Catamaran time in Puerto Vallarta moves fast. This trip strings together snorkeling at Los Arcos, beach time at Playa Las Animas, and the option to hike to Quimixto, all while you’re fed and kept busy on the water.

I like that it’s built around simple, included highlights: open bar on board and solid meal moments with breakfast and beach food. I also like the practical structure of the day, especially the snorkeling equipment intro before you go into the water and the guided walk option if you want something active.

One thing to think about: water conditions can affect snorkeling, and the day may feel rushed in spots or run a bit over time—so if you’re picky about pacing, go in with flexibility.

Key things to know before you sail

• Open bar + snacks on board: wings, boneless pieces, cheese fingers, dips, and sauce keep the energy up between stops.
• Los Arcos snorkeling time is the core: you get an intro to gear and about two hours in the water area.
• Las Animas is flexible: stay on the beach for sun and food, or add the guided Quimixto waterfall hike.
• You can do more than snorkeling: kayaking and paddle are included along with the snorkeling.
• You’ll enjoy sunset on the return: the last stretch includes music, games, dances, and big sea-and-mountain views.

A full day on the water starts with a real schedule (and a 10:10 check-in)

This is an all-day catamaran outing that runs about 7 to 8 hours. The day starts with registration at 10:10 am and the tour itself departing at 11:00 am, with the meeting point at Puerto Mágico on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte.

That timing matters. A lot of boat tours feel long mostly because of waiting. Here, you’re moving from Puerto Mágico out to the coast, doing the main activity, then spending meaningful time at Las Animas before returning.

Also note the group size limit: the tour caps at 99 travelers. That’s big enough that you should expect a social vibe, but not so huge that you feel completely anonymous.

Puerto Mágico boarding: breakfast + bay views before the Arches

The tour begins at Puerto Mágico, where you register, pass security, and board the catamaran. Once you’re underway, the day kicks into sightseeing mode with views across the immense bay of Puerto Vallarta.

You’ll also have breakfast on board while the guides talk you through what comes next. This is a smart setup: you’re eating before the water time, so you’re not scrambling with snacks once you’re already hot, wet, and distracted by what you’re seeing.

If you’re the type who likes to know the plan early, you’ll appreciate that the first leg is basically a warm-up: get onboard, get oriented, eat, then head toward the snorkeling site.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: snorkeling that depends on conditions

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the headliner. You arrive, get a brief introduction on how to use snorkeling equipment, and then you get time in the water to look for tropical fish and corals.

The schedule here is straightforward: about two hours for snorkeling at the Arches area. In best-case conditions, this is exactly the kind of stop that makes a catamaran day feel like more than just a boat ride. You’re close to marine life, and the time window is long enough to actually settle in rather than feel like a quick photo stop.

When snorkeling may feel harder

Here’s the honest travel truth: if the water is rough, snorkeling can become less comfortable and less productive. One of the recurring concerns is that in choppier conditions, snorkeling may be harder to enjoy and you may not get full use of all gear as expected.

So if you’re booking with snorkeling as your top priority, be ready for the possibility that nature controls the final outcome. Your best strategy is to bring the right mindset: focus on having fun first, and treat snorkeling as the bonus if conditions are perfect.

A wildlife moment you might get

One review mentioned giant whales on the route. That kind of sighting isn’t something you can count on, but it’s a reminder that when you’re out in the right waters, unexpected wildlife is possible.

Playa Las Animas: beach relaxation or a guided walk to Quimixto

After the Arches, the tour shifts gears to Playa Las Animas. You get about three hours here, and the time is set up so you can choose your own flavor of fun.

You can simply stay on the beach to relax, swim, and eat. Or you can opt for the more active plan: Quimixto waterfall, reached by a 1.5 km guided hike through the rainforest. Once you get there, you can take a refreshing dip.

How you actually reach Las Animas beach

This part is important for planning your expectations. The descent toward Las Animas beach is done by boat from the catamaran to the Las Animas beach pier. That means you should expect some transfer time and coordination before you’re fully settled on land.

Food on the beach is part of the day

You don’t just arrive and leave. The tour includes delicious food served on the beach, so you’re not burning time hunting for a meal when you’re already tired from sun and water.

If you’re deciding between options, I’d think like this:

• If you want the easiest day: pick beach time and take it slow.
• If you want a stronger sense of adventure: choose the guided Quimixto hike and waterfall dip.

Back on board at Puerto Mágico: open bar, games, music, sunset

The final stretch is roughly two hours back aboard for the return voyage. This is when the tour leans into party energy—crew-led games and dances, plus music and the kind of open-water views you can’t get from shore.

