Arcos – Animas – Quimixto. By Grupo Naviero de la Bahìa (Bahia Alegre)

Los Arcos, a beach lunch, an open bar and music on the ride home make this one of Puerto Vallarta’s more social boat outings. I like the low price of $75 and the way the crew keeps the day moving with drinks, dancing and games. The sea views from the bay are excellent, especially when Puerto Vallarta’s church and Malecón appear from the water.

You also get real choice once the boat reaches the south shore: relax at Playa Las Animas, try beach activities, or head toward Quimixto and its waterfall. The catch is that this is a big, basic boat trip, not a quiet snorkel cruise. Delays, crowded boarding, weak beach meals and a very short time in the water can change the day considerably.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos snorkeling lasts about 45 minutes on paper, but the actual time in the water can be much shorter.
• The boat carries up to 130 people, so expect music, shared space and a lively return ride.
• Breakfast and a beach lunch are included, but beach drinks, tips, port tax and optional activities cost extra.
• The itinerary can be confusing: the published plan includes Las Animas and Quimixto, while the operating format may have you choose between them.
• The crew is the strongest part of the trip, with names such as David, Adrian, Don Gato, Jorge and Jimmy mentioned as especially engaging.
• Arrive early and plan for a late return, since boarding and beach transfers can take longer than expected.

What kind of Puerto Vallarta day is this?

This is a party boat with a sightseeing route attached. You will see the southern coast, stop near Los Arcos, eat on a beach and spend much of the ride back with music, dancing and an open bar. It is not designed around quiet nature study or serious snorkeling.

That distinction matters. If you want a polished catamaran, a small group and a carefully timed reef session, this is the wrong fit. If you want an affordable full-day outing where the crew does the entertaining and you can order another drink without watching the meter, it makes more sense.

The listed duration is about seven hours, with a 9:15 a.m. start at the Maritime Terminal and a return to the same place. In practice, boarding may not begin until around 10 a.m., and some outings have returned around 6:30 or even later. I would leave your evening open. Do not schedule a flight, an important dinner or a sunset reservation afterward.

Getting to the boat at the Maritime Terminal

Your meeting point is the Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, in the hotel zone near Las Glorias. The port charges a separate fee of MX$33 per person, paid when you enter the sea terminal. This is also described as a Malecón boardwalk or port fee, so keep small cash handy.

Arrive early. The terminal can become confusing, with photographers, sales booths, ticket lines and several tour operations working in the same area. One useful tip is to walk straight to the line for your boat rather than stopping at the first person offering help. Some people who appear to be staff are selling other services or photographs.

You may receive breakfast and lunch choices before boarding. Breakfast is served on the boat, not at the dock. Typical choices include pancakes with fruit, yogurt and granola, or eggs with ham and chilaquiles. Coffee, fruit, orangeade and similar drinks are part of the morning service.

The boat itself is simple. Plastic chairs can shift on the deck, and walking while the boat moves takes care. The lower deck is usually the center of the music and dancing. The upper deck gives you a calmer seat and better air, though the ride can feel rougher up there when the sea is choppy.

The ride past Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront

The first views are worth paying attention to. From the water, you get a clean postcard angle on Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón, church and waterfront buildings. The city looks different from the bay, with the Sierra Madre rising behind it and the shoreline stretching south toward Mismaloya.

This is also when breakfast is served and the crew begins setting the tone. The national open bar is available on board, along with soft drinks and water. The crew collects empty cups and keeps the service moving, which helps on a crowded boat.

The social side can be a real strength. David, Adrian, Don Gato and Jorge are among the crew members associated with the entertainment, and the return ride may include contests, dancing, karaoke and group routines such as Caballo Dorado. Much of the commentary and humor may be in Spanish, but the activities are easy to follow. English is offered for the tour, and staff may check in with English speakers directly.

If you want a quiet morning, sit upstairs and away from the speakers. If you enjoy joining a group party, the lower deck is where the action is.

Los Arcos: beautiful scenery, limited snorkeling time

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the most scenic stop. These rock formations rise from the sea inside a protected national park, with arches, small coves and clear views when the conditions cooperate. Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks and fins.

The scheduled stop is about 45 minutes, but do not assume all of that is spent swimming. The crew must organize equipment, move people into the water and bring everyone back aboard. Several outings have provided only 15 to 20 minutes of actual snorkeling.

The water quality is not guaranteed. After rain or a storm, waves can make the stop uncomfortable and visibility poor. Some days produce colorful fish and a worthwhile reef view. Other days bring murky water and little to see. This is one reason I would not book the excursion solely for snorkeling.

You need to be comfortable in open water. Life jackets are available, but the stop can be challenging for weaker swimmers, especially when the boat is rocking. Bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it, and consider sitting on the lower level during rough conditions. A fresh snorkel may cost about 50 pesos if you prefer not to use shared equipment, though the standard gear is included.

Pay close attention to the crew’s instructions. Stay aware of when the group is called back to the boat, and make sure your companions return with you. The loading process can be noisy and crowded, so do not wander off once the swimming period ends.

Playa Las Animas and the included meal

Playa Las Animas is a small beach community south of Puerto Vallarta, reached by a short transfer from the main boat to shore. The bay is attractive, and the beach gives you several hours to swim, sit under an umbrella or pay for water activities.

Your included beach meal is one dish per person, with several choices such as fish, fajitas, quesadillas or a burger. Drinks at the beach are not included. One charge listed for beach drinks is MX$70 per person, though prices can vary, so bring pesos.

