Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

Getting a good sense of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant seaside character can be a challenge if you only stick to the usual spots. An organized tour like this one offers a well-rounded peek into the area’s highlights, combining snorkeling, beach lounging, and cultural exploration — all with a lively onboard atmosphere. While some travelers rave about the scenic views and delicious food, others point out inconsistencies in the itinerary and service.

What we love about this experience is its blend of adventure and relaxation — you start your day snorkeling among colorful marine life and finish with a chilled drink on the boat. We also appreciate the inclusion of a nominal price point for an entire day packed with activities and good food. But a word of caution: some reviews highlight a discrepancy between promises and actual execution, so managing expectations is wise.

This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a full-day, lively experience that mixes water-based activities with beach time and some cultural sights. If you prefer a more laid-back, off-the-beaten-path adventure, you might find this tour a bit too structured. However, if your aim is to see a variety of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal highlights in one go, this trip deserves a spot on your list.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a visit to a charming village.
• Lively onboard atmosphere: Includes music, games, and an open bar, making it fun for groups.
• Includes food and drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and unlimited drinks are part of the package.
• Potential limitations: Equipment shortage and strict activity choices might disappoint some.
• Ideal for: Travelers seeking a comprehensive, active day with plenty of socializing.
• Price for value: $87 offers a lot of activities, but some guests feel certain experiences don’t meet expectations.

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Introduction

Imagine a day where you get to snorkel in a protected marine reserve, relax on a beautiful beach, explore a traditional Mexican village, and enjoy drinks and music all at once. That’s what this Puerto Vallarta tour promises — an all-encompassing coastal adventure designed to give visitors a taste of everything that makes this region special.

What we particularly like is the variety of activities packed into 8 hours — it’s not just a boat trip, but also a cultural peek and a chance to unwind. The included food and unlimited drinks add value, especially given the lively, party-like onboard vibe. However, a recurring concern from past guests is that some of the actual experiences don’t perfectly match the brochure descriptions, which is worth keeping in mind before booking.

This tour is a good fit for travelers who want their Puerto Vallarta experience to be fun, social, and active. If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a lively atmosphere, this could be a highlight of your trip. But if you prefer a more relaxed or exclusive experience, you may want to consider other options.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Snorkeling at Los Arcos

The day kicks off with what sounds like the highlight for many — snorkeling in the Los Arcos marine reserve. It’s a protected area known for its vibrant marine life and stunning rock formations. On paper, this sounds like a perfect start to the day, and many reviews mention the beautiful views and marine biodiversity.

However, some guests, like Germán Palacio from Spain, describe the snorkeling as disappointing due to a limited equipment supply that restricts how many can participate at once, and a very short snorkeling window. He notes: “We spent a total of 10 minutes in the water in a tiny section of the sea, and the rest of the time was spent getting people on and off the boat. We didn’t see anything.”

This suggests that while the setting is undeniably scenic, the execution can be variable, and the snorkeling experience might be less immersive if the equipment runs out or the allocated time is short.

Beach Relaxation at Las Animas

Next, the tour takes you to Las Animas Beach, a picturesque stretch of sand ideal for relaxing or swimming. The reviews are mixed here: some travelers loved the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to unwind, while others felt it was a bit crowded or overrun with vendors.

The appeal is clear: crystal-clear water and soft sand make for a peaceful break. The beach also offers kayak rentals, adding to the options for active guests. For many, this stop provides a refreshing break in the day, especially after the snorkeling.

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Visiting Quimixto Village and Waterfall

Perhaps the most visually stunning part of the day is the trip to Quimixto, a charming fishing village surrounded by lush greenery. The tour offers the choice of horseback riding or a guided hike to reach a seasonal waterfall.

Many would consider this a highlight — a chance to see authentic local life and enjoy nature. Still, some reviews indicate that activities are limited or not as described. German Palacio mentions that the tour only offers motorcycle rides (not horses), and charges extra for them. On top of that, the waterfall visit involves a timed decision, with guests having only 5 minutes to choose between the waterfall or the beach, which can be frustrating if you prefer both.

Onboard Entertainment and Food

Throughout the day, the boat provides a continental breakfast, followed by a lunch served on the beach. Both are generally described as decent but not gourmet. The all-you-can-drink open bar is a standout feature, with many guests enjoying the lively music, dancing, and games on the deck.

Reviewers like the United States traveler who gave 5 stars appreciated the atmosphere, noting that it’s a “nice activity,” although they advise blocking the whole day due to the long duration (10 am to 7 pm). Others, however, mention that the drinks can be watered down and the music somewhat outdated, which may affect the overall vibe.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation and Meeting Points

The tour departs from the Maritime Terminal (API) or Puerto Mágico, with a meeting arranged through the Beach Boy company. The logistics are straightforward but should be noted, especially regarding the timing and the need to arrive promptly.

Duration and Group Size

The whole experience lasts about 8 hours, usually starting in the morning. Some guests mention that the return time can be off schedule — one review notes returning 2 hours later than expected. Group sizes aren’t specified, but the presence of a limited amount of snorkeling gear suggests the boat can get crowded.

Cost and Value

Priced at $87 per person, this tour offers a full day of activities, food, and drinks. While this seems reasonable given the inclusions, reviews suggest that not all experiences are as advertised, which can affect the perceived value. For example, additional costs like motorcycle rides or taxis to certain spots aren’t included, so budget accordingly.

What the Reviews Say

With only four reviews, opinions are somewhat divided. Some guests praise the stunning sunset views and delicious lunches, describing the day as fun and lively. Others, like Germán Palacio, express disappointment over the short snorkeling time, watered-down drinks, and activity restrictions.

The Canadian traveler appreciated the lunch but noted that upselling is common, so be prepared for additional expenses if you want to upgrade or participate in extra activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a blend of water activities, cultural exploration, and a lively social scene, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suitable for groups, families, or travelers seeking a full day of entertainment with good food and drinks included.

However, if your priority is authenticity and quality of the snorkeling experience or quiet relaxation, you might find this tour somewhat lacking. The inconsistent reviews suggest that experiences can vary, so managing expectations is key.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Vallarta tour offers a busy, fun-packed day that covers many of the region’s highlights. While it provides a great value for the price — with meals, drinks, and various activities — some guests note discrepancies between what’s promised and what’s delivered. The snorkeling, a key feature, may be brief or crowded, and activities like horseback riding or waterfall visits might not always match expectations.

For travelers who thrive in social environments, enjoy lively music, and appreciate including food and drinks in the package, this tour can be a memorable part of a Puerto Vallarta holiday. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a structured day with diverse experiences.

On the other hand, if you prefer calmer, more exclusive, or authentic adventures, you might want to explore other options or customize your own day. Regardless, it’s always wise to read recent reviews and confirm what’s included, especially regarding equipment and activity options.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a continental breakfast, lunch on the beach, an all-you-can-drink open bar on board, life jackets, masks, snorkels, kayaks, and lively onboard music and games.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico, with instructions to check in with the Beach Boy company.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, generally starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Can I choose between activities at Quimixto?
You must decide within 5 minutes whether to go to the waterfall or the beach; you cannot do both, which might limit flexibility.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there is an unlimited open bar on board, providing a variety of drinks throughout the day.

Is snorkeling good?
While the setting promises vibrant marine life, some reviews indicate the snorkeling experience may be limited by equipment shortages and short time in the water.

What about the food?
Breakfast is continental, and lunch is served on the beach. Some guests describe the food as decent but not gourmet.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially if your family enjoys lively group activities, music, and social atmospheres. Just be mindful of the activity restrictions and equipment availability.

In summary, this Puerto Vallarta tour offers a lively, all-in-one day for those wanting to combine adventure, scenery, and social fun. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize the experience’s lively and diverse nature over perfect execution or exclusivity. With some planning and flexible expectations, it can be a memorable part of your trip to Mexico’s Pacific coast.

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