You’ll also enjoy the visual payoff: mountain views, the long stretch of sea, and a sunset during the ride back. The combination is why this tour works even if snorkeling isn’t your only goal. It ends on mood, not logistics.

Open bar timing: mostly fun, sometimes a snag

The tour includes an open bar on board, and the overall impression is that drinks and snacks are part of the good vibe. Still, one practical complaint was that drink service didn’t always feel immediate after returning to the boat.

So, don’t assume you can order instantly at every moment. If you’re the type who likes to unwind with a drink right after an activity, give yourself a few minutes and settle first.

What’s included (and why the price can feel fair)

The listed price is $92.17 per person, and the value depends on how much you’d pay for similar pieces separately.

Here’s what’s included:

• Open bar
• Snacks on board (wings, boneless, cheese fingers, dips and sauce)
• Breakfast on board (before the Arches)
• Visit to Playa Las Animas plus beach food
• Snorkeling (with equipment introduction)
• Kayaking and paddle
• Restroom on board
• Admission tickets tied to key parts of the itinerary

Not included:

• Drinks and extra food at restaurants
• Extra beach activities
• Port tax: MX$35.00 per person (you’ll need extra cash)

The real value equation

If you want a day where food, drinks, and multiple water activities are bundled together, this price starts to look reasonable. The included snorkeling time and access to Las Animas (including the pier transfer) do real work, not just sightseeing.

But if you’re the kind of traveler who hates schedule friction—loading delays, slow transitions, or waiting around—then no bundle price will feel worth it. That brings us to the trade-offs.

Small frictions: pacing, equipment, and boat condition

I’m going to be straight with you here. While some people rate the experience highly, there are also clear complaints that can affect your day.

1) Water conditions can change the snorkeling experience

Rough water can make snorkeling less enjoyable, and there’s also a mention that access to all snorkeling equipment may not always happen smoothly. If snorkeling is your top bucket-list item, keep your expectations flexible.

2) Transfers and loading can feel slow

One concern was taking around 45 minutes to load the boat to leave Las Animas. That kind of timing issue can make the schedule feel tight or dragged, depending on your tolerance.

3) Meal timing and service pace

Lunch-on-beach can take a long time for some groups. Another review also described a moment where open bar drink access felt delayed.

4) Boat wear and tear

There were maintenance-type complaints: issues like bolts, broken life jacket clips, and bathroom problems. Staff were still described as kind, but physical condition is part of comfort—especially on a long day.

5) The day can run long

One review said the return was about an hour over the expected schedule. That matters if you have dinner reservations or a tight plan back in town.

None of these mean the trip is a disaster. They do mean you should decide how much you care about precision. If you can roll with a slightly chaotic human-and-weather mix, you’ll likely enjoy it more.

Who should book this catamaran day, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a classic Puerto Vallarta mix: sea time, snorkeling, and a choice between beach downtime and a guided nature walk.

Great match for you if:

• You want snorkeling plus a beach stop in one outing.
• You enjoy an energetic boat vibe with games, music, and crew.
• You’re interested in Las Animas + Quimixto as a choose-your-own-adventure moment.
• You’d like the convenience of food and drinks bundled into the day.

Not the best match if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to schedule delays or rough-water snorkeling.
• You expect every part to run perfectly on the clock.
• Boat comfort and maintenance condition are deal-breakers for you.

Should you book this tour?

If you’re aiming for a fun, social catamaran day with built-in food, drinks, and multiple water activities, I think this tour is a solid bet—especially for people who like a little spontaneity at sea. The biggest promise here is the combination: Los Arcos snorkeling, Las Animas beach time, and the optional Quimixto waterfall hike, all wrapped in an on-boat party-style return with sunset views.

But if you’re booking mainly for a precise snorkeling plan with calm water guaranteed, don’t. Nature has the final say, and pacing issues do show up. Book it if you can be easygoing, but keep your day flexible and bring extra cash for the MX$35 port tax and any additional beach add-ons.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Registration is at 10:10 am and the tour departs at 11:00 am. The meeting point is Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the catamaran tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours (approx.).

What’s included in the price?

You get an open bar, snacks on board, breakfast on board, Playa Las Animas entry with beach food, snorkeling (with equipment guidance), kayaking and paddle, and restrooms on board.

Is the port tax included?

No. Port tax is MX$35.00 per person and you’ll need extra cash for it.

What can I do at Playa Las Animas?

You can relax and swim on the beach and eat, or you can choose the guided Quimixto waterfall hike (1.5 km) through the rainforest, with time at the waterfall for a dip.

Can children join?

Yes. Children 0–2 years are free of charge, and most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed.