Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

If you’re considering a day trip that combines some of Puerto Vallarta’s best coastal sights with fun on the water, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a mix of snorkeling, relaxing at the beach, exploring a quirky village, and enjoying unlimited drinks and lively music—all in one 8-hour package.

What we like about this experience is its straightforward approach: it offers the essentials of a tropical adventure without over-complicating things. The chance to snorkel at Los Arcos and relax at Las Animas Beach definitely sounds appealing, especially if you’re after a laid-back day with good food and drinks. Plus, the visit to Quimixto adds a local flavor that can make the trip feel a bit more authentic.

However, a key consideration is that reviews suggest the experience doesn’t always fully match the promotional promises. Some travelers found the snorkeling brief and the water experiences limited, and the overall vibe can feel a touch crowded or commercial. So, if you’re after a quiet, all-immersive nature escape, this might not be your perfect fit. That said, if you’re looking for a lively, social day out with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy good food, this tour could suit you well.

This tour works best for those who want a mix of sightseeing, social fun, and some beach time without the need for total exclusivity. It’s an easy way to tick several boxes in one day, especially if you’re okay with a busy schedule and a lively atmosphere.

Key Points

• Includes snorkeling at Los Arcos and exploration of nearby villages
• Offers beach relaxation and optional activities like kayaking
• All-you-can-drink open bar and lively music aboard
• Meals are included, with breakfast to start and lunch on the beach
• Duration is around 8 hours, so you’ll need a full day
• Mixed reviews about snorkeling and activity availability; some felt it was rushed or crowded

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a packed 8-hour journey across some of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic spots. Let’s break down what that day looks like, based on the details and reviews.

Morning Start: Boarding and Breakfast

Your day begins at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico, where you’ll meet your bilingual guides. The tour kicks off with a continental breakfast. While described as basic, it’s a good way to fuel up before a morning full of water and activities.

Snorkeling at Los Arcos

Next, you’ll hop onto the double-decker boat with plenty of space to relax, dance, or enjoy the scenery. The main highlight is snorkeling at Los Arcos, a marine preserve known for its vibrant fish and clear waters. According to the description, this spot is perfect for observing tropical marine life, and you’ll be provided with masks and snorkels to get up close.

From reviews, we see mixed experiences here. Some travelers enjoyed the chance to see underwater beauty, while others found the equipment limited and the snorkeling time brief—about 10 minutes, with many feeling it was rushed or limited due to equipment shortages. One reviewer mentioned that they didn’t see much marine life because of so many other people in the water, with fish swimming away.

Relaxing at Las Animas Beach

After snorkeling, the tour heads to Las Animas Beach, a serene stretch of sand ideal for relaxing, swimming, or trying a few optional beach activities. The description suggests you might enjoy lounging, snacking, or kayaking on the beach—an opportunity to unwind amidst pretty surroundings.

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Village of Quimixto and Waterfall Adventure

The trip then moves inland to Quimixto, a small charming village. Here, you’ll have the choice of riding motorcycles (with a hefty extra fee) or taking a guided hike to a seasonal waterfall. The waterfall is a real treat—cascading down amidst lush greenery—and you can take a dip in the natural pool at its base.

From some reviews, we learn that the options might be limited or not exactly what was expected. For example, one reviewer mentioned they were told they couldn’t do both activities—beach and waterfall—because of time constraints, forcing a quick decision.

Lunch and Entertainment

Back on the boat, a delicious lunch served on the beach provides a break from the water activities. The tour also includes an open bar, with unlimited drinks—think beers, cocktails, and soft drinks—perfect for relaxing or dancing to the lively onboard music.

The description emphasizes music, games, and dancing, making the experience more festive. One traveler mentioned the music was reminiscent of a wedding from 20 years ago, which might be charming or a bit cheesy depending on your taste.

Return and Sunset

The tour wraps up with a scenic return, often including a sunset view if timing aligns. One review complimented the beautiful sunset—though it’s worth noting that this part is not guaranteed and depends on weather and timing.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What We Loved

• Stunning coastal views from the boat and at the waterfall
• Delicious lunch right on the beach with fresh flavors
• Lively atmosphere on board with music, dancing, and unlimited drinks
• Opportunity to see marine life and snorkel in protected waters (if you’re lucky or patient)

What Could Be Better

• Snorkeling time and equipment are limited, and some found it underwhelming
• Crowds can be an issue, especially at popular spots like Los Arcos and during snorkeling
• Activity options—such as motorcycle riding—are paid separately and may not be as advertised
• Some reviews note that the experience doesn’t fully match promotional promises, especially regarding the beach and waterfall visits

Is This Tour Worth It?

That depends on what you’re after. If you love a lively, social atmosphere with good food, drinks, and a chance to see some of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal highlights, this tour hits a lot of those notes. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy boat rides, snorkeling (even briefly), and relaxing at the beach with a drink in hand.

On the flip side, if you’re seeking a quiet, in-depth nature experience or detailed snorkeling adventures, you might find this tour a bit commercialized or rushed. It’s a busy, fun-packed day that doesn’t leave much room for downtime or extensive exploration.

Considering the price—$87 per person—it’s generally a fair deal for a full day including meals and drinks, but do keep your expectations aligned with the reviews: this is more of a lively, social excursion than a tranquil retreat.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works well for travelers who want a balance of sightseeing, social fun, and beach time in Puerto Vallarta. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a lively environment, good food, and unlimited drinks. If you’re traveling with friends or a group who appreciates a festive atmosphere, you’ll likely have a good time.

However, if you’re an avid snorkeler or looking for a quiet nature escape, you might want to explore other options. Also, be prepared for a full day—this isn’t a quick trip—and some parts of the experience, like activity choices and snorkeling, may feel a bit rushed or crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour involves boat rides, beach time, and some water activities, so older children who enjoy these should be fine. Always check with the provider about age restrictions.

What language are the guides?
Guides are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

Are meals included?
Yes, there’s a continental breakfast at the start and a lunch on the beach. The food is described as good, especially the lunch.

How long is snorkeling allowed?
Snorkeling time is around 10 minutes, which some reviews felt was not enough. Equipment shortages may also limit your time underwater.

What is the open bar like?
Unlimited drinks are included—beer, cocktails, and soft drinks. Some reviews mention that drinks are watered down, so don’t expect premium cocktails.

Is there live entertainment?
Music, dancing, and games are part of the onboard fun, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

Can I do both the beach and waterfall activities?
Not always. You need to choose one or the other within a short window, as per the tour’s schedule, which might feel rushed.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, typically in the morning, so plan to set aside your whole day.

How crowded is it?
Some travelers note that spots like Los Arcos are busy, especially with many boats in the water, which can affect the snorkeling experience.

What is the price for extra activities like motorcycle rides?
Motorcycle rides are offered but involve an extra fee, around $600 per person, and you won’t be driving.

Wrapping Up

This Puerto Vallarta tour offers a lively, social way to enjoy the coast, with plenty of good food, drinks, and scenic stops. It’s best suited for those who want a full day of fun, good company, and relaxing seaside moments. While it may not satisfy the snorkeling fanatic or those craving serenity, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to pack their day with memorable experiences and vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re okay with some crowds and a schedule that’s a bit packed, this trip can give you a taste of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal charms, combined with the buzz of music and good company. Just keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll likely leave with a smile—maybe even a few dance moves.

Note: Always double-check the latest reviews and details before booking, as experiences can vary and tours may change over time.

You can check availability for your dates here: