A private-island beach day from Puerto Vallarta. This mega catamaran outing takes you to Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, with all-inclusive drinks, water gear, and a guided waterfall option.

I also like that the day gives you real choices, not just sitting on a boat: snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are included, plus you can walk to the falls or choose an ATV. One possible drawback is the vibe, it is a lively party style day, so if you want real quiet, you may find it hard to escape the volume.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Remote beach club access by boat only, so Playa Chica Locca feels like your own little world.
• Open bar all day, from sodas and juices to beer, wine, tequila, and classic cocktail options.
• Water toys are included, including snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards.
• Quimixto waterfall time is flexible, with a guided option and an ATV add-on for the route.
• Wildlife spotting bonus on the return, with humpback whales possible Dec to Apr, plus turtles, dolphins, and manta rays at other times.
• It can run loud and social, so plan for a party-leaning atmosphere.

Price and what you are really paying for in Puerto Vallarta

At $135 per person for about 6.5 hours, this is not a budget canoe ride. You are paying for a lot of the expensive parts of a day like this: catamaran transport, a remote beach club experience, meal service, and an included open bar.

The value starts with what you get beyond the boat itself. You get breakfast items plus snacks, a hot lunch, and the classic beach-day extras like snorkel gear and paddle time. You also get port-related costs included at Puerto Magico, which cuts down on surprise add-ons at check-in.

If you are the kind of person who spends your Mexico vacation time buying drinks and rentals, this price starts to look more reasonable. If you would rather do one quiet stop, with no alcohol and minimal activity, you might prefer a smaller, calmer excursion. This one is clearly built for people who want an all-day experience, not a quick look-and-leave.

Boarding at Puerto Magico: meeting place matters

Your day starts at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta. There is no hotel pickup, so you will need to make it to the port and pick the correct meeting location before booking. This tour uses a mobile ticket, and it helps to have your plan set in advance.

Also, know that Puerto Magico is a federal maritime port with security screening. The tour info is explicit about a strict no-drug policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, and other restricted items. If you carry anything like that, keep it out of your bag for the day so your timeline stays smooth.

One more small practical note: parking at Puerto Magico is listed as free. If you are driving yourself, that is a helpful cost saver, but still allow extra time for security lines and general port bustle.

Playa Chica Locca beach club: the infinity pool and swim-up bar effect

The best part of the first chunk of the day is that Playa Chica Locca is only accessible by boat, so it does not feel like a crowded public beach. It feels private, laid out for lounging, with soft sand and plenty of shaded seating options.

When you arrive, you get a snack setup that matches the beach-club vibe fast, fresh guacamole and chips plus an open premium bar. From there, you can go in several directions without feeling like you are on a strict schedule.

I love that the beach club setup supports both active and relaxed versions of the day. If you want active, you can use kayaks, snorkel equipment, and paddleboards right there. If you want relaxed, you can park yourself near the infinity pool and the swim-up bar, then float the day away.

One practical drawback to consider: beach time is time, and it can go by quickly when you are mixing swimming, water gear, and drinking. Some people rush because the day moves fast. If you want slower pacing, treat the first beach block like your main event, and save the “big decision” for Quimixto.

Your water activity options: included gear, real choice, no hunting rentals

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience because it is not “bring your own gear” or “rent it later.” The tour includes snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards, and that makes it easy to say yes in the moment.

In plain terms, it means you can switch plans without losing money. You might start the day thinking you will snorkel, then switch to kayaking when the sea conditions feel right. Or you might skip snorkeling and just go straight to lounging and pool time, then try the paddleboards for a quick session.

I also like that the included gear covers different comfort levels. Snorkeling and swimming appeal if you like to get into the water. Kayaks and paddleboards work if you want movement but maybe less commitment than long swims. Either way, you get to stay with the group schedule instead of figuring out independent rentals.

The other included win is that the staff-led support tends to keep things simple. People like Alex and Guadalupe show up in the crew story for a reason, they are part of that “everything is handled” feel. If you like having someone handle the details while you focus on the fun part, this tour matches that.

Quimixto waterfall time: guided hike or ATV add-on with cash

Quimixto is another boat-only stop, and it has that “we landed somewhere real” feeling. You get a separate chunk of time there, including access to a waterfalls guided option and the chance to swim when you reach the waterfall area.

If you plan to hike, plan like it is a real outdoor walk. The waterfall route is described as involving a steep and longer trek in recent accounts. Comfortable hiking shoes matter more than you think, because the trail conditions can be rough.

If hiking is not your thing, there is an ATV option. The tour info says ATV or horse rides can be arranged for cash, and it is cash only. One recent detailed account notes the ATV was a practical choice, and also mentions a price around 500 pesos per person. I would still verify the current amount when you receive any confirmation details, but do not show up assuming it takes cards.

Also consider timing. Waterfall time is shared as part of a group day plan, so you will not get a totally private schedule. You do get a guided hike with a crew member, with names like Dana showing up as a guide who shares local details and birds along the way.

