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

A party-boat day with real scenery. This Arcos–Animas–Quimixto cruise mixes breakfast on board and an open bar with a snorkeling stop at Los Arcos, then long beach time in Las Ánimas and (optionally) a walk up to Quimixto’s waterfall. One thing to plan for up front: the listed 9:15 start can run late, so you’ll want patience at the dock.

I like that the day is built for value without pretending it’s luxury. You get snorkeling gear included at Los Arcos and an included beach meal once you reach Las Ánimas, so most of the basics are handled. Just don’t schedule anything tight afterward, because the whole circuit can stretch.

Key points to know before you go

• Los Arcos snorkeling is included, but it’s time-limited and can depend on sea conditions.
• Las Ánimas is the main beach block (3 hours) with an included one-dish meal.
• Quimixto waterfall is optional with a ~30-minute walk and ~20 minutes at the falls area.
• Open bar and onboard entertainment make this feel like a social boat day, not a quiet nature cruise.
• Expect extra costs in pesos once you’re at the port and on the beach (drinks and port-related fees).
• The crew makes the difference, and names like David, Jorge, Jimmy, and Don Gato come up in positive notes for energy and English support.

Why this Arcos–Animas–Quimixto boat day is such strong value

At $75 per person, this tour is selling you a full day experience: meals, an open bar on the water, and snorkeling equipment, plus beach time at two different spots. That’s the core of the value. If you were to book separate transfers, pay for gear, and add lunch/snacks, the price usually climbs fast.

The tradeoff is how this type of tour runs. It’s set up for a group (up to 130 travelers), so you should expect some waiting, some crowd noise, and a schedule that can flex with pickups and weather. When things go smoothly, it feels fun and easy. When weather turns rough or the line at the terminal gets long, you’ll feel the difference.

Meeting at Puerto Vallarta’s sea terminal: plan for lines and cash

Your meeting point is the Terminal Marítima at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias (API), Puerto Vallarta. The listed start time is 9:15 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Here’s the practical bit: this isn’t a drop-off and go. You may need to pay the port-related fees that are not included. The tour info lists:

• MX$33 port tax per person (for entering the sea terminal)
• MX$33 Malecón Boardwalk per person

Bring cash. Not because you want to, but because it keeps the day from turning into a delay spiral.

First hours on board: breakfast, open bar, and the social vibe

Before you even reach Los Arcos, you’re fed. Breakfast on the boat includes hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade. It’s the kind of breakfast that works well when you know you’ll be outside for hours.

Then comes the part that most people remember: the open bar on board. This is why the boat feels like an event. Many reviews highlight a lively crew and nonstop good energy. On the ride back, expect entertainment like music, dancing, and even karaoke-style moments.

If you get motion sick, you’ll be smart to pick your seat with that in mind. One recurring piece of advice from the experience: sit on the lower level if the boat bounces.

Also watch for the small extras that pop up when you’re at the terminal. There are mentions of photo opportunities taken around the dancers and boarding process. If you want those memories, fine. If you don’t, just keep your head down and walk straight to the line you need.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya snorkeling: what you’ll actually get

This stop is designed as a quick hit. You have about 45 minutes at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, with snorkeling equipment included and admission free. The goal is simple: get in, see some tropical fish, and get back out.

When conditions are calm, this can be a highlight. The snorkel area is known for colorful fish, and when visibility is good, you’ll likely feel like you got more than you paid for.

But you should know the realistic constraints:

• Snorkeling time can be shorter than you might assume, and some people reported only about 15–20 minutes in the water.
• If the ocean is choppy due to weather, you may get less (or in worse cases, barely any) snorkeling experience.

If you’re the type of person who wants a longer, deeper snorkel session, I’d consider a dedicated snorkeling tour instead. This one is best for travelers who want a taste of the reef during a bigger day plan.

One more small precaution: one review notes that ID was required to snorkel. The tour info doesn’t state that clearly, so I can’t treat it as guaranteed. Still, it’s easy enough to bring your ID or a clear photo of it just in case.

Playa Las Ánimas: the quiet fishing-village feel

Las Ánimas is where the day slows down. You spend about 3 hours here, and the place is described as a picturesque fishing village with a beach and crystal-clear water.

The practical reason this stop matters: it’s also where you eat. The tour includes food at a beach restaurant, with one dish per person and three options to choose from. Drinks and tips are not included, so you’ll want pesos for beach beverages if you plan to stay hydrated and comfortable.

What about chairs and extras? This is where expectations can vary. Some people report beach seating included, while others mention needing to rent chairs/umbrellas on site. So budget for small add-ons and ask quickly once you arrive.

