Four stops, one long boat day.

This Puerto Vallarta outing stacks Los Arcos National Park snorkeling, Playa Las Ánimas with paddle fun, and a Quimixto waterfall stop into one smooth, mostly beach-and-water itinerary. You’re out on the bay long enough to feel like you escaped, but not so long you dread the return trip.

I especially like the way the day is structured around the water: you get snorkeling time at Los Arcos plus the on-beach activities at Las Ánimas, instead of spending the whole day waiting on land. I also like the crew energy—people tend to talk about Edgar, also known as Papi Chulo, and the team’s keep-it-moving vibe.

One thing to consider: the group logistics can get tight. On busier days, snorkeling can run in shifts and boarding/disembarking can slow down, which can reduce actual time for the activities you came for.

Key Points Before You Go

• Los Arcos National Park snorkeling is the main event with provided gear and a scheduled time window
• Las Ánimas delivers water play via kayaking and paddleboarding, not just a sit-on-the-sand stop
• The Quimixto waterfall visit is worth it, but shoes matter if you plan to hike
• Food and drinks keep you fueled with breakfast on board, a beach meal, and an open bar
• Port logistics can affect timing if the group is large or the water/boat access is tricky
• The crew is a big part of the experience, with standout personalities like Edgar (Papi Chulo)

Checking In at Marina Vallarta and Finding the Right Team

Your day starts with a stop at the company office at Marina Vallarta. Plan a little patience here. You’re settling any outstanding balance and taking care of the port tax for guests over 8 years old before boarding.

The meeting-point instructions are pretty specific, which is helpful. You’ll go to the main entrance on the left side, pay the port fee there, then look for the Grupo Naviero team. They wear gray polo shirts with a white logo. After that, only staff check your ticket.

One small note that can save headaches: a traveler mentioned that bringing a photo ID wasn’t clearly stated up front. You can’t go wrong showing up with it anyway, since it’s common in Mexico for certain checkpoints and check-ins.

Los Arcos National Park Snorkeling: What the Schedule Really Means

The ride out is about 35 minutes south across the bay. This is the part where you get those wide views of Vallarta’s coastline and mountains. Then you reach Los Arcos National Park, where the crew explains snorkeling basics and hands out equipment.

The snorkeling window is about 40 minutes. That timing matters. If you’re the type who wants to linger, you’ll want to stay calm and make the most of that first pass. The water is described as warm on at least one winter trip, which makes it easier to enjoy the time without rushing.

What you’re looking for underwater is a lot of fish activity around the park. This is the stop people typically remember most—simple reason: when it’s working, Los Arcos feels like you’re watching sea life at close range, not just floating over rock.

Potential drawback: if the boat is running with a larger group, snorkeling may happen in shifts. That can cut down your personal time in the water even though the overall schedule is set. If snorkeling is your top priority, I’d treat this as a “show up ready” moment—mask on, confidence high, and no waiting for the crew’s signal.

Playa Las Ánimas: Beach Time Plus Kayaks and Paddleboards

After Los Arcos, the day shifts to Playa Las Ánimas. This stop is more than a lunch-break on sand. You can relax, sure—but the real value is the included kayaking and paddleboarding.

The day gives you time to switch gears. From the boat, you get beach access, and then you can choose how active you want to be:

• Kayak if you want a slower, more guided-feeling paddle
• Paddleboard if you want a workout and a little balance practice
• Just beach time if you prefer to recharge

There’s also a local restaurant visit at Las Ánimas. That’s not just filler. It changes the rhythm of the day: you’re not stuck eating only on the boat, and you get a more “this is what the beach area does” moment.

Timing consideration: some people reported that boarding/disembarking at Las Ánimas can take longer than you expect, especially when getting everyone off the boat requires extra steps. You can’t control it, but you can plan to be flexible. Think of Las Ánimas as a fun break, not a stopwatch activity.

Playa Quimixto and the Quimixto Waterfall: The Payoff (and the Footwear Reality)

Next comes Playa Quimixto, followed by a visit to the Quimixto waterfall. This is the part of the day that tends to convert “I’m here for snorkeling” into “okay, I get why people talk about this.”

At Quimixto, you get time for photos and relaxation by the waterfall area. The challenge is the approach. One traveler specifically noted that running shoes are mandatory for the hike up to the falls. Another detail that helps you plan: the walk is roughly 45 minutes each way for the waterfall route.

If hiking isn’t in your comfort zone, there are alternatives mentioned: riders can pay for ATV or donkey rides up and down. The rates shared were 600 or 800 pesos per person. Whether you choose to hike or take a ride, wear footwear that won’t fight you on uneven ground.

Practical tip: if you show up in flip-flops or worn-out sandals, you might lose the waterfall time to shuffling around and second-guessing. Bring real shoes, and you’ll enjoy the stop much more.

