Puerto Vallarta from the sea feels different fast. This half-day turns into a full day of snorkeling at Los Arcos, quiet beach time at Las Animas, and an optional hike toward the Quimixto waterfall. I like that the tour packages real basics in one go, not just views, plus you get onboard breakfast and an open bar while you cruise.

One watch-out: the published start time can slip, and the snorkeling and beach meal are not the kind of fast, tightly scheduled experience you might expect.

A few more reasons it works. The boat crew tends to run the show with energy, and the vibe is very family-friendly and social, especially on the return ride. I also like that snorkeling gear is included, so you are not scrambling for equipment at the dock.

The main drawback is that conditions and crowding matter. When the water is choppy or the day is delayed, your time in the water and your patience at the beach both get tested.

Key highlights and practical notes

• Onboard open bar plus a proper breakfast before you hit the water
• Los Arcos snorkeling equipment included, with a short stop that fits most schedules
• Las Animas beach time is the longest chunk, and lunch is served at the beach restaurant
• Quimixto waterfall is optional, with a walk and a swim time if you choose it
• Expect lines and timing gaps at the port, so build slack into your day
• Group size can be big, so bring a calm mindset and plan for wait times

A 7-hour Puerto Vallarta “see it from the water” day for $75

This tour is priced low for what it tries to bundle together. For about $75 per person, you are buying a full program: a boat ride with city views, a stop for snorkeling at Los Arcos, beach time at Las Animas with a meal included, and a choice-point at Quimixto for the waterfall hike.

Why that matters: in Puerto Vallarta, the real cost is often time and logistics. You can spend a lot of energy coordinating separate boat, snorkel, and beach plans. This one stays in a single flow, so you spend your effort picking what you want to do, not chasing schedules.

Also, it is offered in English. That is not the same as everything being fully bilingual, but it helps if you want clear guidance instead of hand signals.

Meeting at A.P.I. and the port-fee reality (MX$33)

Your tour departs from Terminal Maritima at A.P.I. (A.P.I. Puerto Vallarta S.A. de C.V.). The listed start time is 9:15 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Here is the part that can trip you up: you will likely pay a port tax/fee of MX$33 per person at the sea terminal. Reviews describe long lines around the port payments, especially when a lot of people arrive close to the same time. So even though the tour is sold with a start time, you should treat it like a “be ready early” day.

Practical move: arrive earlier than you think you need, and keep small cash handy for port-related fees. Also, do not book anything tight later that evening. Several comments point to delays in actual boarding and return timing.

Boat day vibes: breakfast, open bar, and crew-led fun

Once you are on board, the tone is social. The boat staff tends to keep the mood up, and you will feel it most during the return cruise. On some departures, the English support comes from people like David (tour leader/animator), who has reportedly checked in specifically to help with English explanations. You may also see other crew members like Adrian supporting the party energy.

The included food starts immediately. The breakfast menu is listed and includes hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade. Then, when it is time for drinks, the tour offers a national open bar on board. That is one of the most-liked parts of the experience for the simple reason that it removes the “what do we do now?” friction while you travel.

Two details that affect comfort:

• The boat ride involves a lot of movement on deck. If you have balance issues, watch your footing.
• If you get motion sick easily, try to sit on the lower level. This shows up again and again in feedback as the easier spot.

Stop 0: the sea views before the action

The day begins with a sea-view cruise that lets you see a postcard version of Puerto Vallarta: the Malecón and the parish from the water. It is short and scenic, and it helps the day feel like more than “just a transfer to a beach.”

You are also getting your bearings. If you have never been on the bay before, that early window makes the later beach stops feel like they belong together instead of being separate destinations.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: snorkeling at a real national park, but plan for short water time

The first real stop is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, where you snorkel in Los Arcos National Park. Snorkeling equipment is included, and admission for this stop is listed as free.

Timing-wise, this stop runs about 45 minutes. That is not a full-day snorkel session, so set expectations accordingly. You are getting a taste, not a long, guided training course.

Also, water conditions can change fast. If there was wind or a recent storm, the ocean can be choppy and visibility can drop. When that happens, snorkeling can feel more like a quick, determined swim than a reef show.

What I like for most visitors: even with brief snorkel time, you leave with the “I did Los Arcos” badge. If you are chasing maximum time in the water, you may want a dedicated snorkel tour. But for a value-priced boat day, this stop fits.

Quick safety and comfort tips based on what you are likely to experience:

• Wear a swimsuit that dries fast. You do not want to stay in soggy gear for hours.
• Put reef-safe sunscreen on early, not right before hopping in.
• If you are a nervous snorkeler, do not overthink it. The crew is part of the experience, and the tour is designed to get you in and out.

Playa Las Animas: the true centerpiece, with lunch included

After Los Arcos, you head to Playa Las Animas, listed as about 3 hours. This is where the tour slows down and becomes beach time.

Las Animas is described as a picturesque, quieter fishing village with crystal-clear water. The practical version: you will have enough time to swim, eat, and do a few optional add-ons if you feel like spending extra.

Here is what you should know about food:

• Lunch is included as part of the tour, and it is listed as one dish per person with three options to choose from.
• Drinks and tips are not included at the beach restaurant.

Several comments mention that the lunch service can feel late, even if you are physically waiting for it. That can be normal when you are dealing with a big group on a busy beach.

Your best strategy: bring patience, and plan to occupy the wait with beach chairs, swimming, chips, or whatever is available on site (but pay attention to what is included versus extra).

Also, beach seating is not automatically “free and perfect.” At Las Animas, you might have to rent beach chairs or umbrellas even if your meal is included. The tour is clear that drinks are separate, and feedback suggests seating rules can be more complicated than people expect. Budget for it.

Quimixto waterfall: optional hike, optional horses, and a decision point

Next comes Playa Quimixto for about 2 hours. The big selling point is the optional waterfall.

The plan is:

• You disembark in Quimixto.
• You walk around 30 minutes to reach the waterfall area. Optional horse rental may be available.
• Once there, you get about 20 minutes at the waterfall, including time to swim.
• Then you move back toward Las Animas for the remainder of the beach plan and food.

Two things to decide ahead of time:

1. Do you want the hike? It is not a casual stroll. The difference between enjoying it and feeling stressed is usually pacing and footwear.
2. Do you want the waterfall even if conditions are not ideal? Some feedback suggests the waterfall experience can vary depending on water flow.

If you are going with kids or you have moderate mobility needs, the safer choice is often just to treat Quimixto as a beach and hangout stop. That keeps the day enjoyable even when you do not want the optional exertion.

The stuff you pay for: drinks, port fees, tips, and beach add-ons

The tour includes open bar on board, breakfast, snorkeling equipment, and an included lunch at the beach. It also includes insurance.

What is not included:

• Port tax/fee: MX$33 per person at the sea terminal
• Drinks at the beach: listed as not included, and one stated price is MX$70 per person
• Tips
• Any services that are not specified as included

In real terms, this is how spending usually works:

• On the boat: you likely feel “taken care of” because the open bar is included.
• At the beach: you choose. You can keep it simple with your included dish, or you can upgrade with extras like parasailing, massages, jet skis, or other beach activities.

One important note: the boat day has a party vibe, and some beach areas can be crowded. If you want fewer surprises, take a quick inventory of what you have before you leave the boat, especially water, sunscreen, and a small amount of cash for extra items.

Timing headaches to plan for, and how to avoid a rough day

Most tours run smoothly when the port is on time and the weather cooperates. This one is still a boat tour, so it is not immune to delays.

What you should assume:

• Boarding might not happen exactly at 9:15 am.
• The day can stretch longer than the “about 7 hours” label.
• Snorkeling time in the water can shrink when conditions are rough or when the group flow needs adjusting.

How to protect your day:

• Do not schedule a dinner reservation right after.
• Bring a light layer even if it is warm. Boats can get breezy.
• If you get seasick, sit lower and consider bringing your own motion sickness plan. The tour offers life jackets, but you still want to feel good enough to enjoy the day.

Who should book Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto, and who should skip it

This tour is best for:

• Families who want an all-in-one boat day with meals and drinks on board
• Budget travelers who value scenic stops over long, dedicated snorkeling time
• People who like crew energy and the kind of group atmosphere where you do not have to plan every minute

You might skip it if:

• You care deeply about maximizing snorkeling time, longer stays on a reef, or you want very consistent conditions
• You hate waiting. Several comments point to long lines, waiting at the beach for meals, and delays that can be frustrating
• You want a quiet, romantic “just the two of us” day. This trip leans social.

Should you book this tour or choose something else?

If your goal is a fun, value-priced boat day that checks off Los Arcos, Las Animas, and optionally Quimixto, I think it is worth considering. The included breakfast and onboard open bar are real perks, and the crew-led atmosphere is one of the most praised elements.

But be smart about expectations. Treat it like a party-friendly group outing with a quick snorkel taste and beach relaxation, not like a perfectly timed private excursion. If you want a waterfall hike, go in with the mindset that it is optional and conditions can vary.

My practical call:

• Book it if you want variety, good value, and you can handle a big-day schedule.
• Skip it if snorkeling depth and tight timing are your top priorities.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Terminal Maritima (A.P.I.), in Puerto Vallarta, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:15 am.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is included and includes items like hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, fruit, coffee, and orangeade.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya.

Are drinks included?

You get a national open bar on board. Drinks at the beach restaurant are not included.

Is the Quimixto waterfall part of the tour?

It is optional. If you choose it, you walk about 30 minutes to the waterfall area and have about 20 minutes there to swim.

What extra costs should I plan for?

You should plan for a port fee of MX$33 per person (paid at the sea terminal) and drinks on the beach. Tips are also not included.