Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

This experience made our article of 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Puerto Vallarta.

Introduction

This review explores a popular Puerto Vallarta boat tour designed for travelers looking to combine adventure, relaxation, and good company in one day. It’s a package that promises snorkeling, beach lounging, a guided walk or horseback ride to a waterfall, and a lively onboard atmosphere with an open bar.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it mixes active aquatic fun with peaceful beach time and local exploration—offering a taste of authentic coastal life. The lively vibe onboard, with music and games, makes it a great option for those wanting to enjoy the lively spirit of Puerto Vallarta.

However, some travelers find the experience somewhat inconsistent, especially regarding the quality of food and the limited snorkeling time. This tour is best suited for those eager to spend a full day on the water, enjoying scenic views and socializing, rather than those seeking a highly curated or exclusively natural experience.

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Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure and relaxation in a single day
• Snorkeling at Los Arcos offers vibrant marine life and underwater scenery
• Beach time at Las Animas provides peaceful relaxation with optional activities
• Cultural visit to Quimixto includes a scenic hike or horseback ride to a waterfall
• Lively onboard atmosphere with music, games, and unlimited drinks
• Value depends on expectations—some reviews note the experience doesn’t match the promotional promises

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 8-hour Puerto Vallarta boat tour promises a lively adventure along the coast, combining water activities, beach relaxation, and local village exploration. It’s operated by Puerto Vallarta Net, using a double-decker boat that comfortably hosts a group eager for fun in the sun.

Starting with a continental breakfast, you’ll be ready to jump into the day’s first highlight: snorkeling amidst the famous Los Arcos marine preserve. Known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, this spot is often cited as a key highlight. Expect to see tropical fish and vibrant coral, though some reviews suggest that you might not get as much snorkeling time as you’d hope, especially if equipment availability is limited.

Following snorkeling, the tour heads to Las Animas Beach, a tranquil stretch of sand perfect for relaxing or dabbling in optional beach activities like kayaking. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of space to chill and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Next, the journey continues to the charming village of Quimixto. Here, you have the chance to either hop on a horse (although some reviews mention the cost is high and the horses are not driven by you) or take a guided hike to a seasonal waterfall. This is one of the more authentic moments of the tour—surrounded by lush greenery, you’ll get a taste of local life and natural beauty, with the reward of a refreshing swim in the waterfall’s pool.

The day wraps up with a delicious beachside lunch, served amidst scenic surroundings. The onboard open bar adds a lively touch, with unlimited drinks, music, dancing, and games to keep the energy high until the return.

What You Can Expect from the Day

Snorkeling at Los Arcos

The highlight for many is snorkeling at Los Arcos, a designated marine preserve. Its crystal-clear waters make it easy to see the vibrant marine life, and the protected status helps ensure a good variety of fish. You’ll be provided with mask and snorkel, along with life jackets, making it accessible even to beginners.

One review lamented that the snorkeling gear availability was limited, with not enough equipment for everyone and only about 10 minutes in the water. If snorkeling is a priority, arrive early or be prepared for limited time.

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Relaxing at Las Animas Beach

After the underwater adventure, your boat will dock at Las Animas, known for its peaceful ambiance. The sandy shores are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking in the scenery. The beach also offers kayaks, so you can paddle around if you’re feeling energetic.

Some reviews mention that lunch here was quite good, with more positive comments about the food compared to the breakfast. It’s a chance to enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes while gazing at the waves.

Village of Quimixto and Waterfall Hike

A unique feature of this tour is the stop at Quimixto, a small, charming village. You can opt for a horseback ride (though some reviews say the cost is high and horses are not driven by you) or a guided hike to a seasonal waterfall. This activity offers a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery and a cool plunge in the waterfall’s natural pool.

The waterfall hike is a highlight for nature lovers—a scenic walk that rewards you with a refreshing swim and photo opportunities. Be aware that you need to decide quickly whether to do the waterfall or the horseback ride, as the tour doesn’t typically allow both.

Lunch, Drinks, and Entertainment

The lunch served on the beach is generally well-received, with some reviewers mentioning it as the “best part” of the day. Expect typical Mexican fare, served in a relaxed setting.

