitos, and enjoyable beach time at Las Animas makes it a well-rounded day out. The included amenities—food, drinks, and water gear—add significant value, and the flexible booking options make it less risky.

This experience would suit travelers who want to make the most of their time in Puerto Vallarta with a lively, scenic, and activity-filled day. If you’re okay with a full schedule and enjoy lively atmospheres, you’ll likely find this tour to be a worthwhile part of your trip.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You get a lunch on the beach, open bar onboard, and kayaks, snorkel, and paddleboards. The rental also includes helmets and gasoline, making the experience seamless.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7.5 hours, usually available in the afternoon, fitting nicely into most travel plans.

Are the water activities suitable for beginners?
Yes, the included gear and relatively calm waters at the stops make it suitable for beginners, but always follow safety instructions from the crew.

Is the tour family-friendly?
The details don’t specify, but based on the activities—snorkeling, beach relaxation, and lively entertainment—it could be suitable for older children or families with teenagers.

Is there any extra cost?
Yes, there’s a 32 Pesos (about $1.50 USD) marina entrance fee per person, which isn’t included in the ticket price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, and some extra cash for tips or souvenirs.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers or couples?
Absolutely. The lively atmosphere and group activities make it fun, whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner.

In the end, this tour offers a lively, well-organized way to see some of Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning spots with plenty of fun along the way. It balances active water adventures with relaxing beach time, and the inclusive amenities make it a hassle-free experience. If you’re looking for a full day of scenic views, water fun, good food, and lively company, this could be just the thing to add to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: