Los Arcos fish make the day. This Puerto Vallarta boat tour is interesting because it pairs a real national-park snorkeling stop with two different beach-and-water scenes.

I like how Los Arcos National Park gets you into the snorkeling game with equipment and basic guidance before you go in. You also have plenty to look forward to above the water, since you cruise south across the bay with views of Vallarta and the mountains.

Next, I like the food-and-mood setup: breakfast aboard the boat plus an open bar while you’re moving between stops. The crew keeps energy up, and the day can feel like a floating hangout as much as an excursion.

The main drawback to plan for is how the day runs with a crowd. Snorkeling may happen in shifts, and the Quimixto waterfall stop can require proper footwear, with running shoes often making a big difference.

Quick takeaways on Los Arcos, Ánimas, and Quimixto

• Los Arcos snorkeling time is short but built in, with about 40 minutes in the water at the national park.
• Playa Las Ánimas is your active break, since kayaking and paddleboarding are included, not just a free beach stop.
• Quimixto is a real hike, not just a viewpoint, so bring the right shoes if you want to walk up to the waterfall.
• Food and drinks are part of the package, with breakfast on board, a restaurant stop at Ánimas, and beachside lunch at Quimixto.
• Time management matters on a shared boat, especially if you’re sensitive to crowds, boarding delays, or shift-based snorkeling.

Los Arcos National Park snorkeling, the star stop

This is the part most people remember, because Los Arcos National Park is the reason to book a boat day in the first place. You travel about 35 minutes south across the bay, then the crew explains snorkeling basics and gives you the gear before you head in.

The water time is about 40 minutes. That’s not a whole afternoon, so treat it like a focused session: get comfortable quickly, put your energy into where fish are active, and don’t spend your whole slot fussing with straps or fins. The water temperature is often pleasant, including in cooler months like January, so you’re not fighting chilly skin.

One practical heads-up: the boat can run with enough people that snorkeling may happen in shifts. If you’re the type who hates waiting, you might feel that pinch in the schedule. You can reduce stress by arriving ready to go, keeping your snorkeling setup easy, and listening carefully for how the crew will call you in.

Breakfast on the boat and why the vibe stays upbeat

This tour treats food like a schedule tool, not an afterthought. Breakfast is served while you depart the marina, and you’re not just handed a snack and sent off.

Expect breakfast aboard the boat that includes scrambled eggs with ham, hotcakes, fruit, plus coffee and juice or water. On some departures, the breakfast setup can vary, and you may also see items like chilaquiles along with fruit, granola, and yogurt. Either way, it’s enough to feel ready for snorkeling and a long day.

Then there’s the drinks situation. This isn’t a limited sip, it’s an open bar aboard the boat. Beer, margaritas, and palomas are common favorites mentioned by guests, and the overall effect is that the mood stays light even while you’re moving through a full day of stops. You’ll also see staff working hard to keep everyone comfortable, with a high-energy vibe that can turn into dancing later in the day.

If you prefer a quiet, no-music boat, this might not be your style. But if you like a social atmosphere, it’s a real plus.

Crossing the bay from Marina Vallarta to the park

The cruise is about more than just transport. The 35-minute ride gives you a break from land routines and a chance to settle in. You’ll head south across the bay, and you’ll get the classic Vallarta framing with mountains and coastline views.

This part is also useful if you’re not fully set on the water yet. You can watch the sea conditions, spot where the crew plans to snorkel, and get your bearings before you change into beach mode.

Because you’re on a shared boat, the pace can depend on how smoothly boarding goes that day. Some groups mention slow boarding and waiting. You can help yourself by keeping your swim and towel gear easy to grab, using sunscreen before you board if you can, and being mentally okay with a little downtime between activities.

Playa Las Ánimas: beach time with real water toys

After Los Arcos, you head to Playa Las Ánimas. This is the part of the day where you switch from snorkeling gear to beach gear and then choose your level of activity.

You can simply relax, but the tour also includes kayaks and paddleboards, so you can get out and move around. If you’re someone who likes to be active without it turning into a big workout, this is a great match. The included equipment means you’re not trying to rent anything on the fly, and you get to enjoy the bay from the water without the snorkeling pressure.

There’s also a restaurant visit at Playa Las Ánimas. The point here is practical: you’re not expected to bring all your own food, and you’ll have a place to take a breath and reset before the later Quimixto stop.

A small logistics consideration to keep in mind: depending on water conditions and dock setup, getting on and off the boat can take extra steps. Some people report that the boat was not the easiest platform for everyone to reach the dock directly, and smaller boats may be used to get everyone to shore and back. It’s not unusual in this area, but it can add time.

Quimixto waterfall: the walk is the difference

Quimixto is where the day turns into a photo-and-view moment. You’ll arrive for a visit to the Quimixto waterfall, which is a gorgeous spot for photos and a chance to slow down.

