Catamaran Arches, Animas Beach, Quimixed Waterfall and Food Tour

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta, this all-inclusive catamaran tour offers a glimpse of some stunning natural sights combined with good food and lively onboard activities. It’s a package designed for travelers who want to relax, enjoy scenic views, and indulge without fuss. While it’s not the most luxurious or exclusive experience around, it’s a practical choice for those seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing and entertainment at a reasonable price.

What we like most about this tour is how it combines three different highlights — the iconic Los Arcos, Las Animas Beach, and the Quimixto Waterfall — into one manageable trip. Plus, the onboard amenities like breakfast, a national open bar, and snorkel gear add to the value. However, a couple of reviews reveal that bits of the experience can feel rushed or somewhat murky, especially around snorkeling.

This tour is best suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a lively, all-in-one day on the water. If you’re after a relaxing beach day with fewer crowds and more quiet, or if you’re an avid snorkeler craving clear waters, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Variety of Destinations: Combines scenic snorkeling, beach relaxation, and waterfall hikes.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
• Family-Friendly: Kids’ meal options and a fun onboard atmosphere.
• Time Management: Rides are timed to cover all stops, but some reviews mention feeling hurried.
• Authentic Experiences: Guides share local stories and traditions.
• Mixed Reviews: Some guests found snorkeling conditions less than ideal, and the overall experience somewhat standard.

The Journey Begins at Puerto Mágico

Your day starts early, with check-in at the Puerto Mágico terminal. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the lively vibe of the marina, filled with boats and eager travelers. After a quick security check, you board the catamaran, which can hold up to 99 passengers — so expect a lively, social group. The boat departs around 10:00 am, giving you plenty of time for a full day of adventure.

The first highlight is the cruise across Puerto Vallarta’s bay, where you can settle in with a continental breakfast that includes eggs, ham, hot cakes, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice. It’s a simple but satisfying start, setting a relaxed tone. As you glide toward the Los Arcos of Mismaloya, your guides will fill you in on local lore and history, making the 35-minute ride both informative and scenic.

Exploring Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Once at Los Arcos, the real fun begins. These towering rock formations are iconic, and the shallow waters around them are perfect for snorkeling. Here, we loved how the guides pointed out marine life and shared interesting tidbits about the area’s natural history. And yes, the views are breathtaking — a true highlight.

However, a recurring theme in reviews is that snorkeling here can be less than ideal — the water may be rough or murky, limiting visibility. One guest was disappointed to find they couldn’t use all the snorkel equipment due to water conditions, which was a letdown for avid underwater explorers. Still, the opportunity to see fish in their natural habitat is a big plus for many.

Beach Time at Las Animas

Next, you’ll head to Las Animas Beach, a lively stretch of sand with plenty of spots to relax or eat. The tour allows some free time here — about three hours — so you can lounge, explore, or even try some water sports like jet skiing. Some reviews note that the longer you stay, the better the experience, especially if you want to avoid feeling rushed.

The included lunch serves up classic options like hamburgers, beef burritos, fish fillet, and quesadillas, plus kid-friendly choices like nuggets and quesadillas. The food is straightforward but satisfying, delivered with a view of the beach. It’s a good value considering the trip’s overall price, especially with drinks included from the open bar.

One guest appreciated the delicious food and tapas-style offerings, which made the break enjoyable. However, others felt the service could be slow, and in some cases, the wait for lunch was lengthy.

Discovering Quimixto Waterfall and More Fun on the Seas

After lunch, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a second round of fun — games, dances, and raffles — lasting about two hours. This part of the trip is lively, with many guests enjoying the entertainment and camaraderie.

The final stop is at Quimixto, where guests can choose to hike up to the waterfall or simply relax on the beach. The waterfall hike offers a chance for some light adventure, but be aware that time might be limited, and some travelers found the water conditions murky during snorkeling here as well.

The Return Voyage

The tour wraps up with a two-hour sail back along the coast, allowing you to soak in the scenery and enjoy the onboard activities. The lively atmosphere continues, and you might find yourself dancing or chatting with fellow travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $68.63 per person, this tour offers real value — especially with breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks all included. The American breakfast provides enough energy for the day, and the lunch options cater to various tastes, including children. The open bar makes the experience more festive, encouraging socializing and fun.

However, extras like drinks or food at the beach outside the provided meals, additional activities, or photos cost extra. There’s also a small port tax (MX$33 per person) at Puerto Mágico.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early at Puerto Mágico to ensure smooth boarding; check-in begins at 9:10 am.
• Bring cash for optional beach activities or extra food and drinks.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, but water conditions may vary, so don’t expect perfect visibility.
• Children aged 0-2 go free, and kids will find meals catered to them.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as some waters can be rough.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, and possibly a towel if you plan to spend time on the sand or in the water.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, first-time visitors, or groups looking for a lively day on the water. The inclusive nature and variety of stops make it a good value, especially if you enjoy socializing and trying different activities without extra cost. It’s a fun, energetic way to see parts of Puerto Vallarta you might not reach on your own.

If you’re seeking serene, secluded beaches or crystal-clear snorkeling, you might find some limitations here. Likewise, if your priority is a quiet day of reflection or serious underwater exploration, other tours specializing in snorkeling or private charters might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

This catamaran tour strikes a practical balance between sightseeing, eating, and fun. You’ll love the beautiful views, the delicious food, and the chance to snorkel with fish in the company of fellow travelers. The lively onboard atmosphere, combined with the scenic stops, makes for an enjoyable day that’s easy to plan and reasonably priced.

On the flip side, some guests have found the snorkeling conditions less than ideal and felt rushed at times. Still, the overall value and variety of experiences make it a solid choice for those wanting to explore Puerto Vallarta’s coast in a fun, social setting.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, hassle-free day on the water with good food, friendly guides, and lively atmosphere, this tour fits the bill. Just keep expectations aligned with the nature of the experience — lively, scenic, and a little unpredictable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 2 years old can join for free, and kid-friendly meal options like nuggets and quesadillas are available, making it family-friendly.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Cash is useful for extra activities or meals not included in the package.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting around 9:00 am and returning by late afternoon.

Are there any extra costs I should expect?
Yes, port taxes (MX$33 per person) and optional extra purchases such as additional food, drinks, or photos. Tips are not included.

Is snorkeling worth it?
It depends on water conditions during your visit. Some reviews mention murky water and limited visibility, but others enjoyed seeing fish and marine life. It’s a fun addition, though not a guarantee of clear water.

Can I do more than just the stops listed?
Extra activities on the beach, such as jet skiing or hiking, are available but cost extra. You’ll want to bring some cash if you plan to indulge.

In the end, this tour offers a lively, well-organized way to see part of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline while enjoying good food and onboard entertainment. It’s a practical pick for travelers looking to maximize fun without complicated planning — just keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll probably have a good time.