Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto in one day is an appealing idea if you want to pack in Puerto Vallarta without planning three separate outings. I like how this catamaran cruise is built to cover multiple coastal highlights in a single 9:15 am departure.

Two things I would count on. First, the day is a proper “on the water and at the table” setup, with breakfast and lunch included plus a national open bar on board. Second, the active side is real, with snorkeling plus time for kayaks and a stand-up paddle board option (with prior reservation).

One caution: your snorkeling results can swing with conditions and timing. If clear water and a long snorkel session are your top priority, treat this as a fun mixed activity day, not a guaranteed perfect snorkel safari.

Key points before you go

• Los Arcos National Marine Park is the main snorkel stop, but water clarity can vary fast by season and conditions.
• Open bar is on the boat, not a free-for-all once you hit the beach.
• Paddle board needs a reservation, while kayaks are included.
• Lunch is included, but the style and portion size can feel simple compared to resort food.
• Expect some waiting time, especially during transfers and boarding.
• Dock tax is extra, so bring a little cash in Mexican pesos.

Why This Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise Works for a One-Day Plan

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta outing you book when you want movement: sailing, snorkeling, beach time, and optional shore activities, all without renting a car or stitching together multiple tickets. The cruise runs about 8 hours and starts at 9:15 am, then returns you to the same meeting point.

The itinerary name matters. You are not just “out and back” snorkeling. You are aiming to hit Los Arcos for marine time, Las Animas for beach downtime, and the Quimixto area for views and possible waterfall-style hiking. Even when snorkeling time is shorter than you imagined, the overall day can still feel worth it if you enjoy being on the water and switching gears.

I also like the group size limit. The tour lists a maximum of 40 travelers, which is meaningfully smaller than the mega boats that sometimes run on tight schedules and loud chaos.

Price, Value, and the Extras That Actually Add Up

At $75.93 per person, this tour is positioned as an all-day value package because it stacks several paid-items into one ticket. You get breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, lifevests, transportation in a catamaran, and an on-board open bar.

The best value angle is the combination of food plus drinks plus activities. If you were to buy a snorkel boat trip, pay for meals, and separately cover kayaking or a paddle board activity, the pricing usually climbs quickly. Here, you are paying one price, then budgeting for only a few add-ons.

Still, don’t ignore the extras. The tour lists the dock tax of MX$32.00 per person as not included. A banana boat ride is listed as MX$500.00 per person. If you plan to do any paid upgrades at the beach or waterfall area, bring extra cash so you are not stuck deciding under pressure.

Meeting Spot and the 9:15 Start: What to Expect at Check-In

You meet at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time is 9:15 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Plan to arrive early. Even though your ticket may be digital (mobile ticket is listed), boarding and distributing equipment can take longer than you expect, especially in humidity and in a busy hotel-zone marina. A small buffer keeps you calm when the schedule feels like it is floating.

Also, consider what the day feels like for your body. This is a long stretch: sailing, then water activities, then beach time, then the return. A few basic “survival” items pay off, like a bottle of water, sun protection, and something light to cover up when the sun shifts.

On Board Life: Catamaran Ride, Music, Karaoke, and Crew Energy

The catamaran ride is part of the product, not just the transport. You’ll have space to move around more than on a tight speedboat, and the boat day has an entertainment tone built in: music for dancing and karaoke. If you like a social vibe and don’t mind loud moments, the return sailing can turn into a party atmosphere.

The crew is generally a core selling point. Many people highlight friendly staff, helpful guidance, and a sense that the team tries to keep things moving. That matters because this type of day relies on quick transitions: gear, safety check, and getting everyone lined up for the next stop.

Language can also shape your experience. The tour is offered in English, and it lists bilingual guides, but some days can still feel more Spanish-dominant than you want. If you rely on detailed English instruction, treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee that every safety or activity detail will land perfectly.

Breakfast and Lunch: Included Food, Realistic Expectations, and a Hydration Plan

Breakfast is included with items like hot-cakes, coffee, eggs, and fruit, plus juice. Lunch is included too, described as a strong à la carte dish in the on-board restaurant, with options like chicken, fish, or beef.

Here is the honest expectation setting. This is not a gourmet chef takeover. It is solid included fuel for an active day. Some people say food is better than expected, while others describe it as basic or not great. Either way, it is still better than paying for every meal separately during a day of transfers and beach sitting.

Do not underestimate heat and humidity. One practical tip that shows up in real-world experiences is to bring a backpack with water bottles. Even if your open bar is doing its job, hydration helps your snorkeling and your mood. If you get motion sick easily, pack a remedy, because sailing can be choppy depending on the day.

Los Arcos Snorkeling: Where You Might See Marine Life, and Why Time Matters

Los Arcos is the flagship snorkel stop, tied to the tour name and the marine park concept. You get snorkeling equipment and a lifevest, and the idea is to spend enough time to feel like you actually did snorkeling, not just a quick gear-on photo stop.

The big variable is how long you are in the water and how clear the water is. Some people report good marine sightings like whales and stingrays on the broader day experience, while others say the snorkeling window felt short, or that visibility was murky and the water was hard for photos.

