Los Arcos is a fast, packed day with real variety. You get an open bar on the boat and a Quimixto waterfall option that can turn a simple cruise into a full-on adventure. It is built to cover a lot of coastline in about 8 hours, so you are not spending your day stuck in traffic or waiting around.

The main catch is that the snorkeling portion can be brief, and water clarity often decides how good it feels. On some days you will get fun, close-to-nature views, and on others you may struggle with murky water and limited time in the best spots.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Snorkeling time can be short depending on conditions and scheduling, so set expectations for quick water time.
• Open bar stays on the boat, and beach time can mean extra spending for drinks once you are off the catamaran.
• Quimixto is the standout for effort, with a waterfall area that feels like the payoff when the day is moving fast.
• Kayaks and paddle boards are not guaranteed all day, so if you care about them, be ready to reserve and follow the crew’s timing.
• The group size can feel large, which matters if you want calm, uncrowded snorkeling.
• Bring cash and motion-sickness backup, because the beach area can be cash-only and the ride can get choppy.

Catamaran Energy, Timing, and Where the Day Feels Tight

This tour runs like a well-planned party bus on water, with the catamaran doing the heavy lifting. You start at Puerto Mágico Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera Nte area at 9:15 am, then you are out on the water for most of the day. The ship includes music for dancing and karaoke, so the mood is usually upbeat rather than quiet and contemplative.

One thing I like about this style of tour is the pace. You are not just driving to one viewpoint and sitting there. You are moving between Los Arcos, Las Ánimas, and the Quimixto area, so you get variety: snorkeling, beach time, and a hike option.

The drawback is that the schedule can feel tight. Several comments point to waiting around, loading and unloading taking longer than you might expect, and the snorkeling window shrinking on less-than-perfect days. If you hate rushing, this is not the easy, slow cruise type. If you enjoy a packed itinerary and can roll with changing ocean conditions, it can still be a fun day.

Breakfast, Lunch, and the Real Meaning of All-Inclusive Here

At this price point, part of the value is that you do not have to hunt for food all day. You get a continental breakfast and then lunch included when you reach the restaurant stop for the beach and waterfall segment.

The breakfast is the typical tour-friendly set: hot cakes, coffee, eggs, fruit, and juice. Lunch can be more filling than you might expect, with options like chicken, fish, and beef, plus items like rice, beans, tortillas, and salad. Some people describe the meals as fine for a tour day, and others feel the lunch is basic, so think of it as included fuel, not a gourmet meal.

Here is the important part for your budget: the open bar is on the boat. The national open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. But once you are at Las Ánimas or the waterfall area restaurant, you should expect to pay for extra drinks, and some reviews say cash may be needed because the area can be remote.

So the all-inclusive piece mostly covers your food and drinks onboard and the included meals, not every purchase during the beach hours. You can still keep spending under control, just do not assume the bar follows you onto shore.

Los Arcos Snorkeling: Where Conditions Decide Everything

Los Arcos is the reason many people book this trip, and it can be great. But the snorkeling experience is not only about the location, it is also about timing, crowding, and water clarity.

The pattern that shows up again and again is a quick snorkeling window, sometimes around 15 to 30 minutes depending on how the day runs. On a calm, clear day, you may feel like you are swimming in an aquarium. On other days, visibility can be limited and water can look green or murky, which makes it hard to spot fish or even see your hands.

Crowding also matters here. Multiple reviews describe feeling packed in the water with swimmers shoulder to shoulder, making it harder to move and sometimes creating safety concerns. Even when the crew is friendly, you still have to deal with how many people are trying to snorkel in the same small area.

Equipment supply is another variable. One unhappy review claimed snorkeling gear ran out, which is the kind of failure that ruins a snorkeling vacation. That seems to be an outlier, but it is a reminder: if snorkeling is your top goal, get there early, confirm your gear, and double-check mask fit before you hit the water.

Practical take: treat Los Arcos as a highlight, but not a guaranteed long snorkeling session. If you want lots of underwater time, you may need a different type of tour that prioritizes extended snorkeling stops.

Las Ánimas Beach Stop: Fun, Chaotic, and Often Cash-Driven

Las Ánimas is where the day stretches into beach time. This is also where you see the most contrast in expectations. Some people love the setting and the chance to lounge, swim, and enjoy the food and activities. Others feel the beach stop turns into a tourist-trap waiting room.

From a value perspective, Las Ánimas is a good use of time because you are not just watching. You are off the boat, moving around, and getting a break from the sun on the water. If you want water activities beyond snorkeling, this is often where kayaks and paddle boards come in.

That said, gear availability and conditions can change the plan. Reviews mention paddle boards and kayaks being limited, and one comment says kayaks were not available due to rougher water at the time. So even if something is included, the sea can decide whether you get the chance.

Also, the beach area can be a selling zone. You will likely see vendors and lots of people offering add-ons. For money planning, the key detail is simple: some reviews say credit cards might not work and cash is useful for drinks and extras. If you do not want to deal with that, keep your cash needs low by choosing your add-ons carefully and sticking to the included lunch.

If you want a laid-back beach hour, this stop can work. If you wanted a long, uninterrupted water adventure, you might feel the beach segment is where the day loosens up in a way you did not expect.

