PUERTO VALLARTA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Bay Day at Arcos, Animas y Quimixto — Snorkels, Kayaks and a Jungle Waterfall
A full-day (8‑hour) family-friendly boat excursion out of Puerto Vallarta that combines snorkel sites, kayaking, beach club time, a guided jungle walk to a waterfall, and onboard entertainment.
Bay Day at Arcos, Animas y Quimixto — Snorkels, Kayaks and a Jungle Waterfall.
This is a full-day family-oriented cruise around Banderas Bay that strings together three of the bay’s most popular stops: the volcanic rock arches of Los Arcos for snorkeling, the palm-shaded sand and beach club at Las Ánimas, and the village of Quimixto, where a short jungle trail delivers you to a waterfall. The trip blends guided water activities—snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding—with shore-based options, meals and on-board entertainment for a single, active day out.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Snorkel Los Arcos
A primary first stop is Los Arcos National Marine Park, where guests don masks and fins to snorkel among abundant multi-colored fish in protected, sandy-bottom waters.
Kayaks and Paddleboards
Single and double ocean kayaks (and paddleboards) are provided so guests can explore clear, shallow waters around the beaches and reefs, with guides pointing out marine life as you go.
Las Ánimas and the Quimixto Waterfall
Beach time at Las Ánimas includes access to a palapa-run beach club for lunch and relaxation; the Quimixto stop adds a guided walk through a safe jungle path that leads to a small waterfall.
What the day feels like
A flowing day of shallow reefs, beach life and a short jungle trek
This excursion unfolds as a loop—board in the morning, slip quickly into snorkeling at Los Arcos, then cruise to Las Ánimas for beach club time, kayaks and lunch; next, the boat lands at Quimixto for a guided inland walk to the waterfall. The return passage is social and lively, with music, games and an open bar to finish the afternoon.
THE SEA
Snorkel Los Arcos
A primary first stop is Los Arcos National Marine Park, where guests don masks and fins to snorkel among abundant multi-colored fish in protected, sandy-bottom waters.
THE PADDLE
Kayaks and Paddleboards
Single and double ocean kayaks (and paddleboards) are provided so guests can explore clear, shallow waters around the beaches and reefs, with guides pointing out marine life as you go.
THE LAND
Las Ánimas and the Quimixto Waterfall
Beach time at Las Ánimas includes access to a palapa-run beach club for lunch and relaxation; the Quimixto stop adds a guided walk through a safe jungle path that leads to a small waterfall.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Departure from API at 10:00 AM and from Los Muertos at 10:30 AM; the outing returns to port around 6:00 PM for an approximately 8-hour total experience.
Pack swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes, any personal medication, and motion-sickness precautions if you are prone to seasickness; do not wear jewelry in the water.
The tour provides continental breakfast, lunch (choice among several entrees), national open bar after snorkeling, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, beach club access, a guided waterfall walk and on-board insurance.
Port fee, optional beach activities, restaurant beverages and horse rentals are not included and are paid separately.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The excursion runs approximately 8 hours, departing in the morning and returning in the evening.
What are the departure times and pickup locations?
Departures are listed at API at 10:00 AM and Los Muertos at 10:30 AM, with return around 6:00 PM.
What ages can participate and are there any accompaniment rules?
Guests aged 6 and up may participate; guests under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating with them in deep-water programs and optional horseback activities.
What is included in the tour price?
Included are a continental breakfast, a choice lunch, national open bar after snorkeling, snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, beach club access, a guided walk to the waterfall and on-board insurance.
What is not included?
The port fee, optional activities on the beach, beverages at shore restaurants and horse rentals are not included in the tour price.
Are there health or fitness restrictions?
Yes—guests should consider fitness and medical history: those with cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or other heart or respiratory conditions should take care and consult a physician before participating in snorkeling or other strenuous elements.
Is there anything I must do before participating?
All participants must sign a waiver to take part; guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion.