Los Arcos, Ánimas, and Quimixto in one day. This tour strings together three classic spots around Puerto Vallarta, with an open bar on the boat and snorkeling gear included for Los Arcos. It’s the kind of outing that feels like a postcard come to life, plus plenty of time in the sun.

What I like most is the overall value: breakfast on board, lunch at the beach, and a national open bar all fold into the ticket price. The crew also tends to run the day with energy, and names like David, Adrian, Jimmy, and Jorge show up in guest comments as part of that lively, organized vibe.

One thing to think about first: timing and beach comfort can be uneven. Some people report late departures, long beach waits, and that the on-beach meal can fall short of expectations when the day runs behind or the crowd is large.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open bar on board: the party usually starts early and keeps going during the cruise back
• Los Arcos snorkeling with gear included: you get a set window to get in the water
• Las Ánimas is your main beach block: quieter fishing-village feel with a included meal
• Optional Quimixto waterfall: a short walk (and optional horse rental) for a swim
• Entertainment on the return: dancing, karaoke-style fun, and crew-led games
• Main caution: short snorkeling time, plus possible delays that can make the beach feel rushed

A budget boat day that actually covers real sights

For $75 per person, this is built like a classic “see a lot, do it with a crowd” Puerto Vallarta day. You’re not just riding somewhere—you’re getting sea views of the Malecon and church from the water, then hopping into Los Arcos for snorkeling time, and finally spending hours on Playa Las Ánimas (with Playa Quimixto as an optional add-on through the waterfall walk).

If you want a calm, private-speedboat experience, this probably isn’t it. But if you want a fun day with big scenery and you’re okay with a group schedule, the price-to-experience ratio is hard to beat.

Price and value: what $75 really buys

Let’s break down the money the way you’ll actually feel it on the day.

Your ticket cost is $75 per person, and what’s included is the stuff that usually makes boat tours expensive:

• Breakfast on board (hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee and orangeade)
• National open bar on board
• Lunch on the beach (one dish per person, with food choices)
• Snorkeling equipment for Los Arcos
• Insurance

What’s not included matters too:

• Port tax to enter the sea terminal: MX$33 per person
• Malecón Boardwalk: MX$33 per person
• Drinks on the beach (often priced separately; one listed example is MX$70 per person)
• Tips (and anything labeled “not specified”)

So the smart way to think about this tour is: you’re paying mostly for boat time, food, and the open bar, while the port fees and beach drinks are your extras. That’s a good deal for many people—just don’t show up assuming every dollar is already handled.

Getting to Terminal Marítima and why “9:15” can feel flexible

The meeting point is Terminal Maritima API at Blvrd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, in Puerto Vallarta, with a ticket redemption point at A.P.I. Puerto Vallarta S.A. de C.V. near the port area. The stated start time is 9:15 am, and the tour generally ends back at the meeting point.

Here’s the practical caution: multiple guests reported that departure can run late, and you may lose time even after arriving early. That’s not just an annoyance—late departure can shrink the time you expected for snorkeling or the beach.

My advice: arrive with buffer time and bring cash for port fees and any on-beach add-ons. Also, if you’re prone to sea sickness, plan for extra motion time on the water.

On the boat: breakfast, open bar, and a crew that keeps things moving

Once you’re on board, this tour leans into the good-time format. Breakfast starts early with options like chilaquiles with eggs or pancakes with yogurt, granola, and fruit. Even if the food isn’t the main event, it helps you avoid the classic mistake: getting to a beach hungry and then paying for everything.

The open bar is a major part of the vibe. People describe the atmosphere as fun, social, and party-friendly, with staff working to keep drinks flowing. If you want the lively energy, sit where you’ll be part of it—some guests specifically mention the lower level as a fun social zone.

If you get sick on choppy water, aim for the most stable-feeling spot on the boat. One review mentioned motion sickness pills and recommended sitting lower if you’re sensitive.

And yes, there’s entertainment on the return: dancing, games, karaoke-style fun, and crew-led moments that can feel like a moving living room.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya snorkeling: what you’re really signing up for

Los Arcos National Park is the snorkeling highlight, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment. The posted snorkeling window is about 45 minutes, and admission is listed as free.

What I’d count on in the real world:

• You’ll likely be guided on a simple, group-friendly snorkeling plan.
• It can feel like snorkeling time is shorter than you hope, especially if you have to manage the whole group and water conditions.

The key variable is water and weather. Some days come through with choppy water, and people reported that snorkeling visibility wasn’t great. That doesn’t mean Los Arcos is always disappointing—one common positive theme is that when conditions are good, you can see colorful tropical fish and enjoy a clear session.

If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, go in with flexible expectations. This is included snorkeling, not a private reef safari.

