A boat day with sea views and group energy. This one connects Puerto Vallarta’s coast to Los Arcos snorkeling, a laid-back beach lunch stop, and an optional hike toward Quimixto. It’s the kind of outing that can feel like a party on the water, then a reset on shore.

I love the included open bar on board and the fact you also get a real breakfast plus beach food. I also like that snorkeling gear is included, so you are not hunting down rentals first.

The biggest drawback to plan for is timing and crowding. Some people report delays and a long wait before beach lunch, so bring patience, plus a backup plan for your day.

Key highlights

• Open bar on board helps the boat ride feel like part of the fun, not just a transfer
• Los Arcos snorkeling with included equipment, with the underwater view depending on sea conditions
• Las Ánimas beach time at a quiet fishing-village spot, with lunch included (one dish per person)
• Quimixto waterfall is optional, so you can choose walking and swimming time based on your energy
• Cheap-and-cheerful group vibe, with music, dancing, and karaoke on the return cruise

Coastline Views, Then the Day Gets Busy Fast

This is a classic Puerto Vallarta “see a few postcard spots in one day” tour. You start at the Terminal Maritima area and go out by boat for sea-level views of the Puerto Vallarta waterfront, the Malecón, and the church you can spot from the water.

The day can feel lively from the first hour. That matters because you are not just sitting in a seat and waiting to snorkel. You are on a boat with crew who tend to keep energy up, and the open bar means the mood shifts quickly once it starts flowing.

One practical reality: the schedule is not always a tight, clock-perfect experience. Several reviews describe late boarding and longer return times than the advertised start, so you should treat this as an all-day plan. If you have dinner reservations you care about, give yourself extra cushion.

Meeting Point, Port Fees, and Why Cash Helps

You meet at Terminal Maritima, in the Las Glorias area (Terminal Maritima API, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta). The listed start time is 9:15 am, and the tour returns you to the same general meeting point.

Two extra costs can catch people off guard. The tour does not include the port fee of MX$33.00 per person to enter the sea terminal, and it also lists a Malecón boardwalk fee of MX$33.00 per person. These are small numbers, but they can create lines and delays at the port area.

Bring pesos and some small bills if you can. More than one person mentions long lines or wanting cash ready, especially when the port fills up suddenly. Even if you think you will be early, the process can still move slow once everyone arrives at the same time.

Included Breakfast and the Boat-Party Atmosphere

One of the strongest value points here is food. Breakfast is included and it is not just fruit and coffee. You get hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade.

On top of that, you get a national open bar on board. That does not mean every drink is unlimited forever with zero limits. But it does mean you are far less dependent on finding your own refreshment during the cruise.

The return ride often leans into group entertainment. People describe karaoke and contests, plus music loud enough to get a section of the boat moving. In a few accounts, the animators helped with announcements in English, and one guest specifically named David as the tour animator who checked language needs and made the experience easier to follow.

If you are picky about food or prefer quiet travel, this is not a silent, fine-dining kind of cruise. Think family-friendly chaos, with crew attention that is usually aimed at keeping things fun.

Los Arcos Snorkeling: What You’re Really Paying For

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the main “water activity” stop. You can snorkel in Los Arcos National Park with snorkeling equipment included. Admission is listed as free, and the stop is about 45 minutes.

Here is the honest part: snorkeling quality depends heavily on conditions. Several people mention choppy water or rough seas that made swimming difficult, and at least a couple accounts say they did not see much underwater life. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to plan for that.

A few practical tips from what people experienced:

• Sit toward the lower level if you get seasick. One person said that helped.
• Life jackets are available, and you should treat them as part of the safety setup, not a backup item.
• Take your time with the water entry. People describe a quick snorkel window, so any hesitation costs time.

Also, one guest said they needed an ID to snorkel. That is not listed in the official tour details you provided, but it is a smart habit. Bring a photo ID if you have one, since snorkeling rules can be flexible on the ground.

For wildlife lovers, the best expectation is this: you are likely to see colorful tropical fish if the water is calm. If it is not calm, you can still enjoy the experience, but the underwater “wow” factor might be lower than you hoped.

Las Ánimas: Quiet Fishing-Village Beach Time and Included Lunch

Las Ánimas is the shore break where the tour switches from “boat mode” to “beach mode.” This stop is about 3 hours. You disembark at a picturesque fishing village beach with clear water, and you get a meal included at a beach restaurant.

The lunch setup is straightforward. The tour includes food, one dish per person, with three options to choose from. Drinks and tips are not included. You should also know the included lunch can be served later than you might expect. Some people mention waiting a long time before lunch, and a few describe the meal as basic.

Still, many people liked the value of having food covered. Several accounts highlight the beach itself as the payoff, describing it as a pretty spot to relax and watch the day slow down.

If you want to do extra beach activities, this is where it happens. People mention options like parasailing, massages, jet skis, and banana boats at Las Ánimas. That is the catch with “included lunch” tours: you often end up paying extra to fully enjoy the beach, especially if the water is calm and you want to make the most of it.

Quimixto Waterfall: Optional Walk, Optional Sweat

Quimixto is built in as an optional adventure. You disembark in the town of Quimixto and start a walk of about 30 minutes (horse rental is optional). The waterfall visit is optional, too.

If you do go to the waterfall, expect about 20 minutes there. The reward is a chance to swim, assuming the waterfall area and conditions cooperate. One review even states that the waterfall can be life-changing for some people, while others suggest it can be less impressive in certain conditions, especially if water is low.

What matters for your planning is that this stop changes how much time you feel you have at the beach. If you skip the waterfall, you are likely to spend more time relaxing rather than hiking and waiting for the group to regroup.

Also, if you are sensitive to walking time, consider your pace. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, and this section includes a real climb-and-walk component.

Drinks, Food Quality, and the Practical Reality of a Group Tour

Let’s talk about the stuff that can make or break the day.

On board, the food starts with breakfast, and people often describe it as good enough for the cruise vibe. The open bar is a consistent highlight. Most positive reviews mention the crew and the energy, and even when people dislike the food later, they often still say the staff keeps things fun.

On the beach, lunch is included but not everyone rates it highly. Some accounts call it cold or low quality, and others say it was fine for what you paid. You should expect a basic restaurant meal rather than a gourmet beach feast.

One more practical issue: timing. Some negative reviews describe long waits to eat, drinks running out, or not enough direction after payment. If you hate uncertainty, this might frustrate you.

If you want the smoothest experience, do these things:

• Arrive early enough that you are not stressed by port lines.
• Decide your lunch options quickly when prompted.
• Bring patience for boarding and disembarking. This is a maximum 130-person outing.

Sea Conditions, Motion Sickness, and Safety Notes

This is a sea tour, so the sea has a vote. Wind and choppy water can make snorkeling harder and can trigger motion sickness. A few people described getting sick in rough conditions.

If you get seasick, plan early. Motion sickness pills can help, and at least one guest said sitting on the lower level made a difference. If you are traveling with kids, check their comfort level with boats. One review described younger swimmers struggling to keep up during snorkeling in their group.

Safety details like life jackets are available, and the crew typically helps with the flow of the group. That said, a couple of reviews mention safety or accountability concerns. You cannot guarantee the experience will run perfectly, but you can reduce risk by using the gear provided and following crew instructions quickly.

So, Is This Worth $75?

For most people, this tour is strong value because of what is bundled. At about $75 per person, you are getting:

• Breakfast on board (multiple items, not just coffee)
• National open bar on board
• Snorkeling equipment
• Beach lunch (one dish per person)
• Insurance

The tradeoff is you are buying convenience and a fun day more than you are buying a refined, small-group snorkeling charter. When everything runs smoothly, it is a fantastic “see three highlights and party a bit” option. When it runs into delays or rough water, you lose some of the shine because snorkeling time is limited and beach lunch may feel rushed or late.

Also, you should budget extra for port fees and beach drinks. Drinks on the beach are not included, and the listing shows an extra cost for drinks there. If you plan to add activities like parasailing or jet skis, you will spend more once you are on the beach. That is normal, but it is part of the real cost.

If you want a stress-free day with no uncertainty, you might choose a smaller operator or a more flexible snorkeling plan. If you want good value, a social atmosphere, and you can handle some group friction, this is a reasonable bet.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour fits best if you match the vibe.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• You want a fun group boat ride with entertainment, dancing, and karaoke
• You like snorkeling but do not need long time in the water
• You value included meals and an open bar more than top-tier restaurant quality
• You are traveling with friends or family and want one day that feels like an event

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You are very time-sensitive and cannot tolerate delays
• You are a strict swimmer who expects snorkeling depth and long reef time
• You dislike uncertainty around meals, directions, and drink availability
• You get seasick easily and do not plan for it

Should You Book Arcos – Animas – Quimixto?

If your goal is a good-value Puerto Vallarta day with coast views, included snorkeling gear, and included food, I think it is worth booking. Just go in with realistic expectations: snorkeling can be short and depends on sea conditions, and the beach meal is included but not guaranteed to be amazing.

My best advice is simple. If you can bring extra patience, bring pesos for port fees and beach spending, and you are okay with a lively group atmosphere, this can be a memorable day. If timing precision and high-confidence snorkeling are your top priorities, you should compare against smaller tours or ones that let you control the schedule more tightly.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The tour is scheduled to start at 9:15 am, and you meet at Terminal Maritima in the Las Glorias area.

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

You start at Terminal Maritima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast on board includes hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade.

Is there an open bar included?

Yes. There is a national open bar on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and snorkeling at Los Arcos is part of the tour.

Do I pay anything extra besides the tour price?

Yes. Port tax to enter the sea terminal is listed as MX$33.00 per person, and there is also a Malecón boardwalk fee of MX$33.00 per person.

Is lunch included at the beach?

Yes. Lunch at the beach is included as one dish per person, with three options to choose from. Drinks and tips are not included.

What is included for the Quimixto portion?

Quimixto includes a town walk of about 30 minutes, with an optional horse rental, and an optional visit to the waterfall where you can swim for about 20 minutes.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 130 travelers.