Reviewed · ALL-INCLUSIVE & OPEN BAR CRUISES
Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure
Your beach day might be remote enough. This 6.5-hour mega catamaran cruise from Puerto Vallarta blends a private-feeling beach stop with a Quimixto waterfall option, plus meals and an open bar.
I really like that the day is built around real hang-out time with snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards included, not just a quick photo stop. I also like that the crew keeps the energy up while still letting you choose your pace on the beach.
One consideration: the vibe can be loud and party-leaning for stretches of the day, and your time at each location is limited.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth knowing
- Mega catamaran, real all-inclusive value
- Price and what you actually get for $135
- Puerto Magico check-in and the security reality
- Stop 1: Playa Chica Locca, private-beach calm with pool time
- The snorkel and water conditions note
- Stop 1 add-ons: waterfall hikes, ATV, and the cash question
- Stop 2: Quimixto time and the waterfall payoff
- The hike can be a commitment
- Swimming at the waterfall
- Stop 3: the return cruise, wildlife chances, and the photo team
- Photos are available after the fact
- Food and drinks: more filling than you expect, but timing can vary
- Water activities: gear is included, so you can actually use it
- The party vibe question, and how to decide if it’s for you
- Who should book, and who should think twice
- Practical tips so the day runs smoother
- Should you book this Puerto Vallarta mega catamaran day trip?
Key highlights worth knowing

- Open premium bar all day with brand-name drinks, beer, wine, tequila, and mixed favorites like margaritas and piña coladas
- Playa Chica Locca feels boat-only with an infinity pool, lounge chairs, and lots of shade
- Water toys are included (snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards) so you do not have to shop around
- Waterfall options are flexible with a guided hike for some, and ATV add-ons typically paid in cash
- Return cruise can add wildlife sightings like turtles and dolphins, with humpbacks possible in the winter months
- A photo team is on board and you can buy images later, with a digital album shared shortly after
Mega catamaran, real all-inclusive value

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta tour that does not ask you to manage much. You’re paying for a full day that covers the big-ticket parts: transportation by water, food, drinks, and the main activity gear.
The ship is a catamaran format, and multiple reviews mention a comfortable layout with both indoor and shaded areas. If you get hot easily, that matters, because you will be in strong sun for hours. The day is also structured so you spend time at the beach rather than constantly moving.
The “all-inclusive” label is mostly accurate here. You get breakfast items and coffee in the morning, then snacks and a traditional fajita-style lunch later. Drinks are served throughout the day, including the boat ride out and back. The practical win is that you can plan your budget once and stop thinking about it.
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Price and what you actually get for $135

At $135 per person for about 6 hours and 30 minutes, the value comes from stacking multiple inclusions that would usually cost extra on separate tours.
Here’s the bundle you are paying for:
- Two meals plus snacks (breakfast items, guacamole and chips snack, and a lunch with meat or vegetarian options)
- Open bar (not just beer and soda, but also mixed drinks and liquor)
- Water activity gear (snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys)
- Port entry and parking covered at Puerto Magico Vallarta
What you should mentally price in before booking is how quickly a “typical” day adds up when you buy: a boat tour, a beach club day, water sports rentals, and drinks. This option tries to fold all of that together.
And one more value angle: the tour is limited to a maximum of 120 travelers. Smaller than a mass excursion, which usually helps with the flow at check-in and onboard service. You can still have a mixed vibe day, but it should not feel like a cattle chute.
Puerto Magico check-in and the security reality
This tour starts at Puerto Magico Vallarta. Hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.
One important heads-up for the port: this is a federal maritime port with security screening. The operator notes a strict no-drug policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, and it also warns that searches may happen and liquids can be restricted. In plain terms, keep your bag simple and follow what the port staff ask for. It saves headaches.
Also, you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. That one step matters because it affects where you find your group when you arrive.
Stop 1: Playa Chica Locca, private-beach calm with pool time

Your first real destination is Playa Chica Locca, a remote beach stop that you can access only by boat. This is where the day starts to feel like a mini resort day.
What you’ll notice quickly:
- Open premium bar when you arrive, plus chips and fresh guacamole
- Lots of space to spread out with lounge seating and shaded areas
- A swim-up bar and an infinity pool that guests clearly use for downtime
This stop is long enough to do more than “dip your feet and go.” Multiple reviews highlight people choosing a mix of:
- lounging by the pool or on beach beds
- using water toys like kayaks and paddleboards
- swimming right from the beach area
If you like a choose-your-own-day approach, this stop works. You can go full activity mode, or you can do the low-effort version and just enjoy the setting.
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The snorkel and water conditions note
Even with included snorkel gear, snorkeling quality can change day to day. One family reported the water being rough and murky with lots of rocks, so they did not love the snorkeling. That’s not your fault, it’s the ocean.
If snorkeling matters most to you, plan to treat it as a bonus, not a promise.
Stop 1 add-ons: waterfall hikes, ATV, and the cash question

