Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos, Ánimas, and Quimixto Boat Tour

Los Arcos is the star here: you get a 40-minute snorkeling stop among fish and rock formations, then a beach break at Las Ánimas and a visit to Quimixto waterfall. It is a full day on the water, with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar built into the $81 price.

I like the strong mix of activities and the easy sightseeing from the boat. I also like the cheerful crew, lively music, and the chance to see three very different parts of Puerto Vallarta’s south shore in one outing. The main drawback is pace: a large boat, group transfers, waiting, and a slow ride can leave less time for each stop than the seven-hour length suggests.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos gets about 40 minutes for snorkeling, with equipment and instructions provided.
• Breakfast is served on the boat, and the menu may vary from eggs and hotcakes to chilaquiles, fruit, yogurt, and granola.
• Las Ánimas combines a beach stop, restaurant visit, kayaking, and paddleboarding, although equipment may not always be available when you expect it.
• Quimixto waterfall requires proper footwear, with one account describing a roughly 45-minute walk each way.
• The open bar is a major part of the value, with beer and mixed drinks available aboard the boat.
• Allow extra time for boarding and transfers, especially if the boat cannot pull directly up to the beach.

A lively boat day from Marina Vallarta

You begin at the tour office in Marina Vallarta. Find the main entrance and look to the left for the port-fee payment point, then locate the Grupo Naviero staff in gray polo shirts with a white logo. Only the company staff should check your ticket or take any additional payment.

The port-fee information needs careful checking before you go. The details supplied for this tour list $32 pesos in one place and $30 pesos at the meeting point, while another line describes the fee as $32 for people over age eight without clearly stating the currency. Treat it as a small extra charge in Mexican pesos, but confirm the current amount when booking.

Once aboard, the boat heads south across Banderas Bay. The ride to Los Arcos takes about 35 minutes, giving you wide views of Puerto Vallarta and the mountains. Breakfast is served during this first stretch, which makes good use of the travel time.

The listed meal is scrambled eggs with ham, hotcakes, fruit, coffee, juice, or water. The menu can change, though. One recent menu included chilaquiles, fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt instead. If breakfast matters to you, think of it as a substantial morning snack rather than a fixed restaurant-style meal.

The tone is social rather than quiet. Music plays, drinks begin to circulate, and the crew works hard to keep people involved. Edgar, known as Papi Chulo, is one crew member singled out for his energy and friendly service. If you want a peaceful nature cruise, this may feel loud. If you enjoy music, dancing, and a party boat atmosphere, it is part of the appeal.

Snorkeling beneath Los Arcos

Los Arcos National Park is the most important nature stop of the day. The dark rock formations rise from the water south of Puerto Vallarta, creating a striking setting for snorkeling and boat photographs.

Before entering the water, the crew explains how to use the snorkeling equipment. Masks, snorkels, and other needed gear are supplied. The scheduled water time is about 40 minutes, enough for a good look at the area when conditions cooperate.

You can expect fish and other marine life around the rocks. The water was described as warm even in January, and the snorkeling received some of the strongest praise connected with this outing. Still, conditions and crowding matter. On busy departures, people may enter the water in shifts, which can reduce your actual swimming time.

That is the key question to ask yourself: do you want a relaxed, small-group snorkeling session, or are you happy with a lively boat stop where many people share the same area? This tour is better for the second type of experience.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, but apply it before snorkeling and follow the crew’s instructions near the water. You also need a towel and beachwear. Cameras and phones should be protected from spray, since the boat spends much of the day moving between open-water stops.

Las Ánimas gives you beach time

After Los Arcos, the boat continues to Playa Las Ánimas. This is the least structured portion of the outing, which can be either a benefit or a frustration.

You can relax on the sand, visit a local restaurant, or use kayaks and paddleboards. The beach gives you a chance to dry off and slow down after the snorkeling stop. It also adds a more casual coastal feel to a day otherwise organized around boat travel.

The transfer deserves attention. Depending on water depth and the boat’s size, you may not step directly from the main boat onto a dock. A smaller boat may carry people between the large vessel and the beach. Loading and unloading can take a while, particularly when many people are moving at once.

The tour includes use of kayaks and paddleboards, but availability may depend on the departure and timing. One account found no kayaks available, so do not book this excursion solely for a guaranteed long paddle. Think of these as included options to try when equipment and conditions allow.

You also visit a restaurant at Las Ánimas. This is not simply a quick photo stop. You have time to sit by the beach and order or receive food as part of the day’s plan, but the exact arrangement may vary. If you prefer active sightseeing every minute, this stop may feel too long. If you value a beach break, it is useful breathing room.

The walk to Quimixto waterfall

The final major stop is Playa Quimixto, where you can visit the waterfall inland from the beach. This is the most physically demanding part of the tour and the detail most likely to catch people unprepared.

The walk has been described as about 45 minutes each way. The path is not a short stroll from the sand, so wear proper walking or running shoes. Flip-flops are a poor choice for this part of the day, even though they are convenient on the beach.

You need to decide how much of the waterfall visit fits your own energy and schedule. Some people may be content to enjoy Quimixto beach, while others will want the full walk for the waterfall and photographs. The tour description does not clearly warn every participant about the footwear requirement, so plan for the hike even if you are not certain you will take it.

Paid rides by ATV or donkey have been reported at about 600 to 800 pesos per person for the trip up and down. That detail can change, and it is not included in the tour price, so carry Mexican pesos if you may want an alternative to walking. Do not count on the ride as part of your booking.

