Three stops in one day, but plan smart. This Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto cruise is built for time efficiency, so you get boat travel, snorkeling gear, and multiple activities without hopping around town. I like that it includes an open bar on the boat plus breakfast and lunch, which keeps the day easy to manage once you’re on board.

My favorite part is how much they pack in: breakfast and lunch buffets during the cruise, and then extra gear like kayaks and paddle boards when conditions allow. The crew runs it like a party-day too, with music, dance energy, and even karaoke.

One drawback to consider up front is that the snorkeling can be hit-or-miss, mainly because water visibility and time in the water vary. If your top goal is long, clear snorkel sessions, you may want a different style of tour.

Key points before you go

• Multiple locations in one day instead of a single beach or a single cove
• Open bar plus breakfast and lunch included, so you control your budget on the water
• Kayaks and paddle boards are part of the plan, but you may need to reserve the paddle board
• Snorkeling time and visibility vary, so bring realistic expectations
• Large-group logistics can mean crowding and schedule drift when waves or timing change

Puerto Magico to Los Arcos, a full-value day on a catamaran

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta excursion that works when you want variety. You meet near Puerto Magico on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., and the activity starts at 9:15 am. It’s advertised as about 8 hours total, and with a maximum group size of 40 travelers, you’re not in a massive cattle-car situation on paper, even if the on-water experience can still feel busy.

The big idea is simple: you get maritime transportation in a catamaran and a tour structure that takes you between sight-stops. In practice, that means you’re trading the freedom of a private boat for a smoother, guided schedule that can still feel like a mini adventure. There’s also on-board insurance listed as part of the experience, which is one of those boring details that can matter if anything goes sideways.

If you like your day pre-planned, with meals handled and gear included, you’ll probably appreciate this format. If you prefer quiet time, small crowds, and flexible stop times, this might feel a little too organized and energetic.

Price and logistics: what $75.93 really covers

At $75.93 per person, this is positioned as a low-cost way to check major names off your Puerto Vallarta water map. The “all inclusive” part is real in the areas they advertise: you get continental breakfast and lunch, plus an open bar on the boat with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

But a key value lesson here is that you still have a couple of realistic add-ons. The Los Arcos National Marine Park dock tax is not included, listed as MX$32.00 per person. Also, there are optional extras like a banana boat (listed as MX$500.00 per person) that are not part of the included package.

So think of it this way: for your money, you’re paying for transportation, food, and gear, plus guided structure. You’re not paying for every single activity on every stop location. That matches what you’ll likely see on site: if you want upgrades, you’ll be offered them.

Your first snorkeling zone: what Los Arcos is like from the boat

Los Arcos is the headline for many people, and that makes sense. It’s one of the best-known snorkeling areas in the area, and the whole cruise is named for it. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment and life vests, and guides are listed as bilingual.

Here’s the honest expectation-setting piece. Multiple experiences described snorkeling time as short, often around 15 to 30 minutes, and that snorkeling can feel rushed compared with tours that treat the water as the main event. Visibility also appears to swing with the day. Some people report murky water that makes it hard to see much beyond the basics.

When the water is working, you can end up with great wildlife moments. Some people even noted whales and stingrays sighted during the day, which is a reminder that this is not only about the snorkel minute.

If you’re deciding whether this is your best snorkeling option, ask yourself this: are you happy if snorkeling is a meaningful bonus, or do you need long, clear water time to feel like you got your money’s worth?

Las Animas Beach time and the Quimixto waterfall hike option

After Los Arcos, the day shifts from open water to beach time and the larger “adventure” portion. Las Animas (often described as a beach stop) is where you can expect a break from the gear and a chance to reset. The cruise name includes Animas and Quimixto, and many experiences follow that pattern with time on shore plus options.

Quimixto typically comes up as the waterfall area, and several people described a hike up to the waterfall as part of the day. When that portion runs as planned, it’s one of the most praised moments: the scenery and the swim time can be the highlight for active travelers.

One consideration: this part of the day can be the most “schedule-sensitive.” Some experiences report that the waterfall portion felt rushed or that beach time ended up dominating more than expected. That can happen when the day runs late, when weather changes the water conditions, or when the group’s chosen activities affect timing.

Another practical note: once you’re at the beach destination, you might find that you’ll be encouraged to spend money on drinks or facilities nearby. The tour data says the cruise includes plenty on the boat, but it does not claim that everything on shore is fully covered. In real terms, bring cash for small purchases just in case, especially if card payments are limited at remote spots.

Snorkeling reality check: time, visibility, and gear surprises

I always tell friends to plan for snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta with two questions: How long am I in the water? and Will I be able to see?

On paper, the cruise includes snorkeling equipment and the stops are named for snorkeling areas. In the real world, the snorkeling can be brief. People reported around 15 minutes on some days, and other people reported closer to 25 to 30 minutes. That means your total “time with your face in the water” may not be what you imagine from a tour name that sounds like a full snorkeling expedition.

Visibility is the second issue. Some experiences described super murky water that limits what you can spot, including the inability to see much even close to your own hands. Others said the snorkeling was better, enough to feel like you were swimming with fish. The difference is often weather and water conditions, which you can’t control.

