Puerto Vallarta from the water feels like the fastest way to get the coast’s best views. This full-day double-decker boat trip ties together snorkeling at Los Arcos, beach time at Las Animas, and a stop in Quimixto, with food and drinks built in. It is an active day, but it is also the kind where you can sit back and watch the coastline roll by.

I especially like that the day includes both snorkel gear and lunch on the beach, so you are not hunting around for basics. I also like the simple rhythm of it all, breakfast first, then water time, then a beach reset, and finally a nature outing in Quimixto.

The main thing to consider: the schedule can feel rushed and the snorkeling time can be short if the boat is full or gear is limited. If you want long, quiet time underwater, plan your expectations accordingly.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Los Arcos snorkeling gear is included, but bring a photo ID and expect limited equipment.
• Las Animas is the recovery stop, with time to swim, relax, and use kayaks on the beach.
• Quimixto is a choice point, where you may need to decide quickly between hiking or horseback-style options.
• Open bar is on the boat, and the vibe includes music, dancing, and games.
• This is a full-day plan, so treat it like you are blocking most of your day.

A full-day double-decker plan for Puerto Vallarta’s coast

This is the kind of tour that makes sense when you want variety without organizing anything yourself. You start with breakfast on board, then you are out on the water for snorkeling and scenic cruising, with beach and village time later. The double-decker setup also helps, because you can bounce between shade and sun and still stay part of the action.

You are based around three named areas: Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto. That matters because it helps you picture the day as three different moods. Underwater life first, laid-back beach second, and then a more rural, nature-focused feel in the hills.

In practice, this kind of outing works best if you like being with a group, moving every few hours, and enjoying the party atmosphere on the boat. If you want a quiet, slow, private day, you may find the energy a bit much.

Los Arcos snorkeling: where the fish are, and how to maximize your time

Los Arcos is the headliner stop. The point is to snorkel in a protected area known for tropical fish and lively marine life, with crystal-clear water that makes it easier to actually see something. Life jackets are provided, and mask and snorkel gear are included, which is convenient.

Here is the practical reality to plan for. If the boat is full, snorkeling time can be limited and gear can run short, so you might end up in the water for a brief window. One important tip: bring a photo ID, because it has been requested for snorkel gear in some situations.

To get more out of the stop, don’t treat it like a long swim. Treat it like a short mission. Put your gear on quickly when you get the chance, pick a spot and swim calmly, then spend your energy looking rather than adjusting everything underwater.

Also, crowd levels matter. When lots of snorkelers go in at once, fish often scatter. So even if you are not controlling the schedule, you can still control your calm pace.

Las Animas Beach: swim time, kayaks, and a straightforward lunch

After the water-and-mask portion of the day, you get a real breather at Las Animas Beach. This is the spot where you can relax, swim, and soak up the Pacific without needing to do much planning. The tour includes time here plus kayaks on the beach, which is a nice bonus if you want a little motion without committing to another strenuous activity.

Lunch is served right on the beach. That is a big value point, because it saves time and keeps you from feeling like you have to leave the water, find food, then come back. The lunch is the part I would feel most confident about based on the day’s flow, even if the earlier meal is more basic.

One thing to remember: beach time is beach time. Bring sunscreen, water-friendly sandals if you like them, and something to protect your phone and camera. The day moves quickly, so it helps to have your essentials ready to go the moment you hit shore.

Quimixto village and the waterfall choice you may need to make fast

Quimixto is where the tour shifts gears from coastal fun to a greener, more rural feel. The village sits in a natural setting, and the main reason to go is the option to reach a seasonal waterfall area. Depending on what is offered that day, you may choose horseback-style travel or a guided hike to the waterfall.

The goal is the same either way: see the cascading waterfall, then enjoy a swim in the natural pool below when conditions allow. This part of the day is the most “adventure” feel, and it is a good counterweight to the boat’s party energy.

The caution is about decision-making. The day can include a point where you need to choose between activities quickly, and you might not get the time to reconsider once you are committed. If this is the part you care most about, think ahead about what you can handle comfortably, especially if you do not love rushed choices.

Also watch for add-ons. In one experience, the tour did not include the horse option as described and instead pushed a paid alternative. You can still enjoy Quimixto, but it helps to be ready for the possibility of extra costs if you want a specific way to get to the waterfall.

Continental breakfast and beach lunch: simple, included, and plan for it

You are served a continental breakfast to start the day. Continental typically means basics rather than a full hot breakfast spread, and that matches what you should expect here. If you are the type who needs eggs and coffee to function, eat what you can early, but do not assume it will be a feast.