If you care most about photos and scenery, bring water-friendly footwear and sunscreen, because the day is sun-heavy and you will likely do more walking than you expect.

The return cruise to Puerto Vallarta: music, drinks, and marine life

On the way back to Puerto Vallarta, the vibe keeps moving. You stay on the water, and the open bar continues, so the return feels like part two of the party day, not a quiet finish.

This is also where the day can pick up wildlife surprises. On the return route, keep your eyes up and near the surface. The tour info highlights that from December to April, you should watch for humpback whales, and year-round you may see turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and sea birds.

I like this add-on because it costs nothing and does not require you to change anything. You just look up when the captain or crew calls it out, then you enjoy the moment.

On board, there is also entertainment energy. Some accounts mention music turned up and dancing on the return. That is fun for the right mood, but if you hate loud sound on water, mentally prepare yourself that the ride back is not a library.

Food and drinks: what all-inclusive really means here

Let’s talk about the “all-inclusive” label, because in Mexico it can mean anything from decent to chaotic. Here, the included food and drink list is pretty specific.

You start with breakfast items like fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices. Then you get snacks, including fresh guacamole with blue corn chips. Lunch is a traditional fajita-style meal with options including chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegan and vegetarian options are listed, and gluten-free options are also listed if you request them at booking.

Drinks are described as a brand-name open bar, with options that include beer, wine, tequila, and cocktails like pina colada, plus champagne. Minimum drinking age is 18.

One practical “reality check” to consider is meal timing. In at least one detailed account, lunch arrived closer to 2 pm after earlier fruit and snack service. That might be totally fine for you, but if you get hangry or you like to eat earlier, bring a small snack of your own just in case.

Also, gratuities are not included. That is normal for Mexico, but it helps to decide in advance what kind of tip you plan to give, so you are not doing math at the end of a long day.

Staff energy and the names you might hear onboard

A big reason people love this tour is the crew energy. The staff is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and organized, and the day has a “someone is always checking on you” feel.

If you want names to latch onto, recent accounts mention:

• Isaias, known as Papi Chulo, as a lead host who stays on top of the flow and keeps people entertained, sometimes in two languages.
• Guadalupe, tied to cocktail service and general good energy.
• Dana, guiding the hike and sharing local nature details.
• Captain Noah, connected to the return cruise and wildlife spotting.
• Luis and Jared, also named as part of the crew that keeps the day fun.

That matters because with a remote day like this, you do not want to wonder what happens next. Here, the staff appears to manage pacing, snack moments, drink refills, and safety reminders so you can focus on the experience.

Who this tour fits best, and who should be cautious

This is a good match if you want a full-day mix of: catamaran ride, remote beach club time, included water activities, and a social atmosphere with an open bar. It is also a strong pick if you like the idea of seeing Quimixto and choosing your own effort level for the waterfall route.

It is a less perfect match if you want a quiet day. Some accounts describe loud music throughout and a limited place to escape the volume. It is also not an ideal choice if you are very sensitive to meal timing changes, since lunch and snack pacing can vary based on how the day flows.

It is also a good idea to think about your comfort in water. Snorkeling and swimming are options, but the water conditions can affect how enjoyable snorkeling feels. The water activity gear is included, but you still have to match your expectations to real sea conditions.

Bottom line, think of this as a remote beach party day with real nature elements, not a calm wellness day.

Should you book Mega Catamarans all-inclusive remote paradise?

If you are planning a Puerto Vallarta trip and you want one high-value excursion that covers transport, beach club comfort, meals, and included water gear, I think this is a strong choice. The price makes more sense when you add up what you would otherwise pay for: beach access on a remote club, snorkel and water rentals, food, and drinks.

I would personally only hesitate if your top priority is silence and solitude. If you want quiet, bring something to balance the noise, or choose a calmer tour.

My practical checklist:

• You like an all-day plan with options to snorkel, kayak, or just lounge.
• You are okay with a party-leaning vibe and music volume.
• You are willing to do a real hike or you are comfortable paying for the ATV route in cash.
• You can handle port security rules, especially the no-drug and no-vape restrictions.

If that sounds like your style, book it. This is the kind of day that turns into a vacation highlight fast.

FAQ

How long is the Mega Catamarans remote paradise beach adventure?

The tour runs about 6 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

You get breakfast items, snacks (including guacamole and chips), lunch (with vegetarian and vegan options available), an open premium bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys. Port entry fees at Puerto Magico and free public parking are also included.

Do I need to pay extra for the ATV or horse ride to the waterfall?

ATV or horse rides are not included and are cash only.

Is the alcohol open bar included for everyone?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

What food options are available?

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise at booking. Lunch is a fajita-style meal with choices including chicken and beef, with rice and beans and tortillas.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are photos included?

Photo services are not included. You can purchase photos after the tour.

Are there any restrictions for entering the port?

Puerto Magico is a federal maritime port with security screening, and there is a strict no-drug policy. The info also says not to bring electronic cigarettes or vapes.

Is this tour limited in size?

Yes. The tour lists a maximum of 120 travelers.