All-inclusive Colomitos cruise and Animas beach snorkeling

Los Arcos, Colomitos, and Las Animas give you three very different views of Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast in one day. You’ll photograph the famous sea arches, swim near a small beach, then settle in at Las Animas for sand, food, and free time.

I like the scenic coastal route and the chance to see Los Arcos without leaving the catamaran. I also like the friendly crew and the easygoing beach stop at Las Animas, which gives you room to swim or simply sit by the water. The main drawback is organization: some departures have had loud music, heavy crowds, very short snorkeling time, delayed meals, and return times much later than expected.

Key points at a glance

• Los Arcos photo stop: The captain circles the rock formations so you can take pictures from several angles without getting off the boat.
• Colomitos snorkeling: The planned stop lasts up to two hours, but actual time in the water may be much shorter on a crowded or delayed departure.
• Las Animas meal and beach time: Your meal is included, but drinks at the beach restaurant cost extra and service may take time.
• Casual party-boat atmosphere: The boat is functional rather than polished, with plastic lawn chairs and onboard music.
• Price and extra charges: The listed price is $78 per person, but an additional 30-peso port fee has been reported.
• Flexible cancellation: You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, subject to the tour’s weather and minimum-participant rules.

What the $78 price really buys you

At $78 per person, this tour offers a full coastal outing rather than a simple boat transfer. You get the cruise, the Los Arcos stop, the Colomitos snorkeling session, time at Las Animas, and a meal.

That can be good value if you want several activities bundled together and do not want to arrange transport between beaches. The price also makes sense for travelers who enjoy the social side of a catamaran, including music, contests, and drinks during the ride.

The word all-inclusive needs a little care here. The activity is described that way, but the beach information says your meal is included while drinks at the Las Animas restaurant cost extra. Some accounts also describe an open bar on the boat, yet the precise drink terms are not fully clear. I would confirm what is included before paying, especially if drinks are an important part of your plan.

You should also allow for a reported 30-peso port fee per person. It is a small amount, but unexpected charges are worth knowing about before you arrive.

The value drops if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The advertised Colomitos stop can be lengthy, but actual time in the water has sometimes been closer to five or thirty minutes. Delays at the marina, slow boarding, crowded conditions, or a late schedule can eat into the time intended for swimming.

Boarding in Puerto Vallarta: allow extra patience

The tour lasts about seven hours on paper, with roughly one hour for the ride back to Puerto Vallarta. In practice, some departures have taken much longer. One reported schedule began boarding around noon despite an 11 a.m. arrival time, and the boat did not return until close to 9 p.m.

That makes this a poor choice if you have evening plans, a dinner reservation, or a flight connection. Keep your calendar open for the whole day, and do not treat the seven-hour estimate as a firm promise.

The published maximum is 50 travelers, but accounts from some departures describe boats carrying more than 200 people. That is a serious difference. A 50-person catamaran and a 200-person party boat offer completely different experiences, especially when you are trying to snorkel, collect lunch, or find a seat.

The safest approach is to ask the operator, Travel Vallarta, how many people are expected on your specific departure. Also ask about the planned boarding time, expected return time, the drink arrangement, and whether snorkeling equipment is supplied.

The boat itself is basic. You should expect a large open deck, scattered plastic lawn chairs, and a worn rather than polished setup. If you want a sleek yacht or a quiet sailing trip, this will probably feel disappointing. If you are happy with a simple boat, music, and a social crowd, the casual setting may be fine.

Los Arcos: Puerto Vallarta’s best opening view

The first stop is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, the tall rock formations rising from the sea south of Puerto Vallarta. They are among the area’s most recognizable sights, and the boat’s route gives you several photo angles as the captain circles the formations.

You do not get off the catamaran here. That is useful because you can focus on pictures without dealing with a landing or a swim. Bring your phone or camera in a waterproof pouch, since the best views are out over open water and spray is possible.

The scheduled stop lasts about an hour, though that includes positioning and viewing from the boat. You should think of Los Arcos as a photo and sightseeing stop, not a long swimming session.

This is also the most reliable part of the day. Even if the snorkeling disappoints, the rock formations provide a strong reason to choose a southern-coast cruise. The captain’s route around the arches is more valuable than a quick glance while passing offshore.

Colomitos: beautiful setting, uncertain snorkeling time

Colomitos is a small beach with clear water and rock formations close to shore. It is the tour’s main swimming and snorkeling stop, and the quiet setting should appeal to anyone who wants a break from Puerto Vallarta’s city waterfront.

The planned visit lasts two hours. That sounds generous, but you should not assume that you will spend two full hours with a mask in the water. Actual snorkeling time has varied sharply, with some outings allowing less than 30 minutes and one account describing only about five minutes.

The water may also feel cold. If you are sensitive to cool water, bring a light cover-up and keep your expectations flexible. One person skipped the snorkeling because of the temperature but still enjoyed the day at Las Animas.

Marine life can be modest here. Colomitos has natural rock formations and tropical fish, but it is not presented as a major reef destination. You might see fish and underwater life, yet visibility and sightings depend on conditions, crowding, and how long the boat remains in place.

For me, the setting is the real draw. You get a small coastal beach, clear water, and a chance to swim in a more natural spot. If your priority is photographing rock formations and enjoying the sea, Colomitos works well. If your priority is extended, wildlife-focused snorkeling, book a specialist snorkeling trip instead.

Ask the crew when you arrive how much water time is planned and where to collect or return equipment. Clear instructions matter here, particularly when many people are moving on and off the boat.

Las Animas: the day’s most relaxed stop

After Colomitos, the boat continues to Playa Las Animas, a popular beach with soft sand, calm water, and a row of restaurants along the shore. This is where the tour changes from an excursion into a simple beach afternoon.

The catamaran docks, and you go to your assigned restaurant for the included meal. Drinks at the restaurant are extra. The meal is part of the package, but service can be slow, especially when a large group arrives at once. On one delayed departure, lunch began around 4 p.m., and the first plates took at least an hour to reach the table.

That timing matters. If you want to swim, walk, and order an optional activity, do not assume you will have a wide-open three hours. A late arrival or slow meal can leave little time for anything else.

Las Animas is still a pleasant place to spend time. You can swim in calmer water, sit on the sand, take pictures, or stroll along the coast. The beach is also where you may find add-on activities such as banana rides and parasailing. Horseback riding and ziplining have also been offered for an additional charge, but the schedule may not leave enough time to use them.

I would not prepay for an optional activity without first confirming exactly when it will happen. The combination of lunch delays and limited beach time can make it hard to fit in more than one extra experience.

If you are traveling with someone who does not want to snorkel, Las Animas helps balance the day. One person can swim or relax while another looks into water activities. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a trip devoted only to snorkeling.

The ride home is part sightseeing, part party

The return trip includes a show and contests. Music can be loud throughout the ride, and the atmosphere may become more of a party as drinks continue.

That is a plus if you like dancing, social entertainment, and a lively boat. It is less appealing if you want a quiet ride back or hope to watch the coast in peace. Bring ear protection if you are sensitive to loud sound, though the supplied information does not specify whether quieter seating is available.

There can also be pleasant surprises on the return. Dolphins have been seen during the ride back, although sightings are not guaranteed. The open-water route gives you a chance to watch for them, along with changing views of the coast.

The crew receives the strongest praise in the available accounts. Staff are described as friendly, helpful, and willing to accommodate passengers. One small departure was described as feeling almost private, with just two people aboard and a careful, friendly captain. That shows how different the experience may feel depending on the day and boat load.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad, social day on the water. You get famous rock formations, a beach swim, a meal, music, and optional activities without having to plan each piece yourself.

It suits:

• Couples or friends who enjoy a casual party boat
• Families who want a beach stop as well as a boat ride
• First-time visitors who want to see several southern-coast sights
• People who care more about scenery and beach time than expert snorkeling
• Travelers who appreciate a friendly crew and a flexible day

I would be cautious if you want a quiet, refined cruise. The worn boat, plastic chairs, loud music, and possible crowding may not fit your idea of a special day.

I would also choose another outing if snorkeling is your main goal. The short or inconsistent water time is the biggest weakness. A dedicated snorkeling operator may provide better equipment, clearer instruction, and more time focused on marine life.

This tour is not ideal for a tight schedule. The listed duration is about seven hours, but some departures have run into the evening. You need to be comfortable with delays and a loose timetable.

Practical ways to improve your day

Arrive early, but confirm the actual boarding time before you leave for the marina. An early arrival does not always mean the boat will board immediately, so bring water, sun protection, and patience.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof phone pouch. The boat is open, and you will want easy access to dry clothes after swimming.

Keep some pesos for port charges, beach drinks, and optional activities. Since food service at Las Animas may be slow, a small snack is sensible if you tend to get hungry between stops.

Ask four questions before boarding:

• How many people are expected on this departure?
• How long will the boat stop for snorkeling?
• Are drinks included on the catamaran?
• What time should you realistically expect to return?

These answers will tell you more about the day than the advertised schedule alone.

Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The experience is offered in English, confirmation is normally sent when you book, and the group size is published as a maximum of 50, though actual capacity should be confirmed directly because reported boat sizes have varied.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Bad weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Colomitos and Las Animas cruise?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly mix of sightseeing, swimming, beach time, food, and onboard fun. Los Arcos is worth seeing, Las Animas is the most dependable part of the day, and the crew may be warm and helpful.

Think twice if you want polished service, a quiet boat, reliable snorkeling time, or a firm return schedule. The $78 price is reasonable only if you value the whole package. It is less convincing if you are paying mainly for snorkeling.

Before booking, confirm the passenger count and the drink policy with Travel Vallarta. If the boat is close to the published 50-person limit and you enjoy a lively atmosphere, this could be a fun coastal day. If the answer suggests a much larger crowd, choose a smaller boat or a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

FAQ

How long is the Colomitos and Las Animas cruise?

The listed duration is approximately seven hours. Some departures have taken longer, with one return occurring close to 9 p.m., so you should keep your evening schedule flexible.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $78 per person. A 30-peso port fee per person has also been reported as an additional charge.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A meal at the assigned Las Animas restaurant is included. Drinks at the beach restaurant cost extra.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a snorkeling stop at Colomitos. The planned stop can last up to two hours, but actual time in the water may be much shorter depending on the departure.

What happens at Los Arcos?

The catamaran circles Los Arcos de Mismaloya for photographs and views of the rock formations. You do not need to get off the boat for this stop.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English and provides a mobile ticket.