Arcos & Animas Beach, Nature Adventure!

Explore Puerto Vallarta’s Natural Wonders with the Arcos & Animas Beach Tour

The Arcos & Animas Beach, Nature Adventure is a lively full-day trip in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, priced at $77 per person. This tour offers a blend of snorkeling, beach relaxation, and optional hiking, making it ideal for those who want a versatile outdoor experience. Starting at 9:00 am from the Grupo Naviero de la Bahía, the tour spans approximately 9 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop. A notable feature is the two-floor catamaran, which provides a comfortable and scenic way to explore.

This adventure is perfect for travelers seeking marine life encounters, calm family-friendly beaches, and active optional excursions. The tour includes snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar on the way back, all contributing to a well-rounded day. While the tour is accessible to most, those interested in the Quimixto waterfall hike should note that availability may vary. With a maximum group size of 70 travelers, it balances lively socialization with personalized experiences.

Key Points

• Full-day Puerto Vallarta experience with snorkeling, beach time, and optional waterfall hike
• Price of $77 per person includes breakfast, lunch, and snorkel gear
• Starts at 9:00 am from Grupo Naviero de la Bahía and lasts approximately 9 hours
• Highlights include snorkeling at Los Arcos and relaxing at Las Animas Beach with shallow, calm waters
• Optional guided tour to Quimixto with waterfall hiking available (subject to availability)
• Includes open bar, music, karaoke, and a friendly crew onboard the two-floor catamaran

Departure from Puerto Vallarta’s Marina and Group Size

This tour departs promptly at 9:00 am from the Grupo Naviero de la Bahía in Puerto Vallarta. The meeting point is clearly marked at H. Escuela Naval Militar, and the activity ends back at the same spot. With a group size capped at 70 guests, the experience strikes a good balance between lively social atmosphere and ensuring everyone’s comfort. The logistical setup makes it easy for travelers to join without hassle, and the mobile ticket offers flexibility.

The Catamaran Experience: Comfort and Entertainment

Traveling on a two-floor catamaran, travelers enjoy scenic views of the coastline and the open waters. The vessel features music, karaoke, and an open national bar (available on the return journey), creating a festive atmosphere. The comfortable deck spaces allow for sunbathing, relaxing, or socializing while cruising. The snorkel gear—including masks, tubes, and life jackets—is provided to ensure everyone can participate in the underwater exploration safely.

Snorkeling at Los Arcos: Marine Life and Calm Waters

The first major stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya offers some of the best snorkeling in the area. The calm waters make it suitable for swimmers of different skill levels, and the vibrant marine life is a highlight. Expect to see many colorful fish and enjoy the natural beauty of these small islands. The admission ticket for this stop is included in the tour, and approximately 2 hours are dedicated to exploring this underwater sanctuary.

Relaxing at Las Animas Beach for Family Fun and Sunbathing

Following snorkeling, the tour lands at Las Animas Beach, known for its shallow, calm waters perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to unwind. The beach setting features a restaurant where a lunch of your choice—such as grilled fish, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, or quesadillas—is served. Kayaks are available for those wanting to paddle around, adding an active element to the relaxing beach time.

Travelers should note that Las Animas Beach is a popular spot, and it offers ample space for lounging or gentle water activities. The 2-hour stop here balances relaxation with enough time to enjoy the scenery and facilities.

Optional Guided Tour to Quimixto and Waterfall Hike

For those interested in an active adventure, there is an option to skip Las Animas Beach in favor of a guided tour to Quimixto, which includes a hiking trip to a waterfall. This activity is subject to availability and is an exciting alternative for guests seeking a more immersive nature experience. The admission is free for this optional stop, and it provides a chance to explore the lush surroundings and enjoy a scenic hike.

Lunch on the Beach: Local Flavors and Casual Dining

Lunch is served at a beachfront restaurant at Las Animas Beach, with a choice of grilled fish, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, or quesadillas. The included dish offers a satisfying break and a taste of local flavors. The casual setting allows travelers to dine comfortably with ocean views, enhancing the relaxed vibe of the day.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and Wear

To make the most of this adventure, travelers should bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes for after water activities. Since biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended, packing environmentally friendly products is advisable. Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes will help with the optional hike and walking around the beaches. The tour’s light physical activity and water-based stops mean participants should be prepared for some walking and swimming.

Cost Breakdown: What’s Included and What’s Not

The $77 fee covers most essentials: snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch, and onboard entertainment such as music and karaoke. The admission ticket for snorkeling at Los Arcos and the beach stop at Las Animas are included. However, travelers should budget an additional $3 USD per person for the port fee, payable in cash, and note that photos are not included in the package.

Weather Considerations and Cancellation Policy

This tour relies on good weather conditions for a smooth experience. If canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered a full refund or alternative date. The free cancellation policy allows for refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility and peace of mind for planning.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

The Arcos & Animas Beach tour appeals to those who enjoy combining water activities with beach relaxation. It suits families, friends, and solo travelers who want a full-day excursion with snorkeling, scenic cruising, and optional hiking. The mix of entertainment onboard and laid-back stops makes it accessible and enjoyable for a variety of interests.

Travelers looking for a lively atmosphere with music and karaoke onboard will appreciate the energetic vibe, while those preferring a peaceful beach day will find plenty of time to unwind. The flexibility to opt for the Quimixto waterfall hike adds a personalized touch for adventure seekers.

Final Thoughts on the Arcos & Animas Beach Adventure

This tour offers excellent value for $77, combining marine exploration, beachside leisure, and optional hiking into a single, well-organized package. The two-floor catamaran creates a comfortable setting, and the included meals and drinks ensure you won’t need to worry about extra expenses during the day.

While the port fee is a minor additional cost, the overall experience delivers a lively, scenic, and fun-filled day in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a suitable choice for those wanting a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation with easy logistics and friendly service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting time for this tour?
The tour departs at 9:00 am from Grupo Naviero de la Bahía.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, from departure to return.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and an open national bar on the way back are included in the $77 price.

What stops are part of this tour?
The main stops are Los Arcos de Mismaloya for snorkeling and Las Animas Beach for relaxation. There is also an option to visit Quimixto for a waterfall hike.

Can I skip Las Animas Beach?
Yes, you can choose to skip Las Animas to join the guided Quimixto tour instead, subject to availability.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and optional hiking.

Is there a group size limit?
The maximum group size is 70 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

Are there any additional costs?
A $3 USD port fee per person is payable in cash. Photos are not included in the package and can be purchased separately if desired.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If canceled due to weather, guests are offered a full refund or the option to reschedule. The tour follows a flexible cancellation policy if done 24 hours in advance.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is provided by Altus Tours, known for organizing engaging and scenic Puerto Vallarta excursions.