A catamaran day in Puerto Vallarta feels like a moving beach party. This one mixes Los Arcos de Mismaloya snorkeling with an open bar, plus a real option to swap lazy beach time for a guided rainforest hike to Quimixto waterfall.

You’ll also get a mix of structured activities and free time, so it works for people who want action and people who just want sun.

The main thing to plan around is that sea conditions can affect the snorkeling experience, and the schedule can run tight when groups have to load, land, eat, and re-board.

Key things to know before you go

• Open bar + snacks are on the plan, not an add-on, which helps you keep this day trip close to budget.
• Los Arcos snorkeling is the headline, with a brief equipment lesson and time in the water at the Arches.
• Playa Las Ánimas gives you choices: stay for beach time or join the guided Quimixto waterfall hike.
• The hike is a guided rainforest walk (1.5 km), with a cool-down dip when you reach the waterfall.
• Kayaking and paddle time are included, so you have options even if snorkeling conditions aren’t ideal.

Getting on Board at Puerto Mágico: timing, breakfast vibes, and what’s included

This tour runs from Puerto Vallarta’s Puerto Mágico meeting area. You register at 10:10 am, then the boat departs at 11:00 am. The whole experience is designed as a full 7 to 8 hours out on the water, with a mix of guided and self-directed time.

What I like here is that the “day out” basics are handled. You get an open bar on board, plus a snack spread while you’re cruising—think wings, boneless, cheese fingers, and dips/sauce. There’s also a restroom on board, which sounds obvious, but it matters on boats where everything else is moving.

Before you even think about the water activities, you should know the pace is group-based. The day includes multiple transitions: boarding at the terminal, snorkeling gear up, getting to the beach, then re-boarding. That’s great when everything runs smoothly, and it can feel annoying when it doesn’t. So yes—bring patience. You’ll enjoy the day more.

One more practical note: the tour is in English, and the group is capped at 99 travelers. That usually means you won’t be stuck with an ultra-small crew, but you also won’t be in a mega-crowd. Still, expect it to feel busy once everyone lines up for gear and boarding.

Cruise to Los Arcos de Mismaloya: your first big views and the breakfast start

After you board at Puerto Mágico, you start moving toward the first stop with a little “welcome aboard” energy. The early cruising time is where you’ll likely get your first real sense of the bay—wide water, coastline views, and that relaxed boat rhythm.

Breakfast is part of the morning flow, and the guide team also shares details about what’s next while you’re heading out. That matters because this isn’t just a ride. It’s a structured day with snorkeling, beach time, and optional hiking, so having a quick heads-up helps you stay oriented.

If you’re the type who likes to do things in order, this stop is a win. You’ll get fed, briefed, then gear up for Los Arcos. If you prefer spontaneity, you’ll still have some freedom later at Playa Las Ánimas—but the morning itself is pretty organized.

Snorkeling at the Arches: equipment intro, sea conditions, and how to get the most out

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the star stop. You’ll have about 2 hours here, including a snorkeling activity and a short intro on how to use the equipment. That brief instruction is genuinely useful if you’ve never worn mask/fins (or you want a refresher before water time).

Once you’re in, you’re there for the underwater show: tropical fish, corals, and other marine life. Even when the water isn’t perfect, the Arches area is exactly the kind of place that can make snorkeling feel worth the effort.

Here’s the consideration: sea conditions can change everything. One issue that comes up is that if the water is too rough, you may not get the snorkeling experience you imagined, and sometimes not all snorkeling equipment is available. That’s not a reason to avoid the tour, but it is a reason to go in with flexibility.

My practical tip: when gear is handed out, check it quickly—strap fit, mask seal, fin comfort, and whether anything looks damaged. If the water is choppy, ask how conditions are affecting what you can use. You’ll get more out of your time by adjusting early instead of fighting the sea for the last 10 minutes.

Playa Las Ánimas: beach time, boat transfer to the pier, and the Quimixto waterfall choice

Next comes Playa Las Ánimas, with about 3 hours total at the destination. This is where the tour shifts from “guided activity” to “choose your own style of fun.”

One key detail: getting to the beach involves a transfer. The descent toward Las Ánimas is done by boat from the catamaran to the Las Ánimas beach pier. It’s not usually long, but it’s still another step in the day—so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and keep your essentials easy to carry.

At the beach, you can simply relax and eat. Or you can do the optional hike to Quimixto. If you choose the waterfall option, you get a 1.5 km guided hike through the rainforest to an impressive waterfall, and once you reach it, you can take a refreshing dip.

This hike option is great for people who want a break from salt-water time. It also gives the day more shape than a pure beach-and-back plan. But be honest with your fitness level. It’s a guided rainforest walk, not a stroll across flat sand. If you’d rather prioritize beach rest, you’ll still have plenty to do.

Then the plan brings you back for more beach exploring and swimming, plus food served on the beach. That food is included, which is a big value point for a day like this where you might otherwise be paying restaurant prices between water activities.

