Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

The main draw here is simple: you leave Puerto Vallarta by catamaran and spend most of the day at a remote beach club that can only be reached by boat. You can swim, paddleboard, snorkel, hike to a waterfall, or do very little at all.

I like the strong service from the crew, especially guides such as Isaias, Dana, and Papi Chulo, and I like the unusually broad package of food, drinks, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and waterfall access. The main catch is the party atmosphere. Loud music and flowing alcohol are part of the plan, and occasional departure or meal delays can eat into your beach time.

Quick reasons to consider this day on the bay

• A remote beach club near Quimixto: Playa Chica Locca is accessible only by boat, with sand, shaded seating, an infinity pool, and a swim-up bar.
• You choose the pace: Kayak, snorkel, paddleboard, swim, join the waterfall hike, or settle into a lounge chair.
• Two meals and an open bar: Breakfast includes fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices, followed by guacamole and chips and a fajita lunch.
• A real waterfall outing: The guided walk takes about 1.5 miles each way, while ATV rides are available for cash at an extra cost.
• A lively catamaran ride: Music, dancing, drinks, and possible sightings of whales, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds fill the trip back.
• Good value for an active day: At $135 per person, the price covers much more than transportation and a beach stop, though it suits social visitors more than quiet beach lovers.

What this Puerto Vallarta catamaran day is really like

This is a six-and-a-half-hour outing built around a long boat ride, several hours at Playa Chica Locca, and a short stop or excursion around Quimixto. The experience is not a quiet sailing trip. Think open bar, music, group energy, friendly crew, and plenty of freedom once you reach the beach club.

You meet at a selected location connected with Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta. Choose your meeting place carefully before booking, since this is required. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, although some arrangements from Sayulita may be possible through the operator and should be confirmed directly.

The catamaran can carry up to 120 people, so the feel depends on the day. A smaller crowd can make the boat feel easygoing and spacious. On a busy departure, a larger group may have to work a little harder to find seats together, especially if you are traveling with a big family or group of friends.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Isaias, often called Papi Chulo, is known for keeping people informed and entertained in two languages. Dana has led the waterfall walk, pointing out local birds and explaining the area. Other crew members, including Guadalupe, Luis, Alex, and Captain Noah, have also been singled out for attentive service and a fun tone. Staff assignments can change, but the useful point is that this tour depends heavily on an active, social crew rather than a formal lecture.

The first hour: breakfast, bay views, and open-bar energy

Once on board, you start with breakfast. The advertised spread includes fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices. Some days may feel more generous than others, so I would still eat something before departure or carry a small snack if you tend to get hungry early.

The route across Banderas Bay gives you open views of Puerto Vallarta and the coast. From December through April, keep watch for humpback whales. Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds may appear at other times of year, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

The bar opens during the cruise. Included drinks range from water, coffee, juice, soda, and mineral water to beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, and champagne. The package is generous, but you should set your own pace. The sun, motion, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly, especially on a six-hour day.

The return ride usually carries the most party energy. Music gets louder, dancing begins, and the catamaran becomes less about sightseeing and more about celebrating the day. If you enjoy a social boat ride, this is a plus. If you want a peaceful sail, sit in the shaded area and expect the sound to remain part of the experience.

Playa Chica Locca: a remote beach club with plenty of choices

Playa Chica Locca is the centerpiece. It is a boat-access-only beach near Quimixto, with soft sand, shaded lounge chairs, beach beds, an oceanfront infinity pool, and a swim-up bar. The setting combines jungle, coast, and resort-style comfort in a place that feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta.

You are greeted with fresh guacamole and blue corn chips, then free to choose your own base for the afternoon. Some people head straight to the water. Others claim a shaded chair, order a drink, and use the pool. The variety matters because not everyone in a group wants the same kind of day.

The beach has a relaxed feel, but it is not a polished luxury resort in every detail. Salt air and remote conditions mean you may notice weathering, rust, worn paint, or aging furniture. One particularly serious complaint raised concerns about sharp edges around the pool and bar area. I would inspect your surroundings and alert staff if you see anything unsafe. The attractive setting and attentive service do not erase the need for routine maintenance.

There are bathrooms at the beach club, and cleanliness has been praised repeatedly. That may sound like a small point, but comfortable facilities make a real difference when you are spending several hours at a remote beach.

Water activities: included toys, variable conditions

The package includes snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys. You do not need to pay separately for the basic water activities, which helps the $135 price feel more reasonable.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are good choices if you want to move around without committing to a long excursion. Swimming in the ocean or the infinity pool works well for a slower afternoon. The protected beach area can be pleasant, but conditions change with wind, waves, and water clarity.

Do not book this specifically for world-class snorkeling. On some days the water may be rough or murky, with rocks near the beach. Fish can be visible, but the snorkeling is best treated as an included extra rather than the main reason to come. Bring proper water shoes if you have them, and take care around rocky entry points.

The pool is a useful alternative when the sea is choppy. It can feel cool, while the ocean may be more comfortable depending on the day. With both options available, you can adjust instead of losing the whole water portion to changing conditions.

Quimixto waterfall: the day’s most memorable choice

The waterfall excursion adds a completely different side to the trip. A guided hike follows a roughly 1.5-mile trail each way through the area toward the Quimixto waterfalls. Allow about an hour each way, though the exact timing can vary.

The walk gives you a look at the small fishing community and local homes, rather than only showing you a beach club. Dana has guided the route and pointed out native birds. That local connection is valuable: you see more of Quimixto than you would from a lounge chair.

This is not an effortless stroll. The trail can be steep, rough, and wet in places. Wear sturdy walking shoes, not flip-flops. The time commitment also matters. If you hike to the waterfall, you may have only about 1.5 hours at each main area once walking and lunch are counted. Some people will consider that a fair trade. Others will prefer more beach time and water activities.

The waterfall itself offers cool, refreshing water for swimming. Life jackets may be available for floating, and a small restaurant over the water serves drinks and coconuts for an additional purchase. The cold water can feel excellent after the walk.

ATV rides and horseback rides are listed as optional upgrades, with cash required. Recent practical information indicates that the ATV option is often the easier choice for visitors who do not want the steep hike. The ATV ride may carry two passengers with someone else driving, and one reported price was 500 pesos per person. Confirm the current cost before setting out, since optional activities are separate from the tour price.

The ATV route can pass through jungle, water, and local areas. It saves your legs, but it does not remove every physical demand. You may still need to walk up a steep path to reach the pickup point, and your shoes could get wet. Bring cash and footwear that can handle mud, rocks, and water.

Lunch timing and what is included

Lunch is a fresh fajita meal with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and gluten-free needs can be accommodated if you advise the operator at booking.

The food receives strong marks for taste, but timing is worth watching. The advertised schedule includes breakfast, guacamole and chips, then lunch. On at least one departure, lunch arrived around 2 p.m., leaving a long stretch with only fruit and guacamole. That may have been an operational problem, but it is a useful reason to eat beforehand and pack a snack if permitted through port security.

The open bar adds substantial value for people who would otherwise buy several drinks at a beach club. Still, beverage quality may not satisfy anyone expecting luxury spirits. The tour describes the bar as premium and brand-name, while one unhappy experience found the alcohol cheap. I would treat the drinks as a broad included selection, not a specialist cocktail program.

Gratuities are not included. Tipping is optional, but the crew handles food service, drinks, water equipment, safety, and entertainment, so you may want cash if the service earns it.

How the $135 price compares with the experience

At $135 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Puerto Vallarta. Its value comes from combining transportation, meals, snacks, drinks, beach access, pool access, water equipment, guided waterfall service, public parking, and Puerto Magico port fees.

If you plan to drink, eat two meals, use several water toys, and join the waterfall outing, the price can make sense. You are paying for a full day of services rather than just a boat transfer.

The value drops if you dislike loud music, do not drink, skip the water activities, and want uninterrupted time on a quiet beach. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the trip, and there are plenty of nonalcoholic choices, but the atmosphere remains festive.

One other value concern is lost time. A late start of 60 to 90 minutes is especially frustrating when the beach schedule is not extended. Most departures may run more smoothly, but I would arrive on time and ask staff for clear updates if boarding is delayed.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend it for couples, families with older children, friend groups, and mixed groups where some people want adventure and others want to relax. A child as young as 10 has enjoyed the combination of beach time, water activities, food, and boat entertainment, although every family should judge the music and alcohol setting for itself.

It is also a good fit if you want several experiences in one day: a bay cruise, a remote beach, a pool, water sports, and a waterfall. You can split up and regroup, so one person can hike while another stays by the pool.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking silence, a small private sailing trip, or serious snorkeling. The maximum group size is 120, and the party mood is not a side detail. Loud music may continue for much of the boat ride and at the beach club, with limited escape from the sound.

Practical details before you book

Choose your meeting point before submitting the reservation. Puerto Magico is a federal maritime port, so all passengers must pass security and may be searched. Do not bring drugs, weapons, electronic cigarettes, vapes, or liquids prohibited by port rules.

The minimum drinking age is 18. The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. Most people can participate, but the waterfall walk requires good shoes and reasonable fitness. If you need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food, state that when booking.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and cash for an ATV, horseback ride, coconuts, souvenirs, or tips. Beach towels are not included, so pack your own if you want one.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Later cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Playa Chica Locca adventure?

Book it if you want an all-day Puerto Vallarta outing with strong crew service, included food and drinks, a remote beach club, and several ways to spend your time. I especially like it for groups with mixed interests. The waterfall walk and ATV option give the day some local character, while the pool, lounge chairs, and open bar keep it easy.

Skip it if you want a quiet beach day, dependable gourmet drinks, or a polished resort with no signs of wear. Also think twice if long delays, loud music, or a group of up to 120 would sour the day.

For the best balance, eat breakfast before boarding, bring sunscreen and sturdy shoes, reserve dietary needs early, carry cash, and decide in advance if the waterfall is worth giving up beach time. If that sounds like your kind of day, $135 buys a lot of Mexico in a single outing.

FAQ

How long does the Mega Catamarans Remote Paradise Beach Adventure last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes the catamaran trip, breakfast, fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, juices, guacamole, blue corn chips, a fajita lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, water toys, guided waterfall service, public parking, and Puerto Magico port fees.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where does the tour meet?

The tour meets at a selected meeting place connected with Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta. You must choose your meeting place before submitting the reservation.

Can I join the waterfall excursion?

Yes. A guided hike to the Quimixto waterfalls is available. The walk is roughly 1.5 miles each way and can include steep, rough sections, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Are ATV and horseback rides included?

No. ATV and horseback rides cost extra and require cash payment. You can arrange an optional ride using the link in your confirmation email.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

Is the tour suitable for children and non-drinkers?

Most people can participate, and nonalcoholic drinks are included. The tour does have a lively party atmosphere with music and alcohol. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.