Half Day Tour with Snorkeling in Colomitos and Playa las Animas

A Practical Look at the Half Day Tour with Snorkeling in Colomitos and Playa las Animas

If you’re considering a half-day water adventure in Puerto Vallarta, this tour promises a mix of snorkeling, beach relaxation, and lively onboard fun. While it might seem like a good way to squeeze in some ocean fun, it’s worth looking beyond the glossy descriptions to see what you’re really signing up for. We’ve examined the details, reviews, and the experience itself to help you decide if this trip suits your travel style.

What we like about this tour is its potential for scenic views and lively atmosphere. It offers a chance to enjoy stunning rock formations at Los Arcos and explore Colomitos, Mexico’s smallest beach—perfect for snorkeling or kayaking. Plus, the included food and open bar can add a relaxed, festive vibe after swimming.

However, a key consideration is the mixed review record—at least one reviewer found the snorkeling disappointing, describing it as their “worst ever.” The tour’s small group size (max 60 travelers) and variable quality of the operator may impact your experience. This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a fun-packed day of water activities and socializing rather than a pristine, quiet escape.

Key Points

• Scenic views and lively atmosphere make this a fun option for social travelers.
• Snorkeling and kayaking depend on the operator’s equipment and crew expertise—expect variable experiences.
• The included lunch and open bar add value, especially for those looking for a relaxed, party vibe.
• Timing and group size are important; expect a busy, somewhat rushed schedule.
• The tour provides stunning photo opportunities with sea arches and rocky formations.
• Cost vs. value is mixed: it’s affordable but may not match the expectations of more serious snorkelers.

What to Expect from This Tour

Starting Point: Puerto Magico

Your adventure kicks off at Puerto Magico, a vibrant hub with cafes, shops, and boutiques. It’s a convenient, well-equipped spot with free parking, and your check-in is straightforward. Here, you can buy any last-minute essentials—towels, sunscreen, or souvenirs—before heading out to sea.

Cruise to the Bay of Banderas and Los Arcos

Boarding the boat, you’ll set sail across the bay, passing Muelle de Playa Los Muertos—a lively dock where you’ll see the iconic “Pier of the Dead”. The short stop lets you take in the bay’s beauty and snap some photos.

Next, the boat glides past the Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a striking formation of sea stacks and arches. These natural sculptures make for great photos and give you a sense of Mexico’s dramatic coastline. Expect about 20 minutes here to admire and photograph the formations—perfect for a quick but memorable sightseeing moment.

Colomitos: The Smallest Beach with Big Potential

Arriving at Colomitos, you’ll find Mexico’s tiniest beach—just a small strip of sand framed by lush cliffs and clear water. Here, water activities like snorkeling or kayaking are available. The tour’s description emphasizes snorkeling, promising a chance to discover vibrant marine life, but beware—some reviews suggest the snorkeling may not meet high expectations. One traveler called it “the worst snorkeling I have ever been on,” citing poor experience and confusion about the booking process.

If you’re an experienced swimmer, you might enjoy exploring the colorful underwater world, but some may find the marine life less impressive than hoped. Equipment is provided, but quality can vary, and the activity lasts about 40 minutes—enough to wet your fins, but not necessarily to spend hours exploring.

Playa Las Ánimas: Relax, Eat, and Enjoy

The highlight for many is Playa Las Ánimas, a beautiful beach with calm waters and a lively vibe. Here, your boat drops you off directly on the sand, where you’ll find a restaurant serving delicious seaside food. Expect around 3 hours—ample time to relax, eat, swim, or just soak in the sun.

The included lunch is a major perk, especially if you’re hungry after snorkeling, but additional food and drinks on the beach cost extra. The beach can get busy, especially with other tour groups, but its natural beauty and the chance to unwind make it a solid stop.

Return and Onboard Festivities

The return trip kicks off with a 30-minute segment of fun, as guides keep the energy high with music, contests, and an open bar. Expect a party atmosphere—ideal if you enjoy socializing and a lively post-beach scene—but perhaps less ideal if you’re after a peaceful, quiet afternoon.

The entire trip lasts about 6-7 hours, including transfers, stops, and free time. This is a fairly packed schedule, so pace yourself and plan for some active hours.

Analyzing the Value and Experience

Price and Included Features

At $57.51 per person, the tour is quite affordable compared to private boat trips or specialized snorkeling excursions. The lunch, open bar, and water activities add to the value, but the $33 MXN dock tax (roughly $1.75 USD) is extra.

While the price seems reasonable, the quality of the snorkeling appears to be hit-or-miss based on reviews. If snorkeling is your main goal, you might find this tour lacking, especially if marine life or underwater scenery are your priorities.

Group Size and Logistics

With up to 60 travelers, this tour can feel crowded, especially at the popular spots. The stops are relatively short, and the schedule is tight, which means you’ll need to be comfortable with a lively, bustling atmosphere. For those who prefer more intimate, leisurely experiences, this might not be the best fit.

What Travelers Should Know

The tour begins at 12:00 pm with registration at 11:30 am, so arriving early helps avoid missing the boat. It’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed—a plus for some travelers.

Children aged 0-2 can join free of charge, making it family-friendly if your little ones are comfortable with water activities. However, alcoholic beverages are only served to those over 18, and life jackets are mandatory for all water activities—safety measures that ensure peace of mind.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While most of the tour description is upbeat, the review from a Tripadvisor user offers a cautionary note: “Worst snorkeling I have ever been on.” They also mentioned confusion about the booking process—noting that their reservation was handled by a third-party company, and some guests couldn’t attend the rescheduled date without refunds.

This highlights the importance of clarifying the operator’s reputation and expectations before booking. It also suggests that if snorkeling is your priority, researching or choosing a dedicated snorkeling tour with better reviews might be worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for social travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere, scenic boat rides, and casual beach days. If you value good food, fun onboard, and don’t mind some unpredictability with water activities, this could be a good pick.

However, if you’re a serious snorkeler or prefer quiet, uncrowded beaches, you might find this tour less satisfying. The variable quality of snorkeling and the crowded schedule are important considerations.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a cost-effective way to see some of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic sights—like Los Arcos—and enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach with good food and drinks. Its strengths lie in the scenic views, lively onboard atmosphere, and convenient logistical setup.

But, it’s not a luxury or highly curated experience—the snorkeling quality, group size, and overall organization can vary. It’s ideal for travellers who prioritize social fun and beach relaxation over snorkeling excellence or quiet solitude.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lively adventure with plenty of opportunities for photos, snacks, and drinks, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and the busy schedule—brace yourself for a day of activity and good vibes, with a few caveats about the waters.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0-2 can join for free. However, consider their comfort with water activities and busy environments.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers lunch, an open bar on board, snorkeling or kayaking at Colomitos, use of snorkeling equipment, and restroom access onboard.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, there’s a dock tax of $33 MXN per person. Plus, you might want to budget extra for beach food and drinks, extra activities, or souvenirs.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 6 to 7 hours, including transportation, stops, and free time.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and cash for extras. Arrive at the meeting point by 11:30 am for registration.

Is snorkeling worth it on this tour?
It depends—some travelers find the marine experience underwhelming, while others enjoy the quick swim. Be prepared for variability, and consider alternative tours if snorkeling is your main focus.

Can I enjoy the beaches without participating in water activities?
Absolutely. The beach at Playa Las Ánimas is beautiful and provides plenty of space for relaxing, sunbathing, or just enjoying the scenery.

In the end, this tour is a lively, economical choice for those eager to soak up Puerto Vallarta’s oceanic charm with a party atmosphere. Just keep your expectations aligned with the reviews, and you’ll have a fun day out.