Playa Las Ánimas: the quiet fishing-village stop that often steals the show

After Los Arcos, you head to Playa Las Ánimas, where you disembark for about 3 hours. This beach stop is described as picturesque and quieter, and it’s one of the most praised parts of the whole day.

You’ll get food here too: one dish per person from three options. Drinks and tips are not included at the restaurant, and guests note that beach-service can be slow if the day is running behind.

Here’s the part I want you to plan for: the beach is also where people spend money on extras. On Las Ánimas, you can find activity vendors offering things like parasailing, massages, jet skis, banana boats, and other shore experiences. Reviews also mention a zip line-type activity option. If you want these, budget for them and have cash ready.

If your idea of a great vacation day is “snorkel for a bit, then relax with a long beach stretch,” Las Ánimas is where this tour delivers.

Quimixto waterfall: optional, but worth thinking through

Quimixto is the optional nature add-on. The tour notes that visiting the waterfall is optional, with you walking about 30 minutes to reach it (and an optional horse rental). At the waterfall, expect around 20 minutes to swim and cool off.

Important planning reality: the day’s flow can affect how you feel about this. If the schedule is running late, that short waterfall window may feel even shorter. Also, one guest report said the waterfall wasn’t delivering water as expected on their day.

If your body likes walking and you want a more “different from the beach” moment, Quimixto can be the memory-maker. If you’d rather stay planted at the waterline at Las Ánimas, you can skip the waterfall option and still get the core beach day.

Food expectations: included meals, mixed execution, and how to handle it

This tour feeds you, but it doesn’t promise gourmet.

Breakfast on board has clear listed options: hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade. That part seems to work for most people because it’s served on the boat.

Lunch at the beach is a single dish per person. Some guests describe it as okay for a tour meal, while others criticize it as basic, cold, or slow to arrive. When departures or boarding get delayed, that can turn a simple included lunch into a long wait that tests patience.

So here’s the best approach: treat lunch as “included fuel,” not a highlight meal. If you’re picky about food temperature or timing, consider bringing a bit of snack tolerance with you (within reason and as allowed by the operator’s rules on board).

Also, plan that drinks on the beach are extra. People who ordered there report paying separately, and at least one account mentions drinks can run out if the day is crowded.

Group size and the board-and-transfer grind

This tour caps at 130 travelers, and the boat is big enough for a crowd. That sounds great until you’re standing in lines for port fees, boarding, and beach transfers.

The day includes boat-to-beach transport and back again, and that process can take longer than you expect if the group is large or the sea is rough. Some people described boarding and getting off the boat as overcomplicated or slow.

This doesn’t mean the trip is a disaster—it means you should go in knowing you’re sharing space with a lot of other vacation plans. If you love social travel and you’re not married to a tight schedule, it’s easier.

Who should book Arcos, Ánimas, Quimixto?

This trip is a solid match if you:

• Want a fun, crew-led day with a party-friendly boat vibe
• Love the mix of snorkeling plus beach time
• Prefer value and included meals over a luxury, quiet setting
• Are traveling with friends or family and can roll with group logistics

I’d be more cautious if you:

• Need guaranteed punctual timing for dinner reservations or strict plans
• Are very sensitive to choppy water or long boat transfers
• Expect snorkeling to be long, private, and crystal-clear every time
• Are a strict foodie and want a high-quality on-beach lunch experience

Should you book this tour?

If you book with the right expectations, I think this is worth it. For many people, the combination of open bar on board, included breakfast, included beach lunch, and Los Arcos snorkeling delivers the main things they came for—especially when you’re ready for a group day.

My “yes” recommendation: book it when you want a lively, affordable Puerto Vallarta day and your schedule can breathe. My “hold your wallet” recommendation: don’t book if you need precise timing or if snorkeling is your one and only must-have, because sea conditions and crowd flow can shorten the experience.

If your travel style is flexible and you’re here for memories (not perfect logistics), this one can land very well.

FAQ

How long is the Arcos – Ánimas – Quimixto tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:15 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are breakfast on board, a national open bar on the boat, food on the beach (one dish per person with three options), snorkeling equipment, and insurance.

Do I need to pay anything extra at the port?

Yes. A port tax to enter the sea terminal (MX$33 per person) is not included, and Malecón Boardwalk (MX$33 per person) is also listed as not included.

Is snorkeling included, and is it free?

Yes. Snorkeling at Los Arcos de Mismaloya is part of the tour, snorkeling equipment is included, and admission is listed as free.

Does the tour include the Quimixto waterfall?

The waterfall visit in Quimixto is optional. If you choose it, you’ll walk about 30 minutes (optional horse rental) and spend about 20 minutes at the waterfall for swimming.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Experience Provider: HOSPEDAJE MEXICO

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether snorkeling or the waterfall matters most to you, and I’ll help you decide how to prioritize your day.