This is where your prep can help. If you care most about seeing fish, go in knowing that water clarity changes. Murky water can turn “snorkel time” into more of a float and look-around session. If that would disappoint you, consider this as part of a larger beach and activity day, not as a guaranteed underwater highlights reel.

I would also bring your own mask if you want max confidence. There are stories of gear shortages or gear issues, and even if that is not the norm, having your own mask removes one big stress point.

Kayaks and Paddle Boards: Included Options and How Reservations Affect Your Day

Kayaks are included, and the paddle board is offered with prior reservation. That detail matters. If you want paddle boarding, lock your reservation early with your guide or during the planning moments once onboard.

Some people reported kayaks or paddle boards not being available for the amount of time they expected, often tied to rough water conditions or scheduling. If you arrive on a day with waves, the crew might prioritize the safest, calmest water slots for whoever reserved equipment.

Here is the practical takeaway. Treat kayaks and paddle boards as a bonus layer, not your entire “must-do” plan. You can still have fun even if you end up doing more of the snorkeling and beach time than the paddling.

Las Animas Beach Time: Lunch Timing, Beach Setup, and Why You Should Bring Cash

Las Animas is where the pace often slows. Expect a beach session that can stretch out, with lunch served there. Many people describe the beach as pretty and the overall setting as a nice break after open water.

But you should plan around two realities. First, the day can include waiting while boats transfer people and while equipment and meal service cycles through. Second, beachside spending is common at the drop-off area. While your open bar is on the boat, drinks and food at the beach may be separate, and the nearest setup can be more tourist-service than quiet local beach.

So bring cash. Some people mention needing pesos for snacks, drinks, and paid activities at the beach area. Even if you do not plan to buy anything extra, it is a small peace-of-mind item.

Quimixto Waterfall Area: The Best Part for Some People, an Extra Cost for Others

Quimixto is often the “wow scenery” part of this tour, especially when the day includes a hike to a waterfall viewpoint and a swim area. People who did that portion often describe it as hard but worth it.

Still, the cost and logistics can vary. You may find you need to pay for access tied to the restaurant or waterfall area at the entrance. Some experiences also mention longer sit-down time at the beach-side restaurant while snorkeling swimmers complete their turn.

So here is how I would think about it. If you want the waterfall experience, go in with a flexible budget for on-site access and bring a little extra energy for the hike. If you want a straightforward snorkeling-heavy day with minimal extra walking, you might prefer to skip the hike and focus on the beach and included activities.

Safety and Comfort Tips for a Crowded, Active Catamaran Day

A few people raise red flags about comfort and safety, and I do not want to bury them. Some mention crowds in the snorkeling water, challenges with space on board, and rough boarding moments when getting to shore. Others mention sea sickness.

You can reduce risk and stress by preparing smartly:

• Wear your lifevest correctly and keep it easy to adjust.
• If you get motion sick, take your remedy before you feel sick.
• In the water, snorkel with control. Avoid flailing and keep your arms close to your body around other swimmers.
• Plan sunscreen and a cover-up, so you are not scrambling for shade after you get wet.

Also, keep an eye on timing. If your day runs late, you might get less water time. In that case, you still have a full beach block to enjoy, but your expectations for snorkeling should match the reality of the schedule on that day.

Who This Cruise Fits Best in Puerto Vallarta

This tour fits best when you want an all-in-one day that mixes ocean time with beach time and included meals. I think it works well for:

• Families who want a structured day with food and open bar on board
• People who want a social catamaran atmosphere with music and dancing
• First-time Puerto Vallarta visitors who want to see more than one area without planning transportation

It may be a mismatch if:

• Your top priority is long, clear-water snorkeling with guided underwater focus
• You get very sea sick and would rather stay close to shore
• You dislike crowding, loud music, and tight transitions

If you fall into the second group, you might still enjoy the day for the views and the beach, but you should not expect a calm, quiet, expert-guided snorkel session.

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

Book it if you like the idea of a single long catamaran day with snorkeling plus kayaks, paddle board opportunities, included breakfast and lunch, and an on-board open bar. It is priced to feel like a package, and it is most satisfying when you treat the day as a mix of water and beach rather than one focused underwater hour.

Skip or reconsider if snorkeling clarity and uninterrupted time are non-negotiable for you. The water conditions and timing can be uneven, and that can turn a snorkeling-centered day into a shorter, murkier experience than you want. If that is you, look for a smaller boat or a more specialized snorkeling outing.

If you do book, go in with the right mindset and small prep: bring water, protect your skin, consider motion sickness help, and have some pesos ready for dock tax and beach-side add-ons. Then you can enjoy the parts that make this cruise popular: the ocean ride, the active options, and the chance to see the Los Arcos area and the Quimixto scenery.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and how long is it?

It starts at 9:15 am and lasts about 8 hours.

Where do I meet for the Puerto Vallarta catamaran?

You meet at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What meals and drinks are included on this cruise?

Breakfast and lunch are included. You also get a national open bar on the boat with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and lifevests.

Are kayaks and stand-up paddle boards included?

Kayaks are included. The paddle board is included with prior reservation.

What extra fees should I budget for?

The dock tax (MX$32.00 per person) is not included. A banana boat ride is also not included and is listed at MX$500.00 per person.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.