Gear can also be a weak point on some days. One painful experience described the boat running short on snorkeling equipment, so people had to improvise with whatever was available. That’s an outlier, but it’s still worth treating as a “check before you settle” moment. When you board, confirm you have fins and a mask that fits you comfortably.

Also, one review mentioned a 500 peso deposit for snorkeling gear. That is not listed in the tour details provided, but it was reported from a real experience. If you’re going, I’d treat this as a possible scenario: bring a small amount of cash so you’re not stuck if a deposit rule is applied that day.

Paddle boards and kayaks: fun when the water cooperates

This is one of those tours where the activity list sounds great, but the best version depends on conditions. The cruise includes kayaks, and it includes a paddle board with prior reservation. That reservation detail matters.

If you want paddle boarding time, make your reservation early during the booking process. Once you’re on the boat, it may be too late to fix what isn’t set. On the day, people reported that paddle boards or kayaks were limited by rougher water, or that access was restricted to a small area near the restaurant.

So your smartest move is to treat kayaking and paddle boarding as added value, not guaranteed centerpiece time. If the water is calm enough at the beach stop, you’ll likely have a lot more fun. If it’s choppy, you might get less freedom.

Food and the open bar: the part that can make or break the mood

This cruise includes a lot of “keep you fueled” items:

• Breakfast items like hot cakes, coffee, eggs, fruit, and juice
• Lunch described as a strong à la carte dish plus options like chicken, fish, and beef, along with sides and typical buffet-style items

People also said the meals were sometimes better than they expected, but others had a very different take. Food quality can vary with volume, timing, and how the day runs late or stays on schedule.

The open bar is clear on the boat. You’re offered tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water while you’re sailing. The good news is it makes the day feel like a true packaged outing. The watch-out is that a boat full of happy people can become a loud party, especially on the return.

Music and karaoke are part of the entertainment plan. Several people called the ride back a party vibe, with loud singing and music. If you want quiet conversation and a low-key day, this may not be your best match.

Crowds, timing drift, and language in a big-group day

Even with a listed maximum of 40 travelers, this tour can still feel crowded because it’s a moving system: people boarding, people in the water, people transferring to smaller boats or beach areas, and then everyone reloading later.

Timing drift shows up in real experiences. People described arriving back late, and they also described shorter snorkeling because the boat left early or the day ran behind. That’s not your fault, but it affects what you personally get to enjoy.

Language is another consideration. While the tour is offered in English, some people reported that instructions skewed mostly Spanish at certain points. The fix is easy: pay attention when guides give safety and activity notes, and if you’re unsure, ask directly.

Finally, motion sickness can be an issue. One review warned that you should expect the possibility of sea sickness. If you’re sensitive, bring motion sickness medicine and keep water handy.

What to bring so you’re comfortable the whole time

If you want to enjoy the ride instead of just surviving it, pack smart. I’d focus on comfort, not “cool gear” shopping.

Bring:

• A backpack you can carry through the day
• Water bottles for hydration, especially in humid conditions
• Cash for extra items on shore since some beach spots may not handle cards smoothly
• Sunscreen and a way to protect your shoulders and face
• A hat and sunglasses (snorkel days still mean lots of bright sun)
• Any motion sickness support you normally use

And do a quick checklist before you get excited:

• Confirm you’ve got snorkel equipment you can actually use
• Ask when you need to be ready for transfers and reloading
• If paddle boarding matters to you, confirm you have your reservation handled

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta snorkeling cruise?

Book it if:

• You want a one-day plan that hits three major areas without arranging separate taxis and boats
• You value included meals and drinks enough to prioritize convenience over perfect snorkeling time
• You’re okay with snorkeling that is meaningful, but not necessarily long and clear every day
• You want the energy of a group day, with dancing music and occasional party vibes

Consider a different tour if:

• Your main goal is hours of top-tier snorkeling visibility
• You hate noise and prefer a calmer boat experience
• You need strict English-only guidance from start to finish
• You want a guarantee that every stop will run on schedule with enough time for all optional activities

My practical take: this cruise can be a great “vacation day” if you treat snorkeling as part of a bigger outing. If you treat snorkeling itself as the whole reason you booked, you’ll want to compare with a tour style that promises longer time in the water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Magico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time is 9:15 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto snorkel cruise?

The duration is listed as approximately 8 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and it also includes bilingual guides.

What’s included in the all-inclusive package?

It includes maritime transportation in catamarans, continental breakfast, lunch, a national open bar on the boat (tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water), life vest, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and on-board insurance. Paddle boarding is included with prior reservation.

What snorkeling and water gear do I get?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and lifevests. It also includes kayaks, and a paddle board is available with prior reservation.

What fees or activities are not included?

Ground transportation is not included. Also not included are the Los Arcos National Marine Park dock tax of MX$32.00 per person and the banana boat activity priced at MX$500.00 per person.

Do I need prior reservation for the paddle board?

Yes. The paddle board is listed as included with prior reservation.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.