Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

A remote beach club, a jungle waterfall, and an open bar all fit into this 6.5-hour catamaran outing from Puerto Vallarta. You sail to the Quimixto area, settle into Playa Chica Locca, then choose between water sports, pool time, a waterfall trip, or doing very little at all.

I like the freedom to shape the day around your energy level, and I like that meals, snacks, drinks, and water equipment are included in the $135 price. The crew, including hosts such as Isaias, often keeps the mood high and helps with the practical details. The catch is the party atmosphere, which includes loud music and can be a poor match if you want a quiet boat ride.

Key points at a glance

• A remote beach club by boat only: Playa Chica Locca offers sand, shaded seating, an infinity pool, and a swim-up bar.
• Two very different adventures: You can hike to the Quimixto waterfall or pay cash for an ATV ride instead.
• Food and drinks are covered: Breakfast, fruit, muffins, guacamole, fajitas, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are included.
• Water gear costs nothing extra: Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and other water toys are available.
• A lively ride home: Music, dancing, drinks, and possible sightings of whales, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds shape the return.
• Plan for the rough edges: The beach can be rocky, the pool and facilities may show wear, and delays have affected some departures.

A catamaran day with three moods

This outing is best understood as three linked experiences. First comes the boat ride across Banderas Bay. Then you get several hours at Playa Chica Locca, a private beach club near Quimixto. Finally, the catamaran becomes a floating party on the way back to Puerto Vallarta.

That mix explains the strong appeal. You can spend the day drinking cocktails and lounging by the pool, paddleboarding in the bay, or hiking inland to a waterfall. You do not need to commit to one style of vacation.

The tour costs $135 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat trip, but the price includes port entry, parking, breakfast, snacks, lunch, an open bar, water equipment, and guided waterfall service. Add those costs separately and the package makes more sense, especially if you plan to drink, use the kayaks, and eat every meal on site.

The group can reach up to 120 people, so do not picture a quiet private cruise. The boat has two levels and shaded areas, but finding seats together can be harder for large groups. A group of 11, for example, may need to spread out during the ride.

Boarding at Puerto Mágico and the first hour

You must choose your meeting point before booking. The departure point is Puerto Mágico at the cruise terminal in Puerto Vallarta, and it is near public transportation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though shuttle arrangements may be available in some cases, as happened for a group coming from Sayulita.

Allow extra time for check-in. Puerto Mágico is a federal maritime port, so everyone passes through security and may be searched. Do not bring drugs, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices. The port has a strict no-drug policy.

One useful detail: the tour includes the port entry fees. You should not need to buy a separate port pass for this experience. Clarify directions with staff if the terminal is confusing, since several tours may gather in the same area.

Once aboard, breakfast normally includes fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice. Some passengers have found the early food more substantial than others, so I would eat something before leaving if you tend to get hungry early. Guacamole and blue corn chips arrive later at the beach, but lunch may not be served until the afternoon.

The first hour is a good time to settle in, meet the crew, and look across the bay. The staff usually keeps drinks moving, with beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and juices available. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Playa Chica Locca, a beach club with choices

Playa Chica Locca is accessible only by boat, which gives the stop a more removed feel than a standard beach day near Puerto Vallarta. The club combines natural surroundings with resort-style comforts: shaded lounge chairs, beach beds, an oceanfront infinity pool, and a swim-up bar.

You can begin with guacamole and chips, then choose your own pace. Kayaks and paddleboards are included. Snorkeling equipment and other water toys are also available. Swimming is easy from the beach, although conditions change. One account describes rough, murky water and a rocky bottom, so do not book this mainly for clear-water snorkeling.

The pool provides a calmer alternative, though the water may feel cool. Some parts of the property have shown rust, worn paint, cracked or missing pool tiles, and aging furniture. One serious complaint described sharp edges near the bar and damaged surfaces. These conditions may change, but you should arrive with realistic expectations: this is a remote beach club in a saltwater setting, not a polished five-star resort.

The bathrooms receive unusually warm praise for their cleanliness and comfort. Seating comes in several forms, from shaded chairs to beach beds and poolside spots. Bring sunscreen, since much of the day is outdoors, and do not count on beach towels being provided.

The Quimixto waterfall choice

The waterfall option gives the day its strongest connection to local scenery. A guided route leads inland toward the Quimixto waterfall, passing through a small fishing community and jungle terrain. The walk takes roughly an hour each way according to the available descriptions, and one estimate puts the route at about 1.5 miles.

This is not a casual stroll. The trail can be steep, rough, and wet. Wear sturdy walking shoes, not flip-flops. You may cross water, and the path to the ATV pickup can also be steep. At the waterfall, you can swim in the cold pool, and life jackets are available for floating.

