Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta and looking for a way to enjoy its stunning waters and vibrant marine life? This Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour offered by Mike’s Fishing & Tours could be just what you’re after. It promises a blend of underwater adventure, tropical flavors, and relaxed lounging—all wrapped into a compact 4-hour experience.

What immediately caught our eye is the combination of snorkeling and culinary delights—specifically the mouthwatering coconut ceviche—and the spacious, comfortable catamaran that makes relaxing between activities feel like a treat. We also appreciate that the tour includes snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, giving you plenty of options to stay active or just float around in the water. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience isn’t suited for everyone; it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, and it takes place rain or shine.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded half-day adventure—combining underwater discovery, good food, drinks, and downtime on a luxurious boat. If you’re someone who wants to explore marine life without a whole day commitment or prefers a more intimate, curated experience, this tour is worth considering. Now, let’s walk through what you can expect from this experience, and whether it ticks all your boxes.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with snorkeling, beaches, and sightseeing in Puerto Vallarta
• Includes snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards for versatile water fun
• Culinary highlight: coconut ceviche and vegan options
• Spacious, luxury catamaran with room to relax or dance
• Bar service offering a variety of beverages for every taste
• Tour duration of about 4 hours provides a compact but comprehensive experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed to showcase the best of Puerto Vallarta’s waters, with a mixture of water-based activities and relaxing beach time—all aboard a luxurious catamaran that offers plenty of space and comfort. Priced at $108 per person, it’s an accessible way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty without the expense of larger, more commercial excursions.

One of the most appealing aspects is that the tour combines snorkeling in Marino Los Arcos National Park—where you’ll find vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs—with some downtime for swimming, kayaking, or just lounging on the boat. The inclusion of kayaks and paddleboards adds a nice touch, letting you explore the calm waters at your own pace.

The culinary component is more than just a snack; it’s a highlight. The coconut ceviche, along with vegan ceviche options, is described as fresh, zesty, and oh-so-delicious. It’s a perfect pairing to refresh you after a swim, and many reviews mention how satisfying and flavorful it is.

The international bar is another standout, offering a good selection of drinks. Whether you prefer tropical cocktails or a simple beer, there’s likely something to quench your thirst while you relax on deck. It’s the kind of tour where you can unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ocean breeze, all in a lively yet laid-back environment.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour starts at a choice of two locations: Paradise Village Public Pier or Puerto Magico. These spots are convenient for most travelers staying in Puerto Vallarta area accommodations.

Once aboard, the first stop usually involves a brunch or lunch—giving you a chance to fuel up before hitting the water. It’s a thoughtful touch that sets the tone for a leisurely experience.

Next, you’ll head to Marino Los Arcos National Park for your snorkeling session. Expect about an hour exploring a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful fish and coral. Reviewers mention the marine life is lively, and the reefs are quite picturesque. As one review notes, “We loved the way the water was clear and the reef was full of life,” reflecting how many find this part of the tour rewarding.

After snorkeling, the boat moves to Cihuatlán, where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding for another hour. This part is great for those wanting more water time or just to relax on a floating device. The calm waters make it easy to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Finally, the tour wraps up with another hour of sightseeing and a second meal—often more ceviche and perhaps some snacks—before heading back to the starting point. You can expect to arrive at either Puerto Magico or Paradise Village, depending on your initial pick.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

A lot of travelers have praised the spaciousness of the catamaran. Unlike smaller boats that cram everyone together, this vessel’s large spaces allow for dancing, lounging, or simply spreading out while enjoying the views. This setup makes it ideal for those who prefer comfort and a bit of fun on deck.

The snorkeling gear is included, and the reefs are said to be teeming with life, making it accessible for snorkelers of varying skill levels. Many reviews highlighted the friendly guides who help you get comfortable in the water, which is reassuring if you’re newer to snorkeling.

The culinary offerings are also a highlight. Many guests rave about the ceviche, calling it fresh, flavorful, and perfectly zesty. The vegan ceviche is a thoughtful addition, catering to dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

On the flip side, some travelers note that the tour isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility restrictions, which is worth considering if that applies to you or your travel companions. Also, since the tour runs rain or shine, a sudden downpour might disrupt the experience or make the water less inviting.

Is It Good Value?

At $108 per person, this tour offers a good mix of activities and comfort. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and multiple meals/snacks is quite comprehensive for a half-day outing. Plus, the lively bar and spacious boat add to the feeling that you’re getting a premium experience without a hefty price tag.

Compare it to other similar experiences—the reviews suggest that the quality of the boat, the food, and overall organization makes this tour stand out. It’s especially appealing for those who want to enjoy both marine exploration and relaxation in one go.

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Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your passport or ID as required.
• Wear swimsuits and sun protection—think hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• The tour does not include hotel pickup, so plan to meet at the starting point.
• Since marina port fees might apply if embarking from Puerto Vallarta pier, check if this is included or if you’ll need to pay separately.
• If you want to capture memories, souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they aren’t included.
• Remember, the tour takes place rain or shine, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• This experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-rounded, relaxed half-day adventure in Puerto Vallarta, this Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour hits many marks. It offers a comfortable setting to explore marine life, enjoy delicious ceviche, and simply unwind in the sun on a spacious boat. The inclusion of kayaks and paddleboards means you can add a little extra fun, and the lively bar keeps the mood upbeat.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a blend of activity and leisure—without the exhaustive time commitment of longer tours. The high ratings and positive reviews suggest it’s a dependable choice, especially for those who value comfort, good food, and lively company.

On the flip side, it’s not ideal if you have mobility limitations or are pregnant, and you should be prepared for weather that might not always be perfect. Still, for most visitors looking to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s waters in style and comfort, this tour offers solid value and memorable moments.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour involves swimming, snorkeling, and water activities that can be enjoyed by older children. However, because it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues and requires some physical activity, it’s best suited for active, confident swimmers.

What is included in the price?
The $108 fee covers snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, breakfast and snacks, and access to the international bar with drinks.

Are meals provided?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast, plus both coconut and vegan ceviche as part of the meal options.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with the “Reserve now & pay later” option.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point varies depending on your booking—either Paradise Village Public Pier or Puerto Magico.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, the reefs are accessible and the guides help make snorkelers comfortable, but basic swimming skills are recommended.

Are drinks included?
A variety of beverages are available from the international bar, but specific drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a towel if you plan on swimming or kayaking.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes about 4 hours, starting at a designated time, with plenty of time for activities and relaxation.

Is it worth the price?
Most reviews suggest it offers good value considering the activities, food, drinks, and spacious comfort. It’s a neat way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s waters without overcommitting your day.

If you’re in Puerto Vallarta and looking for a relaxed yet lively water adventure, this tour might just fit the bill. It combines the fun of snorkeling, the pleasure of great food, and the luxury of a spacious boat—all in a manageable half-day format.

You can check availability for your dates here: