Catamaran Tour to the Arches, Playa las Animas, Snorkeling and more

Los Arcos de Mismaloya gives this Puerto Vallarta catamaran trip its best moment: you reach the famous rock formations by boat, then swim among tropical fish before heading south to Playa Las Animas. I like the mix of snorkeling and beach time, and I like that you can choose between relaxing on the sand, trying a water activity, or hiking to Quimixto waterfall.

The main drawback is the pace. With as many as 99 people aboard, boarding and returning to the boat can take time. Rough water may also limit the snorkeling, and the full day can run longer than the advertised 7 to 8 hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos is the main scenic stop: Expect about two hours around the rock formations, including a short equipment briefing and time in the water.
• Las Animas offers a real choice: Stay on the beach, use the included kayak or paddle equipment, or take the 1.5 km guided walk to Quimixto waterfall.
• Food is built into the day: Breakfast-style food is served aboard, snacks include wings, boneless pieces, cheese fingers, dips, and sauces, and beach food is included at Las Animas.
• The open bar is useful but not instant: Drinks are included aboard, though service can slow during busy parts of the trip.
• Allow extra time at the end: Boarding after the beach stop may be slow, and the return can run about an hour beyond schedule.
• The port fee is extra: Bring MX$35 per person, plus cash for beach activities, photos, additional food, and tips.

What this Puerto Vallarta catamaran day is really like

This is a full marine day, not a quick sightseeing cruise. You leave from Puerto Magico at 11:00 a.m., spend much of the day on the water, stop at Los Arcos for snorkeling, visit Las Animas, and return to the same terminal.

The price is $92.17 per person. That is a fair package price if you plan to use several inclusions: open bar, food aboard, beach food, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle equipment, and the boat ride itself. You are also paying for a long day out of town without having to arrange separate transport to Los Arcos or Las Animas.

Still, value depends on your expectations. This is a large group boat, not a quiet sailing trip or a small private charter. Music, dancing, games, and a lively crew are part of the product. If you want a peaceful morning with only a handful of people in the water, this is not the right format.

The tour is offered in English. Children ages 0 to 2 ride free, and most people can take part. Service animals are allowed, and the departure point is near public transportation. The maximum group size is listed as 99, so you should picture a busy boat rather than a personal excursion.

Starting at Puerto Magico before 11 a.m.

Your day begins at the Puerto Magico maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. Registration is at 10:10 a.m., with departure scheduled for 11:00 a.m. That 50-minute gap matters. You need time to find the terminal, register, pass through the security filter, and board.

The terminal is in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, but you should still check your route carefully and use Puerto Vallarta local time, listed as GMT-6. Arriving late is a poor gamble on a boat trip, since the group will not be waiting for individual stragglers.

The first portion of the outing is listed as about 35 minutes and includes admission to the boat experience. Once aboard, you can settle in, look across the broad bay, and listen to the crew explain the day.

A breakfast-style service is provided while you travel toward Los Arcos. The listed food also includes snacks such as wings, boneless pieces, cheese fingers, dips, and sauces. I would treat this as casual boat food rather than a sit-down breakfast. If you have dietary needs, the supplied details do not explain the menu or substitutions, so ask before booking.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: the strongest part of the day

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the most memorable stop. These large offshore rock formations rise from the water south of Puerto Vallarta, and the catamaran gives you a view of the bay as it approaches them.

The scheduled stop lasts about two hours. Before you enter the water, the crew provides a short explanation of how to use the snorkeling equipment. This is helpful if you have not snorkeled before or if you need a quick refresher.

The water may offer views of tropical fish, coral, and other marine life. One especially good report describes calm snorkeling with plenty of fish and even a lucky whale sighting nearby. That kind of wildlife moment cannot be promised, but it shows why this stop can be special when sea conditions cooperate.

You should also keep expectations realistic. Another account describes murky water and a crowded swimming area. Rough water has sometimes meant that not all equipment could be used. Snorkeling quality here is tied to weather, current, visibility, and the number of people in the water. The rock formations remain worth seeing even if the underwater portion is average.

This is not a private snorkeling session. Several people may be in the same area, and the time in the water can feel short if you spend part of the stop getting equipment or waiting for instructions. If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, ask about current sea conditions before departure and bring your patience.

The boat has a restroom, which is a practical plus during a long day at sea. Equipment for snorkeling is included, along with kayaking and paddle use during the beach portion. The information does not specify how long each optional activity is available, so do not assume you can use every piece of equipment for as long as you wish.

Playa Las Animas gives you three ways to spend the afternoon

After Los Arcos, the catamaran reaches Playa Las Animas. You do not simply step from the large vessel onto the beach. The transfer is made by boat from the catamaran to the Las Animas beach pier, so expect another loading and unloading process.

This stop lasts about three hours, making it the least rushed part of the trip on paper. You can stay near the beach, swim, eat the included food, or choose an extra activity at your own expense. Kayaking and paddle equipment are included, while activities such as jet skiing cost extra.

The other choice is the guided walk to Quimixto waterfall. The route is about 1.5 kilometers through rainforest, ending at a waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. This gives the day a little more activity and variety than a standard beach stop.

The hike is not for everyone. You need to be comfortable walking 1.5 kilometers and dealing with a natural trail. If you prefer a slow beach afternoon, stay at Las Animas. If you want movement and a change of scenery, Quimixto is the more interesting option.

Beach food is included, but service may not be quick. One account describes a long wait for food and a slow process getting back aboard the catamaran. That is important because a three-hour stop can shrink once you account for the transfer, ordering food, eating, and lining up to leave.

I would decide your priority before reaching the beach. If you want the waterfall, ask the crew where and when to meet. If you want to eat and use the beach, get oriented early. Large groups need clear meeting times, and the return process can take longer than expected.

The two-hour return turns into a floating party

The scheduled return to Puerto Magico includes about two hours aboard the catamaran. The crew organizes games, dancing, music, and general entertainment during the ride. You also get views of the mountains and open sea, with the possibility of sunset light if the timing lines up.

This part will suit you if you enjoy a social boat atmosphere. It is a chance to have another drink, listen to music, and spend time on deck after the active stops. One particularly positive account describes the full day as a mix of sun, snorkeling, beach time, an open bar, and a lively crew.

It may feel too long if you have already had enough sun or if the boat is moving slowly. A separate account describes the ride back as unusually slow and says the tour returned about an hour after schedule. I would not book this trip if you need to be back at a precise time for a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening show.

The open bar is included, but service is not always equally quick during the entire day. One report describes being asked to wait for a drink after boarding, despite the open-bar arrangement. This may have been a temporary service issue, but it is a useful reminder that included does not mean immediate.

Bring water protection for your phone and a way to keep cash dry. You may want money for photos, tips, beach activities, and extra restaurant food or drinks. The $35 port tax per person is also separate from the tour price.

Food, drinks, and what is actually included

The food package makes the price easier to justify. You receive breakfast-style food during the outbound ride, savory snacks aboard, and food at Playa Las Animas. The snack list includes wings, boneless pieces, cheese fingers, dips, and sauces.

The wording does not provide a full beach menu, so do not expect a detailed restaurant meal with unlimited choices. One report found the food acceptable but not remarkable, while another found the beach meal slow to arrive. Think of food as convenient fuel that keeps you from needing to arrange every meal separately.

The open bar is another useful inclusion. It means you do not need to buy each standard drink during the boat portion, but extra restaurant purchases at the beach are not included. You should still carry cash for anything beyond the package.

Tips are not included. Photos also cost extra, as do additional beach activities. The port charge is MX$35 per person, and it should be part of your real budget when comparing this trip with other Puerto Vallarta boat outings.

How the group size changes the experience

A maximum of 99 people is a major detail. On a boat this size, the crew can offer entertainment, food service, and equipment, but every transfer takes coordination. Boarding at the marina, moving to the beach pier, collecting snorkeling gear, and returning from Las Animas can all create queues.

The friendly crew is one of the stronger points of the experience. Even when the schedule or water conditions were not ideal, staff were described as pleasant and helpful. That matters on a long day, especially when you need instructions or help with equipment.

The boat itself may show signs of heavy use. A report noted concerns with the floor, loose railing bolts, broken life-jacket clips, and the bathrooms. I cannot verify the condition on your departure date, but this is worth keeping in mind when comparing the trip with newer or smaller boats. Safety equipment should always be handled carefully, and you should tell crew members at once if you notice a problem.

The group format also explains the lively atmosphere. Games and dancing are not added extras. They are part of how the crew keeps a large group engaged during the long ride home.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this catamaran day to you if you want several activities in one booking and enjoy a social atmosphere. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who like to combine scenery, swimming, a beach stop, food, and music.

It is also a good match if you do not want to choose between Los Arcos and Las Animas. The boat handles the distance, and the package includes several items that would otherwise add cost.

You may want another option if snorkeling quality is your first concern, if you dislike large groups, or if you need a strict return time. The water can be murky or rough, the snorkeling area can be crowded, and the beach transfer may take longer than planned.

People with very young children should note that ages 0 to 2 are free, but the day is long and includes boat transfers, sun, water activities, and optional walking. The tour says most people can participate, yet the details do not describe special assistance for every mobility need. Ask the provider before booking if you need specific support.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit beneath light clothing and bring sun protection. You will spend many hours outside, with time on the boat, at the beach, and possibly on the rainforest walk to Quimixto.

Bring cash in Mexican pesos for the port tax, tips, photos, beach activities, and extra food or drinks. Keep it in a waterproof pouch, along with your phone.

Arrive for the 10:10 a.m. registration rather than the 11:00 a.m. departure. The security check and boarding process are part of the schedule, not optional extras.

Plan for flexibility. The advertised duration is 7 to 8 hours, but the return can take longer. Avoid tight evening plans, and remember that the tour ends back at Puerto Magico, the same place where it begins.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta boat trip?

Book it if you want a busy, social day that combines Los Arcos, Playa Las Animas, food, drinks, swimming, and optional activities for one price. The best parts are the coastal views, the chance to see fish around Los Arcos, the choice between the beach and Quimixto waterfall, and the friendly crew.

Skip it if you want a small boat, quiet service, guaranteed clear water, or a precise finish time. The $92.17 price is reasonable for the number of inclusions, but the value drops if you do not drink, skip the beach activities, or dislike group entertainment.

My practical call: book this as an all-day Puerto Vallarta outing, not as a tightly timed snorkeling trip. Arrive early, bring cash, leave your evening open, and treat the sea conditions and transfer times as part of the adventure.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico, located on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.

What time should I arrive?

Registration begins at 10:10 a.m., and the scheduled departure is 11:00 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours, but the return may take longer than scheduled.

What destinations does the tour visit?

The tour visits Los Arcos de Mismaloya and Playa Las Animas. At Las Animas, you can also choose the guided walk to Quimixto waterfall.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and the snorkeling activity at Los Arcos are included.

Are kayaking and paddle equipment included?

Yes. Kayaking and paddle equipment are listed as included.

Is food included?

Yes. Food is provided aboard the boat, including snacks such as wings, boneless pieces, cheese fingers, dips, and sauces. Food is also served at the beach.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. An open bar aboard the boat is included.

What costs extra?

The MX$35 port tax per person is extra. You should also bring money for beach activities, additional restaurant food or drinks, photos, and tips.

Can children join the tour?

Children ages 0 to 2 are free of charge. The tour information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.