Arcos – Animas – Quimixto. By Grupo Naviero de la Bahìa (Bahia Alegre)

The main appeal here is simple: you get a full day on the water for $75, with Los Arcos snorkeling, breakfast, a national open bar and a beach stop included. The boat ride gives you fine views of Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón and parish from offshore, then turns south toward the rocky arches and small beach communities.

I like the lively crew, who keep the return ride moving with music, dancing, contests and karaoke. I also like the choice between a lazy beach afternoon at Las Animas and the optional walk to Quimixto Waterfall. The catch is that this is a large, basic boat trip, not a quiet yacht cruise. Delays, crowded boarding, short snorkeling time and uneven food can shape your day.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos snorkeling is brief: The advertised stop lasts about 45 minutes, but the actual time in the water can be much shorter.
• Las Animas and Quimixto may be alternatives: The operating plan can involve choosing one beach option, so confirm the exact route before you pay.
• The boat holds up to 130 people: Expect a social party atmosphere, limited personal space and busy boarding.
• Breakfast is served aboard: Pancakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee and orangeade are part of the package.
• The beach meal is basic: One dish is included, but drinks, chairs, umbrellas and water activities cost extra.
• Bring cash and patience: Add the MX$33 port fee, beach drinks, tips and any optional activities to the $75 price.

What your $75 buys along Puerto Vallarta’s coast

At $75 per person, this tour offers a lot of components for one fare. You get roughly seven hours, boat transportation, breakfast, an open bar aboard, snorkeling gear, insurance and one meal at the beach. For a visitor who wants one easy day that combines scenery, swimming and entertainment, that package can be good value.

The price looks less impressive if your main goal is serious snorkeling or a peaceful beach escape. The boat can carry up to 130 people, and several parts of the day involve lines, transfers and waiting. You are paying for an all-in-one outing with food and drinks, not a small-group nature trip.

The tour starts at 9:15 a.m. at the Terminal Marítima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. In practice, you should allow for a late departure. Several accounts describe boarding around 10 a.m. or later, with delays of an hour or more. Do not schedule a dinner reservation, airport transfer or another fixed activity for the late afternoon.

You also pay a MX$33 port fee when entering the sea terminal. The supplied information refers to this as the port tax and Malecón Boardwalk fee. Bring pesos so this small extra charge does not slow you down.

Finding the right line at the maritime terminal

The terminal can feel confusing at first. There may be photographers, sales booths and people offering other services near the entrance. If you already have a reservation, go directly to the line and confirm the boat name or tour details rather than stopping at the first sales desk.

A family who took this trip advised going left at the first turn and walking toward the line for the assigned boat. That is useful advice. Some people approaching visitors are selling add-ons, not helping with check-in.

You may receive breakfast and lunch tickets while waiting. You will also select your beach meal around this point. Choices vary, but the food options include dishes such as chicken fajitas, quesadillas, burgers or fish. Keep your tickets handy.

The boat is basic. Expect white plastic chairs and narrow, moving walkways. Walking around can be awkward, especially when the vessel is underway, so use the handrails and take your time. The lower level usually offers the main music and activity, while the upper level is better if you want more air and a quieter seat.

Breakfast, harbor views and the open bar

Breakfast is served on the boat, not at the terminal. The meal can include pancakes with fruit, yogurt and granola, or eggs with ham and chilaquiles, along with bread, fruit, coffee, orangeade and other juice.

Think of it as a filling start rather than a restaurant breakfast. Some people find it tasty, while others find the food plain, salty or disappointing. If you have a sensitive stomach, eat lightly before departure and bring any preferred snacks only if the staff permits them aboard.

As the boat leaves Puerto Vallarta, look back toward the shoreline. The view of the Malecón and the parish from the sea gives you a different sense of the city. This is one of the nicest parts of the day because you see the waterfront as a long coastal strip rather than from street level.

The national open bar is available aboard. Beer, mixed drinks, soft drinks and water are part of the social setup, and the crew regularly collects empty cups and offers refills. That service helps keep the party going, but it also means the boat can become noisy and some passengers may drink heavily on the return trip.

If you get seasick, choose a lower seat and consider taking your usual motion-sickness medicine before departure. Choppy water has made the trip uncomfortable for some people, especially on windy or rainy days.

Los Arcos: beautiful rocks, limited snorkeling time

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the scenic centerpiece of the southern bay. These tall rock formations rise from the water and frame small channels, caves and swimming areas. From the boat, they make an excellent photo stop even if you never put on a mask.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Life jackets are available, and you should be comfortable in open water before joining the swim. The stop is listed as 45 minutes, but the actual time in the water may be closer to 15 or 20 minutes once the boat positions itself, passengers enter and everyone returns.

That distinction matters. If you are booking mainly to see fish, this is not the best format for a dedicated snorkeling day. Water clarity also depends heavily on weather and recent storms. On a calm, clear morning, you might see colorful tropical fish around the rocks. After wind or rain, the water can turn cloudy and rough, and some people may skip snorkeling altogether.

The crew may ask who wants to swim, then organize the group before stopping. Listen carefully to every instruction and return promptly when called. Because this is a large group, you need to keep track of the boat and your own belongings.

A few practical points help. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, use reef-safe sunscreen if you have it, and carry a towel. If you prefer fresh snorkel equipment, one account reports a small extra charge of about 50 pesos for a new snorkel, while the included equipment is shared or previously used.

Las Animas: a pretty beach with a long pause

Playa Las Animas is a small coastal village with clear water, restaurants and a long stretch of sand. It is a pleasant place to swim, sit in the sun or pay for an activity. Parasailing, jet skis, banana boats, massages and other water or beach diversions may be available.

The included beach meal is one dish per person, with several options. The quality is not consistent. Some meals are described as fresh and satisfying, while others arrive cold, dry, small or overcooked. The included dish is best viewed as a budget meal, not the reason to book the tour.

You pay separately for drinks at the beach. The supplied information lists about MX$70 per person for beach drinks, though actual prices can vary. Chairs and umbrellas may also require payment. One arrangement described a charge of 300 pesos per person, credited toward food and drinks rather than treated as a simple rental fee. Ask before sitting down, since beach arrangements can change.

Lunch may not arrive until midafternoon, around 3:30 p.m. That leaves a long gap between breakfast and the included meal. You can buy chips, drinks or other food during the wait, or ask if your included meal can be taken to go.

The beach is attractive, but this is not a private, polished resort setting. You might find dogs near the chairs, worn furniture, slow service or litter around busy areas. If you want a better meal, you may prefer to spend your own money at another beach restaurant, assuming the group allows enough freedom to do so.

For an active afternoon, the optional add-ons can be reasonably priced compared with similar activities elsewhere in Puerto Vallarta. One reported parasailing price was 700 pesos per person, and a jet ski for two people was around 800 pesos, though you should confirm current rates directly. Bring cash, since payment arrangements for these activities are not included in the tour price.

Quimixto Waterfall: the more active choice

Quimixto offers a different kind of afternoon. After landing near the village, you walk for about 30 minutes to reach the waterfall. The visit is optional, and horse rental may be available if you do not want to make the walk.

At the waterfall, you get roughly 20 minutes to swim and cool off before returning toward the beach and meal area. The walk gives the day more variety than simply sitting beside the sea, but you need moderate physical fitness and shoes suitable for an uneven path.

Water levels can change. After dry weather, the waterfall may have little water, so do not treat it as a guaranteed dramatic cascade. When conditions are good, the short hike and swim can be the best part of the outing. Listen closely for the meeting time and departure instructions. It is possible to miss the group if you assume someone will come looking for you.

The biggest planning issue is the route itself. The written description presents Las Animas and Quimixto as stops, but the actual experience may ask you to choose between them. Some people spend the afternoon at Las Animas and never go to Quimixto. Confirm whether both places are included on your departure date, especially if the waterfall is your main reason for booking.

