Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

Planning a day out on the water in Puerto Vallarta? This 8-hour boat tour promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and lively entertainment—perfect for those wanting to experience Mexico’s coast in a fun, social setting. While reviews suggest it’s a lively trip with some ups and downs, it remains a popular choice for travelers seeking a full day at sea with good food and drinks.

We’re drawn to the snorkeling at Los Arcos and the relaxing stop at Las Animas Beach—two authentic moments of the trip that highlight Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty. Plus, the tasty lunch served on the beach and the open bar are definite perks. However, a quick glance at reviews reveals that some guests found the experience to fall short of expectations, especially regarding the snorkeling and overall organization. Still, if you’re after a lively, social day with plenty of food and drink, this tour might just fit the bill.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers craving a full day of fun on the water, keen to enjoy local sights in a lively atmosphere, and comfortable with some crowd and noise. It’s ideal for those who want a convenient, all-in-one outing with good food, drinks, and a chance to meet other travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure combining snorkeling, beach time, and cultural exploration
• Lively atmosphere with music, games, and unlimited drinks onboard
• Authentic experiences at Los Arcos, Las Animas Beach, and Quimixto village
• Mixed reviews highlight fun moments but some frustration with organization and snorkeling quality
• Value for money if you enjoy social activities and all-inclusive amenities
• Limited flexibility and time constraints may influence your experience

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Highlights

This tour kicks off early in the morning, usually around 10 am, from the Maritime Terminal (API) or Puerto Mágico. From there, you step aboard a double-decker boat that’s designed to keep things lively. You’ll share the space with a group of fellow travelers, all eager for a day of sun and sea.

The first major stop is the Los Arcos marine reserve, renowned for its vibrant marine life and dramatic rock formations. Snorkeling here promises encounters with tropical fish and an underwater landscape that’s both colorful and dramatic. You’ll get mask and snorkel gear included, but according to some critics, the limited number of snorkel sets means not everyone gets a turn, which can be disappointing. One reviewer noted, “We spent only about 10 minutes in the water, as the equipment was limited, and the rest of the time was spent getting everyone on and off the boat.” That’s a helpful reminder to manage expectations if snorkeling is your main goal.

Next, the boat heads to Las Animas Beach, a lovely stretch of sand with a relaxed vibe. Here, you can swim, lounge, or partake in optional activities like kayaking. The beach is lively but not overly crowded, making it a perfect spot to unwind. The included lunch on the beach is generally well-reviewed, with many enjoying the delicious food—a nice break from typical tour fare. One traveler noted, “The lunch was pretty good, especially after a morning of snorkeling.”

The afternoon brings a trip to Quimixto, a small traditional village surrounded by lush greenery. Here, you can choose between horseback riding or a guided hike to a seasonal waterfall. The waterfall is a beautiful spot for a quick dip or just soaking in the scenery. Some reviews mention that the waterfall activity is a highlight, with a peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. However, others found the horse riding experience to be somewhat overpriced and not always what they expected—$600 per person for motorcycles that aren’t driven by the participants, for instance.

Atmosphere and Entertainment

Throughout the day, the boat is alive with music, dancing, and games. The open bar offers unlimited drinks—think margaritas, beers, and more—making the experience more social. One positive reviewer remarked, “The sunset was beautiful, and the lively music made the ride back really fun.” But be aware that some guests found the watered-down drinks and dated music less appealing, with one reviewer describing the playlist as like “something from a wedding 20 years ago.” That might not bother everyone, especially if you’re here to socialize and enjoy the sun.

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Food and Beverage

Starting with a continental breakfast, the tour provides a decent start—though it’s nothing gourmet. The lunch on the beach is generally appreciated as tasty, with some reviewers praising its quality compared to typical tour meals. The unlimited open bar is a major draw, but reviews mention that the drinks can be weak and heavily diluted. If you’re looking for high-quality cocktails, you might find the experience less satisfying. Still, the lively atmosphere on deck and the chance to dance and mingle make this a memorable part of the day.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about 8 hours, with most guests returning around 6-7 pm. It’s a full day, so bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as well as your ID for snorkeling gear if needed. The group size can vary, but it’s typically a lively crowd. Accessibility might be limited, especially with the need to climb on and off boats and participate in active excursions like hiking or horseback riding.

Authenticity and Value

While some reviews suggest the experience doesn’t always live up to the promotional hype—particularly regarding snorkeling duration and equipment availability—many still find the overall day worthwhile. The scenic stops and local village visit add authenticity, giving you a glimpse of both natural beauty and local culture.

At $87 per person, the price includes breakfast, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkel gear, kayaks, and entertainment. Compared to booking each element separately, it offers decent value, especially for travelers who prioritize social fun and convenience over perfection in every activity. However, if snorkeling or organized activities are your main focus, you might find this trip less satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour in Puerto Vallarta offers a lively, social day at sea with a good mix of natural beauty, local culture, and entertainment. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a fun, party-style atmosphere. The scenic stops at Los Arcos and Las Animas Beach are undeniably charming, and the lunch and drinks are definite highlights.

However, be prepared for some organizational hiccups and limitations on snorkeling equipment, which could cut into your underwater experience. The music and drinks may not be everyone’s taste, but if you enjoy a lively, informal environment with plenty of socializing and good food, this tour could be a good fit.

Ultimately, if you’re after a fun-filled day on the water with friends or family, and don’t mind the crowds or some uneven execution, this tour offers a memorable way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s coast.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes. The tour is lively and involves some active stops, but it’s designed for general travelers. Always check with the provider about age restrictions or special needs.

How long do we spend snorkeling?
Reviewers say around 10 minutes in the water, as equipment is limited and the focus is on getting everyone in and out quickly.

What’s included in the meal?
The tour provides a lunch served on the beach, which most guests find tasty, along with a continental breakfast at the start.

Can I get snorkel gear on my own?
Snorkel gear is provided, but availability is limited. Bring your own if you want guaranteed access.

What is the atmosphere aboard the boat?
It’s lively, with music, dancing, and games. Some find the playlist outdated, but most enjoy the social vibe.

Is the open bar really unlimited?
Yes, but reviews note the drinks can be watered down. It’s more about the fun and social aspect than high-quality cocktails.

How are the stops at Las Animas Beach and Quimixto?
They’re charming and offer opportunities for swimming, relaxing, or trying optional activities like horseback riding or hiking.

What if I don’t want to participate in all activities?
You can choose to relax at the beach or skip certain activities, but be aware that the schedule is fairly fixed.

Is this tour good value?
Considering the included food, drinks, snorkel gear, and entertainment, it offers a solid value for a full-day social experience, though some guests found aspects like snorkeling and organization frustrating.

This Puerto Vallarta boat tour balances the fun of socializing with scenic stops and local flavor. It’s a good pick for those who want a lively, all-in-one day out, with the understanding that it may not be a perfectly polished experience but one filled with genuine moments of enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here: