Full Day Boat Tour Animas and Quimixed Arches

If you’re looking for a day packed with adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery in Puerto Vallarta, the Full Day Boat Tour to Los Arcos, Las Ánimas Beach, and Quimixto might just be your ideal choice. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on detailed descriptions and traveler feedback, this experience offers a nice balance of nature, activity, and local flavor—all for a reasonable price of $65 per person.

What we love about this tour is how it combines multiple highlights into a single day, making it a great value for families and groups who want to experience different sides of Puerto Vallarta without multiple bookings. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, with lively music and friendly guides. One minor consideration is that the tour is quite full, with a maximum of 140 travelers, so it might not appeal to those seeking a more intimate, quiet experience. This tour suits families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see the coast from the water while enjoying a full day of diverse activities.

Key Points

• Variety of stops: Snorkeling, beach relaxation, and waterfall adventure.
• Excellent value: All major activities and meals included.
• Fun boat ride: Music, drinks, and stunning ocean views.
• Child and family friendly: Suitable for all ages, with plenty to keep everyone entertained.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance the journey.
• Weather reliant: Good weather is essential for a smooth day.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: Snorkeling and Marine Beauty

The tour kicks off with a stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a natural underwater rock formation famous for its vibrant marine life. Here, you’ll spend about 25 minutes snorkeling — a highlight for many travelers who love exploring underwater worlds. The admission ticket is included, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs beyond the port tax of MX$33. Many reviews mention how the guided snorkeling is well-organized and the guides are knowledgeable, making it easy for beginners to enjoy the experience.

Expect to see a variety of colored fish and coral, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some larger marine creatures passing by. The scenery around Los Arcos is dramatic, with towering rock formations rising from the sea, offering fantastic photo opportunities. While 25 minutes might seem brief, it’s enough to get an authentic taste of the underwater world without feeling rushed.

Playa Las Ánimas: Beach Relaxation and Water Activities

Next, the boat takes you to Playa Las Ánimas, where you’ll spend about two hours relaxing on the sand, eating at the local restaurant, or trying out the kayaks available for rent. The included admission ticket makes this a hassle-free beach day. This stop provides a perfect chance to unwind, soak up the sun, and dip your toes in the Pacific.

Several travelers appreciate the casual atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine, with some mentioning the food as a highlight. The beach itself is scenic, with clear waters and a relatively quiet vibe—ideal if you’re seeking a brief escape from crowds. If you’re traveling with children, this stop offers a safe, manageable environment for swimming and playing.

Quimixto: Waterfall Adventure and Cultural Charm

The final stop is the fishing village of Quimixto, where you’ll spend around 1 hour and 10 minutes exploring. The main attraction here is a hike to a beautiful waterfall, which many say is well worth the effort. The guides usually help with the hike, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

Traveler reviews rave about the photo ops at the waterfall and the chance to see a more authentic side of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal villages. The water here is refreshingly cool, perfect after a hike. Consider bringing your camera—many guests have captured stunning nature shots. This stop is also great for relaxing and chatting with locals or other travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package provides a comprehensive experience at a fair price. Included are breakfast and lunch, which are often praised for being satisfying and well-prepared. You also get alcoholic beverages from a national open bar on the boat, adding a festive touch to the day.

Tour guides are also part of the package, and their knowledge and friendly attitude are consistently highlighted as a real plus. Kayaking and snorkeling gear are provided, so you can enjoy the water activities without extra expense. However, you should budget for the MX$33 port tax, and be aware that beach drinks and sodas have an extra cost.

Gratuities are not included, so if you appreciate the guides’ efforts, tipping is customary. You should also note that the tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to maximize fun and variety within a manageable 9-hour window. The boat ride itself is lively, with music and drinks creating a party-like atmosphere, which many travelers find adds to the enjoyment. The views of the coast from the water are truly spectacular, especially if you’re a fan of dramatic sea and mountain scenery.

The stops are well-paced, allowing enough time for activities, photos, and relaxation, though some might find the two hours at Las Ánimas a little brief if they’re eager to spend more time lounging or exploring. The guided hikes to Quimixto’s waterfall are straightforward but do require a bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Most travelers consider the value excellent, especially since key activities and meals are included. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the experience more engaging and authentic.

The Pros: Highlights of the Tour

• The snorkeling at Los Arcos offers a peek into vibrant marine life.
• Relaxing on Las Ánimas Beach provides a perfect break from the boat, with options for eating and kayaking.
• The hike to Quimixto’s waterfall is a great mix of adventure and nature photography.
• All meals and drinks are included in the price, adding to the sense of value.
• The fun, lively atmosphere on the boat makes the day enjoyable for all ages.

The Cons: Things to Keep in Mind

• The group size can be up to 140 people, so it’s not the most intimate experience.
• The day is weather-dependent; poor weather might lead to cancellations or changes.
• The time at each stop is relatively fixed, which might feel rushed for those wanting a more leisurely pace.
• Extra costs may include beach drinks and sodas, so budget accordingly.
• It’s a long day, so travelers should be prepared for a full schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, first-time visitors, or groups looking for a comprehensive day of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing. It’s ideal if you want to see multiple spots without the hassle of planning separate outings. The guided nature of the tour makes it accessible for all ages, and the inclusion of meals and activities means you won’t need to worry about extra expenses.

Travelers seeking a more exclusive or quiet experience might prefer smaller or private tours. But if you enjoy lively atmospheres, scenic boat rides, and a good mix of activities, this tour will deliver a memorable day.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Boat Tour to Animas and Quimixed Arches offers a well-rounded taste of Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty. It combines engaging water activities, scenic coastal views, and cultural exploration into a package that’s hard to beat for value. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge add authenticity, making this a fun, educational day for all ages.

While it may not suit those wanting a quiet or super-flexible experience, it’s perfect for travelers who want a lively, all-in-one adventure that covers the highlights with minimal fuss. Plus, the included meals and drinks, along with the stunning scenery, ensure you get excellent value for your money.

If you’re looking for a day packed with diverse experiences—from snorkeling and kayaking to hiking and relaxing on the beach—this tour hits all the right notes. It’s a great choice for families, first-timers, or anyone eager to explore Puerto Vallarta’s coast with a lively group.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and suitable for all ages. The activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and the waterfall hike are accessible for children, and guides are helpful throughout.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?
You get breakfast, lunch, an open bar (national drinks only), snorkeling gear, kayaks, and guided tours at each stop, plus admission tickets for the stops.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes. You’ll need to pay a MX$33 port tax and budget for any beach drinks or sodas not included in the open bar.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes for hiking, and your camera. Also, some cash for extras and tips.

Is the boat ride lively?
Yes, the boat is described as fun and lively, with music and drinks making it feel like a floating party.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on the tour?
A maximum of 140 travelers can join, so it’s relatively large but still manageable.

Can I do this tour if I’m not a strong swimmer?
Yes, but snorkeling is optional. The guides are experienced and will assist beginners.

Do I need to tip the guides?
Tipping is not included, and while not mandatory, it’s customary to show appreciation for good service.

To sum it up, this full-day adventure blends scenic beauty, water fun, and cultural exploration at a very reasonable price. It’s well-suited to those who want to see a lot in one day and enjoy a lively, friendly atmosphere.