Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

A private beach, a waterfall, and a party boat. This Puerto Vallarta day cruise combines a catamaran ride, a remote beach club at Playa Chica Locca, water sports, and a chance to reach the Quimixto waterfall. I like the true all-inclusive setup, with breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and brand-name alcoholic drinks covered. I also like the choice built into the day: you can paddleboard, snorkel, hike, ride an ATV, or simply claim a shaded chair and enjoy the view.

The main drawback is the mood. Loud music and a festive drinking scene run through much of the outing, with little quiet space to escape. Timing can also be uneven, especially if departure is delayed or lunch arrives late. Bring good shoes, sunscreen, and patience, and you’ll be better prepared for what is essentially a beach club day with an energetic soundtrack.

Quick facts worth knowing

• Remote access: Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto are reached by boat, giving the day a genuine away-from-the-road feel.
• Food is included: You receive breakfast, fruit, muffins, coffee, juices, guacamole, chips, and a fajita lunch with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas.
• Water gear costs nothing extra: Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys are included.
• The waterfall is optional: You can walk with a guide, or pay cash for an ATV ride or horseback option if available.
• Expect a party atmosphere: Music, dancing, cocktails, and attentive crew service are central to the experience.
• Plan ahead: The tour costs $135 per person, lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, and can carry up to 120 people.

What the $135 price really buys you

At $135, this is not simply a boat ride to a beach. Your fare covers a full day of service, two meals, snacks, an open bar, port entry fees, parking, beach facilities, guided waterfall access, and use of the water equipment.

That bundle can offer good value if you plan to eat, drink, and use several activities. A couple who enjoys cocktails, lunch, kayaking, and the waterfall can get plenty from the price. Someone who avoids alcohol and only wants a quiet swim may find the cost harder to justify, though non-drinkers still have coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and other nonalcoholic choices.

The strongest value is the convenience. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, beach club, lunch, equipment rental, and waterfall visit. The crew handles the moving parts while you decide how active you want to be.

The tradeoff is that this is a shared excursion, not a private sailing day. The boat can hold as many as 120 people, and one family group of 11 found seating together difficult on the outward ride. If you want a quiet, spacious catamaran with plenty of personal room, ask about the vessel and expected group size before booking.

Boarding at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta

You must choose your meeting point before submitting the reservation. The departure area is Puerto Mágico, also called the cruise terminal, and it is accessible by public transportation. Free public parking and port entry fees are included.

Allow extra time to find the correct tour group. The terminal is used by several excursions, and one person found the first check-in area confusing. You do not need to buy a separate port pass because the tour provides the required entry. If someone at the terminal suggests otherwise, confirm with the tour staff before paying.

A smoother experience begins with arriving early, but early does not always mean boarding immediately. One departure began about 90 minutes late because the group was waiting for another boat and additional passengers. That delay was unusual compared with the many positive accounts of organized service, but it is worth keeping in mind if you have evening plans.

The ride to the beach takes about an hour. Breakfast is served on board, with fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices listed as part of the package. A recent menu description also included pastries. If breakfast timing matters to you, bring a small snack in your day bag, but remember that the federal port has strict security rules about liquids and prohibited items.

The catamaran ride across Banderas Bay

The boat ride is part transport and part entertainment. Staff serve drinks, explain the day, keep music playing, and point out marine life when conditions allow. From December through April, you have a chance of seeing humpback whales. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds may appear at other times of year.

No sighting is guaranteed, so think of marine life as a bonus, not part of the promised schedule. Several people had especially good luck with whales and dolphins, including sightings on the return route.

The vessel has two levels and shaded areas, though seating may feel tight when the boat is full. The return trip is usually livelier, with the bar open, music turned up, and dancing on the way back to Vallarta. If you prefer to watch the coast in peace, try to claim a quieter shaded spot early, though there is no promise of a silent corner.

Crew members receive the highest praise throughout the experience. Isaias, known as Papi Chulo, is frequently singled out for his energy and clear explanations in two languages. Other named crew members include Alex, Luis, Dana, Guadalupe, Jared, Ricky, and Captain Noah. The names matter because the service seems personal rather than purely mechanical. Staff circulate, answer questions, bring drinks, and keep track of the group.

Arriving at Playa Chica Locca

The remote beach club is the heart of the day. Since it is accessible only by boat, arrival feels different from visiting a normal Puerto Vallarta beach reached by taxi or road. You step into a setting with sand, shaded seating, an oceanfront infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and views across Banderas Bay.

Fresh guacamole and blue corn chips greet you soon after arrival. You can sit on a beach bed, use a lounge chair, order from the open bar, or head straight for the water. The range of seating is a real strength. You can join the group near the music or find a more relaxed place by the beach.

The ocean conditions can change. On one day, the water was rough, rocky, and murky, making snorkeling disappointing. On another, colorful fish were visible close to the beach. I would treat snorkeling here as a pleasant option rather than the main reason to book. Kayaking and paddleboarding may be more rewarding when visibility is poor.

The pool adds a useful alternative, though it may feel chilly to some people. The beach itself can be rocky, so water shoes or sturdy sandals are a smart choice. Also bring your own towel, since beach towels are not included.

There is one important maintenance concern to keep in mind. A negative account described chipped pool tiles, peeling paint, rust, and sharp edges around the bar. Other visitors praised the exceptionally clean bathrooms and comfortable furniture. Conditions may change, but you should inspect the area when you arrive and report any sharp or damaged feature to staff at once.

Choosing between water sports, pool time, and the waterfall

You cannot do everything slowly if you want the full day. The beach stop, lunch, water activities, and waterfall visit compete for the same block of time. One person estimated roughly 90 minutes at each location after accounting for meals and transport, and wished the outing lasted longer.

For a relaxed day, stay at Playa Chica Locca. Swim, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, or settle into the pool and beach seating. This works well if your group includes people with different energy levels, since some can be active while others remain near the bar.

The waterfall option adds the most local character. A guided walk takes you toward Quimixto and its waterfall, passing through the small fishing community and rural surroundings. Dana has guided the route and pointed out native birds along the way. The walk is about 1.5 miles each way according to one detailed account, while another estimate described the hike as roughly an hour in each direction.

That is not a casual stroll. The trail can be steep, rough, and wet, and flip-flops are a poor choice. You may lose beach time, kayak time, or pool time by taking the hike, but you gain a better sense of Quimixto beyond the resort area.

At the waterfall, you can swim in cool water. Life jackets are available for floating, and there is a small restaurant over the water where you might buy a coconut or beer. The cold pool feels especially good after the walk.

If you want the waterfall without the full hike, an ATV ride is available for an extra fee and must be paid in cash. One recent price was 500 pesos per person. The ATV route can pass through jungle, shallow water, and local areas. It is not a self-drive rental in the usual sense, since someone else drives and two passengers can ride.

Horseback riding may also be available, but the practical details have changed. One account said the horses were reached by a steep trail, so the ATV was the easier choice. Confirm the current options through the link in your booking confirmation, and carry cash.

Lunch, drinks, and the party mood

The included lunch is a traditional fajita meal with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, and gluten-free requirements can be requested when booking. Several people praised the food, especially the lunch.

Timing deserves attention. Lunch is intended to be served at the beach, but one departure had a long delay and did not serve the meal until about 2 p.m. That left some people hungry after only fruit and guacamole. The delay may have been an operational problem rather than the normal schedule, but I would still eat a proper breakfast if you can and pack a small permitted snack.

The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, and other drinks. The package promises brand-name beverages, though one unhappy account strongly criticized the quality. The safest expectation is a standard open bar, not a specialist cocktail program.

Music and dancing are part of the design. This is a social, high-energy outing, not a quiet nature cruise. Even people who do not usually party found themselves enjoying the atmosphere, but one person specifically warned that the music played loudly for most of the day with little escape.

The minimum drinking age is 18. You do not need to drink to enjoy the tour, and nonalcoholic options are available, but you should be comfortable sharing the boat and beach club with people who are drinking throughout the day.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want several experiences bundled together:

• A catamaran cruise with food, drinks, music, and service
• A beach club with comfortable seating and a pool
• Easy access to kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear
• An optional hike or ATV ride to a waterfall
• A social atmosphere for couples, families, or friend groups

It can work for families too. One group included a 10-year-old and found the day enjoyable for everyone. Most people can participate, and the crew pays close attention to safety.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet boat, excellent snorkeling, or a carefully paced nature excursion. I would also think twice if steep trails are difficult for you, if you dislike loud music, or if you need guaranteed punctual departures.

The tour is recommended by 96 percent of customers and carries a 4.9 rating from 470 reviews, which matches the broad pattern of praise for crew service, food, organization, and the setting. The smaller number of poor experiences focus on delays, maintenance, food timing, drink quality, and crowding. Those are not minor points, but they are also clear warning signs you can plan around.

Practical packing advice for a smoother day

Bring sunscreen and reapply it. You are outside for most of the day, and the sun can be strong even when the breeze feels cool.

Wear secure shoes with traction. This matters for the Quimixto trail and the walk to the ATV pickup point. Pack swimwear, a cover-up, sunglasses, and a dry change of clothes if you want one for the ride home.

Carry cash for the ATV or horseback option and for purchases at the waterfall restaurant. Do not bring drugs, electronic cigarettes, vapes, weapons, alcohol, or liquids prohibited by port security. Puerto Mágico is a federal maritime port, and passengers may be searched.

Photos are not included. A photographer may take candid and action pictures during the day, and you can buy a photo package afterward. A digital album is shared within 24 hours, according to the tour information.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations can result in a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Playa Chica Locca catamaran?

Book it if you want a generous package, friendly service, a beautiful remote beach, and the freedom to mix relaxation with a waterfall adventure. The strongest part of the day is the crew, followed closely by the beach club, included food, and the chance to see whales or dolphins from the boat.

Skip it if your ideal outing means quiet water, small groups, polished facilities, or serious snorkeling. The music is loud, the group may be large, departure can run late, and the waterfall takes effort.

For most people who enjoy a festive all-inclusive day, $135 is a fair price. I would arrive fed, bring cash and sturdy shoes, claim a shaded seat early, and decide in advance if the waterfall matters more to you than extra time at the beach. Do that, and this can become one of the most enjoyable full-day outings in Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including the catamaran ride, time at Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, and the return trip to Puerto Vallarta.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $135 per person.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices. You also receive fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and a fajita lunch with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Is the waterfall visit included?

Guided service to the waterfall is included. An ATV ride or horseback ride costs extra and must be paid for in cash.

How difficult is the walk to the waterfall?

The walk is described as a steep, rough route of about 1.5 miles each way, with estimates of roughly an hour in each direction. Good walking shoes are strongly advised.

Can children join the tour?

Most people can participate, and one family group reported enjoying the tour with a 10-year-old. The tour can carry up to 120 people.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is selected during booking, and the departure area is Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to a new date or a full refund.