Arcos & Animas Beach, Nature Adventure!

Arcos & Animas Beach, Nature Adventure! — A Detailed Review

Imagine sailing aboard a two-story catamaran through the calm waters of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by vibrant marine life and stunning coastal scenery. This 9-hour tour—costing $77 per person—offers a balanced mix of sun, sand, snorkeling, and optional hiking, making it a good choice for travelers eager to explore the area’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or fun.

What we particularly liked about this experience is how it combines active exploration with relaxing downtime—snorkeling at Los Arcos, lounging at Animas Beach, and even hiking to a waterfall in Quimixto (if you choose). The inclusive meals and drinks add value, and the family-friendly shallow waters at Animas make this suitable for travelers of all ages.

A possible downside is that the itinerary can be flexible, which might mean some stops are short or optional activities are limited depending on weather or group size. It’s also important to note the $3 port fee, payable in cash, which isn’t included in the ticket price.

This tour suits those wanting a full-day Puerto Vallarta experience with a mix of adventure and leisure, especially if you’re interested in snorkeling, relaxing beaches, or a bit of hiking.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences: Snorkeling, beach lounging, optional waterfall hike.
• All-inclusive value: Meals, snorkeling gear, open bar (on the way back).
• Family-friendly: Calm waters at Animas Beach and suitable for all ages.
• Flexible options: Skip beach or join guided hike to Quimixto.
• Time-efficient: 9 hours packed with activities.
• Practical details: Meet at 9 am, bring swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and extra clothes.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Our day begins aboard a comfortable two-story catamaran with a warm welcome from staff, who set a friendly, relaxed tone. After about 40 minutes, breakfast is served—an appreciated touch that helps fuel the day’s adventures. You can choose from options like eggs with ham, chilaquiles, or hot cakes, making it easy to start the day well-fed.

The first real highlight is snorkeling at Los Arcos, a renowned marine reserve. The calm waters and abundant colorful fish make it one of the best spots in the area for marine life spotting. You’ll find your snorkel gear—mask, tube, and life jacket—ready for you to explore this underwater spectacle. Reviews mention how much fun it is to see the variety of fish and how the water’s tranquility enhances the experience.

This stop lasts about two hours—ample time to float around and take photos of the dramatic rock formations that give Los Arcos its name. Since admission is included, the focus can be on enjoying the underwater world without extra costs or worries.

The Beauty of Animas Beach and Optional Quimixto Hike

After snorkeling, the boat heads toward Las Animas Beach, famous for its shallow, calm waters—ideal for families or anyone just wanting to unwind. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious beachside lunch, with options like grilled fish, fajitas, or quesadillas. The restaurant setting provides a relaxed atmosphere with views of the shoreline.

Kayaks are available if you want to paddle around or explore the coastline at your own pace. Many travelers find lounging in the sand, soaking up the sun, or swimming in the gentle waters a perfect way to recharge.

For the more adventurous, there’s an optional guided tour to Quimixto, involving a hiking adventure to a waterfall. This option is subject to availability and weather conditions, and some reviews highlight that it offers a more active alternative to beach lounging. If you opt in, you’ll get a chance to see local flora and possibly encounter more wildlife, which adds a different dimension to your day.

This stop also lasts about two hours, giving enough time for relaxation or exploration.

Additional Highlights and Practical Tips

The return journey includes an open bar—a nice touch that allows you to toast the day’s adventures or just relax with a drink. The music and karaoke onboard contribute to a lively, enjoyable atmosphere, especially as the boat cruises back toward Puerto Vallarta.

Keep in mind that the $3 port fee is paid in cash, so bring some small bills. Photos are not included, but you might want to bring your own camera to capture the marine life, scenic views, and fun moments.

What Travelers Say and Why It Matters

Without a formal rating yet, reviews highlight that this tour is well-organized and value-packed. One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the snorkeling was calm and the fish were so colorful,” emphasizing the quality of the underwater experience. Others appreciated the relaxed pace and the variety of options—”We could just chill or go for a waterfall hike, depending on what we wanted.”

Some travelers noted that longer stops or more time at each location would improve the experience, but overall, the flexibility seems to suit many. The group size (up to 70 travelers) means you’ll likely meet fellow explorers, but it still feels manageable.

Practical Aspects and Tips for Your Day

• Meeting point: The tour starts at the Naval School area in Puerto Vallarta at 9:00 am. Arrive a little early to ensure a smooth start.
• What to bring: Swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen (to protect marine life), and insect repellent.
• Weather dependence: The tour is weather-sensitive; poor weather may cause cancellations or rescheduling.
• Duration: Expect around 9 hours, including transportation, stops, and meals.
• Group size: Up to 70 travelers, so be prepared for a lively group but with plenty of space to enjoy the day.
• Cost considerations: The $77 fare is quite reasonable for the number of activities, meals, and the boat ride, but remember the $3 port fee in cash.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a full-day variety of activities—snorkeling, beach relaxation, optional hiking—without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy being outdoors and appreciate good value. If you’re looking for an active adventure paired with laid-back comfort, you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy here.

The Sum Up

The Arcos & Animas Beach, Nature Adventure! tour offers a well-rounded taste of Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coastal environment. From snorkeling among colorful fish at Los Arcos to relaxing on calm beaches and possibly hiking to a waterfall, it caters to a wide range of interests. The inclusive meals, open bar, and friendly crew add to the overall value, making it a great way to spend a day soaking in natural beauty without strain.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, with opportunities to see underwater life, enjoy scenic beaches, or explore the hinterlands. While the itinerary offers some flexibility, that’s part of its charm—allowing you to tailor the day to your preferences.

If you’re after a family-friendly, well-organized, and reasonably priced way to experience some of Puerto Vallarta’s best sights, this tour will likely meet your expectations. Just be prepared for a lively day with plenty of opportunities to get wet, soak up the sun, or simply unwind.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, thanks to the calm, shallow waters at Animas Beach, the tour is suitable for families with kids. The relaxed pace makes it kid-friendly.

How long is the snorkeling at Los Arcos?
The snorkeling stop lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the marine life and take photos.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkel gear—mask, tube, and life jacket—is provided as part of the tour.

Is there a vegetarian or special diet options?
The menu options listed are grilled fish, fajitas, and quesadillas. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to request in advance or prepare accordingly.

What’s the best way to prepare for this tour?
Bring swimwear, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for the port fee.

Can I skip Las Animas Beach?
Yes, you can choose to skip Animas Beach and instead join a guided hike in Quimixto, subject to availability.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the boat ride, snorkeling gear, meals, open bar on the return, and admission to Los Arcos and Quimixto (if chosen).

What time does the tour start and end?
It starts at 9:00 am and lasts approximately 9 hours, returning to the meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 70 travelers, making it lively but still manageable.

How do I cancel if I can’t make it?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a genuine, well-rounded day in Puerto Vallarta’s natural settings—perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and local flavor.