Catamarans, beaches, and real snorkeling time. This Puerto Vallarta day trip ties together Los Arcos de Mismaloya views, Colomitos water, and a long stretch on Las Ánimas beach. It’s the kind of outing that works when you want variety, not just one stop.

I like that Los Arcos is handled smart: you stay on the boat while the captain positions you for photos. I also like the pacing at Las Ánimas, where you get actual beach time and an included meal setup rather than a rushed stop.

One thing to consider: the day can run a bit chaotic, with party music onboard and snorkeling time that may be shorter than you expect. If you’re more into quiet swims than loud fun, you’ll want to go in with your eyes open.

Key highlights before you go

• Los Arcos photo stop from the catamaran so you don’t lose time getting off the boat
• Colomitos snorkeling in clear water with rock formations and tropical fish in the area
• Las Ánimas beach with included beach-meal service (drinks cost extra)
• Onboard party energy that can make the trip feel louder than you planned
• Timing can vary between what your ticket says and when boarding actually happens

Catamaran Day Off Puerto Vallarta: What You’re Really Buying

For about $78 per person, you’re paying for a full day built around three classic Puerto Vallarta beats: rock arches in the sea, snorkeling at Colomitos, and a beach restaurant meal at Las Ánimas. On paper it’s a straightforward combo—easy, scenic, and long enough to feel like you left town.

Here’s the value math: admission at each stop is listed as free, and you also get a meal included at Las Ánimas (with drinks extra). The snorkeling isn’t sold as a pricey add-on; it’s part of the Colomitos beach time. For many people, that’s what makes it worth it: you’re not nickel-and-diming every hour.

That said, budget for small extras. One account notes an extra 30 pesos per person for port fees. Drinks on the ship are also extra cost, and you can buy extra beach activities once you’re at Las Ánimas. So the best way to think about this trip is as an affordable day cruise with a meal included—not a total “spend nothing” package.

The day runs around 7 hours, and the tour is offered in English. You’ll get a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you’re trying to travel light and keep everything on your phone.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya Photos Without Leaving Your Seat

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is Puerto Vallarta’s postcard moment. You don’t need to hunt for a viewpoint or worry about shoes on slick rocks. The boat heads over and the captain positions the catamaran so you can see the rock formations rising from the water.

This stop is described as a short photo session where you can get great angles without descending from the boat. That matters because it saves time and keeps the day feeling less stressful. You’re also seeing it from water level, which is hard to recreate from shore.

One practical note: this is a “look and shoot” moment. Don’t plan on a long wander here. Treat it like your warm-up—get your photos, soak in the marine sanctuary vibe, then move on.

If you like your outings simple—arrive, see the main sights, keep going—Los Arcos is a good start. If you hate brief stops, you might feel the schedule is moving quickly right away.

Playa Colomitos Snorkeling in Jalisco’s Clear Water

Colomitos is where the trip earns its snorkel bragging rights. The stop is set up for a quiet and safe snorkeling session in clear water, with tropical fish and rock formations you can spot underwater.

In an ideal world, you’d step in, float around, and come up with that unmistakable “we saw stuff” feeling. In practice, snorkeling quality depends on day conditions and how long you actually get in the water. One account reports snorkeling time closer to under 30 minutes, even though the stop is scheduled as a longer beach block. So plan to snorkel, but don’t assume you’ll get a full long session.

Also keep in mind water temp. One account says the water was cold enough that snorkeling didn’t happen for them. That doesn’t mean you’ll have the same issue, but it’s a reminder to come prepared so you’re not stuck deciding on the spot.

What to do if you care most about snorkeling:

• Go early to the water when they start letting people in and out
• Bring or consider snorkel-friendly swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for a while
• Have a relaxed mindset. This is a beach snorkeling stop, not a guided “every fish, every minute” dive

The upside of Colomitos is simple: the water quality and marine life are the point. If that’s your main goal for the day, you’ll likely feel good about this stop even with a shorter-than-ideal time window.

Las Ánimas Beach Time and the Included Meal Setup

Las Ánimas is the payoff beach. Here you get about 3 hours to slow down: lounge in the sun, swim in calmer water, and take a coast walk if you feel like stretching your legs. It’s a popular beach for a reason—soft sand and an easygoing vibe.

The best part for many people is the included food. You dock, then head down to your assigned beach restaurant area, where your meal is provided. Drinks are extra cost, so you’re not locked into a bar tab—unless you choose to go that route.

Timing matters here. A couple of accounts describe long waits for plates and confusion about where lunch fits into the flow. One account says lunch started around 4:00 p.m. and took about an hour for the first plates to arrive. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should plan your energy. If you’re hungry, don’t assume lunch is instant the moment you arrive.

What you can do on the beach:

• Sit, sunbathe, and swim
• Walk along the coast
• Pay extra for activities like bananas and parachutes (and other add-ons may be offered onboard)

So this stop works in two ways. If you want active time, you can buy activities. If you just want a clean beach break, you can skip the extras and still feel like the day was worth it.

If you’re the type who needs a tight schedule, Las Ánimas might feel “stretched.” If you’re flexible, it’s a strong, relaxing segment of the day.

