Half Day Tour with Snorkeling in Colomitos and Playa las Animas

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water in Puerto Vallarta, a half-day tour with snorkeling in Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas might catch your eye. This tour promises a mix of scenic boat rides, relaxing beaches, and water activities like snorkeling or kayaking. It’s designed for those who want a taste of the sea without committing an entire day — and for travelers eager to combine beautiful views with good food and drinks.

What we like about this experience is how it blends several appealing elements. First, the chance to snorkel in Mexico’s smallest beach, Colomitos, offers a unique glimpse into vibrant marine life in a relatively untouched spot. Second, the visit to Playa Las Ánimas provides a relaxed beach environment with an included meal—ideal for soaking up the sun and scenery. On the downside, there are a few red flags, such as mixed reviews about the organization and value, which travelers should keep in mind. This tour suits those wanting a lively, social, and scenic water day — especially if you’re happy with a more casual, party-esque vibe.

Key Points

Scenic boat ride through Puerto Vallarta’s bay offers stunning views of iconic rock formations and coastline.
Snorkeling or kayaking in Colomitos provides an opportunity to see vibrant marine life at Mexico’s smallest beach.
Relaxed beach day at Playa Las Ánimas includes a meal and free drinks, making it a convenient way to enjoy the sun.
Group size and organization can vary, and some travelers report issues with communication and refunds.
Value consideration: the tour includes food, drinks, and activities, but some find the experience less than authentic or overly commercial.
Timing: about 6-7 hours total, fitting comfortably into a half-day but still packed with activities.

A Nod to the Setting: The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point at Puerto Mágico

Your day begins at Puerto Mágico, a lively port area offering cafes, shops, and boutiques. It’s a practical choice, with free parking, and sets a festive tone for the day. Expect to check in around 11:30 am before the official 12 pm departure. The location provides a convenient start, but some travelers might find the hustle and bustle a little overwhelming if they prefer quieter settings.

The Sail to Puerto Vallarta’s Highlights

The first leg of the journey takes you aboard your boat, heading toward Muelle de Playa Los Muertos, where you’ll briefly stop to pick up additional guests. This offers fantastic views of the bay and a chance to snap some pictures of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline. The boat then continues toward Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a striking natural rock formation that’s a favorite for photographers. It’s a short stop, about 20 minutes, giving you time to admire and capture these dramatic sea sculptures.

The Water Activities at Colomitos

Next, you’ll arrive at Colomitos, Mexico’s tiniest beach—just a sliver of sand backed by lush greenery. This spot is perfect for snorkeling if you’re an experienced swimmer, with clear waters and colorful marine life. Kayaking is also an option, giving a different perspective of the coastline. However, snorkeling equipment is included, but the review from a previous traveler was less enthusiastic, calling the snorkeling “the worst I’ve ever been on.” This suggests that marine visibility or the experience might not live up to high expectations.

Relaxing at Playa Las Ánimas

After water fun, you’ll be shuttled to Playa Las Ánimas by boat, where about three hours are allocated for relaxation. Here, the included restaurant serves food and drinks, and you’re free to enjoy the beach. This is a highlight, especially for those who want to unwind, savor good seafront cuisine, and soak up the scenic surroundings. The beach itself is free for activities, and the open bar on the boat continues the party vibe — expect music, contests, and a lively atmosphere.

The Return and Party Atmosphere

The journey back features more music, drinks, and camaraderie, with about an hour and a half of free time before returning to the port. The overall tone feels festive, which some travelers love, but others might find it overly commercial or lacking in authenticity.

The Experience: What Works and What Doesn’t

Value and Inclusions

For $57.51 per person, the tour includes a meal, an open bar, snorkeling or kayaking, and transfers to and from the beaches. These are significant perks, especially the food and drinks, which add to the sense of a carefree day at sea. But, keep in mind the dock tax of 33 MXN per person isn’t included** — a small extra, but worth knowing beforehand.

What Travelers Appreciate

Many enjoy the stunning views of Los Arcos and the lively boat ride, which offers a fun way to see the bay. The lunch at Playa Las Ánimas often earns praise for being tasty and satisfying, especially if you’re hungry after swimming or sunbathing.

Concerns and Drawbacks

On the flip side, the review from a Tripadvisor traveler is quite negative, describing the snorkeling as “worst I’ve ever been on” and expressing frustration with the booking process and refunds. This highlights a potential issue with the organization—something to consider if you’re particular about logistics or value for money.

Other reviews suggest that the tour can feel somewhat crowded or commercialized, with some guests feeling that the authentic local vibe is lost amid the party atmosphere.

Practical Tips

• Bring cash for the dock tax and any extra food, drinks, or photos you might want.
• Consider your swimming ability if snorkeling; the marine life and visibility may not match expectations.
• Arrive early to check in at Puerto Mágico and secure parking.
• If you’re seeking a quiet, cultural experience or a less commercialized setting, this tour might not be the best fit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers craving a lively, social day out with plenty of water activities, scenic views, and good food. It suits those who enjoy a party atmosphere, with music, contests, and drinks flowing freely. Families with older children who are comfortable in busy settings will find it more enjoyable than those seeking tranquility or a deep cultural experience.

However, if your priority is pristine snorkeling or a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience, you might want to explore other options. The mixed reviews about organization and snorkeling quality suggest that this tour might serve better as a fun, casual outing rather than a top-tier adventure.

Final Thoughts

In balancing the fun aspects with potential organizational hiccups, this half-day tour offers a lively, picture-perfect way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s coastal beauty. The stunning views of Los Arcos and the chance to relax on Playa Las Ánimas are certainly highlights. The included food and drinks make it a convenient way to enjoy a beach day without fussing over logistics.

For travelers who love a spirited, social atmosphere and are happy with a somewhat commercialized experience, this tour delivers plenty of lively moments and scenic photo ops. But if you’re after a more authentic or quieter encounter with nature, you might find the experience a bit too crowded or inconsistent.

All in all, it’s a decent option if you’re okay with the occasional hiccup and want a fun, active day on the water—just be ready for the party vibe and manage expectations around the snorkeling quality.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 0-2 are free of charge, but it’s best to consider their comfort with boat rides, water activities, and crowds. Older children will likely enjoy the lively atmosphere and beach time.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting around noon and returning by late afternoon, making it a compact yet activity-packed half-day.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there is a free bar on board with alcoholic beverages available only to those over 18, along with non-alcoholic drinks.

What does the snorkeling involve?
Snorkeling is offered at Colomitos, with equipment included. However, some reviews suggest marine visibility might be limited, and snorkeling quality can vary.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the dock tax and any extras, swimwear and towels for beach time, sunscreen, hats, and possibly a waterproof camera to capture the scenery.

Is the tour organized by a local company?
It’s operated by Monkey Adventures México, but some travelers have experienced issues with booking and refunds, so keep this in mind when planning.

In summary, this half-day Puerto Vallarta tour offers a lively mix of scenic boat rides, beach relaxation, and water fun, with a focus on social entertainment. While not perfect, it’s a good pick for those seeking a spirited day and a chance to enjoy some of the bay’s most beautiful sights—just be ready for a bit of chaos and some less-than-stellar snorkeling.