A day like this stays in your memory longer than sand. You get snorkeling in Los Arcos Marine Park, a hike to the Quimixto waterfall, and beach time in a single 4-to-6-hour block. I especially like the way the guides tie it to The Night of the Iguana story and the John Huston film connection, plus the fact that snorkeling gear and drinks are already handled. The one thing to keep in mind: this is weather-dependent, so if conditions are rough, plans can shift.

The other part I really liked is the pace. It’s not a nonstop sprint, and you’ll get real breaks—boat cruising along the Bay of Banderas, a quieter beach stop, then time on land at Quimixto and Las Animas. Still, you should be prepared for some walking on the Quimixto hike (a guided trail through forest with river crossings), and water activities depend on what the day’s conditions allow.

Key highlights you’ll feel immediately

• Movie-story coast route tied to The Night of the Iguana (1964) and director John Huston
• Los Arcos Marine Park snorkeling with clear water and lots of marine life
• Colomitos Beach slowdown at a secluded cove along the southern coast
• Quimixto waterfall hike through tropical forest, ending at a swim-friendly pool
• Las Animas beach food break with a included appetizer plus optional extras

From Mismaloya at 10:00 a.m.: the day’s layout makes sense

This tour is built like a greatest-hits day on the Bay of Banderas: start at Playa Mismaloya, head out by boat for Los Arcos, then return to land for Quimixto and Las Animas. The start time is 10:00 a.m., and it typically runs about 4 to 6 hours total, depending on water and the flow of the day.

You have a couple of practical options for getting there. Pickup is offered, but if you’re not using it, the meeting point is at Gasolinera Pemex Puerto Vallarta (in the Zona Romántica area). You’ll end back at Mismaloya Xtreme Boat Tours in Mismaloya, which is handy if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to figure out another long ride.

Also, it’s a small-boat experience. The tour can hold up to 99 people overall, but the boat setup is meant to feel personal rather than like mass transit. For me, that matters because it makes the snorkeling and sightseeing feel less rushed and more under control.

Playa Mismaloya: warm welcome, safety first, then movie-story mode

Your day starts at the small-but-active Mismaloya Beach area. Bilingual guides and boat captains meet you right at the shore, then do a clear safety briefing before anything fun happens. Life jackets are provided, and you’re given what you need for snorkeling—so you’re not stuck hunting gear at the last second.

Then the tone turns playful: the guide introduces the story behind The Night of the Iguana (1964), based on Tennessee Williams’ play and made into a Hollywood film directed by John Huston. It’s a clever hook because it gives context to the coastline you’ll be cruising soon. Instead of just watching cliffs and coastline pass by, you’re hearing why this region caught the eye of filmmakers decades ago.

You’ll also have beverages on hand, and the mood is built for people who want a real day outside—water, views, and a few memorable photo stops.

What to consider: if you’re someone who hates any waiting at all, be ready for that first “gather, brief, board” rhythm. It usually keeps the rest of the day smoother.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: snorkel time with caves, arches, and clear water

Next comes the boat ride along the Bay of Banderas coastline. Your guide points out landmarks and local wildlife, and brings the movie-story context back in as you cruise—so you keep getting little “oh, that’s why that matters” moments.

Then you reach Los Arcos Marine Park, a cluster of granite islands with dramatic rock formations rising straight out of the sea. The arches and caves are the star on land, but the real payoff happens in the water.

When you slip into the warm water to snorkel, you’re looking for:

• schools of tropical fish such as angel fish, puffer fish, and parrotfish
• rays and eels (you might spot them depending on the day)
• coral formations and rock textures that make for better viewing than open sand

On top of what’s under the water, the park is also a birdwatcher’s bonus. The cliffs can host pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds, and those natural perches make for excellent photos if you catch them moving.

Why this stop is worth your time: snorkel trips can be hit-or-miss when visibility is poor or the spot is too crowded. Here, the marine park is known for clear visibility and a healthy ecosystem, which is exactly what you want for an easy, confidence-building snorkel.

One practical caution: snorkeling gear is included, but you’ll still want to pace yourself. If you’re new to snorkeling, take your time with breathing and orientation. The guides help, and you’ll have a safer experience by moving slower than you think you need to.

Colomitos Beach: a quieter cove break from the main route

After the marine park portion, you’ll make a stop at Colomitos Beach, a secluded cove along the southern coast of Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta. This part of the day is less about checklists and more about resetting.

It’s the kind of place that works when you want a breather—less energy than the boat portion, more “let the views and waves do their job.” If you like beaches that feel calmer and not like a strip of bars, this stop will feel like relief.

