Arcos – Animas – Quimixto. By Grupo Naviero de la Bahìa (Bahia Alegre)

Los Arcos, the palm-framed coast, and a boat full of music make this a lively day on Banderas Bay, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. You’ll get a quick look beneath the water at Los Arcos, time at a beach village, and an open bar on the ride.

I like the strong value at $75, especially with breakfast, lunch, drinks on the boat, insurance, and snorkel gear included. I also like the crew’s energy. David, George, Jimmy, Adrian, and Don Gato are among the names connected with the entertaining boat staff. The main drawback is the loose timing and large group, which can turn a planned seven-hour outing into a much longer day.

Key points to know before boarding

• Los Arcos snorkeling is brief: Plan on roughly 15 to 45 minutes in the water, depending on conditions and how the crew organizes the stop.
• The beach choice needs clarification: The advertised plan includes Las Animas and Quimixto, but the actual day may involve choosing one destination rather than fully visiting both.
• Breakfast is served on the boat: Expect hot cakes, eggs with ham, chilaquiles, bread, fruit, coffee, and orangeade after departure, not at the terminal.
• The boat is built for fun, not luxury: Plastic chairs, a crowded deck, music, dancing, contests, and karaoke suit social groups better than people seeking peace.
• Bring extra pesos: Port entry costs MX$33 per person, while beach drinks, chairs, umbrellas, and activities cost extra.
• Leave your evening open: Delays of one to two hours have occurred, and the return cruise can run well past the stated schedule.

What the $75 price really buys you

At $75 per person, Bahia Alegre gives you a lot of moving parts for one fare. You receive breakfast, one beach meal, an onboard national open bar, snorkeling equipment, and insurance. The boat also carries you along Puerto Vallarta’s shore, past the Malecón and the parish church as seen from the bay.

That is a fair package if you want a full social day rather than a focused snorkeling trip. A private boat or a smaller snorkeling excursion may offer better time in the water, but it will usually not combine meals, drinks, beach access, and entertainment at this price.

The phrase open bar applies to the boat. It does not cover drinks at the beach restaurant. You should also budget for the MX$33 port charge, paid at the sea terminal, plus tips and any optional activities. Beach drinks are listed at about MX$70 per person, though prices can vary by order and venue.

The included food is basic. Breakfast may include chilaquiles with eggs, pancakes, fruit, yogurt, granola, coffee, and juice. For lunch, you normally choose one dish from three options, such as chicken fajitas, quesadillas, fish, or a burger. Portions and quality can be uneven, so I would treat the meals as useful fuel rather than a reason to book the trip.

Getting through the Puerto Vallarta terminal

The meeting point is the Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Las Glorias hotel zone. The stated start time is 9:15 a.m., but the boarding process can take time, and departure may not happen until 10 or 10:30.

Arrive early, but do not assume that an early arrival means an early departure. The port can fill quickly, and lines for the entry charge may become long. At the terminal, photographers and sales representatives may approach you. If you do not want photos or other purchases, politely keep moving until you find the line for your assigned boat.

A practical detail matters here: the breakfast is served onboard. You do not need to arrive expecting a meal at the dock. You may also need to select your lunch before boarding, so listen carefully to the instructions and keep your ticket or reservation details handy.

Boarding can involve lines, checks, and transfers between the large boat and a smaller launch near the beach. The deck may move under your feet, and plastic chairs can slide. Use the handrails, wear shoes with a secure grip, and take care when walking with a full cup.

The vessel can hold up to 130 people. That capacity explains much of the experience: there may be a lively crowd, limited personal space, and a wait when everyone moves on or off the boat. Sit on the lower level if you want to be near the music and crew activities. The upper deck is a better bet for sun, views, and a quieter ride.

The opening cruise past the Malecón

Before the stops, the boat gives you a postcard view of Puerto Vallarta from the water. The Malecón, the shoreline, and the parish church look different from the bay, and this is one of the easiest ways to understand how the city sits against the coast.

Breakfast is usually served while the boat gets underway. It is a simple Mexican-style meal, with options that can satisfy you before the snorkeling stop. Coffee, orangeade, juice, and soft drinks are available, while alcoholic drinks generally begin later in the trip.

The onboard mood is a major part of the value. Crew members circulate with drinks, collect empty cups, play music, and encourage people to join games or dancing. On the return, the entertainment may include karaoke, dance contests, birthday routines, and group dances such as the Caballo Dorado.

Much of the entertainment is in Spanish. You can still join the dancing and games without understanding every joke, but English-only visitors may miss some of the commentary. English service is offered, and staff members have made an effort to explain activities in English when needed.

This is not a polished yacht cruise. It is closer to a floating beach party with scenery. If you want calm conversation, a quiet reading day, or carefully timed sightseeing, the music and crowd may wear you down.

Los Arcos: beautiful rocks, limited snorkel time

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the tour’s most recognizable natural stop. The rock formations rise from the water south of Puerto Vallarta, creating arches, channels, and a protected marine setting. The view alone is worth seeing from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are available. The stop is not designed as a long marine excursion, though. You may spend only about 15 to 20 minutes actually swimming, even though the scheduled stop is listed at 45 minutes. The rest can involve organizing groups, distributing gear, and moving people in and out of the water.

Conditions control the quality of this stop. Clear, calm water can reveal schools of tropical fish around the rocks. After wind or rain, the water may turn cloudy and choppy, making swimming uncomfortable and fish difficult to see. Strong swimmers may manage well, but children or less confident swimmers should use the flotation equipment and stay close to the group.

I would not book this outing mainly for snorkeling. A dedicated snorkeling boat is the better choice if underwater time is your priority. Here, Los Arcos is one part of a broader day that combines scenery, a short swim, food, drinks, and beach time.

