Catamaran Arches, Animas Beach, Quimixed Waterfall and Food Tour

Planning a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta? This all-inclusive catamaran tour promises a blend of stunning scenery, snorkeling, beach relaxing, and tasty local food—all in one package. While it’s not the most luxurious or exclusive experience, it offers a practical and lively way to experience some of the area’s best sights and flavors without breaking the bank.

What we like most about this tour are its beautiful vistas of the bay and the opportunity to snorkel in vibrant waters. Plus, the included local food and open bar make it a great value for travelers wanting a fun, relaxed day. That said, some travelers have found parts of the experience rushed or underwhelming, especially regarding snorkeling conditions or the number of stops. But if you’re looking for a lively, family-friendly adventure with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the ocean and the beach, this tour could be a good fit.

It’s particularly suitable for those who value easy, all-in-one excursions—especially if you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more relaxed pace without too many complicated arrangements. However, if your main goal is top-tier snorkeling or more personalized experiences, you might find this tour a bit limiting. Let’s dig into the details to see what you’ll really get.

Key Points

• Great for beginners and families who want a relaxed, all-in-one day on the water
• Includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear, offering good value
• Snorkeling conditions may vary, so don’t expect perfect visibility every time
• Multiple stops at scenic spots like Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto
• Lively atmosphere onboard with games, raffles, and dance activities
• Rushed experience noted by some travelers, especially in water activities and stops

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed as a full-day adventure—lasting around 7 to 8 hours—that combines sightseeing, water fun, and culinary delights. The fact that it’s booked an average of 20 days in advance suggests it’s popular among visitors looking for a comprehensive, easy-to-book option.

At around $68.63 per person, the price includes much more than just the boat ride. From a hearty American breakfast to a beachside lunch with local options, plus unlimited drinks on board, every aspect is aimed at providing a laid-back, enjoyable day. Notably, kids are considered, with special menu options like nuggets or quesadillas, making it family-friendly.

The Itinerary in Detail

1. Puerto Magico and Departure

Your adventure begins at the Puerto Magico marina, where you’ll check in and board the catamaran. The check-in time is at 9:10 am, with departure shortly after at 10 am. This early start is perfect for making the most of the day.

The marina’s location is convenient, near public transportation and within easy reach for most travelers. Expect a quick but smooth boarding process, with enough space for up to 99 travelers—so it has a lively, social atmosphere, but not overly crowded.

2. The Magnificent Los Arcos de Mismaloya

As the boat leaves the marina, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta’s bay, a perfect moment to snap photos. The first stop is Los Arcos, famous for its impressive rock formations and clear waters.

Here, the main activity is snorkeling—a highlight for many. The guides will share insights about the marine life and local traditions, enriching the experience. The water is often full of colorful fish, making it a worthwhile spot for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.

However, some reviews point out that snorkeling conditions can be unpredictable. One guest noted that “the water was too rough for snorkeling and we were not allowed to use all the equipment.” So, if visibility or calm waters are your priority, this may be a consideration.

3. Playa Las Animas: Relax or Explore

Next, the boat heads to Las Animas Beach, a scenic and lively spot with calm waters ideal for relaxing. Here, you can choose to stay and soak up the sun, or venture further to discover the Quimixto Waterfall—a short hike and a lovely spot for nature lovers.

The tour provides a generous three hours at this stop, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax, swim, or grab a snack. The included lunch is served here, with options like hamburgers, fish fillets, or beef burritos, along with kid-friendly dishes like nuggets.

From the reviews, many guests enjoyed the food, describing it as “delicious” and “authentic.” However, one traveler mentioned, “it took a long time to get the food, and the lunch was just okay,” indicating that service speed can vary.

4. Quimixto Waterfall and Beach Time

The third main stop is Quimixto, a charming fishing village with a lovely waterfall. You can opt to hike to the waterfall, which is a short, scenic trek, or relax on the beach. This flexibility caters to both adventure seekers and those who prefer downtime.

It’s worth noting that the tour mentions not all guests might have time or inclination to hike to the waterfall, depending on group dynamics and time constraints. Some travelers have expressed that the stops were fewer than anticipated—only two major destinations after Los Arcos—leading to comments like “only made 2 stops, thought we’d make 3.”