The Return Trip: Party Music, Contests, and How It Feels

The ride back to Puerto Vallarta is where the mood can swing. One account describes loud party music playing much of the time, plus an open-bar vibe that can make things rowdier as the trip goes on. Another account says the entertainment was fun, and the staff kept a lively energy.

Also, the itinerary includes a boarded show and contests during the return. That’s good if you’re into games and onboard energy. It’s not ideal if you want a quiet boat ride to wind down after snorkeling.

There’s also the simple fact of boat comfort and crowding. One negative account calls the boat run-down and crowded, including plastic lawn chairs and a deck that felt more like a party transport than a polished cruise. Another account calls it safe and comfortable enough, even with only two people onboard on their departure.

So how it feels can vary a lot by departure size, vibe, and timing. If you want a calm, scenic cruise, consider packing earplugs and keeping expectations realistic about sound levels.

Boat Comfort, Crowd Size, and Timing Reality Check

Logistics are the main risk with this kind of all-in-one day trip. The schedule can feel like it has a loose grip.

One account says the tour was supposed to start at 11:00 a.m., but boarding didn’t begin until noon, and they ended up on a later boat. That same account also describes getting assigned only about 30 minutes of snorkeling time, plus a very delayed lunch window.

Another negative account says the whole experience felt extremely chaotic and poorly organized, with crowd management problems once the boat got going. They also describe a dinner-into-the-night return time, with arrival back at the marina around 9:00 p.m.

Now, the positives are real too. One account praises the staff as super friendly and helpful, and another says they were on time and the boat ride felt safe with no seasickness.

So here’s your best move: plan for a day that’s not perfectly timed. I’d set expectations like this:

• Arrive early if you can
• Bring a little patience for boarding and lunch flow
• Don’t treat this as a strict “we’ll be back by X” plan

If you’re the kind of traveler who needs every minute controlled, you might feel frustrated. If you’re flexible and you mainly care about the beaches, the experience can still deliver.

What to Pack and How to Get More From the Day

To get the most out of Colomitos and Las Ánimas, pack like you’re doing two beach stops, not one.

Bring:

• A snorkel-ready swimsuit (even if you’re not sure you’ll use the snorkel)
• Reef-safe style sunscreen and something to protect your shoulders
• A light layer if the wind is chilly on the ride
• Water-friendly shoes or sandals for dock-to-beach walking
• A small dry bag for phone and tickets

And plan for the reality of onboard vibe. If you’re not into loud music, think about earplugs. It’s a cheap comfort upgrade.

Food-wise, since lunch may not feel instant, a small snack or energy bar can save your mood if timing drifts. You’re not told that snacks are included, so treating this as a “meal is included, but wait times can happen” day is smart.

Most of all, if snorkeling is your priority, be ready to go the moment they call you in. A shorter snorkel window is still better than missing your one chance.

Who This Cruise and Snorkel Tour Fits Best

This is a good match if you want:

• A one-day Puerto Vallarta hit list (arches + snorkeling + beach lunch)
• A day where you can switch modes: photos, water time, then beach relaxation
• Friendly crew service is important to you (and you’re okay if the schedule isn’t ultra tight)

It’s not the best match if:

• You want a quiet boat ride and minimal noise
• You’re very sensitive to crowding and prefer calm small-group tours
• Snorkeling time must be long and consistent, no exceptions

If you love beaches and can handle a bit of chaos without stress, you’ll likely enjoy the overall mix. If you’re planning this as your only snorkeling opportunity, go in prepared for less water time than you hoped, and lean on Las Ánimas beach time if snorkeling ends up brief.

Should You Book This Cruise and Snorkel Combo?

My take: book it if you’re chasing variety and value, and you’re flexible about timing.

The decision is easy when you care most about:

• Los Arcos views from the boat
• Colomitos snorkeling opportunities
• Real beach hours at Las Ánimas plus an included meal

Skip it (or switch to a more controlled option) if you need:

• Strict timing
• A calm, low-music experience
• Guaranteed long snorkel sessions

Also, check your departure day expectations. The same itinerary can feel very different depending on how packed the boat is and how the crew manages flow. If you’re a planner, arrive early and keep your schedule loose.

If you want one affordable day that checks three Puerto Vallarta boxes—this can work. Just don’t expect a perfectly polished, whisper-quiet cruise.

FAQ

Is this tour in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

How long is the Puerto Vallarta cruise and snorkeling day?

The duration is listed as approximately 7 hours.

What stops are included?

You’ll visit Los Arcos de Mismaloya, Playa Colomitos for snorkeling, Playa Las Ánimas for beach time and lunch, and then return to Puerto Vallarta.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is part of the time at Playa Colomitos.

Is lunch included at Las Ánimas?

Yes. An included meal is provided at the beach restaurant area. Drinks are available but cost extra.

Are there extra costs on the day?

Port fees may be an extra cost. One account notes paying an additional 30 pesos per person for port fees, and drinks and add-on beach activities are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount is not refunded.

Does it run in bad weather?

No. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.