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

Exploring the Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re looking for a lively day on the water that combines some of Puerto Vallarta’s best natural sights with a good dose of fun, this all-inclusive boat tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary highlight an experience designed for travelers eager to see the coastline, snorkel in calm waters, and relax with great food and drinks. It’s a package that offers more than just sightseeing — it’s about making the most of a day on the ocean.

What excites us about this tour? First, the chance to visit Los Arcos National Marine Park, renowned for its breathtaking rock formations and marine life. Second, the all-you-can-eat buffets and open bar make the day feel like a true escape rather than just another boat ride. That said, a couple of reviews hint at frustrations, especially around snorkeling equipment availability and timing. So, it’s worth considering whether a busy, full-day tour suits your style.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a social, lively atmosphere, don’t mind sharing space with up to 40 others, and are happy to embrace some unpredictability in the schedule. Those looking for a quiet, intimate snorkel adventure might find it less appealing. Still, for those seeking a combination of scenic beauty, water activities, and relaxed dining, this trip offers plenty of potential—if expectations are managed.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Day: Breakfast, lunch, drinks, and water gear included, which simplifies budgeting.
• Multiple Water Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding options add variety.
• Comfortable Transportation: Modern catamarans offer smooth sailing and scenic views.
• Food and Drinks: Expect hearty buffets and unlimited drinks—ideal for those who enjoy socializing over good food.
• Timing: An 8-hour trip with a 9:15 am start, so prepare for a full day.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers loved the crew and scenery, while others faced issues with equipment and timing.

Setting Sail: What to Expect on the Tour

The Journey Begins: At around 9:15 am, you’ll meet at Puerto Mágico, a lively harbor area in the Zona Hotelera of Puerto Vallarta. The company, Live&Travel Tours, operates modern catamarans to whisk you away along the coast. Expect a roughly 8-hour adventure, with plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, drink, and explore.

Maritime Transportation: The trip kicks off with a comfortable boat ride across calm waters. The vessel is equipped with life vests, music for dancing, and an onboard insurance policy to keep everyone at ease. The mood is generally upbeat, and the boat can carry up to 40 guests, making it lively without feeling overcrowded.

First Stop — Los Arcos: This natural spectacle of towering limestone formations is the tour’s highlight. You’ll have about 20-30 minutes here, enough to admire these iconic rock sculptures and see if the murky waters allow for some decent snorkeling. Multiple reviews note that the water visibility can vary, with some guests disappointed by the murky conditions and brief snorkel time. As one reviewer states, “the snorkeling was very disappointing” as the water was murky and the time limited—about 20 minutes.

Las Animas Beach: After Los Arcos, the boat heads to Las Animas, a scenic and relatively quiet beach accessible only by boat. Here, you’ll find a beachfront restaurant and the option to stay on the sand or hike to a waterfall. The reviews are mixed about this stop: some appreciated the chance to relax and do the waterfall hike, while others found the beach crowded, and the food at the restaurant was described as just okay.

Water Activities: During stops, there are opportunities to kayak and paddleboard—gear is provided, and guides are available to instruct and help. Travelers have reported that activities like kayaking are sometimes limited or not available, with some reviews mentioning “imaginary kayaks,” which hints at equipment shortages or logistical issues.

Dining and Refreshments: The tour includes hot breakfast, featuring items like eggs, fruit, and coffee, along with a lunch buffet offering fish, chicken, beef, rice, beans, and salads. The all-you-can-drink open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water—perfect for staying hydrated and socializing. Several reviews praise the food quality and the helpful staff, though some found the lunch to be just “okay” or limited in variety.

Music, Karaoke, and Atmosphere: The boat features music for dancing and karaoke, adding a festive vibe. However, the music selection can vary; some reviews criticize the playlist as too modern or not fitting the crowd, which might affect the overall mood.

The Final Stop — Quimixto: The last destination offers a chance for a beach walk and waterfall visit. Some guests enjoy the hike, but it requires effort, and there’s a fee if you wish to enter the waterfall area. The vendors there tend to sell souvenirs and drinks, and there’s a restaurant where you can buy additional food or drinks.

What the Reviews Reveal

While many guests share positive memories of the crew, scenery, and food, the reviews also highlight recurring issues. Snorkeling time is often limited, sometimes only 15-20 minutes, with murky waters reducing visibility for underwater viewing. Several mention equipment shortages, including running out of snorkels or fins, which can be frustrating for those eager to explore the marine environment.

Timing can be a concern too: some travelers report arriving back late, with delays of up to two and a half hours. Multiple reviews note long waits at the dock for loading and unloading, which can make the day feel rushed or drawn out.

The beach at Las Animas receives mixed feedback—some think it’s a charming spot, while others find it crowded and the food at the restaurant average. The additional costs for extras like parasailing or purchasing souvenirs are also a consideration, especially since the tour itself is all-inclusive but emphasizes optional spending.

Safety and comfort seem solid, with many reviewers praising the friendly guides and staff. Yet, some mention sea sickness and the necessity of bringing extra cash for drinks on the beach or to buy souvenirs.

Analyzing the Value

Pricing this tour at approximately $75.93 per person, it offers a full day of entertainment, scenic views, and food—making it a reasonably priced option for an adventure-packed day. The inclusion of breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and water sports equipment increases its value, especially compared to booking each activity separately.

However, the discrepancies in water visibility and limited snorkeling time mean that if underwater viewing is your main goal, this might not be the best fit. The boat’s lively atmosphere, music, and social vibe make it ideal for those looking for a fun group experience rather than a quiet, contemplative day.

The timing and crowds are factors to consider. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or fewer fellow travelers, you might find the organized, bustling nature of this tour a little overwhelming. Still, its all-inclusive approach simplifies planning and budgeting, which many find valuable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is well-suited for social travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere, good food, and a variety of water activities. It’s perfect for families with older children, as many reviews mention positive experiences with kids. If you appreciate scenic boat rides, delicious buffets, and beach stops with optional hikes, this tour covers all those bases.

However, if you’re focused on snorkeling and want pristine underwater visibility, you might want to explore other options. Likewise, travelers who prefer a peaceful, less crowded experience or dislike long waits and equipment issues may find this tour less satisfying.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a fun, full-day adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax, eat well, and see some of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic sights. The friendly guides, scenic stops, and inclusive meals add real value. But it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations—the water conditions can vary, and the schedule is sometimes rushed.

If you’re looking for a lively, social outing that combines sightseeing with water sports and great food, this cruise could be a solid choice. Be prepared for some waiting, variable snorkeling quality, and optional extra costs. For families, groups, or anyone wanting a comprehensive, all-in-one day at sea, this tour does a good job of delivering on its promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, many reviews mention families with older children enjoying the trip. Keep in mind that water activities like kayaking and snorkeling might have limited availability, and some parts involve walking or hiking.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers breakfast, lunch, unlimited drinks (including alcohol), snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and transportation on the boat.

Can I buy additional drinks or souvenirs?
Yes, vendors at the beaches and waterfall area sell souvenirs and drinks, but these are not included in the tour price.

How long is the snorkeling?
Typically around 20-25 minutes, but some guests found this too short or disappointing due to murky water conditions.

What are the main stops?
Los Arcos for scenic rock formations and marine life, Las Animas Beach for relaxation or hiking, and Quimixto for hiking and waterfall visits.

Are there any hidden costs?
There is a dock tax fee of MX$32 per person, payable on site. Extra activities like parasailing or buying from vendors are optional and paid separately.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for tips, extra drinks, or souvenirs. Also, pack sunscreen, a hat, water, and possibly motion sickness remedies if you’re prone to seasickness.

Is the tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
Guides are bilingual, and the tour is advertised as including English-speaking staff, though some reviews mention inconsistent communication.

What’s the duration?
Approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:15 am and returning to the meeting point in Puerto Mágico.

What’s the weather contingency?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

To sum it up, this cruise provides a lively, well-rounded day for those wanting a combination of scenic views, water sports, and hearty Mexican food with a social vibe. It’s best for travelers who enjoy a group atmosphere, don’t mind some unpredictability, and value the convenience of an all-inclusive package. For a quiet, snorkel-focused experience, other options might be more suitable, but for fun, sun, and good company, this tour covers the essentials in style.