Three stops, one big day on the water.

This all-inclusive style outing is all about hitting Puerto Vallarta highlights fast, with a catamaran sail to Los Arcos de Mismaloya, then snorkeling at Playa Colomitos, and finally relaxing at Playa Las Ánimas with an included beach meal. I like the way you get iconic photos without hiking down anywhere first. I also like that Colomitos is set up for relaxed swimming and snorkeling in a calm, safe-feeling setting. One watch-out: the day can run loud and a bit chaotic, and your snorkeling time may not match the ideal timing in the schedule.

The boat setup is basic, and depending on the departure you may feel more party cruise than calm nature cruise. Still, the human part is strong. The staff are described as kind, helpful, and focused on making sure things stay safe while you bounce between stops.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a long, quiet snorkeling session with lots of sea life, you might be frustrated. If you want scenery, beach time, and a fun social atmosphere, this can hit the mark.

Key things to know before you go

• Los Arcos de Mismaloya from the water: the captain positions the boat so you can photograph the arches without climbing down.
• Colomitos snorkeling stop: clear water and marine life are part of the pitch, but time underwater can run short.
• Las Ánimas beach time with meal included: you get a beach restaurant meal, with drinks extra.
• Basic boat, party music on many days: loud music and an open-bar vibe can shape the whole experience.
• Friendly crew and safe driving: multiple accounts praise staff and smooth handling.

The big picture: a fast-hit catamaran day in Puerto Vallarta

This is a 7-hour, all-inclusive style catamaran cruise built around three main moments: photo time at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, snorkeling at Playa Colomitos, and beach relaxation at Playa Las Ánimas. The tour is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and runs with a maximum group size of 50, which is big enough to feel like an outing but small enough that it can still feel manageable.

The value comes from stacking multiple sites in one trip. Instead of choosing between “views,” “snorkeling,” or “beach,” you do all three, then return to Puerto Vallarta with show-and-contest entertainment on the way back. If your day in town is limited, this kind of packed itinerary can be a lifesaver.

The trade-off is that when a trip tries to do everything, the schedule can feel tight. That shows up in how some people experienced boarding timing and how long they actually spent snorkeling.

Price and what $78 really buys you

At $78 per person, the appeal is clear: you’re paying for transportation by catamaran, multiple stops, and an included beach meal. That can be a good deal in Puerto Vallarta if you compare it to paying separately for a boat ride, a beach admission setup, and food.

But this is not the kind of all-inclusive where every cost is fully covered. Drinks are listed as extra at Las Ánimas, and at least one group reported an extra port-fee payment of about 30 pesos per person. Also, optional activities at Las Ánimas are available for extra cost, like banana rides and parachutes, and the crew may sell excursions onboard.

So how do you judge value? Think of it like this:

• If you want a day with scenery + beach + some snorkeling, and you are okay with basic boat comfort, $78 can feel fair.
• If you are expecting a premium yacht, long snorkeling time, and quiet nature vibes, you may feel the price is high for what you actually get.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: iconic arches without the hassle

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most recognized photo stops, and the tour starts there on purpose. You sail out and then get a short stop for pictures while the captain positions the boat for good angles. The nice part is that you do not have to go down into the water or do any extra walking just to enjoy the view.

This matters because it sets the tone. You can get your “wow” moment early, with water-based views of the rock formations rising from the sea. It is a good moment for camera work too, especially if you want wide shots before the day gets more hectic.

One practical note: because this part is early and time-based, show up ready to go. A couple of accounts described boarding shifts, including being told their group was actually on a later boat than the time listed on the ticket. Arriving early is still smart, but do not expect the entire day to run like a clock.

Playa Colomitos snorkeling: clear water, but manage expectations

Playa Colomitos is sold as calm, clear, and surrounded by rock formations with tropical fish. The plan is for the catamaran to stop so you can snorkel in a quiet and safe environment, then relax and take pictures.

Here’s the reality check. One strong review said the snorkeling spot had very little sea life and that snorkeling time was under 30 minutes. Another mention: the water was a bit cold for one traveler, and that affected whether they snorkeled at all. That means Colomitos can be a great snorkeling moment, but your experience can swing based on conditions and timing.

What you can do to stack the odds in your favor:

• Bring gear you feel comfortable in. The tour will give you the snorkeling opportunity, but you want to feel confident in your setup.
• If you hate tight time underwater, be mentally prepared that the actual snorkeling window might feel short.
• If you are sensitive to cooler water, consider a swim layer that keeps you warm enough to last.

Still, even when snorkeling is brief, Colomitos can be worth it for the water clarity and the sense of being in a smaller, calmer spot compared to the busier beaches closer to town.

Las Ánimas beach: long-ish beach time and an included meal

After snorkeling, you cross over to Playa Las Ánimas, which is described as one of the more popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta for soft sand, calmer waters, and an easygoing beach atmosphere. The schedule gives you about 3 hours here.

You dock, then descend to an assigned restaurant on the beach for your included meal. Drinks are extra, and that is important because it affects how “all-inclusive” feels in practice. If you want sodas or cocktails, budget for it ahead of time.

This stop is also your main reset button. Once you are done with water time, you can choose to do nothing, swim, or take a walk along the coast. Some optional activities are offered at extra cost, like banana rides and parachutes, which can be fun if you want adrenaline after calmer snorkeling.