The hike rewards people who want to see more than the beach club. A guide such as Dana may point out native birds and explain parts of the area along the way. Walking also lets you see more of Quimixto and meet local residents.

The alternative is an ATV ride, with someone else driving. The cost has been listed at about 500 pesos per person, cash only. The ride passes through jungle and water and cuts down the physical effort, though it still may get your shoes wet. Horse rides and ATV rides must be arranged separately through the confirmation information or locally, and you should bring Mexican pesos.

The waterfall trip takes time away from beach activities. If you want a long session with the kayaks and paddleboards, stay at Playa Chica Locca. If you want the most varied day, the waterfall is worth considering. You probably cannot do everything at a leisurely pace.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of all-inclusive pricing

Lunch is a traditional fajita meal with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise the operator when booking. The food is prepared fresh, and the meal is one of the practical strengths of the package.

Timing can be uneven. Lunch may arrive around 2 p.m., which feels late if you had only fruit and a muffin earlier. Pack a small snack for the morning, though remember that the port restricts liquids and other items during security. The included guacamole helps, but it is not a full meal.

The open bar includes name-brand alcoholic drinks according to the tour details, along with nonalcoholic choices. Most people who want a festive day will find plenty to drink. If you do not drink, you will still have coffee, juice, soda, water, and mineral water, and the staff does not need to pressure you into drinking.

That range makes the $135 price easier to justify. You are paying for transport to a remote beach, two meals or meal services, snacks, equipment, guided waterfall access, port fees, and entertainment. You are not paying only for a boat ride. Still, the value depends on how much you use. A person who avoids alcohol and skips the water activities may find the price high.

The ride back to Puerto Vallarta

The return trip is usually louder and more social than the ride out. Music comes up, dancing begins, and the bar stays open. Hosts such as Papi Chulo are known for keeping people informed and entertained, sometimes in two languages.

This is where the tour either clicks for you or does not. If you enjoy a floating party, the return can be the highlight. If you prefer conversation, reading, or quiet views, the volume may wear you down. One direct criticism of the experience was that loud music continued with no real escape from it.

Keep an eye on the water during both crossings. From December through April, humpback whales may appear. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can be seen at other times. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the open bay gives you a fair reason to watch the surface.

Photographers may take candid and action pictures during the day. Photo packages are not included, and you can ask to see the images afterward or purchase them from the retail shop. A digital album may be shared within 24 hours.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta excursion?

I would choose this tour for a mixed group with different ideas of fun. One person can swim, another can sit in the shade, another can hike, and someone else can spend the day at the bar. Families have used it successfully, including groups with children, but parents should be comfortable with loud music and an adult-oriented bar setting.

It also works well for couples and friend groups who want a full day with plenty of activity built in. Non-drinkers and vegetarians can participate without being left out. The staff tends to be attentive, and names such as Alex, Luis, Dana, Guadalupe, Ricky, and Isaias appear often in the praise directed at the crew.

I would think twice if your priorities are silence, luxury finishes, or perfect snorkeling. The boat may be smaller or less luxurious than expected, depending on the vessel used. Departure delays have also happened, with one reported wait of 90 minutes. The operator does not always extend beach time to make up for lost time.

Wear a swimsuit, strong walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring cash for the ATV or horse option. Keep your belongings light, since you will move between boat, beach, water, and trail.

Booking details and cancellation terms

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can take part. The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. The maximum group size is 120 people.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of people can lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund.

Should you book the Mega Catamarans beach adventure?

Book it if you want a busy, generous day out with food, drinks, beach time, water equipment, and a waterfall option rolled into one price. The crew is the strongest part of the experience, and the variety keeps the day from feeling one-note.

Skip it if you want a quiet sail, polished facilities, or a reliable snorkeling site. The rough water, worn areas, possible late lunch, and party music are real considerations. For the right person, though, this is a good way to see Quimixto without arranging separate transport, meals, and activities.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including the boat rides, beach club visit, waterfall option, and return to Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the catamaran depart?

It departs from Puerto Mágico at the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal. You must choose your meeting place before submitting the reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The departure point is near public transportation.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices. Guacamole and blue corn chips are served as a snack. Lunch includes chicken and beef fajitas, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, along with gluten-free choices if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other alcoholic beverages. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys are included.

Does the tour include the waterfall trip?

Guided service to the waterfall is included. ATV and horse rides cost extra and must be paid for in cash. The walk can be steep and rough, so sturdy shoes are advised.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the tour are not accepted for a refund. If weather or minimum numbers force cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date or experience.