The Pacific off Puerto Vallarta feels close enough to touch. This full-day double-decker boat outing mixes snorkeling, beach time, a village visit, and an open bar on board—so you’re not stuck choosing between adventure and relaxation.

I really like the way the day’s built around real places, not just stops for photos. Two standouts for me are snorkeling at Los Arcos in the marine preserve area and the beach lunch at Las Animas, where the meal actually matches the setting.

One thing to consider: this tour can run like a party, and time in the water can feel tight if you’re waiting for snorkel gear or for your turn.

Key Highlights Worth Planning For

• Los Arcos marine preserve snorkeling with provided mask & snorkel, plus a chance to see marine life
• Las Animas Beach for swimming, lounging, and kayaks on the beach
• Quimixto village plus a seasonal waterfall outing by guided hike or horseback
• Open bar on board with music, dancing, and games that keep the mood up
• A full-day pace that means you’ll want to block your schedule and come with snacks/comfort items

Morning Check-In: Where You Meet and What Gear Actually Matters

Plan to arrive a bit early. You’ll meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or at Puerto Mágico, with the Beach Boy company handling check-in. From there, you’ll board a double-decker boat for what’s billed as an 8-hour outing.

Bring whatever helps you enjoy time on the water: a hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for wind. You’ll get life jackets plus mask & snorkel, so you don’t need to buy gear. Still, I’d pack a small dry bag for your phone and a change of clothes for after the beach. Also, have a photo ID handy if you want snorkel gear, just in case it’s needed at pickup.

If you like flexibility, this is set up with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. That matters because this is the kind of trip where weather and water conditions can change the vibe fast.

Double-Decker Boat Reality: Music, Games, and the Open Bar Pace

The boat part is where the experience either clicks—or doesn’t. The tour includes an all-you-can-drink open bar on board, and the schedule includes music, dancing, and games. If you’re the type who enjoys a moving beach party while you watch the coastline drift by, you’ll probably have a good time.

If you’re more sensitive to noise, be ready: the music can run loud, and it’s the kind of playlist that can feel dated if you’re hoping for modern soundtracks. I’d seriously consider bringing earplugs if you’re easily bothered.

Also, keep expectations realistic about time. Some parts of the day depend on turning groups in and out—especially snorkeling. That means you might spend more time on the boat getting ready, getting people lined up, or waiting for your slot than you’d imagine from the headline.

Even with that, there’s a payoff later when the boat is moving and the deck energy is high. Sunset time is a real highlight for many people, and it’s one of those moments you can enjoy without rushing.

Los Arcos Snorkeling Preserve: Marine Life, Short Water Windows, and Crowd Effects

Los Arcos is the star stop on paper: a marine preserve area with clear water and tropical fish. You’ll snorkel with the provided gear, and this is where you’ll get your first real taste of the Pacific underwater world.

Here’s the practical side: snorkeling time isn’t guaranteed to feel long. Equipment can be limited, so you may wait for masks and gear. And once you’re in the water, your actual time in the water can be shorter than you want if multiple groups are rotating through. In one experience, the in-water window felt tiny, and the rest of the time was taken up by boarding and getting people up and back down.

What helps? Go in with a “quality over quantity” mindset. If you’re calm and patient, even a short snorkeling session can be worth it if you catch the right moment. And if you’re lucky, you may also see bigger marine life on the way—some outings have included sightings of whales and turtles.

One more tip: consider how crowds affect visibility. If the water gets filled with snorkelers at once, fish often move around. You can’t control that, but you can control your behavior—keep kicks gentle, don’t chase, and stay relaxed.

Las Animas Beach: Swim Time, Kayaks, and a Real Break From the Boat

After Los Arcos, the tour heads to Las Animas Beach, and this is your decompression stop. You’ll have time to relax and swim, and you can usually choose how you spend it: lounge near the water, take a quick swim, or get active with the included kayaks on the beach.

This is a good place to reset your brain after snorkeling logistics. The water and shoreline at Las Animas tend to feel more “vacation mode” than “activity checklist.” It’s also where lunch shows up, which changes the mood of the stop from just snack-and-go into a full break.

A practical note: the beach portion can be busy because everyone needs time to eat and regroup. Bring a plan for yourself—where you want to sit, when you want to swim, and when you want to use the kayak—so you don’t end up zig-zagging while other people are lining up.

If you love simple beach time, this is the moment that can make the whole day feel worth it, even if the earlier snorkeling schedule feels hurried.

Quimixto Village and the Waterfall Choice: Hike vs Horseback (and Timing Pressure)

Quimixto is where the day gets more interesting than just water activities. It’s a charming village setting, and the outing there is centered on a seasonal waterfall. You’ll have a choice of options such as a guided hike or horseback riding to reach the area.

Here’s the catch: you may need to decide quickly, and the day doesn’t always leave room for second thoughts. One issue that came up is that the tour can force a decision fast—like choosing your activity and then sticking with it—so you don’t have the freedom to change plans once you’re checked into that portion.

Also, cost changes can happen if you choose certain add-ons. In at least one case, horseback plans turned into an upsell for motos with an extra fee, and the details weren’t what people expected. The takeaway for you: ask clearly what’s included before you commit to any extra ride style, and get the price confirmed for your exact option.

