Puerto Vallarta: Beach, Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar

Catch the coast in one long day. This Puerto Vallarta boat trip packs Los Arcos snorkeling, Las Animas Beach, Quimixto, breakfast, lunch, drinks, music, and games into an eight-hour outing. I like the mix of sea, beach, and village time, and I like that kayaks, snorkeling gear, meals, and an open bar are included. The main drawback is the large, party-focused setup, which can mean short snorkeling time, loud music, delayed returns, and extra charges for some activities.

You meet the Beach Boy company at the Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, then board a double-decker boat. The day can be fun and social, especially if you want a lively all-day boat party with scenery rather than a quiet nature trip. Go in with realistic expectations, because the advertised schedule may not tell the whole story.

Key points to know before you book

• Los Arcos snorkeling can be brief: The boat visits the marine preserve, but limited equipment and a crowded swim area may reduce your time in the water.
• Las Animas and Quimixto are different stops: You may need to choose between beach time and the waterfall outing instead of doing both.
• Quimixto offers a seasonal waterfall: You can reach it by guided hike or horseback riding as described, but one recent outing offered paid motorcycles instead of horses.
• Food is included, but keep expectations moderate: Continental breakfast is basic, while lunch is served on the beach.
• The open bar comes with a party atmosphere: Music, dancing, and games are part of the experience, and drinks may be weak.
• Allow the whole day: A scheduled eight hours can run longer. One outing left at 10 a.m. and returned around 7 p.m.

A full Pacific coast day from Puerto Vallarta

This is not a small sailing trip or a quiet wildlife cruise. You board a double-decker tour boat with space for a large group, then spend the day moving between Puerto Vallarta’s coastal highlights.

That format explains both the appeal and the complaints. You get a lot for the $120 price: a boat ride, a bilingual English and Spanish guide, breakfast, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, kayaks, music, dancing, and games. You also avoid arranging separate transport to Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto.

The tradeoff is control. A large boat must load and unload many people, fit the schedule around group activities, and keep the entertainment running. If you want long, peaceful swims or a flexible stop at each place, this may feel rushed. If you enjoy meeting people and having the boat itself serve as the main event, the format makes more sense.

I would treat the listed eight hours as a target, not a firm promise. One outing ran from about 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., roughly nine hours, and another report noted a return about two hours later than expected. Do not book a tight dinner reservation or an evening flight after this trip.

Boarding at Maritime Terminal or Puerto Mágico

The meeting point is the Maritime Terminal, also known as Puerto Mágico. Look for the Beach Boy company, while keeping in mind that the experience provider is listed as Puerto Vallarta Net.

The boat has two levels. The top deck is the natural place for sun, drinks, music, and views. The lower areas may feel more practical during the ride, especially if you want a break from the party atmosphere, though the exact seating arrangement is not specified.

The crew provides bilingual guiding in English and Spanish. Life jackets are included, and you receive a mask and snorkel for the Los Arcos stop. Bring photo identification if you want snorkeling equipment, since this has been requested during the outing.

Breakfast is served after departure. It is a continental breakfast, so think of it as a simple start rather than a full meal. One breakfast was described as basic, while lunch received a warmer assessment. If you need a substantial breakfast, eat something before boarding or bring a suitable snack if allowed.

Los Arcos: beautiful setting, limited underwater time

Los Arcos is the first major nature stop and one of the strongest reasons to book this trip. The rock formations rise from the water south of Puerto Vallarta, creating a memorable backdrop for the boat ride and a protected marine area for fish.

The tour includes a snorkeling session among tropical marine life. In ideal conditions, this can be the most active part of your day. You wear the supplied mask and snorkel, enter the water, and look for fish around the rocky formations.

The key issue is time. One account described only about ten minutes actually spent snorkeling, with much of the half-hour water stop used to get people in and out. Limited equipment was also a problem, with fewer sets available than people who wanted to swim. A crowded swimming area can scatter fish too, so the underwater experience may be less impressive than the setting suggests.

That does not make Los Arcos a wasted stop. The rock formations are worth seeing from the boat, and the water experience can still be pleasant if you get equipment promptly and conditions are favorable. But do not book this tour mainly for serious snorkeling. For that, a smaller boat with more water time would likely suit you better.

Ask about the equipment process as soon as you board. Move quickly when the crew gives instructions, and bring photo identification. If snorkeling matters most to you, it is worth treating this stop as a bonus rather than the central purpose of the day.

Las Animas Beach: lunch, swimming, and a change of pace

After Los Arcos, the boat heads toward Las Animas Beach. This stop shifts the mood from organized water activity to beach relaxation.

You can swim, sit near the water, or take part in optional beach activities. Kayaks are included, giving you another way to spend time on the coast without paying for every minute of recreation. Lunch is served on the beach, which gives the meal a pleasant setting even if the food itself is not the main attraction.

Las Animas works best when you want a straightforward tropical break. You can step off the boat, feel sand under your feet, and take a break from the open-bar entertainment. The main question is how much time remains after the snorkeling operation and group transfer.

The food deserves a realistic rating. Breakfast has been described as mediocre or basic, while lunch was considered better. I would value the meal for its convenience and location, not as a reason to choose the tour. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not explain the menu or special-meal arrangements, so ask the operator before booking.

Quimixto and the difficult activity choice

Quimixto is a small coastal village and the most independent-feeling stop on the route. Its main attraction is a seasonal waterfall reached through lush surroundings. You can choose a guided walk or a horseback ride according to the stated program, then swim in the natural pool below the falls when conditions permit.

The word seasonal matters. Waterfall flow can vary, and the experience depends on recent weather. The walk also requires more effort than simply lounging at Las Animas. If you want some activity and a change from the boat, Quimixto gives the day more variety. If your ideal outing is a beach chair and a cold drink, it may feel like work.

Pay close attention to the activity briefing. One recent outing gave people only about five minutes to choose between going to the beach and visiting the waterfall. The implication that you could easily do both did not match the way the schedule worked. Once the choice was made, changing plans was not easy.

There is also a concern about the advertised horseback option. One outing did not offer horses and instead presented motorcycles at an additional cost of $600 per person, with the passenger not driving. That charge was not included in the $120 tour price. Since arrangements may vary, ask before boarding whether horses are operating that day, what they cost, who controls the vehicle, and how long the activity lasts.

This is the place where clear questions can save frustration. If the waterfall is your priority, say so early. If you want Las Animas Beach and Quimixto, ask whether both are genuinely possible on the day you book.

The open bar, music, and party mood

The open bar is available aboard the boat, with unlimited drinks included in the package. You can relax on the upper deck, listen to music, dance, and join games during the cruise.

For some people, this is the heart of the trip. The boat becomes a floating social event, and the entertainment helps fill the long stretches between stops. It can be a good fit for couples, groups of friends, and anyone who prefers an energetic day over quiet sightseeing.

For others, the party atmosphere is the biggest drawback. Music has been described as loud, with an older wedding-party style. Drinks were also described as heavily diluted on one outing. The exact experience can change with the crew and group, but you should not expect a refined cocktail cruise.

I would choose your place on the boat with this in mind. The upper deck gives you sun, open views, and access to the music. It is also likely to be the loudest area. The lower deck may offer a calmer retreat, though the tour is still designed around group entertainment.

The open bar adds value if you plan to drink several beverages and enjoy the social side. It adds little value if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or prefer a quiet boat. In that case, part of the $120 price is paying for an atmosphere you may not use.

What the $120 price really covers

At $120 per person, this is a bundled day rather than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for transportation by sea, bilingual guides, two meals, an open bar, snorkeling gear, life jackets, kayaks, and onboard entertainment.

That can be good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, food, drinks, beach activities, and transport to several coastal sites. The route also lets you see a lot of Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast in one day.

The value drops if your priorities are high-quality food, long snorkeling sessions, or a quiet nature experience. Extra charges can also change the final cost. Motorcycle rides were offered at $600 per person during one outing, and the supplied information warns of upselling on the excursion. Ask what is included before you agree to any activity at the beach or waterfall.

The mixed rating, 3 out of 5 from four recorded ratings, fits the pattern. The scenery, whale and turtle sightings, sunset, and broad range of activities can make the day memorable. The short snorkeling time, basic food, diluted drinks, loud music, late return, and unclear activity choices can also frustrate you.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want to combine several Puerto Vallarta sights without planning separate tours. It suits people who like a full schedule, group entertainment, swimming, beach time, and a drink in hand.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the coast. You see Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto in one outing, even if none of the stops receives as much time as it would on a focused tour.

Families may appreciate the mix of swimming, kayaks, food, and games, but parents should consider the loud music, long day, and possible late return. The tour can work for a group with different interests because some people can swim while others relax or join the entertainment.

I would not choose it for you if you want serious snorkeling, a quiet small-boat ride, carefully prepared meals, or a precise timetable. It is also a poor match if you have an evening reservation you cannot move.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Bring photo identification for snorkeling equipment.
• Wear swim clothing under your regular clothes, since swimming is built into the day.
• Pack sun protection and a way to cover yourself between water activities.
• Keep dinner plans flexible because the return may run late.
• Ask at boarding whether the snorkeling gear is sufficient for the group.
• Confirm whether horseback riding is available at Quimixto and ask about extra fees.
• Ask how much time is planned for Las Animas and the waterfall before you choose an activity.
• Expect a basic breakfast and a more satisfying lunch, rather than restaurant-level dining.
• If you dislike loud music, plan to spend some time away from the upper deck.
• Treat wildlife sightings as a bonus. Whales and turtles have been seen, but they are not guaranteed by the supplied tour details.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta excursion?

Book it if you want an all-in-one coastal outing with food, drinks, music, beaches, a village stop, and several included activities. The scenery is the strongest asset, and the broad itinerary can save you planning time.

Skip it if snorkeling quality, personal space, quiet, or punctual timing matters most. Before paying, ask two direct questions: how long will you actually snorkel, and can you visit both Las Animas and the Quimixto waterfall? If the answers are clear and the party-boat style sounds fun, $120 can be fair value. If the answers are vague, choose a smaller and more focused coastal tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, in Puerto Vallarta. Look for the Beach Boy company.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is eight hours. One outing ran from about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., so you should allow extra time.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What food is included?

A continental breakfast is served during the boat trip, and lunch is served on the beach.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An all-you-can-drink open bar is available aboard the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with life jackets. Photo identification may be required to receive snorkeling equipment.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling stop is at Los Arcos, a marine preserve known for its rock formations and tropical marine life.

What can I do at Las Animas Beach?

You can relax, swim, and take part in optional beach activities. Kayaks are included on the beach.

What is available at Quimixto?

The tour includes a visit to the village of Quimixto and an option to reach a seasonal waterfall by guided hike or horseback riding as described.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.