The open bar is a lively feature, with unlimited drinks available aboard the boat. Music, dancing, and games make for a festive atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy a party vibe. However, some reviews note that the drinks are watered down, and the music may feel outdated, which could diminish the experience for some.

The Practicalities and Value

The tour is priced at $87 per person, which includes all activities, meals, drinks, and guides. While this might seem reasonable for an all-day outing, the value can be hit or miss, depending on expectations. Some reviewers found the snorkeling time insufficient and felt the food and drinks did not always match the promotional quality.

The group size tends to be moderate, and the meeting point is at the Maritime Terminal (API) or Puerto Mágico, with all participants meeting with the Beach Boy company. The duration typically runs from 10 am to around 6 pm, making it a full day’s commitment.

One reviewer pointed out that the experience differs from the promotional promises, especially regarding snorkeling equipment and the optional activities. Plus, the extra costs for things like motorcycle rides (which reportedly cost $600 per person) and the limited availability of certain options can catch travelers by surprise.

Authenticity and Overall Experience

While many enjoy the lively atmosphere and scenic stops, some feel the experience is more touristy than authentic—highlighted by the upselling and watered-down drinks. That said, the stunning views, delicious food, and the chance to see whales and turtles (when in season) add genuine value.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with plenty of social interaction and scenic highlights, this tour offers a lively introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s coast. But if your priority is authenticity or quiet relaxation, you might want to seek out calmer, more tailored experiences.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a full day of social fun, with snorkeling, beach lounging, and party atmosphere rolled into one. It suits those looking for entertainment and lively vibes rather than a quiet nature retreat. Families, groups of friends, or singles who enjoy music and games will find this a lively, engaging experience.

However, if your priority is quality snorkeling or authentic culture, you might find the limitations frustrating. Likewise, those seeking high-end cuisine or serene natural beauty may feel disappointed with the food quality and the somewhat commercial feel.

The Sum Up

This Puerto Vallarta Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar tour offers a fun and energetic way to see some of the coast’s highlights in a single day. You’ll get to snorkel at Los Arcos, relax at Las Animas Beach, and explore the lush village of Quimixto with its waterfall. The lively onboard atmosphere, complete with music and unlimited drinks, makes for a spirited outing that’s perfect for those wanting to socialize and enjoy scenic views.

However, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations—especially regarding snorkeling time and food quality. For some, the experience may feel a little commercial, and the upselling can be off-putting. Still, if you’re seeking a full day of adventure and fun with a lively crowd, this tour offers a solid value for the price.

This experience is best suited for travelers who prioritize social energy, scenic spots, and a taste of local life, rather than those after a tranquil or highly curated experience. It’s a fun way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s coast, as long as you’re comfortable with a lively, sometimes slightly chaotic, atmosphere.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the lively atmosphere and water activities suggest it may suit older children and teenagers comfortable with boat outings and swimming.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes bilingual guides, continental breakfast, all-you-can-drink open bar, life jackets, mask & snorkel, lunch on the beach, kayaks, and music, dancing, and games onboard.

Can I decide to do both the waterfall hike and horseback ride?
No, you must choose between the two activities during the brief decision window, as the tour does not typically allow both.

How long do we spend snorkeling?
Some reviews mention about 10 minutes in the water, with limited equipment for all guests, so snorkeling time may be shorter than expected.

What is the price of additional activities?
Extra costs include motorcycle rides costing around $600 per person, and possibly other services not included in the base price.

Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) or Puerto Mágico, with instructions to meet the Beach Boy company representative.

Is the food good?
The lunch is generally considered decent, with some reviews calling it the best part of the day, but breakfast has been described as basic.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, the open bar offers unlimited drinks, but some reviewers note the drinks are watered down.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, typically starting in the late morning and returning in the early evening.

This full review aims to give you an honest, detailed picture of what to expect from the Puerto Vallarta Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar tour. Whether you’re in it for the lively atmosphere or just a scenic day on the coast, knowing the pros and cons helps you make the best choice for your vacation.

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