A Real Look at the 2025 Quimixto & Los Arcos Adventure Tour

You are likely looking at all the options for things to do around Puerto Vallarta, and honestly, this particular day trip often pops up. We decided to go and check it out for ourselves, you know, to give you a genuine feel for what the 2025 Quimixto & Los Arcos Adventure Tour is all about. So, this isn’t just a list of features. It’s really more about the actual feeling of the day, from the boat ride to the jungle hike and back again. The idea is to pretty much help you decide if this day of fun fits into your holiday plans, right?

Kicking Things Off: The Vibe on the Water

Alright, so the day usually starts pretty early at the marina, which actually has a bit of an exciting buzz. Getting onto the large catamaran feels like the real beginning of something fun, and the team onboard is, well, very welcoming from the first moment. They sort of get you sorted with a light breakfast, maybe some coffee and fruit, which is just what you need. As a matter of fact, as the boat pulls away from the dock, you get these fantastic sights of Puerto Vallarta waking up, with the sun just beginning to light up the Sierra Madre mountains. The vessel itself is quite spacious, so you don’t really feel packed in. There is definitely enough room to move around and find a good spot to watch the world go by.

The cruise across Banderas Bay takes a little time, but honestly, it’s a huge part of the whole experience. You just feel the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair, and it’s very relaxing, you know. The crew often points out interesting sights along the coastline, like fancy homes and secluded beaches you can only get to by water. Sometimes, and this is a pretty big bonus, you might even spot some dolphins playing in the boat’s wake. The atmosphere onboard is very casual and friendly. People are sort of chatting, taking pictures, and just getting into the holiday mood, so it’s a good way to ease into the day’s activities.

Snorkeling at Los Arcos: What’s Really Under the Surface?

Okay, the first major stop is typically the Los Arcos National Marine Park, and it is seriously impressive from the moment you see it. These massive granite islands that shoot right out of the water are apparently a famous local landmark for a good reason. The boat usually anchors a safe distance away, and then it’s time to get the snorkeling gear on. Frankly, the crew is very helpful, making sure your mask fits right and giving you a few simple instructions. They make it feel very safe, even if you are a bit of a newcomer to snorkeling, so you don’t have to worry too much.

The second you dip your head under the water is, I mean, just a little mind-blowing. The clarity of the water is quite good, and you are literally surrounded by schools of fish. You’ll probably see sergeant majors with their yellow and black stripes, super colorful parrotfish, and maybe some pufferfish, among others. The guide typically leads the group through some of the arches and tunnels, which is an amazing feeling, like you are swimming through a natural cathedral. You know, you are just floating there, weightless, watching all this life happen around you. It’s a very peaceful and kind of mesmerizing part of the day, to be honest.

Stepping Ashore at Quimixto: A Little Walk into a Different Pace of Life

Next, the boat continues on to the tiny seaside village of Quimixto, which is basically a place that feels a world away from the busy parts of Vallarta. You can only get here by boat, so it has this very unspoiled and authentic charm, right? As you step off onto the small pier, you see a quiet beachfront, a few little places to get a drink, and colorful homes dotted along the shoreline. There are a couple of ways to get to the main attraction, the waterfall. You can go on foot, which is a really pleasant walk, or you can opt to rent a horse for a small fee, which a lot of people seem to do.

We chose to walk, and anyway, the path itself is part of the fun. It meanders along a river, through a bit of gentle jungle scenery. You are more or less walking through this green canopy, hearing the sounds of birds and the river flowing nearby. It’s not a very hard trek, maybe taking about 25-30 minutes at a relaxed speed. You pass by local homes and see kids playing, which gives you just a little glimpse into the everyday life of this secluded community. It’s a bit of a culture-and-nature combination that feels very genuine.

The Payoff: Chilling at the Quimixto Waterfall

So, after the nice little walk, you start to hear the sound of rushing water getting louder. Finally, you arrive at the Quimixto waterfall, and honestly, it is a truly lovely spot. The water cascades down a large rock face into a big, clear pool at the bottom, which is incredibly inviting. There is usually a small, rustic restaurant built right next to the swimming hole where you can grab a cool drink or a snack. It’s obviously a very popular spot, so you will be sharing it with others from your tour and different boats, yet it still feels pretty special.

Taking a dip in that cool, fresh water is probably the most refreshing feeling in the world, especially after the warm walk through the jungle. The water is deep enough to actually swim around, and some daring people like to climb up on the lower rocks. It’s just a fantastic place to hang out for an hour or so, swimming, relaxing, and taking pictures. It’s pretty much the perfect reward for your little jungle adventure, at the end of the day.

I mean, this part of the trip really stands out. It’s where the “adventure” part of the tour name really comes to life. You’ve traveled by sea, you’ve walked through a jungle path, and now you are swimming at the base of this gorgeous natural feature. It is a memory that sort of sticks with you. You’re just surrounded by nature, having a good time, and it feels like a really authentic Mexican experience, which is what most of us are looking for, right?

The Ride Back: Food, Drinks, and Good Times

Alright, so after everyone has had their fill of swimming and relaxing at the waterfall, it’s time to walk back to the village and get back on the boat. By this point, everyone is usually pretty hungry, and the crew is ready for you. They typically serve a late lunch right on board as you start the cruise back to Vallarta. The meal is usually quite satisfying – think something like fresh sandwiches or wraps, some salads, and maybe some ceviche. It’s simple food, but it is just what you need after all the activity.

This is also when the open bar, which was available all day for non-alcoholic drinks, really kicks into gear with cocktails and beer. The atmosphere on the return journey tends to be very different from the quiet morning cruise. The crew often puts on music, and sometimes they even put on a little show, which is pretty entertaining. People are laughing, sharing stories from the day, and just enjoying the last couple of hours on the water. It’s like a fun, floating party, and it’s a great way to cap off a very full day. Seriously, watching the sunset over the Pacific from the deck of the boat is an absolutely incredible way to finish.

Is This Your Kind of Day Trip? Some Honest Thoughts

At the end of the day, you have to know if this trip is right for you. If you are the sort of person who gets bored just sitting on a beach, then absolutely, this could be a great fit. It offers a little bit of everything: boating, stunning views, an underwater experience, a bit of a hike, and a nature swim. It’s pretty good for families, especially with older kids who can handle the walking and snorkeling. Couples and groups of friends who want an active and social day out will probably have a really good time too.

On the other hand, if your idea of a perfect day is five-star luxury and total quiet, this might not be your thing. The boat is fun and lively, not a quiet, private yacht, you know. Likewise, if you have mobility issues or just really dislike walking, the path to the waterfall might be a challenge, even though the horse option exists. You just need to be prepared for a full, active day. But frankly, for anyone wanting a classic Puerto Vallarta adventure that shows you the coast, the jungle, and the water all in one go, it’s pretty hard to beat.

Key Takeaways from the Day:

• You will get a fantastic tour of the southern coast of Banderas Bay, which is arguably one of the most scenic areas.
• The snorkeling at Los Arcos is a real highlight, so make sure your camera is ready for underwater pictures.
• The walk to Quimixto waterfall is a nice, mild hike, but you should probably wear sensible shoes, not just flip-flops.
• The atmosphere on the boat is a huge part of the fun, especially the lively return trip, so be ready to socialize a little.
• This trip gives you a pretty great mix of guided activity and free time to explore on your own at the waterfall.

Read our full review: Quimixto & Los Arcos Adventure Tour Full Review and Details

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