Kayaking and paddle time: included fun when conditions shift

Snorkeling is only one part of the water-day. This tour also includes kayaking and paddle activities. That’s a smart design because it gives you a fallback if you end up dealing with rougher water during the main snorkeling window.

In real life, water conditions can change over the day. Sometimes the snorkeling part is great and everything else becomes the bonus. Other times, snorkeling is limited and kayaking/paddle become your main “time in the water” experience. Either way, having multiple formats keeps the day from feeling like one activity with a single point of failure.

Also, since snacks are included on board, you’re not stuck in that post-snorkel situation where you’re hungry, cranky, and trying to find food fast. The snack spread helps you keep energy steady while you bounce between the boat and Playa Las Ánimas.

Back to Puerto Mágico: games, views, and the reality of re-boarding time

After Playa Las Ánimas, you return to the catamaran for about 2 hours of high-seas fun. This part includes games and dances organized by the crew, plus music and a lot of scenery—mountain views, open water, and a sunset feel.

This is the “party” portion of the day. If you enjoy lighthearted group energy, it can make the last chunk of the trip feel like you’re finishing with a grin instead of counting the minutes.

The timing part is where I’d stay aware. When the day has multiple re-boarding steps, you can run into slow moments—loading the boat can take longer than expected, food lines can stretch, and the re-board process can feel drawn out. When that happens, it doesn’t ruin the day, but it changes your mood.

So if you have tight evening plans back in Puerto Vallarta, keep them flexible. This tour ends back at Puerto Mágico, and the whole point is to enjoy the day, not sprint home at the exact minute.

Price and value for $92.17: what you get for the money (and what to budget)

At $92.17 per person, this is positioned as an all-in water day. Here’s what’s actually covered:

Included:

• Open bar on board
• Snacks aboard (wings, boneless, cheese fingers, dips and sauce)
• Visit Playa las Ánimas plus beach food
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking and paddle
• Restroom on board
• Admission tickets for the included stops

Not included:

• Port tax: MX$35.00 per person (Puerto Mágico)
• Drinks and extra food if you end up in a restaurant situation
• Extra beach activities, photos, and tips

Value-wise, the open bar and included beach food are the big pieces. If you’ve ever paid for tours where you’re constantly buying drinks between activities, this one is easier on your wallet. Also, kayaking/paddle being included reduces the chance you’ll feel like snorkeling was the only thing worth paying for.

My budgeting advice is simple: plan for the port tax plus a little cash for extras like photos and beach add-ons. If you want jet skiing or other activities on land, this tour won’t bundle them.

Who should book this catamaran day: the best match and the cautious match

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A high-energy day with snorkeling plus beach time
• An easy option to add a rainforest hike to Quimixto
• A tour where food and basic drinks are handled (open bar, snacks, and beach food)
• The chance to do more than one water activity thanks to kayaking/paddle

You might want to think twice if you:

• Are extremely sensitive to schedule changes or delays (the day involves multiple re-boarding and meal windows)
• Expect calm “perfect postcard snorkeling” no matter what (sea conditions can limit how much snorkeling you can do, and you may not have access to all equipment in rougher water)
• Want a quiet, slow pace. This is more social and active than contemplative.

One nice upside from real-world experiences is that wildlife sightings can happen. On some days, people have been lucky enough to spot whales in the area, which adds a wow factor to the cruise portions. That’s never guaranteed, but the chance is part of the fun.

Should you book Monkey Adventures México? My decision guide

If your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes sun, water time, and at least one “main event” (snorkeling at Los Arcos), this is a strong value play for the price. The included open bar, snacks, and beach food reduce the usual add-on costs that can sneak up on you.

I’d book it if you can handle a group schedule and you’re flexible about sea conditions. The optional Quimixto hike is also a smart way to make the day feel more complete than just boat-to-beach-to-boat.

If you’re going only for pristine snorkeling conditions, you’ll want to consider other options with more flexible water plans. This one is fun, but it’s still a boat day at sea—weather matters.

FAQ

What time should I arrive for the tour?

Registration is at 10:10 am and the departure is at 11:00 am. The tour starts from Puerto Mágico, Puerto Vallarta.

How long is the catamaran tour?

The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes an open bar on board, snacks (wings, boneless, cheese fingers, dips and sauce), admission ticket(s) for the stops, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle, Playa Las Ánimas with beach food, and a restroom on board.

Is the port tax included?

No. There is a port tax of MX$35.00 per person that is not included.

Can I choose to hike to Quimixto instead of staying on the beach?

Yes. At Playa Las Ánimas you can choose to stay longer on the beach or join the guided hike to Quimixto. The hike is 1.5 km through the rainforest, ending at a waterfall where you can take a dip.

What happens during snorkeling at Los Arcos?

You’ll get a brief introduction on how to use snorkeling equipment, then you’ll have time in the water at Los Arcos to look for tropical fish, corals, and marine life.

Are drinks included during the day?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar on board. Extra restaurant drinks or extra food outside what’s included are not part of the package.

Do children get a free spot?

Children ages 0 to 2 are free of charge.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do it up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. Within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.