Snorkel and beaches, with a real party streak. This 7-hour Puerto Vallarta catamaran mixes famous photo stops with friendly, helpful crew and big beach time at Las Ánimas. It is built for clear water swims, relaxed sand time, and an easy day off your feet.

The best part for me is the human side: the staff help where they can and keep things moving, and the ride itself is described as safe. The main downside is that the schedule can feel chaotic, with very loud music and snorkeling time that may be shorter than you expect.

Key things to know before you go

• Los Arcos de Mismaloya, no hike required: You get iconic views from the catamaran with a short stop for photos.
• Colomitos is the snorkeling focus: You should expect clear water and a calm setting, but plan for a brief swim window.
• Las Ánimas is where you slow down: Soft sand, calm water, and an included beach meal (drinks cost extra).
• Group size can change your vibe: Max is 50, and some departures feel closer to a private outing.
• Boat comfort is basic: Expect deck seating and a less-polished feel, depending on the departure.

What this $78 all-in day really includes

This is a full day by sea out of Puerto Vallarta, priced at $78 per person for roughly 7 hours. The big value is that you are not just hopping between stops. You get a structured route: a photo stop at Los Arcos, snorkeling at Colomitos, a beach block at Las Ánimas with an included meal, and then a return ride with onboard show/contests.

Also, admissions for the listed stops are shown as free, which helps explain how the price can stay low. Still, a low price can come with trade-offs. The boat setup can feel very basic, and the pacing can run on the loud, party-side when the group is large.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: classic views, short stop, easy photos

Your first stop is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a Puerto Vallarta icon—rock arches rising from the sea. The practical win here is that you do not need to change plans or squeeze in extra walking. The captain positions the catamaran so you can get the best angles for photos from where you are sitting.

The time at this stop is about an hour. That means you get enough time to take pictures and soak it in, but you also should not expect a long, leisurely hang. I like it this way. You get the headline sight fast, then you move on to the water time without burning half the day.

Colomitos snorkeling: clear water, calmer vibe, but manage the time

Colomitos is the first true water moment after Los Arcos. This beach area is known for clear water and a natural setting, and the plan is that the catamaran stops long enough for a snorkeling session. The idea is a quiet, safe environment where you can see tropical fish and rock formations underwater.

Here is the key thing to plan around: snorkeling time is a tight window. One report says it ended up closer to 30 minutes than the longer block you might hope for. That does not mean Colomitos is bad. It just means you should go in ready to swim quickly and not expect a long, slow drift.

If you tend to snorkel casually, bring that pace down to a sprint mindset. Once you hit the water, take a minute to settle, then look around in a methodical way—scan left, scan right, and watch the areas near rocks where fish often gather.

One more tip from the real world: water can feel cold for some people, and at least one traveler skipped snorkeling because of it. If you get chilly in the water, plan for that reality. A swim shirt or even a light wetsuit-style layer can make the difference between enjoying it and rushing through.

Las Ánimas beach: where the day turns into real downtime

After Colomitos, you cross to Playa Las Ánimas. This is one of Puerto Vallarta’s more popular beaches, and the plan is simple: soft sand, relatively calm water, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

The beach block is about 3 hours, which is the sweet spot for a day like this. You dock, head to an assigned restaurant on the beach, and you get your included meal. Drinks cost extra, so treat the included meal like a solid base, not an open-ended party buffet.

You can also just do nothing here, which is a big part of why this stop works. You can swim, lie in the sun, and take a coastal walk if you feel like it.

If you want more action, there are optional activities on-site for extra cost, including water rides like bananas and parachutes. The catch is time. If you want both a long lunch and a paid excursion, you may feel pressure. With this tour format, it can be hard to squeeze everything in.

Onboard return: show, contests, and the party-music reality

When you head back to Puerto Vallarta, the plan includes an onboard show and contests. For some people, that is a fun closer. For others, the bigger factor is the sound level and overall party vibe.

Some departures can feel like a party boat: loud music played throughout the ride, and an atmosphere that can make it hard to tune into the scenery. If you want a calm, quiet cruise vibe, this is the part where you will feel the mismatch.

This is also where the group size matters. The tour caps at 50 people, but one report describes over 200 people on a boat during a boarding situation. That is not the normal “cap” you see advertised, so I cannot promise what you will get. What I can say is to plan for a wide range in how crowded and loud it might feel depending on the departure.

