Cruise to Arcos, Colomitos Beaches and Animas

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta, this cruise promises a mix of stunning scenery, water activities, and good food. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and descriptions paint a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a boat-based adventure that seems to cater well to those who love a balance of sightseeing, relaxing, and a touch of lively social fun.

Two things we really like about this experience are the beautiful stops at Los Arcos and Colomitos, which both offer picture-perfect scenery, and the included meals and drinks, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy the day without constantly reaching for your wallet. The onboard grill serves up a tasty variety of meats and salads, which is a big plus. One potential drawback? The cost includes a small port fee and tips that you should be prepared for, so it’s not a completely all-inclusive price—just keep that in mind.

This tour works best for travelers who want a flexible, fun-filled day with plenty of opportunities to get into the water and take in the tropical views. It’s not overly strenuous, so if you like a mix of sightseeing, lounging, and light adventure, this could be a great fit. Families with older children or groups of friends looking for a lively, social day will probably enjoy it most.

Key Points

• Beautiful natural sights: From the iconic Los Arcos to the hidden Colomitos beach, scenery is a highlight.
• All-in-one experience: Snorkeling, paddle boards, and a delicious barbecue onboard make it a full package.
• Lively atmosphere: With music, contests, and a live show on the return, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a party vibe.
• Value for money: The price includes meals, drinks, and equipment, but note the additional port fee and tips.
• Flexible itinerary: The stops are well-paced, offering enough time to explore but not so long as to drag.
• Good for social travelers: The group setting and onboard entertainment suit those who enjoy a lively shared experience.

The Experience in Detail

Setting the Scene: Departure and First Stop at Los Arcos

The tour begins at Puerto Magico, an accessible spot near public transportation, making it easy to find your way there. Once aboard your catamaran, you’ll head south across the bay, with the first highlight being Los Arcos de Mismaloya. These striking rock formations are a visual feast, perfect for snapping memorable photos. The walkthrough around the islands is quick, just about an hour, but it’s enough to take in the stunning views and get a sense of the area’s natural grandeur. An important note from past travelers is that the admission to Los Arcos is free, so this part is more about the scenery than extra costs.

Colomitos Beach: A Hidden Coastal Treasure

Next up is Playa Colomitos, often described as a “hidden gem”. It’s a short, scenic ride from Los Arcos, and the highlight here is the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear, tropical waters. Many reviews mention how the water’s transparency makes for excellent snorkeling, especially for beginners or those just wanting to float around and enjoy marine life. The beach itself is small but charming, with a quaint bridge connecting it to the mainland — a perfect spot for a brief stroll or some relaxed lounging. The two-hour stop isn’t long, but it’s just enough to enjoy the water activities and take some great photos of this secluded paradise.

Playa Las Ánimas: Relax and Recharge

The third stop, Playa Las Ánimas, is where the tour hits its laid-back stride. This beautiful stretch of sand is lively but not crowded, with a local restaurant right on the beach serving up a tasty spread of grilled chicken, roast beef, chorizo, and fresh salads. The review from a traveler highlights how “delicious the food was,” making the meal an enjoyable highlight. After eating, you can explore the area, take a dip, or just relax on the soft sands. This stop is about three hours long, giving you plenty of time to unwind, explore, and enjoy the lively beach atmosphere.

Return to Puerto Vallarta: Onboard Party and Entertainment

The final leg of the tour takes you back to Puerto Vallarta, but not before a lively onboard party at Puerto Magico. Expect music, fun games, and a live show, making the journey back feel more like a celebration than just a transfer. Past reviews mention the “great energy” and how much people enjoyed the contests and social vibes, especially if you love a bit of party atmosphere as your trip winds down.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a good bang for your buck with lunch, open bar, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and life vests included. You can relax knowing that all the water equipment is provided, which makes trying new activities easier and more fun. The lunch is a highlight for many, with grilled meats and salads that are both satisfying and fresh.

Keep in mind, there’s a small port fee of 32 pesos that you’ll need to pay on the spot, plus tips for the crew. Transportation to and from the meeting point isn’t included, so plan accordingly. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy—free if canceled 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind.

About Group Size and Timing

With a maximum of 100 travelers, this is a well-sized tour that balances social energy with comfort. The departure time is midday (around 12 pm), fitting nicely into most travelers’ schedules, and the 7-hour duration makes it a full day without being exhausting.

Practical Tips for the Day

• Bring sunscreen and a hat — the sun can be intense during the boat ride and on the beaches.
• Arrive a bit early to ensure a smooth start, as the meeting point is easy to find but busy.
• Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a towel — you’ll want to be ready to swim or snorkel at Colomitos and Las Ánimas.
• Prepare some cash for the port fee and tipping, just to keep everything smooth.
• Pack a waterproof case for your phone or camera to keep your electronics safe while enjoying water activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, water fun, and social vibes in one day. It’s especially good for those who appreciate good food and stunning scenery without fuss. If you’re after a quiet, secluded experience, this might feel a bit lively — but if you enjoy being part of a larger, energetic group, you’ll love the shared fun.

It’s also a great pick for first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta who want a well-rounded taste of the coastline’s highlights. Families with older children or groups of friends will find it suits their needs, but younger kids or those seeking a more peaceful day may prefer quieter beaches or private tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation is not included. The tour meets at Puerto Magico, which is accessible by public transport or taxi.

What is the cost of the port fee?
There’s a small port fee of 32 pesos that you’ll need to pay at the dock.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The total experience lasts around 7 hours, from departure to return.

Are there water activities included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are provided for guest use during the stops.

Is food included?
Yes, a barbecue-style lunch with chicken, roast beef, chorizo, and salads is included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, older children who enjoy water activities and group fun will likely enjoy it.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, cash for extras, and a waterproof case for your electronics.

Will there be opportunities to explore?
Yes, each stop offers a chance to explore or relax, especially during the longer beach break at Las Ánimas.

How many people typically join?
Up to 100 travelers can participate, making for a lively but manageable group.

In Closing

This cruise offers a lively, scenic, and activity-packed way to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta. With beautiful stops at Los Arcos, Colomitos, and Las Ánimas, combined with good food and onboard entertainment, it’s a well-rounded experience. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy socializing, trying water sports, and soaking up the sun in a relaxed atmosphere.

While it’s not a private or ultra-quiet excursion, the mix of stunning scenery, delicious food, and fun activities make it a worthwhile choice for many travelers. Just be sure to come prepared for the sun and the small additional costs, and you’ll likely have a memorable day on the water.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy the coast from a different perspective, this cruise offers a lively and beautiful way to do it.