Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

A Practical Look at the Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re thinking about blending sightseeing, water adventures, and good food into a single day during your Puerto Vallarta trip, the Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise offers a lively way to do just that. This tour promises visits to some of the region’s most photographed and beautiful spots—all from the comfort of a boat with plenty of food and drinks.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is its focus on covering multiple attractions efficiently—perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see a lot. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding makes it more than just a scenic cruise.

However, a potential drawback is that some reviews mention disappointing snorkeling visibility and limited activity time, so expectations should be set accordingly.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, groups looking for a lively day on the water, and those who enjoy all-inclusive setups with good food and drinks. If your goal is a relaxed, varied experience with a bit of everything, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines visits to Los Arcos, Las Animas Beach, and Quimixto, saving you time and effort.
• Water activities galore: Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding included—ideal for water lovers.
• Inclusive meals and drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and open bar included—no surprises or hidden costs on the boat.
• Mixed reviews on snorkeling: Some travelers loved the views; others found the water murky or limited in time.
• Accessible for most: Bilingual guides and life vests make it traveler-friendly, though some reviews report uneven service.
• Flexible options: You can choose to stay on the boat, explore the beaches, or hike to waterfalls at Quimixto.

Setting Sail: What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta at 9:15 am, with a trip lasting about 8 hours—an ample chunk of the day for adventure and relaxation. The voyage itself is aboard colorful catamarans, offering panoramic views of the coastline and islands. You’ll appreciate the comfortable, open-air deck space that makes it easy to snap pictures and enjoy sea breezes.

The Boat Ride and Onboard Amenities

We loved the way this cruise combines a lively atmosphere with comfort. There’s a continental breakfast served as you set out, with hot cakes, eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee to fuel the morning. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy an open bar offering tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, and water. This setup is perfect for lemon-lime soda or a cold beer while watching the coast pass by.

The boat also offers music and karaoke, which can either be a fun addition or a bit loud, depending on your taste. It’s a lively scene, often with a mixed crowd of travelers and locals—something many reviews like, especially for its communal, festive vibe.

The Stops: Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto

Los Arcos National Marine Park is the first highlight, famous for its striking rock formations and abundant marine life. Our impressions from reviews are mixed—some find the waters murky or the snorkeling brief, around 20-30 minutes, with limited visibility due to colder water or heavy boat traffic. One reviewer noted, “the snorkeling sucked though only there like 20 minutes, no guide, water is super murky,” highlighting that snorkeling here might not meet everyone’s expectations.

Next, you’ll head to Las Animas Beach, a sandy stretch with soft waves and beachside vendors. Here, many visitors find the beach inviting, but some point out the lack of free chairs and the necessity to pay for umbrellas or food. One reviewer summarized it as “a joke,” mainly because of extra costs and limited free amenities, though the beach itself remains appealing.

Quimixto presents an opportunity to hike or relax at the waterfall. Several reviews mention the hike to the waterfall as a highlight—challenging but rewarding. One traveler called it “worth it,” despite the effort. However, some complain about additional costs for drinks and food at the waterfall or the restaurant, which is situated next to the waterfall pool. It’s important to note that you are not forced to buy anything; you can stay in the restaurant area or simply enjoy the surroundings.

Water Activities and Equipment

The tour includes snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, but reviews suggest that availability can vary, and some guests felt the water activity options were limited or not as advertised. One reviewer remarked, “Imaginary kayaks, imaginary paddle boards,” implying that sometimes these activities are either unavailable or rushed. The guides do mention activities on the boat, and equipment is provided, but the actual experience can differ based on weather or crowd size.

Food and Beverage Quality

The buffets on board are generally well-received, with fresh options like fish fillet, chicken fajitas, roast beef quesadillas, and hamburgers alongside rice, beans, and salads. One reviewer said, “the meals provided were better than expected,” which is encouraging for travelers who want a decent meal during their day out. Drinks are plentiful on the boat, but the lunch served at the beach or waterfall can be hit or miss, with some travelers describing it as “just okay.”

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour maintains a lively but manageable atmosphere. The reviews point to friendly staff and guides, though some mention inconsistent language assistance. Overall, most travelers find the crew helpful, making it a sociable experience that appeals to groups, families, or solo travelers looking for an active day.

Analyzing the Value

For $75.93, you’re getting a well-rounded day that includes boat transportation, meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and guided excursions. Considering the number of water activities and the scenic stops, this price offers decent value—especially if you’re keen on maximizing sightseeing and activities without paying extra.

However, the disparity in reviews about snorkeling and water activities suggests that if your main goal is underwater exploration, you might find the experience a bit limited or rushed. Still, if you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and social fun, this tour delivers enough to keep most travelers satisfied.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a lively, sometimes noisy environment, and who want a full day of water-based fun with meals included. It’s ideal if you’re okay with some potential limitations, like short snorkeling periods or extra costs at the beach. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to meet others will find the social vibe appealing.

Those seeking a quiet, serene day or expert snorkeling may want to look elsewhere, as some reviews highlight murky waters and rushed activities. Still, if you’re after a vibrant, all-inclusive experience with scenic rides and multiple stops, this tour could very well fit your style.

Final Thoughts

The Los Arcos, Animas, and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise offers a fun-packed, scenic, and inclusive day that emphasizes a mix of water activities, sightseeing, and good food. It’s a great way to see multiple sights in one go, especially if you’re willing to accept some variability in the snorkeling and water activity quality.

While it may not be the quietest or most luxurious adventure, it’s lively, well-organized, and offers excellent value for the price. The combination of delicious onboard meals, an open bar, and engaging guides makes it a solid choice for travelers hoping to enjoy a full day on the water with a social, convivial atmosphere.

If you’re prepared for some possible surprises—like limited snorkeling time or extra costs on land—it can be a memorable, enjoyable slice of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal life. Just keep your expectations in check and pack some extra cash for those optional extras—then sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers report the tour is accessible for families, especially with older kids who enjoy water activities and group excursions. Keep in mind some reviews mention the boat can be crowded, so consider your children’s comfort with lively environments.

How long is the snorkeling experience?
The snorkeling lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, but some reviews note it can feel rushed or murky, so don’t expect a long underwater exploration.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included, featuring hot-cakes, eggs, fruit, and a hearty buffet with fish, chicken, and beef dishes.

Is there an open bar?
Yes, the boat features a national open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, and water—perfect for relaxing and socializing.

What’s the weather like?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternate date is offered. Be prepared for humid conditions, and bring water bottles to stay hydrated.

Can I buy extra activities or products?
Yes, vendors at the beach sell souvenirs, drinks, and other extras, but these are outside the tour’s all-inclusive package. You’re free to decline and enjoy the environment without additional costs.

What’s the best way to get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Puerto Magico, located along Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Zona Hotelera. Confirm transportation options if needed, as ground transfers are not included in the tour price.

In sum, if you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and reasonably priced day out that combines sightseeing, water fun, and good eats, this cruise ticks many boxes. Just keep your expectations in check regarding snorkeling and land activities, and you’ll likely find it a worthwhile adventure in Puerto Vallarta.