Getting on board: timing, organization, and why you should arrive early

This tour tends to be schedule-dependent. One report describes a ticket arrival time of 11:00 a.m. while boarding did not start until around noon. Even if you are early, you might still sit and wait. That is annoying when you are hungry and ready to go, but it is manageable if you plan for it.

My practical take: arrive early, bring something to snack on if you need it, and do not treat the first boarding time as a precise promise. If you hate uncertainty, this might be harder on your nerves than a tightly timed shore excursion.

Also, the flow can feel chaotic when the group is large and everyone is trying to move to food, then back to activities. The crew may be kind and trying their best. But if there are too many bodies moving at once, the pace can still feel messy.

Boat comfort: basic seats, deck layout, and what to expect from the ride

This is not a luxury yacht day. The boat setup can look like a large deck with plastic lawn chairs. If you want plush seating, shade, and a polished look, this is probably not your match.

That said, the crew seems to focus on safety. One traveler specifically mentioned safe driving and that they did not get seasick. So if you are worried about basic boat handling, do not assume it is unsafe. It may be basic, but it is likely run professionally enough for a day cruise.

Still, with a deck-style setup, you will want to think about sun. Bring sunscreen and something for shade if you know you burn easily. Also pack water and consider a light layer—sea breezes can help at first, then leave you chilled later.

Food and extra costs: included meal, plus the costs to watch

At Las Ánimas, your meal is included. The big detail is that drinks are extra cost. That matters if you were planning on easy, cost-free hydration beyond water.

There is also at least one extra fee mentioned: port fees of about 30 additional pesos each. That is not listed in the core tour description you get up front, so it is wise to assume you may pay a small add-on once you are there.

So how do you judge the value? For $78, you are really paying for:

• transportation by catamaran through the day
• access to the main stops
• snorkeling as the main water activity
• beach time at Las Ánimas
• an included meal

If you love beach time and you are fine with basic boat conditions, the value can feel fair. If you wanted an upscale, highly organized, long snorkeling session, the extras and the pacing might make the price feel less worth it.

Who this tour fits best (and who it does not)

This tour is best if you want a classic Puerto Vallarta coast day with multiple sights and you do not need a quiet, perfectly timed itinerary.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• you like photo stops but still want real water time
• you are okay with a brief snorkeling session
• you want a solid beach block at Las Ánimas
• you value friendly crew support over fancy presentation

You might skip it if:

• you need quiet conversation and scenery, not loud music
• you want long, uninterrupted snorkeling
• you hate schedule uncertainty and group bottlenecks
• you expect an upscale boat

It also helps if you are flexible about how long each activity lasts once everyone is on board.

Practical tips to make it better

• Treat snorkeling like a short workout. Look fast, then adjust rather than searching for too long.
• If you get cold in the water, plan for it. A light layer helps more than people expect.
• For Las Ánimas, decide early if you want extras like parachutes or bananas. With the flow of the day, timing can be tight.
• Bring a small snack and water for the waiting moments. You might not board exactly when you hoped.
• If you are sensitive to noise, pack ear protection or choose your seat spot wisely before the music ramps up.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta catamaran?

I would book it if you want a day that mixes Los Arcos photos with real beach time at Las Ánimas, and you are happy to treat snorkeling as a bonus window rather than the main event that must last forever. The included meal and the strong staff friendliness can make a big difference, especially if you land with a smoother group.

I would pass if you are chasing a calm, upscale cruise and a long snorkeling session. The potential for loud party music, basic boat comfort, and a sometimes messy schedule can frustrate you.

If you book, go in with the right expectations: this is fun-first, beach-first, and photo-and-snorkel focused. When that matches your style, it can be a very satisfying Puerto Vallarta day.

FAQ

What is the meeting point and exact location for the tour?

The tour is based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The details provided say it is near public transportation, but they do not list a specific street address.

How long is the cruise?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

The route includes Los Arcos de Mismaloya, Playa Colomitos (snorkeling), Playa Las Ánimas (beach time and included meal), and then a return to Puerto Vallarta.

Is snorkeling included, and where do you snorkel?

Yes. You get a snorkeling session at Playa Colomitos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. At Playa Las Ánimas, you receive an included meal at a beach restaurant. Drinks are extra cost.

Are Los Arcos and other stops included in the price?

The tour lists admissions for the stops as free, which suggests you do not need to pay separate ticket fees for those included segments.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum number of travelers is 50.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any situations that can cancel the tour besides weather?

Yes. The tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If that minimum is not met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.