Arcos – Animas – Quimixto. By Grupo Naviero de la Bahìa (Bahia Alegre)

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta day trip that mixes scenery with a party vibe, and keeps costs low. You get open bar on the boat, plus a full beach day at Las Animas, with snorkeling at Los Arcos as the main aquatic stop. The route is designed for fun, not solitude, so it may feel busy if you want a quiet day on the water.

Two things I’d put at the top: the crew energy (including guides who make extra effort with English announcements) and the value math. Breakfast and a beach meal are included, and the open bar on board helps turn the ticket price into something that feels like a deal. The main drawback to consider is that the schedule is weather-dependent and the water time can be limited if conditions are rough, so don’t book this expecting hours of snorkeling.

You’ll also want to plan your day around port logistics and possible delays. The tour starts at 9:15 am from Terminal Maritima API, and it runs about 7 hours, so keep your evening flexible.

Key takeaways before you go

• Open bar on board plus breakfast included, so you’re not constantly paying for food and drinks
• Los Arcos snorkeling with equipment included, usually the best chance to see fish and coral
• Las Animas beach time in a quiet fishing-village setting with a included meal (1 dish per person)
• Quimixto waterfall option with a town walk and a possible swim, plus optional horse rental
• Budget price, extra small fees for port costs, and drinks at the beach are extra
• A big-group day up to 130 people, so it’s lively and not “slow travel”

Meeting the Boat at the API Terminal, and How to Not Lose Time

This tour departs from Terminal Maritima API at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta. The stated start time is 9:15 am, and you’ll return to the same meeting point at the end.

Here’s the practical mindset: port check-in and fee collection can take longer than you expect. Some passengers also arrive early and end up waiting in line in the sun, so I recommend you treat this like a “show up ready” day. Bring water if you get thirsty while waiting (your beach drinks are not included), and wear shoes you can walk in on uneven surfaces and around boats.

Also, plan for a moderate physical fitness level. You’re not signing up for a mountain hike, but you are doing boarding, transfers, and at least one walk if you choose the Quimixto waterfall option.

Breakfast + Open Bar on Board: Why This Tour Feels Like a Good Deal

Your morning starts with a boat breakfast that’s actually filling. The included options include hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade.

Then the vibe turns social. There is a national open bar on board, and you’ll have the kind of service where crew members tend to keep things moving so you’re not stuck walking for refills. Several passengers highlight how lively the staff can be during the return ride, with music, dancing games, and general “we’re here to have fun” energy.

Guide names that come up in real experiences include David, who is known for checking in with passengers and offering English explanations, and Adrian, also mentioned for keeping the day running smoothly. Another captain/guide name you may hear is George. You don’t need to memorize names to enjoy the day, but it’s a sign that communication matters here, especially for non-Spanish speakers.

The main caution: if you’re hoping for a calm, serene cruise, this is not that. It’s a group party in motion, with music and interaction.

Los Arcos Snorkeling: Great Fish Potential, But Go With Realistic Expectations

Los Arcos de Mismaloya National Park is the first water stop. You’ll snorkel there with snorkeling equipment included. The time listed for this stop is about 45 minutes, with admission listed as free.

What this means for you: this is a “hit the highlights” snorkeling window. It’s long enough to get your bearings and see fish if the water is clear, but it’s not long enough to treat it like a full training session or a half-day reef exploration.

One of the best values here is that equipment is provided, which saves you time and hassle. But water conditions matter. If the sea is choppy, visibility can drop and swimming may feel more difficult. And if weather turns, snorkeling can end up being shorter or less satisfying than you hoped.

If snorkeling is a top priority for you, I’d treat this as a bonus stop rather than your whole reef plan. Your payoff is still likely to be a few good minutes in the water, a chance to see tropical fish, and a fun transfer back to the boat with the open bar flowing.

Las Animas Beach: Quiet Fishing Village Energy and an Included Lunch

Playa Las Animas is a picturesque fishing village vibe with a quiet beach and clear water. The tour includes a food break here at a beach restaurant. You’ll get food included as one dish per person, with 3 options to choose from.

A few practical notes that help:

• Drinks and tips are not included at the beach restaurant.
• One dish per person means you’re not ordering freely for the full group meal plan.
• You’ll likely be waiting in the “group rhythm” that comes with boat tours, so don’t structure a tight timeline around lunch.

What you can do beyond the included meal depends on what’s available that day at the beach. Add-on activities like parasailing, jet skis, massages, and other rides are commonly offered right there. Pricing varies, but one passenger mentioned parasailing around 700 pesos per person and beer around 50 pesos at the restaurant. Treat those as examples, not guarantees.

If you’re traveling with kids, Las Animas is often the part that feels easiest. It’s the longer stretch where you can sit, swim, and browse beach activities without the “gear and water entry” pressure.

Quimixto Waterfall Option: A Walk That Can Make the Day Feel Like a Mini Adventure

Playa Quimixto is your optional wild-card stop. The plan is to disembark in Quimixto town and do an approx 30-minute walk toward the waterfall area. Horse rental is listed as optional.

