Snorkel arches and waterfalls in one long sail. This Puerto Vallarta catamaran day strings together snorkeling at Los Arcos de Mismaloya and a choose-your-own-adventure stop at Playa Las Ánimas, with plenty of time to relax between activities. I like that you get a quick equipment intro before you hit the water, and I like how the onboard vibe keeps things moving without turning the whole day into a checklist.

My main consideration is that the experience can swing a bit depending on sea conditions and day-of timing, and in rougher water some snorkeling setups may not feel as comfortable as you hoped.

Key highlights at a glance

• Los Arcos snorkeling with a gear briefing first: You’ll get taught how to use the snorkeling equipment before you’re in the water.
• Two ways to spend time at Playa Las Ánimas: Stay on the beach or go for the Quimixto waterfall hike (1.5 km guided).
• Open bar plus included snacks: The tour includes an open bar and snack-style food onboard.
• Kayaking and paddle included: You’ll have more than one way to be on the water that day.
• Beach food is part of the package: You’re not just dropped off—there’s also included food at Las Ánimas.
• Extra port tax is required: Budget an extra MX$35 per person for port tax.

Entering The Route: What the 7–8 Hours Actually Feel Like

This is a full half-day to long-day catamaran outing, averaging about 7 to 8 hours. You board at Puerto Mágico, snorkel near Mismaloya’s famous rock formations, then spend a solid block of time at Playa Las Ánimas before heading back with a final stretch of sea time and onboard fun.

The start is set for 11:00 am, and registration is at 10:10 am. Plan to arrive early enough to register without stress, because a smooth boarding line makes the whole day better.

Price is $92.17 per person, which is reasonable for a boat day that bundles snorkeling plus additional water activities. The catch is that you’ll want to budget for small extras, like the port tax and any paid beach add-ons.

Puerto Mágico Boarding: Easy Check-In, Big-Day Energy

The tour begins at the Puerto Mágico area on the Zona Hotelera side (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta). You’ll register at the maritime terminal, pass through security, and then board the catamaran.

Stop 1 is short on paper—about 35 minutes—but in practice it sets the tone. This is when you see how organized the day is going to feel, and it’s also the moment to confirm any last details with the crew.

One practical thing: keep a little extra cash handy right from the start. Aside from the port tax, you may run into situations where it’s easiest to pay for extras on the beach or during photo moments.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya Snorkeling: The Main Event (and the Main Variable)

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the headline stop, and you’ll get about 2 hours there. Before you head into the water, the team provides an introduction on using the snorkeling equipment so you’re not fumbling while everyone else is ready.

Once you’re suited up, you’ll have time to observe tropical fish and corals around the rock area. This is the part of the day that makes the whole trip feel worth it—clear water, good visibility, and steady conditions turn Los Arcos into a memorable swim.

The reality check: the water can be rough, and that affects comfort and what you can actually do in the water. Some past participants reported that conditions were too rough for the snorkeling as expected and that they weren’t able to use all equipment. So if you get motion sick or you’re picky about calm, you’ll want to take that seriously.

Tip: If you’re sensitive to choppy water, bring a way to stay steady (like a non-slip grip for your belongings) and consider timing your snack and water intake so you’re not overfull when you start moving around.

Playa Las Ánimas: Beach Time Plus the Quimixto Waterfall Option

You get about 3 hours at Playa Las Ánimas, and this stop is built for choice. You can stay on the beach longer to relax and eat, or you can opt into the Quimixto waterfall side trip.

Important detail: the descent toward Las Ánimas beach is done by boat from the catamaran to the pier. That means you’ll likely experience one more short transfer step—quick, but still something to expect if you’re thinking about seasickness or footwear.

If you choose Quimixto, you’re looking at a 1.5 km guided hike through rainforest terrain to an impressive waterfall. Once you reach it, you can take a refreshing dip.

Then you come back to the beach and there’s more time for swimming and exploring—plus included food served on the beach. This is a smart way to build a “real vacation” feeling into a boat day: you’re not stuck in transit the whole time.

Practical note from the on-water reality: some people found that returning to the catamaran after beach time took longer than expected. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should plan for the possibility that the schedule may not feel perfectly clockwork.

Onboard Fun Back at Puerto Mágico: Open Bar, Snacks, and Sunset Views

After Las Ánimas, you head back aboard and spend about 2 hours cruising with organized games and dances from the crew. This isn’t a quiet, sightseeing-only sail—this is more of a lively “party-with-views” style day.