Quimixto Waterfall Hike: The Portion That Often Feels Worth It

Quimixto is where the tour can turn into a memorable story. You get the chance to hike up to the waterfall area, and many comments highlight that the hike and the swim feel like the true payoff.

The hike is not a casual stroll. People call it hard going up, so if you are sensitive to steep climbs, plan for it. Some reviews mention horses as an option, and that waiting times can add up, so if you do horses, expect a bit of a wait before you start moving.

The waterfall area itself is a restaurant-adjacent zone. Reviews conflict on costs, but the theme is consistent: there is a setup where you may be expected to buy something to use certain features like access around the pool. One review says you may need to purchase a drink to access the waterfall area, while another says you can enter without being charged. The safe way to handle it is this: bring a small budget for the waterfall area even if you think it might be free.

This part also tends to be better if you like doing something physical during your vacation. If you just want to sit and watch, Quimixto may feel like a detour. But if you want views, a payoff location, and a swim moment at the end of the effort, this is the section that earns the most “worth it” energy.

Crew, Language, and Getting What You Paid For

The crew experience is mixed, but the good news is that many comments praise staff as friendly and attentive, especially onboard. You also get bilingual guides, and guides can explain the day and the activity choices.

Still, language balance can be an issue. Some people describe information being mostly in Spanish during parts of the trip, with limited English guidance. If you are relying on perfect translation to understand snorkeling timing, safety rules, or which activity goes where, come prepared to ask questions early and repeat back what you think you heard.

There is also a practical message for your expectations: this is a group tour with onboard fun and group logistics. That means there can be loud music, party vibes, and limited calm moments. If you are traveling as a family, you may find it lively rather than quiet. If you are on a couples getaway and want serenity, you may find the business a bit much.

Safety, Seasickness, and Gear Checks That Matter

A catamaran day sounds easy, but safety and comfort still come down to a few simple things. First, you are given a lifevest, and snorkeling gear is provided. Before you step into the water, make sure your mask and snorkel are comfortable and your fins are secure.

Second, seasickness is real. One review warns that you should plan for getting sea sick, and that is common sense on an 8-hour boat day. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking something before you head out, not after you feel terrible.

Third, in-water safety can be tricky when the snorkeling spot is crowded and visibility is low. If you find yourself shoulder to shoulder, stay relaxed, move slowly, and avoid sudden arm swings. If you have kids in the water, you will want to be extra vigilant, since one account describes a near slip during boat-to-shore loading at the beach stop.

Finally, gear deposits and availability can affect your experience. One review says snorkel gear required a deposit and that bringing ID helped. That may not apply to everyone, but it is a good reminder to have some form of ID and a bit of cash on hand just in case.

Money Planning: What You May Need to Pay Beyond the Tour Price

The tour price is listed at $75.93 per person, which is a solid value when you factor in breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and the boat open bar. But you should budget for a couple extra line items.

The dock tax is not included, and it is listed at MX$32.00 per person. There are also add-ons like a banana boat experience listed at MX$500.00 per person. Even if you do not buy extras, having that dock tax in mind prevents surprise charges.

Also, remember that the shore portion can involve extra spending. Reviews mention needing cash for drinks at Las Ánimas and buying refreshments at the waterfall area. If you want to stay strictly on budget, decide ahead of time how much you will spend on shore drinks and let the included bar do the rest.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This tour suits you best if you want a full day of variety and you are comfortable with the sea deciding your snorkeling quality. It is a good fit for people who like onboard energy, do not mind crowds in the water, and are happy mixing short snorkeling with beach time and a waterfall hike.

I would think twice if snorkeling is your single top priority. When visibility is poor or the time window is short, you can leave feeling like you only skimmed the experience. If you want a long underwater session, look for an itinerary that explicitly prioritizes more time in the water.

It can also be a mixed fit for English-first travelers if the day’s explanations lean heavily Spanish at some points. Still, you can manage this by asking the crew for quick confirmations and by positioning yourself near bilingual instruction when questions pop up.

If you are traveling as a group, this is the kind of tour where different people can enjoy different parts. Someone can snorkel briefly, someone else can hike Quimixto, and another person can just enjoy the beach and the fun atmosphere onboard.

Should You Book This Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto Cruise?

Book it if you want an all-day Puerto Vallarta mashup with a catamaran ride, included meals, onboard open bar, and the chance to hike to a waterfall. At around $75.93 plus small extras, it is priced like a value tour, and many people walk away feeling they got their money’s worth, especially from the Quimixto payoff.

Skip it or choose a different option if snorkeling is your number one goal and you are counting on long, clear underwater time. The snorkeling window and visibility can be inconsistent, and the in-water crowding can affect enjoyment.

If you do book, go in with a smart strategy: hydrate, consider seasickness prevention, bring some cash, confirm gear early, and treat the day like an adventure schedule rather than a guaranteed aquarium session.

FAQ

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

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:15 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. You get a continental breakfast and lunch is included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is a national open bar on the boat, including tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also get a lifevest.

Are kayaks and paddle boards included?

Kayaks are included, and a paddle board is available with prior reservation.

What extra fees should I expect?

Dock tax is not included at MX$32.00 per person. A banana boat add-on is listed at MX$500.00 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. It is offered in English, and the guides are described as bilingual.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.