Food and Drinks on Board: Breakfast, Lunch Options, and the Open Bar

This tour is designed to keep you fed without needing to hunt for meals. Breakfast is served on the boat as you depart. Depending on the day, the menu can include things like scrambled eggs with ham, hotcakes, and fruit. One traveler also mentioned other breakfast items such as chilaquiles, plus granola and yogurt. So think of breakfast as a filling spread, even if the exact lineup changes.

Lunch happens at the beachside at Quimixto, with four different options that vary by day. Again, you don’t go hungry here; you get real meal time, not just a snack.

Then there’s the fun factor: an open bar aboard the boat. One review called out beer, margaritas, and Palomas. That kind of drink selection can turn the ride back into a party atmosphere, not just transportation.

One caution: the food portion experience can be mixed. A traveler said the food wasn’t enough for their group, even though drinks flowed. That doesn’t mean you’ll be disappointed, but it does mean you should come with a reasonable expectation: the tour keeps you fed, and it’s more about the overall day than gourmet dining.

Crew, Vibe, and the Music-Dancing Factor

A lot of this tour’s value is human. The crew doesn’t just provide safety and equipment. They manage the pace and keep morale up.

People praised the team’s friendliness and hard work to make sure everyone stays satisfied. One traveler highlighted Edgar, known as Papi Chulo, and the way the crew stayed high-energy throughout the day. Another mentioned dancing on the upper and lower decks at the end of the trip—exactly the kind of finish that makes a boat tour feel like a day out, not a checklist.

Is it a quiet nature experience? Not really. It’s more of a social, lively day—especially once the open bar is flowing and people have settled into the groove.

Price and Value: Is $81 a Good Deal for This 7-Hour Mix?

At $81 per person for about 7 hours, the pricing makes sense if you value convenience and inclusions.

Here’s what you’re getting in one package:

• Boat transportation across the bay
• Breakfast on board
• Snorkeling at Los Arcos with equipment
• Kayaking and paddleboarding at Las Ánimas
• Visits to Las Ánimas and Playa Quimixto
• Quimixto waterfall stop
• Beachside lunch with four possible options
• Open bar on the boat

Then add the extra cost: a port fee is not included. Your details show $32 pesos per person for guests over 8, while the meeting-point instructions also mention paying $30 pesos at the entrance. Either way, budget for it and bring cash in pesos.

So the value question is simple: do you want a full day that handles meals, gear, and multiple stops for one price? If yes, this is a strong buy. If you only care about one activity—say, just the waterfall or just snorkeling—you may feel the time trade-offs.

Group Size, Pacing, and Where the Day Can Slow Down

This is the part I’d talk through honestly, because a boat tour can be magic or mildly annoying depending on the day.

Possible slowdowns you should plan for:

• Snorkeling in shifts when the group is large, which reduces your personal water time
• Getting off the boat at Las Ánimas can be delayed if the dock setup isn’t easy for a large group
• Boarding and disembarking can take time when there are lots of people
• If you didn’t plan for footwear, you might lose waterfall access or enjoyment

None of this means the tour is bad. It means you should go in with the right mindset. Expect a day that can feel longer when loading/unloading takes time. If you hate waiting, bring a book, or at least accept that the sea doesn’t care about your schedule.

Who This Tour Fits (and Who Might Prefer a Different Plan)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A single-day itinerary with snorkeling, beach time, and a waterfall
• Included gear and included meals
• A social crew vibe with an open bar
• Some active time at the beach via kayaking and paddleboarding

You might want to consider another option if:

• You’re very sensitive to schedule changes or long loading moments
• Your #1 priority is a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session (since shifts can happen)
• You can’t wear closed, sturdy shoes for the waterfall hike

Should You Book the Puerto Vallarta Los Arcos, Ánimas, and Quimixto Boat Tour?

I think you should book if you want a classic Puerto Vallarta “big day” that’s built around water and photo stops, with meals handled and drinks included. The Los Arcos snorkeling and the Quimixto waterfall are the two anchors, and the Las Ánimas kayaking/paddleboarding makes the middle of the day feel active instead of just waiting.

Book with confidence if you’re flexible on pacing and you show up prepared—especially with proper shoes for Quimixto. If you’re traveling with a group member who struggles with hikes, plan your footwear and consider the ride options that are available for the waterfall route.

If you want a quiet, perfectly timed tour with minimal group management, this may not be the best match.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour runs for about 7 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get breakfast on board, snorkeling at Los Arcos with equipment, a visit to Playa Las Ánimas with kayaking and paddleboarding, a restaurant stop at Las Ánimas, a visit to Playa Quimixto, the Quimixto waterfall stop, beachside lunch (with four options that vary by day), and an open bar aboard the boat.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The crew explains the snorkeling process and provides the necessary snorkeling equipment.

What activities are available at Playa Las Ánimas?

You can relax on the beach, and you’ll have included use of kayaks and paddleboards.

How much is the port fee, and where do I pay it?

A port fee is not included. You’ll pay it at the main entrance on the left side. The details provided list it as $30 pesos at the entrance and also reference a $32 pesos port tax for guests over 8 years old.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, based on availability.