5. Return and Water Activities

After exploring Animas and Quimixto, you’ll head back to the boat for two hours of fun on the water. This segment includes games, raffles, and dance activities, contributing to the lively atmosphere onboard.

Guests can also use snorkeling equipment, though some reviews highlight limitations—such as not being allowed to fully use all gear due to water conditions. The mood onboard is cheerful, with many enjoying the open bar and social games.

Food and Beverage Experience

One of the standout features of this tour is the inclusive food and drinks. The continental breakfast will start your day right, featuring eggs, ham, hotcakes, fruit, coffee, and juice—a solid start for a day on the water.

The lunch served at Las Ánimas, with options ranging from burgers to fish fillets, offers decent quality, especially considering its included price. Kids’ options like nuggets and quesadillas make it family-friendly.

The onboard open bar is available throughout the day, meaning you can enjoy drinks from a selection of beers, spirits, and soft drinks as you take in the views. This adds significant value, especially if you’re looking to relax and indulge without worrying about extra costs.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

The snorkeling gear is included, and many travelers love the chance to see marine life up close. The guide’s commentary enhances the underwater experience, but conditions can vary.

From reviews, it’s clear that snorkeling may not always meet expectations—rough waters or murky visibility can limit the experience. One reviewer said, “water was pretty murky, and a lot of people were swimming in the same area,” which could be a disappointment for those hoping for crystal-clear conditions.

If snorkeling is a main priority, consider that this tour provides the basics, but not a premium experience. It’s more about the fun and camaraderie than pristine underwater visibility.

Overall Value and Considerations

This tour packs multiple highlights into one day, which makes it an attractive value at just over $68. You get breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and lively entertainment. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting a stress-free, inclusive outing.

However, some guests feel that the experience can be rushed, especially if water conditions or group dynamics slow things down. There are fewer stops than some might expect—only two major destinations after Los Arcos—leading to comments that there’s limited variety.

The large group size (up to 99 travelers) can mean a lively, social atmosphere but might also limit personalized attention. If you prefer more intimate or private excursions, this might not be your best fit.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re looking for an easy, energetic day on the water with plenty of food and drinks, this tour suits you. It’s especially good for families with kids, or travelers who want to combine sightseeing with fun and social activities without too much planning.

Those expecting perfect snorkeling conditions or a more relaxed pace might find this tour a bit rushed or inconsistent, based on reviews. It’s a good choice if you’re happy with a lively, somewhat lively experience rather than a serene, slow-paced day.

Final Thoughts

This Catamaran Arches, Animas Beach, Quimixto Waterfall, and Food Tour offers a lively and practical way to experience some key sights of Puerto Vallarta. It’s especially appealing for those who want to combine sightseeing, snorkeling, and good food into one day, all while enjoying the camaraderie of a group on the water.

While it doesn’t promise a luxurious or completely personalized experience, it delivers solid value for the price. The included meals, drinks, and activities make it a convenient choice for travelers who prefer an all-in-one solution. Just keep in mind that water conditions and timing can sometimes affect the quality of snorkeling and stops.

Whether you’re a family wanting a fun day or a traveler eager to explore multiple spots without extra hassle, this tour offers a fun, engaging, and reasonably priced adventure in Puerto Vallarta.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and the tour provides kid-friendly meal options like nuggets and quesadillas. The lively atmosphere can be fun for families.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Since food and drinks are included, you won’t need to worry about extra costs for refreshments. Consider bringing cash for optional extras or beach activities.

How long is each stop?
Los Arcos is about 2 hours, Las Animas is approximately 3 hours, and Quimixto offers about 2 hours for exploring or relaxing, with some flexibility depending on the group.

Can I snorkel if the water is rough?
Snorkeling depends on water conditions; rough water might restrict gear use or limit visibility. The guides will advise if snorkeling is advisable at each stop.

Is the experience rushed?
Some reviews mention feeling rushed, especially if water conditions or group pace slow things down. Expect a lively, busy schedule with limited downtime.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before start time are not refundable.