What could throw you off is timing. One account described lunch starting much later than expected, with a slow flow of plates. That can happen with a big group at a beach restaurant, especially if schedules compress. If you are hungry, plan patience.

The upside is that multiple people clearly liked the beach itself. Las Ánimas is a solid “day off” beach stop, and it is one of the main reasons this tour works for mixed groups, including people who might not snorkel for the full session.

Return ride to Puerto Vallarta: show, contests, and party energy

On the way back, the tour includes a show and contests. This is where the trip can turn into a full-on social event, not just a sightseeing loop.

Some accounts described the boat with loud music played for the entire time, and with an open bar that made the party vibe build as the day went on. If you are hoping for quiet conversation and easy viewing, that might be the opposite of what you get. Another review painted it as a long party day where snorkeling and sightseeing took a back seat.

But there are also positive takes that show it is not always chaos. One traveler described a Monday departure where it felt almost private, with only two of them on the 11:00 a.m. boat, and they noted safe, smooth driving. That tells me the vibe can vary a lot depending on the day and how full the boat is.

If you care about atmosphere, you should think of this as: party settings are part of the product, even if you personally do not want them. Bring earplugs if loud music irritates you. And if you want dolphins and quiet sea watching, be ready to catch that moment when you can.

Logistics that matter: timing, crowds, and the basic boat feel

Even though the tour is 7 hours on paper, the lived experience can stretch. A couple of reviews described being told boarding would happen at noon rather than the earlier listed time. Another described a return that did not land until around 9:00 p.m.

Crowds are also part of the story. One negative account said over 200 people were crowded onto the boat, which is hard to imagine when you see a maximum of 50 in the tour details. What this suggests is that capacity and actual boat size might vary by date or how the operator runs the day. Bottom line: if you hate crowds, pick your expectations carefully.

Boat comfort is another factor. One review called the boat not fancy, describing a beat-up deck with plastic lawn chairs. That does not mean the experience is unsafe or unpleasant, but it does mean you should dress and plan like you are on a working catamaran, not a luxury cruise.

The good news is that staff behavior gets praised. People said the crew were super friendly and helpful, and at least one traveler said the captain drove safely and they did not get seasick.

Who this tour fits best

This is a good match if you want a one-day Puerto Vallarta hit list:

• You want photos at Los Arcos de Mismaloya without extra effort.
• You want at least one snorkeling stop, even if it is not guaranteed to be long.
• You want a beach break at Las Ánimas, plus an included meal.
• You like a social atmosphere and can handle loud music.

It is a weaker match if:

• Quiet snorkeling matters more than the overall party vibe.
• You expect a luxury boat and lots of comfort time.
• You only want a strong underwater show, with long sessions and abundant sea life.

If you are traveling as a couple, family, or group with mixed interests, the structure works because some people will snorkel, some will lounge, and others will chase the entertainment on the boat back.

Small tips to make your day smoother

Here are the practical moves that can save you stress on this kind of schedule-heavy tour:

• Arrive early and be flexible. Even when a ticket says 11:00 a.m., boarding might shift.
• Plan for the snorkeling window to feel shorter than the overall stop time. I’d treat it as a quick swim and not a full-length snorkeling safari.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water-friendly layers. If the water is cool for you, plan a warmer swim option.
• Eat before you go if you tend to get impatient with late meal service. Some departures may run behind.
• If loud music bugs you, bring earplugs. It can be continuous.

And for the best experience, treat each stop as its own mini-mission. Los Arcos for photos, Colomitos for a try at snorkeling and water clarity, Las Ánimas for beach recovery.

Should you book it? My take

If your priority is a simple, single-day catamaran plan that covers Los Arcos, Colomitos, and Las Ánimas, this is worth considering at $78. The included beach meal and the chance to see Puerto Vallarta’s coastline from the water make it a solid deal for the right mindset.

But go in with eyes open. This can be a party-leaning day with loud music, and snorkeling can be brief. If you are the type who counts on a long underwater session, you may feel disappointed. If you want a lively outing with a beach reset at Las Ánimas, you are more likely to have fun, especially since the crew is consistently described as kind and helpful.

My call: book it if you want a fun mix of sights and beach time, and you can accept that snorkeling time and vibe can vary by departure.

FAQ

How long is the Colomitos and Las Ánimas cruise?

The tour runs about 7 hours total, with stops at Los Arcos de Mismaloya (about 1 hour), Playa Colomitos (about 2 hours), Playa Las Ánimas (about 3 hours), and then return to Puerto Vallarta with show and contests (about 1 hour).

What is included in the tour price?

You get the catamaran cruise to multiple stops and an included meal at the Playa Las Ánimas restaurant. Drinks at the beach are extra.

Do you actually get snorkeling time at Playa Colomitos?

Yes, the itinerary includes a snorkeling session at Playa Colomitos. However, some accounts say the snorkeling window can be shorter than expected.

Is lunch included at Las Ánimas, and how does it work?

A meal is included at an assigned restaurant on the beach at Las Ánimas. One account noted that lunch started much later than expected, so it helps to be patient.

Are there extra costs besides the $78 price?

There can be extra costs for drinks and optional beach activities. One account also reported paying about 30 pesos each for port fees, so it is smart to ask ahead of time.

What time should I arrive to avoid missing boarding?

The ticket may show a start time, but at least one account described boarding happening about an hour later than expected. Arrive early to reduce stress.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What happens on the return trip?

On the way back to Puerto Vallarta, the boat includes a show and contests.