Snorkel, paddle, and tequila in one long day. This cruise strings together Los Arcos, Las Animas, and a Quimixto waterfall hike and swim, with an all-inclusive-style boat day that starts at 9:15am and runs about 8 hours. I like that you’re fed (breakfast and lunch) and you’re not just staring at the water all day—you get several activities packed into one trip.

I also like the simple “do it all” format: maritime catamaran transport, snorkeling gear, a lifevest, and an open bar on board. The one drawback to keep in mind is that snorkeling time and visibility can vary a lot, and the day can feel crowded and rushed—especially if the water is murky or the boat schedule runs behind.

Key things to know before you go

• You get multiple Puerto Vallarta stops in one day instead of planning separate tours
• Breakfast + lunch + an open bar keep the day moving (and the vibe upbeat)
• Snorkeling can be short in real conditions when the water is dark or visibility is poor
• Kayaks and paddle boards are included with prior reservation, but availability can depend on conditions
• Las Animas beach time often comes with cash-on-hand reality (drinks and extras)
• The waterfall portion is the wild card: fun for some, a hassle for others, and you may want cash for on-site access

Catamaran comfort, breakfast, and an open bar on the clock

This is built as an all-in-one day cruise: you meet at Puerto Mágico (Zona Hotelera Nte.) at 9:15am, then you head out by catamaran to hit the main nearby spots. The ship provides a continental breakfast and a full lunch stop, plus an open bar on the boat with options like tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

What that means for your day: you’re not spending vacation time walking between vendors or hunting for meals. It also means your energy stays up for the activities—snorkeling, then kayaking/paddle boarding when conditions allow, then beach time, then the Quimixto side of things. Several riders mention the party vibe building on the return, with music for dancing and karaoke, so if you prefer quiet, bring earplugs.

One more thing I’d flag: while this is sold as an all-inclusive boat day, the beaches later in the trip can turn into a “tourist world” with sellers and extra add-ons. The boat provides your core meals and drinks, but once you’re off the vessel, you should expect some costs for the optional activities.

Los Arcos snorkeling: gorgeous scenery, but plan for murky water

Los Arcos is the name on the tin, and it’s also where the underwater expectations can clash with reality. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment and a lifevest, and the stop is meant to be your first big underwater moment. In the best conditions, people describe swimming like being in an aquarium.

But you should plan for variability. More than one experience points to short snorkeling windows—often closer to 15–30 minutes—and low visibility when the water turns greenish or murky. If you can’t see more than a few feet, it’s hard to take photos or spot fish, even if the location itself is spectacular.

So how do you make this work for you?

• Treat snorkeling as a bonus moment, not a guaranteed long underwater show.
• If you care about the gear, bring your own mask if you have one. One rider reported gear running short, and that’s the kind of annoyance you can avoid completely by packing your own mask.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking something before you go. Some people say they got sick during the day.

Also, don’t assume the snorkel instruction will always be super detailed for English speakers. The guides are described as bilingual, but you may still hear plenty of Spanish during announcements and music. You’ll still get the basics—just don’t count on expert-level underwater guiding if the crew is stretched or the group is large.

Las Animas beach time: pretty shoreline, long sit, and cash reality

After Los Arcos, the cruise shifts to the Las Animas area, with a beach stop that’s often the longest chunk of the day for many people. This is where the trip can feel like two different experiences stacked together: a fun catamaran outing, followed by a long stretch at a beach with tourist services.

Here’s what you should expect:

• You may get time to swim and enjoy the beach setting.
• The beach itself can be nice, but it can also be crowded.
• There are usually sellers nearby offering souvenirs and add-ons.

A practical tip from the real world: have cash. More than one person notes that drinks and beach-related purchases can be cash-only, and it’s not always convenient to use cards off the main tourist strip. Even if lunch is included, you’ll want money ready if you plan to buy drinks or do optional activities.

What about kayaking and paddle boards here? The cruise says they’re included (with kayaks and a paddle board with prior reservation), but conditions and logistics can affect what you actually get. Some people report limited craft availability once you arrive on the beach. So if paddle boarding or kayaking is a must-do for you, make sure you reserve it ahead and be ready to switch plans if the sea is rough.

Quimixto waterfall hike and swim: the payoff section

The Quimixto portion is often described as the most memorable part—mainly because it’s physical and scenic. If you want something beyond snorkeling, this is your moment. The hike is not always easy; at least one rider called it hard going up but worth it.

Once you reach the waterfall area, you’re typically looking at a swim-and-refresh style stop. Some experiences mention that using facilities tied to the waterfall area can come with expectations of buying something at the on-site restaurant. Others say you can enjoy the water portion without being forced to purchase. Either way, the key point is this: the waterfall stop is a tourist zone, and the restaurant is right there.

My advice:

• Bring some cash for the waterfall area, even if you’re not planning to spend big.
• Wear shoes or sandals you can trust on uneven ground.
• If you’re short on time or energy, the waterfall part may be the portion you’ll love or skip. The beach can tempt you to stay and relax, and the waterfall area is the activity segment that tends to create the biggest split opinions.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone with mobility limits, this is where you’ll want to think carefully. The day is long, the hike is optional depending on your choices, and the whole schedule can run late.

Kayaks and paddle boards: included, but reserve and stay flexible

This cruise includes kayaks, and a paddle board with prior reservation. There’s also mention of life jackets, so you’re not going out completely unprepared. When conditions are calm, this can be a great extra layer to the trip—snorkeling plus slow exploring on calmer water.

The catch: water conditions matter, and so do timing. If the sea is choppy or the schedule is behind, availability can tighten. Some riders mention getting less than expected on paddle boards or finding that craft access is limited once you dock.