The timing of lunch is a common source of frustration. The meal may not arrive until midafternoon, around 3:30 p.m. The delay appears designed to give you time at the restaurant and beach, but it can leave you hungry. If you need food earlier, buy snacks or order something separately. You may also be able to take the included meal with you if you have already eaten.

The meal quality is uneven. Some plates are perfectly serviceable, while others have been described as small, cold, salty, dry or overcooked. You are paying for the whole day, not a special restaurant meal, so keep expectations modest. If food matters greatly to you, budget for an additional order at the beach.

Beach chairs and umbrellas also need careful checking. Some arrangements include them, while other setups charge about 300 pesos per person, credited toward food and drinks rather than treated as a simple rental. Confirm the price before sitting down.

Las Animas offers optional activities such as parasailing, jet skis, banana boats, massages and a small zip-line style attraction. Prices mentioned include about 700 pesos per person for parasailing and roughly 800 pesos for a jet ski for two, but confirm current rates directly. These extras are not part of the $75 price.

Quimixto and the waterfall walk

Quimixto is the more active option. From the village, the walk to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes, followed by roughly 20 minutes at the falls for swimming and cooling off. Horse rental is available if you do not want to make the walk on foot.

The route is a better fit for you if you want a short nature walk rather than several hours in a beach chair. Wear shoes that can handle an uneven path, and bring a swimsuit if you plan to enter the water. Listen carefully when the guide explains the departure time. The group may not make a second announcement before heading back to the boat.

There is an important planning issue here. The written description presents Los Arcos, Las Animas and Quimixto as stops, with Quimixto followed by a move to Las Animas for lunch. However, the operating pattern described by passengers indicates that you may be asked to choose between Quimixto and Las Animas rather than enjoy both fully. Ask the crew at the start of the day exactly which option is running.

Water at the falls can also depend on recent rain. In dry conditions, the waterfall may be less impressive. Still, Quimixto is often the part that makes the outing feel more than just a beach party, particularly if you prefer a walk and freshwater swim.

The long ride home

The return trip is where the boat becomes a floating social club. The open bar continues, the crew brings out music and the lower deck may turn into a dance floor. Birthdays, dance contests and karaoke are common parts of the entertainment.

This can be great fun if you like a loud group atmosphere. It can also feel tiring after a full day in the sun, especially when the ride takes longer than planned. Delays have come from boarding, beach transfers, extra pickup points, rough weather and mechanical trouble. You should allow a wide cushion before any evening plans.

The English service is adequate, but much of the entertainment may be in Spanish. You can still join the dancing and games, though you may miss some jokes and instructions. If you prefer a peaceful return, sit on the upper deck and bring a light layer, since wind can pick up on the bay.

At the end, the crew usually comes around for tips. Tipping is not included. Given how much direct service the crew provides, you may want small bills ready if they have looked after you well.

Is $75 a fair price?

For $75 per person, the package covers a lot: boat transportation, breakfast, an onboard national open bar, snorkeling equipment, a beach meal and insurance. Add in the coastal views and live entertainment, and the price can be good for a full day in Puerto Vallarta.

The value drops if you want excellent food, generous personal space or long snorkeling time. You will also need to add the MX$33 port fee, beach drinks, tips and any activities such as parasailing or horseback riding. A family of four can easily spend more than the advertised price once those extras are included.

The best value comes from using the tour as an all-day social outing. Eat breakfast on board, enjoy the included drinks, choose one beach activity at most and treat the lunch as a basic included meal. If you want a specific restaurant, a private beach chair or premium water sports, bring a larger budget.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to friends, families with older children and couples who enjoy music, dancing and a loose group atmosphere. It also suits anyone who wants to see several parts of the southern bay without arranging separate boats, food and transfers.

You may not enjoy it if you get seasick easily, need firm schedules or dislike crowded boats. Strong swimmers who want serious snorkeling should choose a dedicated snorkeling trip instead. People seeking a quiet beach day may also prefer a smaller boat or a direct water taxi to Las Animas.

The physical demands are moderate. You must manage boat steps, transfers to shore, moving around on a rocking deck and, if you choose Quimixto, a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. Service animals are allowed, and the terminal is near public transportation.

Should you book Arcos, Las Animas and Quimixto?

Book this experience if you want an affordable, energetic day with good coastal scenery and a very friendly crew. The strongest parts are the views, the open bar, the beach setting and the entertainment on the ride home. Crew members such as David, Adrian, Don Gato, Jorge and Jimmy have helped make the day feel welcoming and fun.

Skip it if your main goals are long snorkeling sessions, gourmet food, quiet surroundings or precise timing. Before paying, confirm whether your departure will include both Las Animas and Quimixto, and ask when lunch will be served. Arrive early, carry pesos, bring sun protection and leave your evening free. With those expectations, the $75 price can buy a memorable day. Without them, the crowded boat and delays may wear you down.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. The listed start time is 9:15 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The planned duration is about seven hours. Actual return times can be later, sometimes around 6:30 p.m. or beyond, so keep your evening open.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the Los Arcos stop. A fresh snorkel may cost an additional 50 pesos if you prefer one in new packaging.

Are food and drinks included?

Breakfast, an onboard national open bar and one beach meal per person are included. Drinks at the beach, tips and optional activities are not included.

Do I visit both Las Animas and Quimixto?

The written schedule describes both places, but the operating format can require you to choose between them. Ask the crew at the start of the trip which route is running that day.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, and bad weather may result in a different date or a full refund.