The ride home is the real party

The return trip is often louder and more entertaining than the morning. The crew may organize dancing, contests, birthday activities, music and karaoke. Names connected with the operation include David, Adrian, Don Gato, Jorge and Jimmy, though the crew changes from day to day. David has been noted for making extra English explanations when needed.

Much of the entertainment can be in Spanish. You can still join the dancing and games without understanding every joke, but English-only speakers may miss some announcements. If you want a quiet ride, sit upstairs and away from the main activity.

The return can take much longer than expected. A normal trip may bring you back around 6 or 6:30 p.m., but delays of two hours or more have been reported. Mechanical problems, passenger transfers, weather and assistance to another boat can all affect the schedule. The tour ends at the same maritime terminal, so keep your evening open.

At the end, the crew may come around for tips. Gratuities are not included. Tip according to the service you receive, and carry small bills or pesos for convenience.

What to pack and how to avoid a rough day

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash and a waterproof pouch for your phone. A light cover-up helps with sun and wind, and sturdy shoes are useful if you choose the Quimixto walk.

Arrive early, but do not assume that arriving early means the boat will leave at 9:15. The terminal lines can become long, and paying the port fee takes time. At the same time, remember that the boat itself may not depart until later.

Do not count on a quiet meal schedule. Eat breakfast aboard, expect lunch late and budget for beach food if you get hungry. Drinks on the boat are included, but drinks at Las Animas are not.

This trip requires moderate physical fitness. You will deal with boat steps, narrow decks, water transfers and possibly a 30-minute walk. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, but the large group and boat access may still be tiring for anyone with mobility concerns.

The experience is offered in English, and crew members may provide help in English during key announcements. Still, much of the onboard entertainment can be Spanish-language.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a social day on the water and enjoy music, drinks, dancing and a large group. Families, friend groups and couples who like having several activities bundled into one outing can get good value from the $75 price.

I would also consider it if you want a first look at Los Arcos and the southern coast without arranging separate transportation. The views are worthwhile, and the option of a beach day or waterfall walk gives you some control over the afternoon.

I would not choose it for a quiet escape, a refined meal or serious snorkeling. The large boat, uncertain departure time and short swim stop can frustrate you if you expect a carefully timed nature excursion.

Weather matters more than usual. Wind and rain can make the water choppy, reduce visibility and cancel snorkeling. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Normal cancellation requires at least 24 hours notice for a full refund.

Should you book Arcos, Las Animas and Quimixto?

Book this trip if your priority is fun per peso, not polish. The crew and onboard atmosphere are its strongest features, and the package includes enough food, drinks and scenery to make the price attractive.

Before paying, confirm three things: the actual departure time, whether you visit Las Animas, Quimixto or choose one, and what beach seating is included. If you accept a crowded boat, late lunch and a flexible schedule, this can be a memorable Puerto Vallarta day. If you want calm water time, dependable snorkeling or a good included meal, spend more for a smaller, more focused tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at the Terminal Marítima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. The ticket redemption point is at the A.P.I. Puerto Vallarta maritime terminal.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:15 a.m. However, the boat may not leave until around 10 a.m. or later because of boarding and terminal procedures.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are available. The snorkeling stop is at Los Arcos de Mismaloya.

Are Las Animas and Quimixto both included?

The planned route describes both places, but the operating format may require you to choose between Las Animas and Quimixto. Confirm the exact route before departure.

Is food included?

Yes. Breakfast is served aboard and can include pancakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee and orangeade. One beach meal per person is also included, with three choices.

Are drinks included?

A national open bar is included aboard. Drinks at the beach are not included and are listed at about MX$70 per person. Tips are also extra.

What extra fee must I pay at the port?

You must pay a port entry fee of MX$33 per person at the maritime terminal. Optional activities, beach seating, beach drinks and tips are not included.