The waterfall itself is the payoff for making the effort. It offers a shaded natural setting and a different experience from the open water and crowded beach. You should allow enough time to go and return without assuming that every minute at Quimixto will be spent at the falls.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of $81

Lunch is served by the beach, with four choices that vary by day. The open bar is aboard the boat. Drinks may include beer, margaritas, and Palomas, along with the usual nonalcoholic options.

The drinks are one of the tour’s strongest value points. An open bar can make this outing a good deal compared with a simple boat transfer and separate beach expenses, especially if you enjoy a social atmosphere. It also explains why the boat feels more like a party cruise than a quiet sightseeing vessel.

Food is less predictable. Breakfast is included, and lunch is included, but portion sizes may not satisfy everyone after snorkeling, walking, and spending hours outside. One account found the food insufficient while finding the drinks plentiful. Pack a small snack only if the operator allows it, and do not assume the lunch menu will match a particular advertised dish.

At $81 per person, the price is reasonable if you use several parts of the package: snorkeling gear and instruction, breakfast, lunch, beach access, kayaking or paddleboarding when available, the waterfall visit, and the open bar. It is less compelling if you mainly want a short snorkeling trip or a quiet waterfall visit.

The price does not include pictures. It also does not include the port charge, which is listed inconsistently as roughly 30 to 32 pesos. Keep that small extra cost in mind rather than arriving with only the tour balance.

Timing and group size can shape your day

The advertised duration is seven hours, but not all seven hours are active. About 35 minutes goes to the trip from the marina to Los Arcos, and you also spend time traveling between the southern beaches, boarding, unloading, and returning.

On a crowded departure, the time can feel especially divided. Snorkeling may happen in shifts. Transfers to Las Ánimas may require a smaller boat. Getting everyone back aboard can take longer than expected. These delays are not a problem if you treat the trip as a full boat day, but they can disappoint you if you expect several long activity sessions.

The boat has an energetic atmosphere, with music and dancing on both the upper and lower decks. That suits couples, groups of friends, and families who enjoy a festive outing. It is less suited to anyone who wants a small boat, quiet conversation, or control over the schedule.

Children and older family members may enjoy the beach and boat ride, but Quimixto’s walk requires more care. The operator information specifically notes a port charge for people over age eight, but it does not provide a full age policy. Check the current rules if you are booking for young children.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, with a live guide. The crew handles safety instructions and activity directions, but the large-group format means you should listen closely when the meeting time and return point are explained.

Practical preparation for a smoother outing

Wear beachwear that also works for a walk. A swimsuit, light cover-up, and sturdy running shoes are a better combination than sandals alone. Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a dry bag or waterproof phone case if you have one.

Keep your belongings compact. You move between the boat, beach, smaller transfer boats, and the waterfall path. A large bag becomes a nuisance, especially when boarding with a group.

Do not bring a drone or explosive substances. The tour also excludes professional or souvenir pictures, so plan to take your own photos when it is safe and permitted.

Arrive with enough time to find the meeting point. One booking problem involved a pickup location that was difficult to find and an unanswered phone call. Use the main entrance instructions carefully, look for the gray shirts with the white logo, and settle any outstanding balance or port fee before boarding.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the exact departure when you book rather than assuming every day follows the same schedule.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this outing if you want a busy, all-day combination of snorkeling, beach time, food, drinks, music, and a waterfall. It packs several south-coast highlights into one booking and removes the need to arrange separate transport to Los Arcos, Las Ánimas, and Quimixto.

I would be cautious if your top priority is snorkeling quality, quiet scenery, or a flexible pace. The water time may be shortened by shifts, the boat can feel crowded, and the long transfers and loading periods reduce time at the stops.

For the best experience, wear real walking shoes, bring a towel, expect the breakfast and lunch menus to change, and confirm the port fee. Book it for the social boat atmosphere and broad mix of activities, not for a private or highly polished nature tour. At $81, it is a solid choice for people who will enjoy the open bar and use several included activities. If you want a calmer day, a smaller boat would likely suit you better.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta boat tour?

The tour lasts seven hours. The day includes boat travel, snorkeling at Los Arcos, time at Las Ánimas, a visit to Quimixto waterfall, meals, and an open bar.

Where does the tour meet?

You check in at the main entrance of the Marina Vallarta meeting area. On the left side, look for the port-fee payment point and then the Grupo Naviero staff wearing gray polo shirts with a white logo.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is served aboard the boat. The listed meal includes scrambled eggs with ham, hotcakes, fruit, coffee, juice, or water, but the menu can vary and may include items such as chilaquiles, yogurt, granola, and fruit.

How long is the snorkeling stop at Los Arcos?

The planned snorkeling time is about 40 minutes. The crew provides equipment and explains the snorkeling process before you enter the water.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. The tour includes use of kayaks and paddleboards at Playa Las Ánimas. Availability can depend on the departure and timing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Beachside lunch is included, with four choices that vary by day.

Is alcohol included?

An open bar aboard the boat is included. Drinks may include beer, margaritas, and Palomas.

Do I need special shoes for Quimixto waterfall?

You should bring sturdy running or walking shoes. The walk to the waterfall has been described as roughly 45 minutes each way, and beach sandals may not be suitable.

Is the port fee included in the tour price?

No. A separate port fee is required. The supplied information lists different amounts, around 30 to 32 Mexican pesos, so confirm the exact current charge when booking.