Your best approach:

• Reserve the paddle board (if it’s offered in your booking flow).
• Bring a water-safe bag or keep essentials in a waterproof pouch.
• Don’t treat the craft time as guaranteed. Treat it like an extra you get if the day cooperates.

And one more real-world note: the overall vibe on board can turn into a mix of party and logistics. With music and karaoke, you’ll want to stay alert for the crew’s check-ins about gear and timing.

Food and drinks: included, but not always a highlight

The boat provides a breakfast with things like hot cakes, coffee, eggs, fruit, and juice. Lunch is described as a strong à la carte-style meal at the restaurant stop, with options like chicken, fish, and beef. There are also additional items listed such as roast beef quesadillas, burgers, rice, beans, green salad, and tortillas.

Still, food quality shows up as a mixed topic. Some riders call lunch okay; others call it underwhelming or even disappointing compared to what they expected from the price and “all inclusive” framing. That doesn’t mean you won’t get fed—you will—but it may not hit the level of a top restaurant.

If you’re picky about food, or you have kids with strong opinions, I’d recommend:

• Eat the included lunch, but don’t build your whole day around it.
• Consider bringing a small snack for later, especially since beach time can be long and vendors are always around.

On the drink side, the open bar on the boat is a real perk. The flip side is that some people end up pretty inebriated on return. If you want control of your day, pace yourself.

Getting on and off the water: transfers can be chaotic

This tour involves real movement between boat and shore areas. At least one experience describes transfers as a bit of a scramble—jumping from the boat into waves, plus a slower, chaotic loading/unloading process. Another says sea conditions can make this feel less safe and more stressful.

I can’t predict your exact day, but I’d treat transfers as the part that needs extra care:

• Keep your phone and valuables secure and close.
• Hold onto rails during loading and unloading.
• If you’re with kids, be extra ready at the dock edges.

If you’re the type who hates stress and prefers everything smooth, this tour might push your patience.

Price and value: $75.93 can be great or just okay

At $75.93 per person, this cruise is priced like a budget-friendly day out, especially because it includes catamaran transport, breakfast and lunch, snorkeling gear, and an open bar on the boat. For the right day, that’s solid value: you’re paying for convenience and a packed schedule, not for a calm, slow, private experience.

So when does it feel like a win?

• You’re flexible about snorkeling time.
• You’re happy with “pretty beach + optional activities” rather than a guaranteed long underwater show.
• You enjoy group energy, music, and general party-leaning vibes.

When does it feel like a bad deal?

• If you’re coming primarily for snorkeling and you’re the kind of person who won’t forgive short time underwater.
• If you’re sensitive to crowds and want a quieter, less chaotic day.
• If you’re expecting consistent English guidance minute-by-minute (some parts can lean heavily Spanish, even with bilingual crew).

This is also why I suggest setting expectations before you go. Think of it as a full-day “coastline sampler” with a few signature highlights. If you want a snorkel-focused expedition, you may want to compare options that make snorkeling their main event and keep it longer.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip)

Book it if:

• You want one-ticket convenience to hit Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto.
• You’re okay with the idea that snorkeling visibility can be hit-or-miss.
• You’ll enjoy the boat vibe, open bar, music, and extra water activities when available.

Skip it (or choose another option) if:

• Snorkeling is your #1 priority and you’re easily disappointed by short underwater time.
• You dislike crowded group situations and lots of waiting around.
• You need very clear, English-first instruction at every step.

This tour seems to work best for people who want variety in one day and don’t mind that ocean conditions and scheduling can change the exact flow.

My quick packing list for this kind of day

You’ll be moving around, spending time on the water, then on a beach, then possibly hiking to a waterfall. Pack like you’re going to be outside for most of the day.

Bring:

• A mask if you have one (gear shortages can happen)
• Sunscreen and a hat (the day starts early and the beach is exposed)
• Water-friendly shoes or secure sandals for the Quimixto area
• A light layer for the boat ride (water spray and AC can happen)
• A small waterproof pouch for your phone and money
• Cash for beach purchases and extras, since not everything off-boat is simple card payment

One more note: some people report needing a deposit or ID to access snorkeling gear. If you can, carry your essential identification so you’re not scrambling mid-day.

Should you book the Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto cruise?

If your idea of a perfect Puerto Vallarta day is variety—boat ride, snorkeling as a highlight, beach time, and a chance at the Quimixto waterfall—then this cruise can be a good value for your money. The included breakfast, lunch, and open bar help make it feel like you’re getting more than a simple boat transfer.

But be honest with yourself about snorkeling expectations. The underwater time may be short and visibility can be murky depending on the day. If you’re booking mainly for long, clear snorkeling, you might feel let down.

My practical call: book it if you want a fun, group-friendly day with multiple stops and you’ll treat snorkeling as part of the experience, not the whole experience. If you want maximum time underwater and calm, controlled conditions, compare other snorkeling-first tours before you lock it in.

FAQ

How long is the Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto snorkel cruise?

The tour is about 8 hours.

What time does it start?

It starts at 9:15am.

Where is the meeting point, and where does the tour end?

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

What meals and drinks are included?

The tour includes a continental breakfast and lunch. It also includes an open bar on the boat with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and lifevests.

Are kayaks and paddle boards included?

Yes. Kayaks are included, and paddle board use is included with prior reservation.

Are there extra fees to expect?

Yes. The Los Arcos National Marine Park dock tax is not included (MX$32.00 per person), and the banana boat is not included (MX$500.00 per person).

Is ground transportation included?

No. Ground transportation is not included.

What if it’s canceled due to poor weather, or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English, and what’s the group size?

The tour is offered in English, and it has a maximum of 40 travelers.