From the water, Puerto Vallarta feels brand new. This is a long-ish boat day that pairs great views off the Malecón with snorkeling at Los Arcos plus a lively crew and open bar onboard. The main thing to keep in mind: the schedule can run late, and that affects how much beach time (and how smoothly) the day feels.

You’re aiming at a value price for a full route: Los Arcos de Mismaloya, then Playa Las Ánimas for food and beach time, and finally Quimixto (with the waterfall visit only if you choose it). It runs about 7 hours for a max group size of 130—big enough to feel fun and energetic, but also big enough for waits.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Los Arcos snorkeling, with gear included and a quick window in the water (conditions can change fast)
• Las Ánimas is the main hangout, including a beach restaurant meal (one dish per person)
• Quimixto waterfall is optional, with a walk (about 30 minutes) and a swim stop (about 20 minutes)
• Open bar is on the boat only; drinks on the beach are extra
• Plan for lines and possible departure delays even if 9:15 is what’s on paper

What You’re Really Paying for: Value at $75

At $75 per person, you’re not buying a luxury catamaran day. You’re buying a full route that covers the big time blocks: time on the water, snorkeling gear, and two meals. The included items matter because they reduce your spending once you’re already out there.

Here’s what’s typically covered:

• Breakfast on the day (options like hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade)
• National open bar onboard (so you can keep drinks coming during the boat ride)
• Snorkeling equipment for the Los Arcos stop
• Food on the beach (one dish per person, with 3 choices)
• Insurance

And here’s what usually costs extra:

• Port tax / terminal fee (MX$33 per person)
• Drinks on the beach (one stated figure: MX$70 per person)
• Tips
• Any extra activities at the beach (parasailing, jet skis, banana boat, massages, etc., depending on what’s offered that day)

That mix is the whole deal. If you want a cheap, energetic day with snorkeling and beach time, this price can feel fair. If you want long snorkeling, top-tier food, and tight timing, you may feel underwhelmed.

Terminal A.P.I. and Why 9:15 Can Feel Like a Suggestion

The meeting point is Terminal Marítima A.P.I., Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time listed is 9:15 am, and the tour returns back to the same meeting area.

In real life, you should expect time spent in lines before you even reach the boat. One reason is the port tax/terminal fee (MX$33) that you pay at the sea terminal. Another is the general boarding flow at busy ports.

My practical advice:

• Arrive early and don’t treat 9:15 like a firm “we leave at 9:15.” Delays are part of the experience.
• Bring cash, just in case. (Multiple on-the-ground reports mention cash needs for fees and extras.)
• Have a little patience for the “everyone gets processed” rhythm. It’s not relaxed, and that’s normal for a big group boat day.

Also note: if you get motion sick easily, this matters even before you move. The combination of waiting, heat, and later boat time can set you up to feel rough.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: Snorkeling With Included Gear (and Real-World Conditions)

Los Arcos is the snorkeling stop. You get snorkeling equipment included, and the goal is to see colorful tropical fish in the Los Arcos National Park area.

The stop is listed as about 45 minutes. In practice, snorkeling time can feel shorter depending on sea conditions and group flow. Some people reported snorkeling windows around 15–20 minutes, while others had better luck. Translation: if snorkeling is your top reason for booking, go with the mindset of good chance, not a guarantee.

Sea conditions can turn the experience:

• If the water is choppy, swimming can be harder and visibility can suffer.
• If it’s calmer, you’ll likely enjoy more time in the water and better chances to spot fish.

One more tip that came up in real experiences: bring a photo ID. Some snorkelers mentioned they needed it. You don’t want to be scrambling for documents in the moment.

If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll be better off if you:

• Keep your expectations realistic (quick reef time)
• Don’t plan your whole day like you’ll be back at the dock fast
• Choose your boat seating with motion in mind

Playa Las Ánimas: The Best Chance for a Chill Beach Block

Las Ánimas is the quiet fishing village stop, and it’s where the day often clicks into “vacation mode.” You disembark for about 3 hours, and that’s your window for beach time plus the included meal.

Here’s what’s included:

• Beach restaurant food: one dish per person (3 options to choose from)
• The meal is included, but drinks and tips aren’t
• You can spend time sitting, swimming, and browsing the beach scene

A few useful realities:

• The beach day is typically the longer “hang out” portion, so it can feel more relaxed than snorkeling.
• The included lunch might be served later than you expect. Some people reported lunch arriving closer to the afternoon, which can make the wait feel long if you’re hungry right away.

You’ll also find plenty of add-on activities on the beach. Based on real experiences, options commonly offered include:

• Parasailing
• Jet skis
• Banana boat rides
• Massages (sometimes via on-site vendors)

If you want extras, think of Las Ánimas as your “choose your own adventure” block. If you want downtime only, you can skip all add-ons and just enjoy the water and beach atmosphere.

Quimixto Waterfall: Optional Walk, Optional Fun, Variable Outcomes

After Las Ánimas, the route includes Playa Quimixto. The waterfall visit is optional.

What you can expect if you choose it:

• You disembark in Quimixto town
• You start a walk of about 30 minutes toward the waterfall
• Horse rental is optional
• At the waterfall, you get about 20 minutes to swim and cool off
• Then you return to Las Ánimas for food

This stop is “small adventure” territory. It can be great if you like walking and you want a change from pure beach lounging. But keep two things in mind:

• If weather or local water conditions aren’t ideal, the waterfall might not deliver the moment you hoped for.
• If you hate walking in the sun, you can still enjoy Quimixto without pushing hard—just choose what fits your comfort.

One more practical: the walking time is listed as approximately 30 minutes, but pace varies with the group. Bring water, and don’t assume you’ll be sprinting.

The Boat Ride: Open Bar Fun, Singing, and Crew Energy

The boat portion is where this trip often wins people over. It’s not quiet. There’s music, crew interaction, and a party vibe at times.

You’re getting:

• Open bar onboard
• Breakfast served onboard
• A lively crew that keeps people moving through the day

Some names showed up repeatedly in real experiences: David (often described as a tour leader/animator), Adrian, and crew members like Don Gato and Jorge. Not every boat leader will be the same, but it’s helpful to know that staff energy is often part of why people come back.

A practical note if you get seasick: the boat ride can move a lot, and some people felt sick even with medication. If you’re sensitive, sit lower on the boat when you can. That’s one of the most consistent strategies that came up.

Also, you’ll be dealing with boarding and getting on/off the boat with a lot of bodies and steps. This isn’t “grab a seat and chill.” It’s more like “share the flow with the group.”

Food on Board vs. Food on the Beach: What to Expect

The food situation is the split that most clearly explains the mixed reviews. The included meals are part of the value, but quality and timing can vary.

On the boat, breakfast is included and includes options like:

• Chilaquiles
• Hot cakes
• Eggs with ham
• Bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade

On the beach, the included lunch is also part of the value—but reports range from “okay” to “not worth the wait.” Some people said they had to sit for a long time before being served. Others found the included food decent.

My advice: treat the beach lunch as included fuel, not a highlight. If you want the best meal, keep flexibility and be open to buying something additional at the beach if you’re truly picky.

Timing and Delays: The Real Make-or-Break

This is the biggest caution flag. Some people had a smooth day. Others experienced:

• Departure delays (not leaving at 9:15 or even 10:00 on some days)
• Long returns to the marina (reports stretched out to later evening)
• Waiting time on the beach before lunch
• Short snorkeling windows

It’s hard to predict which day you’ll get. Wind and rain can change everything fast on the bay.

So plan your day accordingly:

• Don’t schedule a reservation immediately after this tour.
• Keep your evening flexible.
• If you’re going with kids, buffer your tolerance for lines and waiting.

On the positive side, when things go well, the day can feel like a full-on Puerto Vallarta experience: sea views, snorkeling, a beach village atmosphere, and an energetic return ride.

Who Should Book This Trip (and Who Should Skip)

This tour tends to fit best if you:

• Want a budget-friendly day out on the water
• Like the idea of snorkeling at Los Arcos with gear provided
• Will enjoy beach time at Las Ánimas even if snorkeling isn’t perfect
• Care more about the day’s vibe than gourmet meals

It’s a tougher match if you:

• Want long, uninterrupted snorkeling
• Have strict timing needs (dinner reservations, events)
• Get seasick easily and aren’t comfortable with boat movement
• Are very sensitive to delays and waiting

If you’re a first-time visitor who wants a taste of “boat + beach + optional adventure,” this is the kind of trip that can deliver. If you already know you want elite snorkeling and carefully timed transfers, you might want a smaller or more specialized option.

Budget Checklist: Cash, Fees, and Beach Extras

If you want your day to feel easier, prepare for these costs and small details:

• MX$33 port/terminal fee per person
• Drinks on the beach are not included (one listed figure: MX$70 per person)
• Snorkeling could require ID, so bring a photo ID
• Optional beach extras (parasailing, jet skis, banana boat, massages) often cost extra
• If you want a cleaner new snorkel, you might find vendors offering fresh packaging at an extra cost (one reported price: 50 pesos)

Also watch your belongings. On a high-traffic boat day, things can get messy fast, and you don’t want to be chasing phones and wallets during boarding and water stops.

Should You Book Arcos–Animas–Quimixto?

Book it if you want a fun group day in Puerto Vallarta where snorkeling gear and meals are included, and you’re okay with the tradeoff: timing and snorkeling length can vary.

Skip it (or look for a different style of tour) if you need:

• A guaranteed long snorkel session
• Predictable departures and returns with no delays
• Food that’s a big part of the experience for you

If you do book, go in with the right mindset: aim for the views, the sea time, and the Las Ánimas beach block. When you’re flexible and prepared for the port rhythm, this trip can be a smart-value day.

FAQ

How long is the Arcos–Animas–Quimixto tour?

It runs for about 7 hours on average.

What is the main snorkeling stop?

Snorkeling happens at Los Arcos de Mismaloya (Los Arcos National Park).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the Quimixto waterfall included?

The waterfall visit is optional. If you choose it, you walk about 30 minutes, then spend about 20 minutes at the waterfall.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included (with options like hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade). Lunch is included at the beach as one dish per person.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is a national open bar on board.

What fees are not included?

You’ll pay a port tax/terminal fee (MX$33 per person). Drinks on the beach and tips are not included.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Terminal Marítima A.P.I., Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.