Snorkel, then hike to a waterfall. I like the Los Arcos snorkeling stop with clear water and marine life, and I like the Quimixto waterfall hike through real jungle trails. One catch: the whole plan depends on good weather.

This is the kind of half-day-to-evening outing that feels like two different moods in one. You start on a boat from Mismaloya with life jackets and snorkeling gear sorted out, then shift to village time in Quimixto and beach time at Las Ánimas. The guides are bilingual, and names like Ivan show up in feedback as fun, professional, and knowledgeable. Pickup is often offered, and you are kept moving with snacks and drinks along the way.

Key things to know before you go

• Real marine park snorkeling at Los Arcos, with arches, caves, and lots of sea life around the granite islets
• Colomitos Beach time for a quieter pause away from the busier stretch of the bay
• Quimixto waterfall hike on a jungle trail, with a swim-ready pool if conditions are right
• Food and drinks included, plus the option to buy seafood and extra beach activities later
• Small-group feel is possible, even though the operator lists a max group size of 99

Ocean and jungle in one 4 to 6 hour loop

This trip is built for people who want variety without planning a bunch of separate activities. You get a boat ride along the Bay of Banderas, snorkeling in a marine park, a walk up to a waterfall, and then a beach break with food. It works well if you are staying around Puerto Vallarta and want a day that is active but not exhausting.

Timing is generally tight in a good way. The day starts at 10:00 am, and the full experience runs about 4 to 6 hours once travel time is included. Expect stops that are long enough to enjoy them, but not so long that you feel stuck.

Getting on the water at Playa Mismaloya

The day starts at the small, lively Playa Mismaloya area. Friendly staff meet you at the shore, you get a safety briefing, and then you step onto the tour boat with life jackets, snorkeling gear, and beverages ready to go.

Before you even reach the best snorkeling, you also get a story break. The guides share the connection to The Night of the Iguana, the 1964 Tennessee Williams play-turned-Hollywood film directed by John Huston. If you know nothing about it, it still gives you a fun lens for what you are seeing along the coast.

A small practical note: the first stop is short, so if you want extra photos, do it early while everyone is still fresh and organized.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya marine park snorkeling: what it’s like

Los Arcos is the main event, and it is easy to see why. You cruise the Bay of Banderas coastline first, with the guide pointing out landmarks and local wildlife, and then you arrive at a cluster of granite islands inside the marine park.

This is the part where the scenery and the underwater world team up. Above the water, you get dramatic rock shapes, arches, and caves. Below the surface, you get warm water and, in the best conditions, crystal-clear visibility. You are not just floating in open water, you are swimming through a rocky, biologically active zone.

The snorkeling is where you will notice the trip’s value. You do not need to source gear, and the crew provides what you need. Once you are in, you might spot tropical fish such as angel fish, puffer fish, and parrotfish, plus rays and eels. Coral formations and lots of little details tend to show up in clear visibility, so even if you are a casual swimmer, you can still enjoy the experience.

You also get wildlife sightings above water. The islands are home to birds like pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds, and those cliff nests can make for great photos.

A realistic consideration

Snorkeling is more comfortable if you are comfortable with the water and can follow instructions quickly. It is a shared outing with gear and timing, so you will want to listen at the briefing and be ready to get in and out smoothly.

Colomitos Beach: your quiet bay pause

After the marine park time, you head to Colomitos Beach. This is described as a secluded cove on the southern side of Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta. Translation: you get a calmer mood than the main beach strips.

This stop is a breather. If you want to reset your legs after the water activity, this is where you do it. You can take it slow, hang near the shore, and enjoy the scenery without a constant stream of tour energy.

If you are traveling with someone who does not love snorkeling, this stop helps balance the day.

Quimixto village and waterfall: forest trail to a swim pool

Then the trip shifts from ocean to jungle. You arrive in the village of Quimixto, a small, authentic community with cobblestone paths, colorful houses, and a gentle pace. It is a nice change of rhythm from the boat and beach parts.

From the village, you hike to the waterfall with a guide. The trail goes through tropical forest, and you may cross a scenic river and pass lots of local plants and flowers. Depending on the season, you might see birds, butterflies, and blooming wildflowers.

At the waterfall, the payoff is clear: a cascade into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by rocks and greenery. If conditions and safety allow, you can swim in the natural pool, climb on the rocks for a closer look, or just sit and listen to the sound of water.

Why this part feels worth your time

A lot of tours do a quick stop and call it nature. Here, you actually get the “how it looks and feels” part of the jungle through the hike, then the payoff at the water. You also get a local village stop, which helps the day feel like more than a checklist.

What to watch for

This is a hiking segment, so wear shoes you trust on uneven ground. Bring a plan for your phone and camera if you want photos near water.

Las Ánimas beach break: food, swimming, and optional add-ons

Next comes Playa Las Ánimas, another tranquil beach area. You arrive and then settle into a beachfront restaurant setup.

You are treated to an appetizer as part of the experience, and the menu style is described as flexible. It could be fresh ceviche, crispy shrimp tostadas, or guacamole with homemade chips. You can also order from the restaurant menu for fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine if you want more.

Once you are fed, you have options. You can relax in the sand, swim in the ocean, explore the area, or jump in from a pier. There are also extra activities available that are not included, like parasailing, banana boat rides, adventure park experiences, and massages.

You also end the day with a ride back toward Mismaloya, including a cold beverage to keep the mood easy.

One practical tip

If you want to keep spending under control, decide early what you will buy beyond the included snack and appetizer. The options at the beach are fun, but they can add up fast.

Price and value: what $89 buys you

At $89.00 per person, the value comes from packing several expensive or logistically annoying things into one outing. You get a guide, snorkeling equipment use, snacks, soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. You also get the boat portion plus multiple stops that would be hard to string together cheaply on your own.

There is no WiFi included, so plan on using your own data if you need maps or messaging.

When I judge value, I look at friction. Here, the tour handles gear, boat logistics, and timing. That is a big deal on a day when you want to enjoy water and nature, not fight with rentals, separate transportation, and scheduling.

Boat ride feel and group size reality

The operator lists a maximum group size of 99, which sounds large on paper. Still, the experience can feel more personal depending on how you are assigned.

One thing people highlight is the small-boat feel, including an account of being on a boat with only 8 people. So even with a large theoretical max, you may end up with a more manageable group size in practice.

Either way, the trip structure tends to keep you moving. You have a guide, you have clear segments, and each part has a purpose: ocean views first, marine park second, beach pause third, jungle hike fourth, and food and relaxation last.

Guides and language: how comfortable you’ll feel

The guides are bilingual, and safety is part of the setup. You get a safety briefing at the beach before snorkeling, and you have a guide walking you through what you are doing.

In feedback, a guide named Ivan gets specifically called out for being fun and professional, and for being knowledgeable about the day and the area. That matters because the best part of snorkeling and waterfall stops is usually the small context: what you are likely to see, how to time your swim, and where to look for animals and photo angles.

What to bring for ocean and jungle comfort

This is not a bring-everything-and-you’re-done trip, but a few basics help a lot.

• Reef-safe, grippy footwear for the waterfall trail
• Sunscreen and a hat, since the day includes boat and beach time
• A small towel and a dry bag for your phone and camera
• Sunglasses with a strap if you snorkel
• If you plan to buy extra activities, bring some cash or card so you are not scrambling

Also remember that snorkeling and beach stops mean you will get wet. Pack accordingly.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want an ocean-and-jungle day without hours of planning. It is especially good for:

• People who want snorkeling equipment handled for them
• Travelers who enjoy a mix of nature and local village atmosphere
• Anyone who likes both boats and walking, but does not want a full hiking day

You might want to choose something else if you strongly dislike getting wet, or if you need an activity with no hiking at all. The Quimixto waterfall segment includes a guided hike up to the falls.

Should you book Ocean and Jungle: Snorkel, Quimixto Waterfall and Beach Adventure?

I think you should book it if you are trying to get the best parts of the Bay of Banderas and the Quimixto area in one clean, guided package. For the money, you are not just paying for a view. You are paying for snorkeling gear, boat time, multiple scenery stops, and a waterfall hike that actually adds a second kind of nature to the day.

If you want to maximize your day, pick a time when the weather looks cooperative, wear shoes you trust for trail sections, and go into it expecting both ocean time and jungle time. Do that, and this becomes one of those days where you feel like you left with more than photos.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are soda/pop, bottled water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, use of snorkeling equipment, and a guide.

Do I need WiFi during the tour?

No WiFi is included on board.

What snorkeling equipment do they provide?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment for you to use.

Is there a weather requirement?

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

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.