Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

The most memorable part of this day is the change of pace: you move from a boat deck and Pacific views to a short snorkeling stop, then beach time and a small coastal village. I like the chance to see Los Arcos from the water and the fact that lunch, drinks, kayaks, and snorkeling gear are included in the $120 price.

I also like the mix of activity and downtime. You can swim at Las Animas, listen to music on the upper deck, and visit Quimixto instead of spending eight hours in one place. The main drawback is that this is a lively group outing, not a quiet sailing trip. Snorkeling time can be short, equipment may be limited, drinks may be weak, and the boat can return later than expected.

Key points to know before you book

• Los Arcos snorkeling is brief: Expect about 10 minutes in the water according to one detailed account, with many people sharing a small snorkeling area.
• Quimixto requires a choice: You may need to choose between the beach and the waterfall outing, rather than comfortably doing both.
• The boat is made for fun: Music, dancing, games, and an open bar suit social groups better than guests seeking peace and quiet.
• Lunch is served on the beach: Breakfast is continental and basic, while the beach lunch has received the stronger praise.
• Bring photo ID: It may be requested before you receive snorkeling equipment.
• Keep your evening open: The advertised eight hours can stretch, with one outing running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A full day on Puerto Vallarta’s Pacific coast

This is a broad, all-in-one coastal outing rather than a tightly focused snorkeling trip. You spend the day aboard a double-decker boat, moving south along the coast from Puerto Vallarta toward Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto.

That variety is the appeal. You get scenery from the water, a chance to see fish below the surface, time on a beach, and a taste of a small village. You also get music, dancing, games, breakfast, lunch, and drinks without having to arrange each part separately.

The tradeoff is control. A group boat follows its own schedule, and the experience depends on how many people are aboard and how the crew manages each stop. If you want long, unhurried time at one beach or a serious snorkeling session, I would choose a more specialized tour.

Meeting at the Maritime Terminal

You meet at the Maritime Terminal, also called API Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico. Look for the Beach Boy company at the meeting area and allow enough time to find the correct departure point.

The guides speak English and Spanish, which helps when the crew explains the schedule, safety rules, snorkeling arrangements, and choices at Quimixto. The tour provides life jackets, masks, and snorkels, but bring photo identification because it may be needed to receive the equipment.

This is an eight-hour commitment on paper. In practice, plan your whole day around it. One outing left at 10 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m., so I would avoid booking a fixed dinner, airport transfer, or evening show immediately afterward.

Breakfast and the first hours aboard

The day begins with a continental breakfast. Think of it as a simple start rather than a major meal. One detailed account described it as basic, so you may want to eat beforehand if you normally need a substantial breakfast before a day in the sun.

The double-decker design gives you a choice of places to sit. The upper deck is the natural spot for open-water views, music, dancing, and games. It is also where the social side of the trip is most noticeable. If you prefer a quieter ride, you may find the music and onboard activity tiring over several hours.

The all-you-can-drink bar is included, which adds value for some people. Still, do not book this expecting premium cocktails. One account found the drinks quite diluted, so I would treat the bar as a convenience rather than the main reason to choose the tour. Drink water when available, pace yourself, and remember that you still have beach and water activities ahead.

Los Arcos: beautiful scenery, limited snorkeling time

Los Arcos is the first major stop and the clearest reason to bring a mask. This group of rock formations south of Puerto Vallarta is also a marine preserve, with tropical fish and other sea life in the water around the arches.

The setting can be striking even if you never snorkel. From the boat, you get a view of the rock pillars rising from the Pacific, and the stop gives you a different angle on Puerto Vallarta’s coast. The water is described as clear, but conditions and visibility can change.

Here is the important practical point: this is not guaranteed to be a long snorkeling session. One detailed account reported only about 10 minutes in the water, with the rest of the stop taken up by getting people in and out of the sea. The snorkeling area was also described as small, with many swimmers close together.

That crowding matters. Fish can move away when too many people enter the water at once, and you may see less than you hoped. There may also be fewer masks and snorkels than passengers, meaning you could wait for equipment or have a short turn.

I would book this stop for the chance to see Los Arcos and possibly spot fish, turtles, or other marine life, not for a dedicated underwater expedition. One outing did include sightings of whales and turtles, but wildlife is never promised. If snorkeling is your top goal, a smaller operator with more water time is probably a better match.

Las Animas Beach for swimming and lunch

After Los Arcos, the boat continues to Las Animas Beach. This is the restful part of the day, with time to swim, sit by the water, and take part in optional beach activities.

The tour includes lunch served on the beach, which is one of its more useful features. You do not need to leave the group searching for food during your limited shore time. The lunch received a better assessment than the breakfast, though expectations should remain sensible rather than restaurant-level.

Kayaks are included on the beach. That gives you another way to use the stop if you do not want to spend all your time swimming or sitting in the sand. The supplied information does not give a detailed kayak route or a guaranteed length of use, so think of the boats as an included option, not a separate guided paddle trip.