Then, lunch is served right on the beach at Las Animas. This is the meal you are most likely to enjoy simply because the setting is so good and you are already in swim mode. When food is timed with the day’s best moments, it often tastes better than it would on its own.

A smart move is to keep a light snack plan in mind, even though breakfast and lunch are included. The tour focuses on activity, so if you have a sensitive stomach or you get hungry fast, having a small backup helps.

The open bar and the boat soundtrack: fun, but manage your expectations

The open bar is available onboard, with unlimited drinks included during the time you are on the water. You will also have music, dancing, and games on board, and the top deck is set up as the place to hang out and watch the coastline.

This can be a great fit if you want a social day. The boat portion is more party than quiet cruise, and the energy ramps up as people settle in with drinks and music.

Here is the consideration. Drinks can be lighter than you expect, and the music selection may feel dated to some ears. If you are picky about cocktails or prefer modern playlists, you might want to pace yourself and bring a backup plan for your mood, like sitting in a calmer area of the boat or enjoying the views between songs.

If you are snorkeling too, remember that alcohol and saltwater do not mix well for comfort. Have a drink or two if it sounds fun, but keep your main goal as a safe, enjoyable water session.

Price and value: what $120 buys you, and what can cost extra

At $120 per person for an 8-hour outing, you are paying for a bundled day: guides, meals, snorkel gear, life jackets, and an open bar, plus access to multiple stops. For many people, that is the value. You do not have to think about transport between locations, you get named stops, and the day is built around water and views.

Still, value depends on how the day matches your priorities. If your goal is underwater time, you should know that snorkeling can be brief when the boat is busy. If your goal is the waterfall, you should know that the way you get there and any extra fees can change how much you end up paying.

One more practical note: add-ons and upsells can show up at the moment you want an optional experience, like a specific transport method to the waterfall. If you are trying to keep costs predictable, decide in advance what you want and what you will pass on.

The good news is that even with the possibility of extra spending, the tour still gives you a full-day Puerto Vallarta mix: snorkeling + beach + village in one package, with food and drinks handled.

Who this tour suits best (and who should choose differently)

This tour is a strong match if you like variety and you want your day to feel “planned for you.” You will probably enjoy it most if you are:

• Happy with group travel and a lively boat vibe
• Interested in snorkeling but not necessarily chasing a long, quiet swim session
• Looking for one beach stop with included meals and optional kayaking
• Curious about Quimixto’s waterfall setting and can handle a decision point

You might want to choose something else if you:

• Want maximum time underwater, uninterrupted
• Prefer calm, modern music and low-pressure pacing
• Hate the idea that activity choices can be time-sensitive
• Are trying to avoid any chance of extra fees

Also, if you are sensitive to crowd energy, treat the boat portion like a social environment. It can be fun, but it is not a private nature trip.

The practical checklist I’d follow

Before you go, get your basics right so the day stays fun.

Bring:

• Photo ID (it can matter for snorkel gear access)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water-friendly sandals or something that grips well
• A small waterproof pouch for your phone
• Swimwear and a towel if you like having full control

On the water:

• Be ready to put on snorkeling gear quickly
• Keep calm in the water to actually see fish
• Drink water too, not just cocktails

On beach and village time:

• Wear shoes that handle sand and possibly uneven ground
• Decide early what you want at the waterfall choice point, so you are not scrambling under time pressure

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta boat day?

Book it if you want an all-in-one day that hits the coast, includes snorkeling, gives you beach time with lunch, and rolls into a hillside village for a waterfall option. The bundled value, included meals, snorkel gear, and open bar, make it easy for you to enjoy without logistics stress.

Skip it or look for a more flexible alternative if snorkeling is your top priority and you want long underwater time, or if you dislike loud group party energy and fast decision points. In those cases, you may spend more time waiting, choosing, and adjusting than you want.

If your style is “let the day happen, then enjoy what you get,” this one can land really well.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts 8 hours.

What is included in the open bar?

An all-you-can-drink open bar is included on board the boat.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, you get a continental breakfast.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico, and you should meet with the Beach Boy company.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Life jackets are provided, and mask and snorkel gear are included.

Is there lunch included?

Yes, lunch is served on the beach.

Does the tour visit Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto?

Yes. The day includes stops for Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto.

What languages are the guides?

The tour has a live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a reserve and pay later option?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later.