Quimixto and a private beach, all day. On a Mega Catamaran, you get open premium drinks plus snorkeling and paddling gear, then time at Playa Chica Locca on a secluded shoreline that’s only reachable by boat. Two things I really like are the swim-up bar + infinity-pool setup and the way the crew keeps the day moving. One thing to consider: this tour can feel party-loud, and your waterfall time is tight if you’re doing the walk.

I like that the crew brings structure without killing the fun. Names you may hear a lot include Isaias, nicknamed Papi Chulo, and cocktail-maker Guadalupe, who keep things lively while still explaining what’s next.

This is also a value play. At about $135 for a full 6.5-hour day, you’re not just paying for transportation; you’re buying water activities, two meals, snacks, and an all-day open bar.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Playa Chica Locca time: a remote beach-club stop with pool seating and ocean access
• All-day open premium bar: from soft drinks to mixed drinks, plus beer and wine
• Water toys included: snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and more
• Quimixto waterfall option: guided hike, or ATV add-on for the trail route (cash only)
• Marine-life spotting during the return: whales/dolphins/turtles can show up depending on season
• Max 120 people: large enough for energy, small enough to feel organized

Price and what’s actually included in your $135

Let’s talk value in plain terms. This tour costs around $135 per person for a roughly 6.5-hour, full-day format. What makes that number feel reasonable is that you’re not paying again for the essentials once you’re on the water.

You’re covered for:

• Two meals (breakfast items and a fajita-style lunch) plus snacks like fresh guacamole and chips
• An open premium bar all day, including soft drinks and alcohol such as beer, wine, tequila, and mixed drinks
• Water activity gear: snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and other water toys
• A guided component tied to the waterfall experience

Also, the tour limits the crowd to a maximum of 120 people. That matters because it affects how hard the crew has to work to keep everyone fed, watered, and moving to the right place at the right time.

Now for the balanced note: one negative review complained about beverage quality and facility condition. That’s not the norm across the rest of the ratings, but it’s worth acknowledging. If you care a lot about craft cocktails or pristine beach-club details, go in expecting a fun, lively all-in experience—not a five-star spa.

Getting to the marina and what to expect before you even sail

This all starts in Puerto Vallarta at the port area. You’ll want to arrive with time to spare. One review described confusion around port passes; the key takeaway for you is that the tour provides what you need for port entry, so you shouldn’t have to pay for anything at the counter if you’ve booked the experience.

Also plan for port security. This is a federal maritime port, so you should expect screening. The tour states a strict no-drug policy, including no vapes/e-cigarettes and no liquids in prohibited categories. If you keep your day simple—nothing weird, nothing risky—your check-in should go faster.

Once you’re set, you’ll load onto the catamaran. People describe the boat as comfortable and having areas for shade. That’s useful because you’ll spend most of the day in direct sun.

Stop 1: Playa Chica Locca for a remote beach-club rhythm (about 4 hours)

Your first major stop is Playa Chica Locca, a beach-club area that feels like a private island because it’s only accessible by boat. This is where the tour really sells the “vacation mode” part of the day.

What you’ll do there

You get space to choose your tempo:

• Swim and relax on the sand
• Pool time at the infinity pool (and yes, there’s a swim-up bar vibe)
• Water activities you can jump into when you want: kayak, snorkel, paddle board, and more
• A guided hike option tied to the Quimixto Waterfalls route

When you arrive, you should expect fresh guacamole and chips and an easy start with the open bar.

Why this stop works for different personalities

This is the part of the day that matches both kinds of travelers: the ones who want action and the ones who just want to lie down in the shade and drink something cold.

One nice detail I picked up from the feedback: the beach setup has plenty of seating and lounge options, not just a few crowded spots. People also mention clean bathrooms, which sounds minor until you’re on a full-day excursion and suddenly realize it matters.

A reality check for the water

Snorkeling can be excellent on some days, but one review warned that conditions were rough and murky with rocks. So if snorkeling is your number-one goal, understand you’re still likely to enjoy the overall day even if visibility isn’t perfect that day.

Building your day: waterfalls by hike vs ATV (and why shoes matter)

Quimixto is the nature side of the itinerary. The waterfall experience is a highlight, but how you reach it makes a big difference.

The guided hike route

The tour includes a guided service to the waterfalls. Expect walking time and uneven terrain. Based on reviews, you should plan on steep, rough trail segments and bring proper footwear if you want the hike to feel good—not miserable.

One review explicitly suggested that a steep hike in flip-flops wasn’t fun for them. That lines up with what you should assume when you hear waterfall trail.

The ATV add-on (cash only)

If you’d rather avoid the steep walk, you can opt for an ATV ride to the waterfall route. The tour says it’s cash only, and you’ll arrange it through the confirmation details.

In at least one recent experience, the ATV add-on was quoted around 500 pesos per person. That can change, so treat it as an estimate—not a promise.

The ATV option also has its own gear needs. Expect wet conditions from crossing water areas, so shoes that handle getting damp are a smart move.

A local-knowledge bonus

On the hike, you may get natural history and local bird-spotting guidance. Dana was mentioned as a standout guide who shared extra context during the waterfall walk. If you like getting meaning from where you’re going (not just photos), this matters.

Stop 2: Quimixto and the waterfall payoff (about 1 hour)

Quimixto is where the scenery tightens up and the day turns into a real nature moment. The tour frames Quimixto as remote and only reachable by boat, which helps explain why the beach-club portion feels so special once you step off.

Your time here is time-boxed. You should expect:

• A guided route toward the waterfall area
• A swim opportunity in the cool waterfall waters once you’re there

Reviews also describe a restaurant near the water and a refreshing swim after exertion. The water can feel cold, but that’s part of the payoff.

One detail I love from the feedback: there’s often a local, laid-back feel at the waterfall stop, including small moments like meeting friendly dogs. That’s the kind of texture that makes an excursion feel real instead of scripted.

Stop 3: The return cruise to Puerto Vallarta and marine-life spotting (about 1 hour)

The final stretch is a payoff cruise back toward Puerto Vallarta. Think: open bar, music energy, and looking for sea life near the surface.

The tour notes that:

• From December to April, you may spot humpback whales
• All year, turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and sea birds are possible

In reviews, Captain Noah and the crew were mentioned for going out of their way to show marine life. That’s exactly the kind of captain behavior that turns a normal ride into a memory.

You’ll also hear about dancing and a party vibe on the way back. If you like music and energy, you’ll probably enjoy this part. If you need quiet, bring something to tune out (or focus on shade and a calm drink).

Photos: taken during the day, purchased after

A photographer may follow for candid and action shots. The tour says photo services are not included, meaning you can purchase images afterward. Some reviews mention digital albums being shared, but treat that as an optional add-on rather than something you should count on being free.

Food and drinks: breakfast, guacamole chips, and a fajita lunch

One of the most practical reasons this tour earns high marks is that it doesn’t starve you between activities.

Here’s the basic structure:

• Breakfast items: fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices
• Snack at the beach: fresh guacamole and blue corn chips
• Lunch: a traditional fajita-style meal (chicken or beef, with rice, beans, tortillas), plus vegan and vegetarian options

I like this setup because it matches the energy level of the day. You eat something before you go hard with water toys, then you’re fed again once you’ve worked up an appetite at Quimixto.

The open bar: a fun perk with a pacing need

The open premium bar is a major part of the experience. It includes soft drinks, juice, water/coffee, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, and mixed drinks like pina coladas and margaritas.

That sounds like a free-for-all, and it can feel like it if you’re not careful. One review mentioned top-shelf drinks and constant serving, while another criticized the alcohol quality. That mixed feedback is why I suggest a simple plan: pace your drinks, drink water between refills, and don’t assume the strongest stuff tastes great to you personally.

How long you really spend at each place (and how to plan your expectations)

The itinerary is built with short onshore blocks, not all-day wandering. In practice, that means you should decide what matters most to you:

• If you want maximum beach lounging, Playa Chica Locca is your main window.
• If you want waterfall photos and a swim, you need to show up with the right shoes (or choose ATV if you want the easier ride).

In reviews, people also note that lunch might not hit early for everyone, sometimes after 2 pm. If you have a sensitive stomach or you get hangry, pack a small personal snack as a backup. It’s a low-effort way to keep the day smooth even if timing isn’t perfectly synchronized for your group.

Who should book this (and who should choose something calmer)

This tour fits best if you want a single day that mixes:

• Remote beach-club relaxation
• Water activities with gear included
• A waterfall add-on you can hike or ATV to
• An all-day open bar and upbeat crew energy

It’s also a good fit if you travel with a mix of interests, like one person who wants water sports and another who just wants pool chairs and shade.

Think twice if…

• You want a quiet, low-music day with lots of solitude. Reviews mention loud music for stretches of time, with limited places to fully escape it.
• Your snorkeling needs perfect visibility. One review described rough, murky water with rocks.
• You’re very sensitive to facility condition. One low rating complained about broken tiles, bar edges, and lack of towels. That’s not a consensus, but it’s a risk worth considering if you’re strict about cleanliness and maintenance.

Practical tips that make the biggest difference

Here’s what will help you get the most out of the day:

• Bring sunscreen. You’ll be in sun all day, especially if you split time between pool and ocean.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you might do the ATV route or hike sections.
• Bring cash for ATV access if you choose that option.
• Pack a small snack if you’re the type who needs food before lunch service timing.
• Stay flexible about the schedule. One review mentioned waiting caused by delays outside the tour’s control, and that can push your time on the boat before you’re fully underway.

Final verdict: should you book this catamaran remote paradise day?

If you want a lively, all-in beach day where you can do water activities, eat well, and add a waterfall moment without planning every detail yourself, this is an easy yes. The high-value combo—remote beach club + included water toys + meals + open bar—is exactly what makes people keep recommending it.

I’d skip it if you want a quiet nature retreat, if snorkeling is your only goal, or if you’re uncomfortable with a party-style vibe and time-boxed waterfall access. Also, if your priority is guaranteed facility perfection and ultra-premium drinks, be aware that not every day hits the same standard.

If you match the vibe, though, this is the kind of Puerto Vallarta day that makes you think, why didn’t we do this earlier.

FAQ

Is alcohol included on this tour?

Yes. The tour includes an open premium bar with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What food is included?

You get breakfast items (fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, juices), plus guacamole and chips at the beach, and a fajita-style lunch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them when booking.

Are snorkeling and water activities included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and other water toys are included.

How do the waterfall options work?

There is a guided hike option to the waterfalls. You can also choose an ATV (and there’s a mention of horseback riding in the tour description), but ATV/horse rides are cash only. The ATV option is typically used by people who want to avoid the longer steep trail.

Do I need to pay extra for photos?

Photo services are not included. A photo team may capture pictures during the day, and you can reserve or purchase them afterward.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour only for adults?

Alcohol is for ages 18+. The tour itself is a full-day boat and beach experience, but the document specifically sets the drinking age; it does not list an overall age restriction for participation.

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