Las Ánimas is also an activity playground. You might find options like parasailing, banana boat rides, and jet skis. A couple of reviews gave specific pricing for add-ons, and the consistent theme was that these extras were offered during your beach time rather than being bundled into the tour price.

Quimixto waterfall option: a walk for a refreshing swim (not guaranteed)

Quimixto is the “choose your effort” part of the itinerary. You have about 2 hours total for this portion.

The waterfall visit is optional. If you do it, you’ll:

• Disembark in Quimixto
• Start a walk of approximately 30 minutes
• Have the option of horse rental (optional)
• Spend about 20 minutes at the waterfall area for swimming

Then you move back to Las Ánimas for the included food.

Here’s the expectation-setting part. Waterfall conditions can vary. Some reports say the waterfall experience was memorable; others say the waterfall didn’t have water when they went. That means you should think of Quimixto as a bonus nature stop, not a sure swim guarantee.

If you plan to go, wear decent walking shoes and pay attention to instructions before you split off. One review notes that a participant missed part of the hike because the instructions weren’t clear enough. If you want the waterfall, ask questions early.

Food and drinks: what’s covered, what costs extra

This tour is straightforward about what’s included:

• Breakfast on board (multiple choices)
• Open bar on board
• Food on the beach: one dish per person (three options)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Insurance

What isn’t included:

• Port tax and other port-related fee items listed in pesos
• Drinks on the beach (the info lists MX$70 per person)
• Tips
• Any services or add-ons not specified

A key practical point: onboard drinks are included, but beach drinks are not. If you want a full day of easy sipping on shore, plan to pay for it. Also, some reviews mention drink service could be limited at certain times, which is common on busy group days—so don’t rely on the bar for every thirst moment while you’re off the boat.

Timing reality check: start late, return late, and long waits

The tour is listed as 7 hours approx., starting at 9:15 am. In practice, several reviews describe delays:

• Waiting on shore before departure
• Return timing stretching enough to impact dinner plans

This is the kind of outing where you should treat the schedule as a target, not a promise. Weather can also matter: rough water can affect both comfort and snorkeling.

How to protect your day:

• Don’t book anything that starts right when you expect to be back.
• Bring sunscreen and something to keep you busy while lines move slowly.
• If you get seasick, take motion sickness precautions before you’re already uncomfortable.

Also, keep in mind the group size. Even with a cap of 130, loading and unloading can take time, especially with multiple stops and transport by smaller boats from shore.

Who should book this tour (and who might be happier elsewhere)

This outing fits best if you want:

• A fun group boat day with open bar energy
• Short snorkeling during a bigger itinerary
• Beach time at Las Ánimas with an included meal
• A choice between staying on the beach or doing the Quimixto waterfall walk

You might want a different tour if:

• Snorkeling is your main goal and you want long time in the water
• You dislike schedule uncertainty or you’re running a tight itinerary
• You want a quiet, romantic day rather than karaoke-and-dancing energy

If you’re going with friends or family, especially kids old enough to handle the boat ride and walking, this can be a good fit. It’s value-first.

Should you book Arcos–Animas–Quimixto?

I’d book it if your priority is a low-cost, high-fun Puerto Vallarta day: breakfast and drinks on the boat, a reef stop that might be great, and a long beach break in Las Ánimas. This is the kind of tour where the crew vibe can turn a basic day into a memorable one, and names like David, Jorge, Jimmy, and Don Gato come up in positive notes.

I wouldn’t book it if you need guaranteed snorkeling conditions, perfect timing, and a super-controlled shore experience. Weather, crowds, and service timing can affect the day, and some food/drink details don’t match luxury expectations.

My best advice: bring patience, bring cash, keep your schedule flexible, and treat the waterfall as a bonus option. If you do that, you’ll likely feel like you got a fair deal.

FAQ

Is the tour offered in English?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included at Los Arcos for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and Los Arcos is a snorkeling stop during the tour.

Do I need to pay port fees?

Yes. Port tax and a Malecón Boardwalk fee are listed as not included, and they are priced in MX$33 per person items.

How much time do I get at each stop?

Los Arcos is about 45 minutes, Playa Las Ánimas is about 3 hours, and the Quimixto portion is about 2 hours (including the optional walk/waterfall time).

Is the Quimixto waterfall visit optional?

Yes. The visit to the Quimixto waterfall is optional, and if you do it you walk about 30 minutes and spend about 20 minutes at the waterfall area.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get breakfast on board and a beach meal (one dish per person). Drinks on the boat are included as an open bar, but drinks at the beach restaurant are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Terminal Marítima API in Puerto Vallarta and ends back at the same meeting point. The start time listed is 9:15 am.