Los Arcos plus an open bar sets the pace. This full-day Puerto Vallarta outing strings together snorkeling at Los Arcos and lunch on the beach with a stop in the charming village of Quimixto. I like the mix of water time and shore time, but you should also expect that snorkel gear and time in the water can be tight when the boat is busy.

I also like how the day plays out from a double-decker boat, with the top deck turning into a hangout: open bar, music, dancing, and games. The Quimixto portion is the wild card here—your plan depends on whether you go by horseback or guided hike to the seasonal waterfall and natural pool.

For $120 per person, this can be a good value because you get bilingual guides, breakfast, lunch, life jackets, masks and snorkel, and even kayaks on the beach. Just keep your expectations grounded: the snorkeling portion may be short, and the party atmosphere is part of the package, not a side option.

Key things to know before you go

• Los Arcos snorkeling is the main “wow” stop, but gear can be limited when lots of people are on board.
• Las Animas Beach is where you slow down, with time to swim and use provided kayaks on the sand.
• Quimixto is about a choice, usually horseback or a guided hike to a seasonal waterfall with a natural pool.
• The open bar is included, and the vibe can get loud with dancing and games on the boat.
• Plan a full day, since you may return later than the advertised schedule.

The Boat Life: Where the Day Starts in Puerto Vallarta

This is an 8-hour, double-decker tour boat day along Puerto Vallarta’s Pacific coastline. You’ll meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico and connect with the Beach Boy team. It’s a straightforward setup: get aboard, get your life jacket, and settle in while the day gathers speed.

Once you’re on board, the energy is built around the top deck. You’ll have an all-you-can-drink open bar, plus music, dancing, and games. This part matters because it shapes how the day feels: if you’re hoping for quiet scenery time the whole way, you may find the atmosphere a bit much. On the flip side, if you want a social, easy day with a few set-piece moments, that onboard fun is genuinely part of the experience.

A practical tip: snorkeling gear is included (mask and snorkel), but bring photo ID if you want to use the equipment. One guest specifically called out that photo ID may be required for snorkel gear.

Morning Fuel: Continental Breakfast Before Los Arcos

Your day begins with continental breakfast. It’s not described as a sit-down feast—think simple, quick fuel so you’re ready to get wet. I like this format for a boat tour: it keeps the day moving and avoids the “everyone eats at different times” chaos that can drag tours out.

This matters because Los Arcos is the first major highlight. If you’re the type who likes to be fully ready before you step into the water, eat promptly, then do a quick body check: swimsuit under clothes, sunscreen already on (if you use it), and your towel plan figured out.

Los Arcos Marine Preserve Snorkeling: Cool Water, Realistic Expectations

Los Arcos is the first stop that feels truly “special.” This is a protected marine area where you can snorkel with tropical fish and clear water conditions. The tour supplies life jackets, mask, and snorkel, so you don’t need to bring gear (and that alone can save you hassle and expense).

Now, here’s the honest part: the snorkeling experience can be time-boxed and gear can be limited when the boat is full. One booking reported not having enough snorkel equipment for everyone, and that the time actually spent in the water ended up being much shorter than expected. Another guest noted that with so many people, fish seemed to move away.

So how do you make this work in your favor?

• Get in the water early when it’s your turn, not after you’ve waited around.
• Keep your movements smooth and slow. Fast thrashing doesn’t help anyone.
• Don’t expect a long, private snorkel session. Expect something structured, with rotations.

The payoff is that even a shorter snorkel window can be memorable in a protected area. Plus, there’s a chance you’ll see bigger marine life later in the day; one review specifically mentioned whales and turtles showing up.

Las Animas Beach: The Best Place to Actually Relax

After snorkeling, you head to Las Animas Beach. This is where the tour shifts gears: less schedule pressure, more time to swim, lounge, and reset your body after getting wet in the morning sun.

Las Animas also includes kayaks on the beach, which is a nice touch for people who don’t want to just float and sunbathe. Even if you only paddle for a short time, it adds variety without requiring advanced skills.

This is also the stretch where your day can either feel perfect or feel rushed—depending on how the rest of the group moves. If you’re someone who likes to linger, plan a simple rhythm: swim first, then find shade, then enjoy lunch when it arrives.

Quimixto Village and the Waterfall Choice

Quimixto is the most “local flavor” part of the day. Instead of only beach and open water, you get a village setting surrounded by green scenery, with the option to reach a seasonal waterfall.

Here’s the key structure: you generally choose between horseback riding or a guided hike to the waterfall. The goal is to reach a natural pool where you can refresh with a swim if conditions allow.

This is a great moment for people who want a break from the boat routine. A village stop means a different pace, and the waterfall and pool translate into real scenery, not just a shoreline photo.

But there’s a trade-off: decisions can be time-sensitive. One guest described being pushed to commit to one activity quickly and not being able to change plans afterward. Another mentioned that when horseback didn’t match expectations, motorbike alternatives were offered with extra cost and different rules.

So what should you do with that information?

• Ask early which option is available that day and how it works.
• If you’re budgeting carefully, keep a little extra flexibility for any optional substitutions that might appear in practice.
• If you don’t feel comfortable riding a horse or doing a hike, be honest with yourself early—this is one of the few moments in the day where your choice affects the rest.

Lunch on the Beach and the Open Bar Reality Check

Lunch is served on the beach. You’ll have lunch on the beach, which is one of the best-value pieces of the whole day—boat tours sometimes give you a mediocre meal at sea, but this one aims to keep it shore-based.

Breakfast is continental, and some guests described it as basic. Still, the lunch gets more positive attention, which lines up with how most people experience it: bread-and-fruit breakfast sets the baseline, while a beach lunch is where the tour shows its effort.

Now, the open bar. The tour includes all-you-can-drink drinks on board. One review said the drinks were very diluted, and another complained about upselling and overall vibe. That doesn’t mean the open bar is bad—it means the style can vary, and you shouldn’t assume top-shelf cocktails.

My practical take: treat the open bar as a way to keep you happy and social, not as a guarantee of strong, premium drinks. If you’re picky about alcohol strength, you might be happier pacing it, or saving your serious drinking for later.

The Party Factor: Music, Dancing, and Games on the Water

This tour leans into fun. Music plays onboard, and the day includes dancing and games. One review described the music as old-school wedding-style, which gives you a sense of what the “soundtrack” can be like.

What I like about this is that it turns a long boat ride into something with momentum. What I’d watch out for is that the noise and group energy can be tiring if you’re sensitive to loud environments.

If you want a calmer experience, use the boat strategically: enjoy the open bar and music while you’re still fresh, then retreat to a quieter spot when you need a breather. The double-decker layout can help with that, even if the crowd is active.

Timing, Crowds, and Why Dinner Should Have a Buffer

The advertised duration is 8 hours, and at least one departure was described as leaving at 10am and returning around 7pm. That’s a useful anchor, because it means your whole day can get wrapped up into one plan.

Also keep in mind that the schedule can stretch. One guest reported returning about 2 hours after the advertised time, forcing a change to dinner plans. So if you’ve booked something tight—like a nighttime show right after—add a cushion.

Crowds can also affect your experience. A snorkel stop with lots of people can change how the water feels, and it can reduce your chances of seeing fish close up. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it—it just means you should plan for a “shared adventure,” not a private one.

Price and Value: Is $120 Worth It?

At $120 per person, you’re paying for a packaged day: bilingual guides, continental breakfast, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), life jackets, lunch on the beach, kayaks on the beach, plus the open bar and onboard entertainment. You’re also not spending time coordinating separate transport between stops.

That bundle can be good value if you like structure. A separate snorkel + beach + lunch day in many coastal towns often costs more once you add boat time, guide service, and food.

Where value can wobble is when expectations don’t match the pace:

• Snorkel time may be shorter than you hope.
• Gear availability can create wait time.
• Quimixto choices can be time-pressured, and substitutions (like switching from horseback to other paid options) could add costs.

So the question isn’t just whether the tour is “cheap.” It’s whether it fits how you travel. If you want a relaxed, social day where everything is handled and you can roll with time-boxed moments, $120 can feel fair. If you want a long, peaceful snorkeling session and zero schedule surprises, this may not be your best match.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This experience makes the most sense for:

• First-timers to Puerto Vallarta who want a single day that hits beach, snorkeling, and a village.
• People who enjoy a party-friendly vibe with music, games, and an open bar.
• Anyone happy with a structured day where you follow the group from stop to stop.

You might want to skip or choose carefully if:

• You’re the type who expects lots of time in the water at Los Arcos.
• You prefer quiet sightseeing over loud onboard entertainment.
• You don’t want to make a quick choice for Quimixto activities, or you’d rather control your schedule.

Also, consider your comfort level with optional active choices in Quimixto. The goal sounds great—waterfall and natural pool—but the day’s reality can include changes and extra paid options if circumstances differ.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Boat Day?

I’d book it if you want an easy, built-in full day that combines Los Arcos snorkeling, Las Animas beach time, and a Quimixto nature break, with food and drinks handled for you. The biggest “win” is the variety: water in the morning, beach downtime in the middle, and a village-and-waterfall moment before heading back.

I wouldn’t book it if your top priority is extended, uncrowded snorkeling or a calm, quiet vibe all day. The tour is designed to be social and time-managed, and that can affect how much you see underwater and how long you actually spend doing it.

If you go for it, do it with the right mindset: arrive ready for a fun, group-packed day, bring your ID for snorkel gear, and plan a dinner buffer so you’re not stressed when timing runs long.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar tour?

It runs for 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes bilingual tour guides, continental breakfast, all-you-can-drink open bar on board, life jackets, mask & snorkel, lunch on the beach, and music, dancing, and games on board.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Maritime Terminal (API) Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Mágico, and meet with the Beach Boy company.

What snorkeling and beach gear do I get?

You’ll be provided a mask and snorkel, plus a life jacket. Kayaks are available on the beach.

What languages are the guides?

The tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.