But the big thing is the hike. If you want to walk up to the falls, bring the right footwear. Running shoes are often described as mandatory for this part. If your idea of vacation footwear is flip-flops, plan to limit your walking, because the path can be more demanding than you might expect.

The waterfall walk is about 45 minutes each way. That time adds up fast, so if you’re already mentally tired from snorkeling, treat this as your pacing check. You can also avoid the full hike by paying for an ATV or a donkey ride up and down. Prices shared by guests are around 600 to 800 pesos per person, but those costs can change, so assume it’s an on-the-spot price.

Also remember: this stop includes relaxing time, but it is not just a quick stop at the edge. You’ll want to arrive with water, good shoes, and a simple plan for how far you want to go.

Food and drinks across the full day: what’s included

This tour’s value comes from packing the day with included meals, not just one snack. Here’s what you can count on:

• Breakfast aboard the boat, served as you depart, with options like scrambled eggs with ham, hotcakes, and fruit (with other possible breakfast variations like chilaquiles on some departures).
• A restaurant visit at Playa Las Ánimas.
• Beachside lunch at Quimixto, with four different lunch options that can vary by day.
• An open bar aboard the boat.

It’s a smart setup because you’re spending a full seven hours at sea and on the coast. When meals are included, you’re less tempted to buy expensive, convenient food later. It also means you can focus on enjoying each stop instead of chasing a schedule.

One more detail that matters: pictures are not included. If you want mementos, bring your own camera or phone setup, and consider bringing a small waterproof bag so you can handle beach time without worrying about splash risk.

Price and value: $81 plus the port fee reality

At $81 per person for a 7-hour boat tour, this can be strong value, especially because snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, meals, and an open bar are included. The tour does a lot of heavy lifting for you in one ticket.

Then there’s the port fee. You’ll pay a port fee of either $32 pesos per person (mentioned for guests over 8) and also $30 pesos per person is noted at the meeting/payment point. Either way, it’s a small add-on compared to the overall inclusions, and it’s paid on arrival as part of the check-in process.

What stands out is that you’re not paying extra for the core activities. You get snorkeling at Los Arcos, time at Playa Las Ánimas with water toys, and Quimixto with waterfall views plus lunch. If you’d otherwise book snorkel gear, a beach activity, and food separately, the bundle starts to make sense.

Still, keep in mind that some extras are optional and cost extra, like ATV or donkey rides if you skip parts of the hike. And since pictures are not included, you’ll want to plan your own photo strategy.

What to bring for Los Arcos, Ánimas, and Quimixto

For this day, pack like you’re doing a mix of snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding, beach time, and a possible hike.

Bring:

• A towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen

Plan your footwear:

• If you want the waterfall walk, running shoes are strongly recommended.

Also, keep these restrictions in mind:

• No drones
• No explosive substances

And a small confidence tip: if you’re going into the water, do your sunscreen first and keep your essentials dry in transit. It saves time later when you’re switching between boat decks and beach activities.

Meeting point and day-of flow at Marina Vallarta

You start at Marina Vallarta. You’ll check in at the office there, where any outstanding balances are settled and the port tax is handled for guests over 8.

For the payment step, you’ll find the port fee payment spot at the main entrance on the left side. After paying, look for the Grupo Naviero team. They wear gray polo shirts with a white logo, and they are the people who check your ticket. If anything else needs payment, it’s handled directly through the company, not by random onlookers.

In practice, I recommend you arrive early enough to find the entrance quickly, pay the fee without panic, and then get organized before the boat line moves.

One staff detail worth noting from guest experience: names like Edgar, nicknamed Papi Chulo, come up as part of the onboard team. That matches the overall vibe you get on the day, friendly and busy, with lots of attention to keeping things running smoothly.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta boat tour

This tour is a strong choice if you want a full day that mixes water activity with sightseeing. I’d point you here if you like:

• Snorkeling at Los Arcos but don’t want to organize everything yourself
• A beach day that includes water toys like kayaks and paddleboards
• A Quimixto waterfall stop where you can choose between hiking and using ride options

It’s also good for groups who like a lively atmosphere, since the open bar and crew energy can turn the ride into a social event.

I might suggest a different plan if you:

• Hate any form of waiting or shift-based scheduling
• Expect the waterfall stop to be an easy walk in basic beach flip-flops
• Prefer a quieter, more private boat experience

Should you book this Los Arcos, Ánimas, and Quimixto tour?

If you want one ticket that delivers snorkeling, beach time with included water toys, and a real waterfall experience, I think it’s a smart book. The included meals and open bar help the value math, and Los Arcos is the kind of stop that feels worth the travel day.

Book it if your priority is the water and you’re willing to bring the right shoes for Quimixto. Consider it with caution if you’re sensitive to crowds, because snorkeling can happen in shifts and the boat day can run slowly when boarding or dock access gets tricky.

If your plans change, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is offered, and reserve now pay later is available. That makes it easier to choose this tour without locking in 100 percent of your schedule today.