Las Animas works best for you if you want a simple tropical pause between boat activities. It is less suitable if you want a long, quiet beach day with plenty of personal space. Since the group must follow the boat’s schedule, your time ashore will be limited.

Quimixto and the hard choice between beach and waterfall

Quimixto adds a more rural feel to the day. The village is reached from the coast, and the planned outing takes you toward a seasonal waterfall surrounded by greenery. You can choose a guided hike to the falls, where a natural pool offers the chance for a swim.

A seasonal waterfall is exactly that: its flow depends on weather and conditions. The walk may be more rewarding after rain, while the sight can be less dramatic during a dry spell. The supplied details do not give a hiking distance or walking time, so ask the guide for current conditions before you commit.

The key limitation is the schedule. You may be asked to choose between the beach and the waterfall activity within about five minutes. The plan may not allow you to visit the beach and then casually decide to go to the waterfall as well.

That choice can shape the rest of your day. If you want the waterfall, register promptly and confirm what the outing includes. If you prefer swimming and a slower shore stop, choose the beach and do not assume you can switch later.

Horseback riding is described in the general program, but one detailed account reported that motorcycles were offered instead and cost extra. The same account described a charge of 600 pesos per person, with the passenger not driving. Since paid activities can change, ask the crew for the current price and exact arrangement before handing over money.

Do not assume every activity is included just because the boat trip includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks. Extra charges and sales pitches were a recurring concern, so keep your wallet closed until you understand what is part of the $120 package.

Music, dancing, games, and the open bar

The upper deck turns the ride into a party boat. Music plays, games are offered, and dancing is encouraged. For a group of friends or a birthday outing, this can make the long return ride pass quickly.

The mood is not subtle. One account described the music as dated and loud, so I would not choose this experience if you want a peaceful sail with the sound of the water. Families and couples should also consider how much time they want to spend in a high-energy setting.

The open bar is a real inclusion, but its value depends on your expectations. You receive unlimited drinks aboard, yet the quality may be modest and the drinks may be diluted. I would see the bar as part of the social atmosphere, not as a reason to skip other Puerto Vallarta activities.

The boat ride itself may be the strongest shared part of the day. You get broad coastal views, time on the upper deck, and the chance to watch the sea while the crew keeps the group occupied. A beautiful sunset has also been part of the return, though the timing depends on the day and schedule.

What $120 buys you

At $120 per person, this tour bundles many separate costs and decisions into one booking. You receive bilingual guides, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, life jackets, an onboard open bar, kayaks, music, games, and transportation by boat between several coastal stops.

That can be good value if you plan to use the package. A social group that wants food, drinks, beach time, and entertainment may find the price reasonable. You also avoid arranging separate transport to Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto.

The value drops if you mainly want one activity. A snorkeler may be disappointed by the short water session. Someone looking for a quiet beach day may dislike the music. Someone hoping for both Quimixto’s beach and waterfall may feel boxed in by the choice.

There is also the cost of add-ons. Paid rides and other sales offers can change what you finally spend. Ask what is included before choosing any shore activity, and do not let a rushed decision push you into something you did not plan to buy.

Who will enjoy this boat day

I would recommend it most to you if you want a social, full-day outing with several stops and plenty of included extras. It suits friends, families with older children, and anyone who likes music, dancing, games, and an open bar more than quiet observation.

It can also work for first-time visitors who want a broad look at Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast. In one day, you see Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto instead of spending the entire day in one place.

I would be cautious if you have a strict evening plan, need a calm setting, or care most about snorkeling quality. The late return, crowded water stop, limited gear, and paid activity offers may test your patience.

Bring photo ID, swimwear, sun protection, and a plan for staying hydrated. Eat something before departure if a light continental breakfast will not carry you through the morning. Most of all, keep your schedule open until the evening.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta tour?

Book it if you want an energetic boat party with coastal scenery, a short snorkeling stop, a beach lunch, and several included activities. The package covers a lot, and the chance to see whales or turtles can be a welcome bonus.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a long snorkeling session, or complete freedom at Quimixto. For the best experience, go in expecting a busy group day with simple food, basic drinks, music, and a flexible finish time. If that sounds fun, the $120 price can make sense. If not, choose a smaller and more focused coastal excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Maritime Terminal, also called API Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico. Look for the Beach Boy company.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is eight hours. You should keep your full day open because one outing ran from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. A continental breakfast is served during the boat portion, and lunch is served on the beach. Breakfast is basic, while lunch has been received more favorably.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included. Bring photo ID because it may be required before equipment is issued.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An all-you-can-drink open bar is available aboard the boat. The tour also includes music, dancing, and games.

Can I visit both the beach and waterfall at Quimixto?

You may need to choose one activity. The schedule can require you to decide between the beach and the guided waterfall outing within a short time, so confirm the current plan with the guide.