Once you reach the falls, you get about 20 minutes at the waterfall, including time to swim if conditions allow. After that, you return to the beach area to enjoy food.

One important reality check: not every Quimixto day is equal. Some experiences note that the waterfall portion may have less water, while others call it a highlight. I’d go into it with flexibility. If you’re the type who hates risk or timing surprises, you might prefer a day that focuses only on Las Animas beach time.

Also, some boats may run these options in a way that feels like a choice, with different groups spending time at Las Animas versus Quimixto. If you want the waterfall, make sure you clearly communicate your preference when the tour staff offers options for the day.

Timing and Group Size: Plan for a Lively Day, Not a Tight Itinerary

This is a maximum 130 travelers tour, and it shows. You’ll board as a group, transfer as a group, and you’ll likely eat at the same general time blocks. The upside is you get a social atmosphere and lots of crew attention. The downside is you trade away control over pacing.

The day also tends to run like a real island-style schedule, not a precision clock. Some passengers mention the boat didn’t depart at the exact listed time and that boarding sometimes drags. Even if your day runs smoother, it’s wise to keep your next plans loose. If you must make a dinner reservation, I’d avoid booking it too close to return time.

Because you’re on a boat and in ocean conditions, bring motion-sickness help if you’re prone to feeling queasy. Several people report seasickness, and sitting on a calmer part of the boat can help.

What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra (So You Don’t Get Stung at the Port)

The headline price is $75 per person, and this is why it can feel like a value. You get:

• Breakfast on board
• National open bar while you’re on the boat
• Beach food included (one dish per person)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Insurance

What costs extra:

• A port tax to enter the sea terminal: MX$33.00 per person
• A Malecón Boardwalk fee: MX$33.00 per person
• Drinks on the beach (the listing notes drinks are not included, and a price is given as MX$70.00 per person)
• Tips

The money tip that matters most: bring cash for the fees. Port lines can be slow, and you don’t want to be hunting for payment while everyone is trying to board. If you want beach cocktails, budget for it now instead of waiting until you’re hungry and warm and ready to relax.

Bottom line on value: this tour is a strong pick if you’ll use the open bar and you’re good with a simple beach lunch. It’s less of a bargain if your priority is premium food, long snorkeling sessions, or a super structured day with zero waiting.

Crew Energy, Safety, and Communication: The Real Secret Sauce

A repeating theme in passenger feedback is that the crew can be genuinely warm and helpful, especially during the boat portion. People also mention crew members keeping the energy up with games and dancing on the return cruise.

On the communication side, English support appears to be a strong point, including guide David being described as making extra effort with English announcements. That’s worth noting if you’re not fluent in Spanish, because it can reduce confusion at times when groups shift from boat to beach.

For safety and comfort, a few practical reminders:

• Snorkeling is time-limited and depends on sea conditions.
• If you get motion sickness, plan for it before you’re already on the water.
• Wear secure footwear, and move slowly on the boat decks.

If you come in expecting a “party day with highlights,” you’re more likely to feel the value. If you come in expecting a quiet, luxury pacing, you may find the group rhythm frustrating.

Who Should Book Arcos – Animas – Quimixto (and Who Might Prefer Another Plan)

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• An all-day group experience with lots of staff energy
• Included meals and open bar so you can keep spending down
• A taste of snorkeling at Los Arcos without the hassle of planning gear and timing
• Beach time with add-on options if you feel like doing more

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need a very calm, strictly timed schedule
• Want long, uninterrupted snorkeling time
• Are sensitive to seasickness or get stressed by crowds and lines

If you’re traveling with friends or family and you like a fun atmosphere, this is the kind of day that can land as a favorite, mainly because it’s easy to join in and hard to feel bored.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a low-cost, high-fun Puerto Vallarta day: boat energy, included food, and a real chance to see fish at Los Arcos, followed by beach relaxation at Las Animas. It’s also a smart choice if you’ll spend at least some of your time on optional activities at the beach, since those can add variety without you doing extra planning.

I would not book it if snorkeling is your sole mission and you want a guaranteed long time in the water, or if you hate group logistics. If you’re on the fence, the deciding factors are simple: bring cash for port fees, expect a lively crowd, and keep your evening flexible in case the day runs a bit later.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the Los Arcos stop.

What’s included in the breakfast?

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

Are drinks included at the beach?

No. Drinks on the beach are not included, and you should expect to pay there.

What extra fees should I budget for?

You should budget for a port tax of MX$33.00 per person and a Malecón Boardwalk fee of MX$33.00 per person.

How long is the Los Arcos snorkeling stop?

The Los Arcos snorkeling stop is listed as about 45 minutes.

Does the tour include the Quimixto waterfall?

The waterfall visit is optional. If you choose it, you’ll walk about 30 minutes to reach it and spend about 20 minutes at the waterfall, then you return to the beach area for food. Horse rental is optional.