What to consider: since it’s described as a secluded cove, don’t expect the kind of big-tour busyness you might see at more central beaches. That’s the point, but it does mean your time there is mostly about scenery and relaxing.

Quimixto village to the waterfall: a jungle hike that ends in a swim pool

Now the tour turns from ocean to jungle with Playa Quimixto. You reach the small village first, and the vibe is very different from the coastal party energy. Expect cobblestone paths, colorful houses, and locals who keep things friendly and low-key.

From the village, you’ll start a guided hike up to the waterfall. The route goes through tropical forest, includes river crossings, and winds past plants and wildlife. Depending on season, you might see things like exotic birds, butterflies, or blooming wildflowers.

Then you arrive at the main event: the waterfall itself, cascading into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by rocks and greenery. This is one of the best “reward at the end of the work” parts of the day. You can:

• swim in the natural pool
• climb on the rocks for a closer look
• or just hang out and listen to the water sound

On the way back, you’ll take a taxi that turns off the beaten path to show you more of the local side of Quimixto. It’s a nice way to break up the timing so the day doesn’t feel like one long grind.

What to consider: the hike is part of the experience, and it’s guided, but it still involves walking on a trail with natural crossings. If you have balance issues or mobility limits, you should think about how comfortable you are on uneven ground.

Practical tip: bring something to protect your phone from splashes if you plan to take photos near the pool. Water + rocks is a classic moment for accidents.

Las Animas Beach: included appetizer plus real downtime

After Quimixto, you head to Playa Las Animas—a calm, beachy stretch where the mood shifts again. When you arrive, you’ll settle in at a beachfront restaurant. This is also where the tour delivers a built-in food break.

You get an included appetizer, with options like fresh ceviche, crispy shrimp tostadas, or guacamole with homemade chips. Then you can buy more from the menu if you’re hungry for a longer meal or want to try extra seafood and Mexican dishes.

Once you’re done eating, you can relax on the sand, explore the area, or jump off the pier into the ocean if you feel like it.

There are also additional activities listed as available but not included, such as:

• parasailing
• banana boat
• an adventure park
• massage

Finally, the day closes with a scenic ride back to Mismaloya. You’ll have a cold beverage as you wind down.

Why this works for most people: it’s the right kind of structure. You get a meal without planning, then free time without pressure. This is often where the day feels like a vacation instead of a schedule.

What $89 buys you: value, drinks, gear, and a day with variety

At $89 per person, this tour prices itself in the “affordable, full-day fun” bracket. The value comes from how many boxes it checks, not just the headline snorkeling.

Here’s what’s included:

• soda/pop
• bottled water
• snacks
• alcoholic beverages
• use of snorkeling equipment
• a guide

And you’re getting multiple environments in one outing: boat + marine park, a cove break, a jungle hike with a waterfall reward, then beach relaxation with food.

The pace is the sneaky value factor. You’re not spending the entire day traveling between disconnected activities. The route is tight enough that you actually get to enjoy each part, and the order makes sense: water first, jungle second, then beach downtime.

One limitation to plan around: there’s no WiFi on board, which isn’t a problem if you’re here for the sun and water, but you’ll want to download anything you need before you go.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is a good match if you want:

• ocean time and snorkeling without the hassle of logistics
• a waterfall hike that doesn’t require planning a guide yourself
• a mix of story, scenery, and food in one day

It also fits solo travelers, couples, and groups because the boat and the guide format help keep things coordinated.

You might want to choose a different option if:

• you strongly dislike walking on uneven trails (Quimixto includes hiking and river crossings)
• you’re only interested in one type of activity (this day is intentionally mixed: sea, cove, jungle waterfall, and beach)

One more note: service animals are allowed, and the tour says most travelers can participate—always a good sign for general comfort.

Should you book Ocean and Jungle: Snorkel, Quimixto Waterfall and Beach Adventure?

If you like variety, this is an easy yes. It’s built for a single day that feels like four different experiences—boat coast views, Los Arcos snorkeling, a Quimixto waterfall swim option, and a Las Animas food-and-relax payoff. The price feels fair because gear, drinks, snacks, and a guide are all included, and you’re not paying extra to get the core activities rolling.

Just remember the real deciding factor is weather and your comfort with the Quimixto hike. If those two things align, you’ll likely come away with photos you actually care about—and a day that stays fun from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the Ocean and Jungle tour?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes soda/pop, bottled water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, and a guide.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there WiFi on board?

No. WiFi is not included.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 a.m. Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is Gasolinera Pemex Puerto Vallarta.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.