Included onboard food includes snacks such as wings, boneless, cheese fingers, and dips/sauce. You also get restrooms onboard, which matters more than people think when you’re on the water for hours.

The open bar is part of the package, too. Some people reported a delay in being able to get a drink after returning to the boat, even though it’s supposed to be open bar. So if you care about when your first drink hits, keep the day flexible and don’t treat the schedule like a cocktail bar clock.

The ride back includes views of the mountains and the open sea, with sunset being the natural closer for the day’s visuals.

Kayaking and Paddle: What You’ll Want to Know Before You Go

Kayaking and paddle are included, but the exact timing of when you’ll use them isn’t spelled out in the itinerary you have. In practice, they’re often slotted into the longer stretches when the boat is stopped or between activities.

The value here is that you’re not limited to snorkeling only. If the snorkeling conditions aren’t ideal, you can still enjoy time on the water doing something else.

My advice: bring shoes you’re comfortable getting wet, because water-based activities almost always mean you’ll be moving around at the boat and pier area.

Value Check: Is $92.17 Actually a Good Deal?

At $92.17 per person, the value is strongest if you want a bundled day: catamaran time, snorkeling, beach time with food, and additional water activities (kayaking and paddle), plus an open bar.

Here’s what’s included on paper:

• Open bar on board
• Snacks onboard (wings, boneless, cheese fingers, dips and sauce)
• Playa Las Ánimas visit plus beach food
• Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle
• Restroom on board

What costs extra:

• Port tax: MX$35 per person (not included)
• Extra drinks/food at restaurants
• Extra beach activities
• Photos, tips, and other personal spending

When this feels like a great deal: if you’d otherwise pay separately for a snorkeling tour, a boat ride, and food at the beach, the math works in your favor fast.

When it might feel less worth it: if you’re hoping for pristine snorkeling conditions every minute, or you’re not into a lively onboard atmosphere. In rough water, snorkeling may be less satisfying, and that can change how you feel about paying for a shared group experience.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour is a good match if you want:

• A one-day combo: snorkeling plus a beach stop plus options for a waterfall hike
• A boat day with an included party energy (games, music, dances)
• A group day that still gives you time to relax on land at Las Ánimas

It may be less ideal if:

• You get seasick easily or hate choppy-water conditions
• You’re very sensitive to schedule slip, long boarding/transfer moments, or waiting for food/drinks
• You’re expecting a super-polished, perfectly maintained vessel experience every step of the way (some past participants raised maintenance concerns like issues with railings/life jacket clips and onboard surfaces)

Packing and Timing Tips That Save Your Day

For a day like this, I keep it simple and practical:

• Bring swimwear you can stand to wear again after a hike day.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a hat if you sunburn easily (and sunglasses you can keep on).
• Bring a lightweight layer for boat wind, especially on the return trip.
• Bring extra cash for port tax, tips, and any beach extras.

Also: aim to be at the start point early. Registration is at 10:10 am and departure is 11:00 am, and that buffer is what keeps the day from feeling rushed right out of the gate.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Tour?

Book it if you want a value-packed day that mixes snorkeling at Los Arcos with real beach time at Las Ánimas, plus optional Quimixto hiking. The included open bar, snacks, and beach food reduce friction, and the structure gives you both water fun and land breathing room.

Skip or rethink it if calm water matters most to you, or if you’d be disappointed by schedule delays and the possibility that snorkeling equipment/usage could be limited on rough days. If you’re flexible and you treat the day as a shared adventure (not a guarantee of perfect conditions minute-to-minute), this tour can be a very satisfying way to spend your time on the Pacific side.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the catamaran tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start from Puerto Mágico?

Registration is at 10:10 am and the tour departs at 11:00 am. It returns back to the meeting point.

Where do I meet and where does it end?

Meet at Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included on the itinerary?

You’ll visit Los Arcos de Mismaloya for snorkeling, stop at Playa Las Ánimas (with an optional Quimixto waterfall hike), and then return onboard to enjoy additional time at sea.

What activities are included?

Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle are included, along with visit to Playa Las Ánimas and beach food.

Is the open bar included, and are drinks free?

An open bar is included on board. Extra drinks and extra food at restaurants are not included.

Is port tax included in the price?

No. Port tax is MX$35.00 per person and should be budgeted separately.

If you’d like, tell me your travel month and whether you plan to do Quimixto, and I’ll help you choose the best way to time your day on the beach and minimize waiting.