Listen closely when the crew calls people back. The group is large, and the process can be noisy. Keep track of your own party and return promptly when instructed. That simple habit helps avoid confusion during the boat’s departure.

Las Animas: beach time, food, and paid extras

Playa Las Animas is a small beach community reached by boat, often using a smaller transfer vessel for the final approach. The beach is attractive, with clear water, restaurants, beach chairs, umbrellas, and a line of optional activities.

The schedule allows roughly three hours here, which is a generous amount of time if you want to swim, sit by the water, or order something beyond the included meal. It can feel too long if the restaurant service is slow or if you planned to spend most of the day snorkeling.

Your included lunch is one dish per person from a short menu. You may need to wait until later in the beach visit for the meal, sometimes around midafternoon. If you get hungry early, you can buy chips, snacks, or drinks, but that adds to the cost.

Beach chairs and umbrellas may require an extra payment. One arrangement described for the tour was about MX$300 per person, applied toward food and drinks rather than charged as a simple rental. Confirm the current terms before settling in, because beach arrangements can change.

Las Animas offers parasailing, jet skis, banana boats, massages, and other paid diversions. Prices reported for parasailing were about MX$700 per person, with jet skis around MX$800 for two people, though you should confirm before agreeing. Bring cash, since optional activities may not accept cards.

The restaurant experience is the least dependable part of the package. Some days bring fresh, enjoyable food and attentive service. Other times, meals may arrive cold, dry, small, or overcooked, and drinks or seating may be in short supply. If lunch matters greatly to you, consider the included dish a convenience and bring money for a separate order if necessary.

Dogs may roam the beach, and the condition of chairs and tables can vary. None of this ruins the setting, but it helps you set the right expectations. Las Animas is a public beach village, not a private resort.

Quimixto and the optional waterfall walk

Quimixto offers a more active alternative to simply sitting at Las Animas. After getting off near the village, you walk for about 30 minutes toward the waterfall. Horse rental may be available if you prefer not to make the walk on foot.

At the falls, you have about 20 minutes to swim and cool off. The walk and waterfall make Quimixto the stronger choice for anyone who wants a small adventure rather than several hours at a restaurant beach.

Water levels can change. In a dry period, the waterfall may have little water, and wet weather can make the path less comfortable. Ask the guide exactly when the group leaves and where to meet afterward. The departure instructions may not always be repeated clearly, and missing the group can create a serious problem in a remote beach setting.

The supplied schedule describes both Quimixto and Las Animas, with food at Las Animas after the waterfall. In practice, the day’s operation may ask you to choose between destinations, or weather and timing may prevent a full visit to both. Confirm this before boarding if Quimixto is essential to your plans.

The long ride home

The return trip is usually when the party reaches full speed. The open bar continues, music plays, and the crew may organize dancing, contests, and karaoke. This is where guides such as David, Adrian, George, and Don Gato have earned praise for keeping the mood warm and inclusive.

It is also where the schedule can unravel. A return that should take a reasonable amount of time may stretch because of loading, extra dock stops, sea conditions, or mechanical trouble. Some outings have returned around 6 or 6:30 p.m., while others have run much later.

Do not book a dinner reservation, airport transfer, show, or other fixed evening plan after this tour. I would keep the rest of the night open. Motion sickness is another concern, especially after a windy morning or a slow, rolling cruise. Sit on the lower deck if you are prone to seasickness, and bring whatever medication you normally use.

Tips are not included. The crew’s service is one of the better parts of the experience, so carry cash if you want to thank individual staff members or the group.

Who will enjoy this boat day

I would recommend Bahia Alegre to friends, families with older children, couples who enjoy music, and anyone who wants several activities bundled into one affordable outing. It works especially well if you see the boat ride and social atmosphere as the main event, with snorkeling and the beach as added stops.

It is less suitable for a quiet couple’s day, a luxury cruise, or a serious snorkeler. It may also frustrate you if you need a firm timetable, dependable restaurant service, or plenty of personal space.

The physical demands are moderate. You need to manage boat steps, transfers to a smaller vessel, swimming or floating at Los Arcos, and possibly a 30-minute walk to Quimixto Falls. Service animals are allowed, and the terminal is near public transportation.

What to pack for the seven-hour outing

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, waterproof storage for valuables, and cash in Mexican pesos. Pack a light cover-up for the boat, since the upper deck can be sunny and the ride home may be long.

I would also carry motion-sickness medication if you need it, plus a bottle of water for personal use. The boat has drinks, but conditions and serving arrangements can vary. Avoid bringing food or drinks that may be restricted at boarding.

Keep your phone, room key, and money in a sealed bag. You will move between the main boat, the dock, and possibly a small transfer boat. The fewer loose items you carry, the easier the day will be.

Should you book Arcos, Animas, Quimixto?

Book it if you want a low-cost, all-day party boat with Puerto Vallarta views, a short Los Arcos snorkel, beach time, included food, and an open bar. The crew and entertainment can make an ordinary outing feel like a celebration, and the price is hard to dismiss for a package this full.

Skip it if Los Arcos snorkeling is your chief goal, if you dislike crowds, or if a late return would cause trouble. Before paying, ask whether your departure will visit Quimixto, Las Animas, or both, and ask how beach seating and lunch work that day.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. The ticket redemption point is at the Puerto Vallarta port administration area.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:15 a.m. The actual boat departure may be later because of port procedures, boarding, and additional pickups.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and insurance are included. Life jackets are available, and the Los Arcos water stop is part of the outing.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast is served on the boat, and one beach lunch dish per person is included. Drinks at the beach restaurant are not included.

Is the onboard bar included?

Yes. A national open bar is included onboard. Drinks purchased at the beach are separate, and tips are not included.

How much is the port fee?

The port entry fee is listed as MX$33 per person and is paid when entering the sea terminal.