If you love walking, Quimixto with a guided hike can feel rewarding because it’s about moving through the greenery and ending at a waterfall swimming area. If you’d rather avoid a hike, horseback can be a way to get there with less exertion. Either way, wear shoes you trust on uneven ground.

Food and Drinks: Continental Breakfast, Beach Lunch, and the Open Bar Fit

Let’s talk meals, because this tour’s comfort depends on them. The day starts with a continental breakfast, and it can be basic. I’d treat it as fuel, not as a reason to get excited. You’ll likely be fine for the morning as long as you don’t expect a full-on brunch spread.

Lunch is served on the beach, and this is a stronger point of the experience. People tend to enjoy the lunch more than the breakfast, and it makes the beach stop feel complete instead of rushed.

Now for the open bar: it’s offered all-you-can-drink on board, but the strength can vary. Some people have described the drinks as more watered down than expected. My advice: sip what you enjoy, not what you want to power through. If you’re trying to get a buzz, you might end up disappointed. If your goal is just good mood with a drink in hand, you’ll likely be happier.

Also, think about timing. You’re going to be outdoors most of the day, on a moving boat and then on the beach. That’s a recipe for sun fatigue, so drink water too—your body will thank you later.

Sunset and Deck Entertainment: When the Group Energy Works

There’s a real payoff as the day winds down. The boat setup means you get deck time during the later part of the day, and many people remember the sunset as a highlight. It’s not the same as a beach sunset where you wander and linger. This is more like watching the coastline slide by while the boat’s atmosphere stays upbeat.

Entertainment on board is part of the package: music, dancing, games. It’s fun if you’re in that mood. It can also feel like too much if you want quiet and solitude. If you’re the second type, plan for that with a strategy—step onto the upper deck when you want air, retreat to a calmer area when you need a breather, and don’t let the noise dictate your day.

One more timing reality: some outings return later than the exact schedule you might expect. If you’re trying to keep a tight dinner plan, build in buffer time. This is the kind of tour where you should treat the day as “sold as a full-day event,” even if you’re told a clean 8 hours.

Price and Value: Is $120 Worth It?

At about $120 per person, you’re paying for a combined package: boat transport, bilingual guidance, snorkeling gear, life jackets, continental breakfast, beach lunch, open bar, plus the added fun stuff like kayaks and deck activities.

Whether that’s a good value comes down to two things for you:

1) How much you care about snorkeling at Los Arcos, versus just enjoying the boat and beach.

2) How you feel about the party vibe and loud music.

If you get solid time in the water and you like group energy, this price can feel fair because you’re basically buying one ticket that covers transport and multiple activities in a single day. If you’re expecting a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session and quieter ambiance, you may feel like you paid a premium for a schedule that can be more rotation-based than you hoped.

In other words: it can be a fun day, but it’s not a “slow, tailored” experience.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

You’ll likely enjoy this tour if:

• you want a full-day Puerto Vallarta experience without juggling separate tickets
• you’re happy with group timing in exchange for included lunch and drinks
• you like snorkeling, but you’re also cool with short water windows
• you enjoy music, deck games, and the social side of a boat tour

You might want to skip or choose something else if:

• you hate loud music and party energy
• you’re very focused on maximizing time in the water
• you need a quiet, calm nature outing without upsells or fast decisions

If you’re traveling with friends and you’re the “let’s do the fun thing” type, this is a solid match.

Should You Book? My Practical Decision Guide

If you want a boat day with a clear sequence—snorkel at Los Arcos, beach time at Las Animas, then Quimixto with a waterfall option—this tour can deliver. The beach lunch and the overall “we’re out doing stuff all day” energy are the parts that make it feel like more than just a transfer between attractions.

But book with eyes open. Bring patience for gear and rotation. Expect that your snorkeling window might not be as long as you pictured. And if the party vibe isn’t your style, plan for noise.

My bottom line: if you want a high-activity day that’s good on value and fun on deck, go for it. If you want quiet and long snorkeling sessions above all else, you’ll probably feel happier choosing a different tour format.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar tour?

It’s listed as an 8-hour experience.

What’s included in the price?

You get bilingual tour guidance, continental breakfast, an all-you-can-drink open bar on board, life jackets, mask & snorkel, beach lunch, and onboard music, dancing, and games. Kayaks on the beach are also included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Mask & snorkel are included, along with life jackets.

Is kayaking available?

Yes. There are kayaks on the beach included as part of the beach time.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or at Puerto Mágico, and you should meet with the Beach Boy company.

What languages are the guides?

Guides are available in English and Spanish.

What happens at Quimixto?

You visit the village of Quimixto and there’s an option to reach a seasonal waterfall either by guided hike or horseback riding.

Is there an open bar all day?

The open bar is available on board the boat with all-you-can-drink drinks.

What if I want to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay later?

Yes. There’s a reserve now and pay later option, so you can book your spot without paying immediately.

If you tell me what matters most to you—long snorkeling time, quiet nature, or the easiest all-in-one day—I can help you judge whether this one matches your style.