Playa Chica Locca is also where the waterfall ideas start. There are options connected to Quimixto and the waterfalls, and there’s a consistent theme in the provided info: the ATV (and some horseback options) are cash only.
Here’s the practical reality:
- The tour includes guided service to the waterfalls.
- If you want an ATV ride, you typically need to reserve it using the option link in your confirmation, then pay in cash on the ground.
One review detail that’s worth your attention: a guest said horseback rides were not available from the resort anymore, and that option involved a steep walk to reach the horses. They switched to the ATV instead. They also mentioned ATV cost came out to 500 pesos per person in their case.
So, if you’re considering waterfall transport, bring enough cash and plan footwear. Even if the ATV feels like the shortcut, you may still deal with wet ground and a muddy jungle feel when you go from beach access to pickup areas.
Stop 2: Quimixto time and the waterfall payoff

After your first beach-club chunk, you get time connected to Quimixto. This stop is shorter on the schedule (about 1 hour listed), but the day can feel longer if you add the waterfall hike or ATV ride, because your waterfall option takes time.
Quimixto is described as boat-access only and remote enough to feel like a private island. And the core experience here is the waterfall connection, either through:
- a guided hike toward the waterfalls, then swimming in the cooler water, or
- an ATV ride that gets you there without the full hike effort
The hike can be a commitment
The hike is not dressed up as a stroll. More than one review theme points to the need for good shoes and the reality that the trail can be steep and rough.
One guest specifically said they did not have good walking shoes and found the hike challenging because it involved an hour both ways. Another guest recommended the hike only if you’re physically able, noting that flip-flop footwear did not look like it was going well for some people.
So I’ll give you a simple planning rule: if you would not walk on a rocky, steep trail at home, you probably don’t want to treat this as optional fitness.
Swimming at the waterfall
Once you arrive, you get that classic “cool off in the waterfall water” moment. Guests mention the water can be cold, but they still enjoyed it. Life jackets seem to be available for those who want extra float support.
If you choose ATV, you’ll likely swap some hiking effort for a chunk of time spent traveling as part of a group. Either way, the waterfall portion adds the wow factor.
Stop 3: the return cruise, wildlife chances, and the photo team

The final segment is your cruise back toward Puerto Vallarta. This is also when the energy tends to rise again, with music and dancing mentioned in the reviews.
On the wildlife front:
- From December to April, the operator notes possible humpback whale sightings.
- All year, you might see turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and sea birds (as conditions allow).
Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this is one of those tours where the “look for movement near the surface” cue is actually worth following. Keep your eyes up, especially when the crew points things out.
Photos are available after the fact
There’s a photographer working the day. Reviews mention action and candid shots and that you can purchase afterward. A digital album is shared within 24 hours, so you do not have to remember to buy the moment you’re still sunburning.
If you’d rather travel light, this is nice because you don’t need to spend your time trying to get perfect photos of everyone.
Food and drinks: more filling than you expect, but timing can vary

What you eat is a big part of why this tour feels good for groups.
Included food highlights:
- Breakfast items on the boat: fruit, muffins, and coffee and juices
- Chips and fresh guacamole
- A traditional lunch with fajita-style flavors, including chicken and beef, with rice, beans, tortillas, and vegan and vegetarian options
Drinks are the other pillar. The bar is described as open and includes a broad list of beverages. Reviews also mention top-shelf style cocktails and nonstop drinks, and a swim-up-bar style atmosphere at the beach club.
The one drawback to know: lunch timing can affect your comfort. One guest said lunch came much later than they expected, and that they were left with fruit and chips at first, which can wear on you when you’ve been in the sun and drinking. Another guest found the food timing fine and enjoyed the fajita lunch after their waterfall hike.
So bring a realistic mindset: the schedule runs on group timing, and there can be slowdowns. If you’re very sensitive to hunger, pack a small snack for insurance.
Water activities: gear is included, so you can actually use it
This is not a “rent a mask if you feel like it” setup. You get included snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards. That means you can spend your beach time doing real water play rather than standing around waiting for permission.
There’s also a protected beach area you can explore, depending on conditions. And because you’re at a remote beach club, the “hang and float” options feel natural.
One practical tip: even if snorkeling looks easy on paper, conditions can change. If the water is rough or visibility is poor, switch to paddling, snorkeling from different angles, or just swimming and using the provided gear for a more comfortable session.
The party vibe question, and how to decide if it’s for you
This tour often lands in a sweet spot for people who want a day that feels social and fun. Many reviews describe music, dancing, and a lively feel.
But not everyone wants loud audio for hours. One guest said the music was loud the whole time and there wasn’t much of a quiet escape spot.
So decide based on your personality:
- If you like upbeat energy, open bar service, and group-friendly activities, you’ll probably love it.
- If you prefer silence, this might feel too much. You can still find shade and lounge areas at the beach, but the sound carries.
Also, there are mixed reports about pool temperature. One guest said the pool was chilly and preferred the ocean instead. You cannot fix ocean temps, so bring your expectations.
Who should book, and who should think twice
This is a great fit if you want:
- all-inclusive pricing for drinks and meals
- real time at a beach club with water toys
- a chance to add a waterfall adventure without planning a rental car
- a fun day that works for couples, families, and groups, including kids old enough for the vibe
It might not be the best fit if:
- You’re very picky about snorkeling visibility and want consistent clear water
- You get annoyed by loud music and a party-leaning atmosphere
- You want tons of quiet, separate time for just relaxing without schedule pressure
Group size is capped at 120, but one review noted seat-finding could be challenging for a group of 11. If you are traveling in a larger group, arrive early and be flexible about seating.
Practical tips so the day runs smoother
A few things will make your experience feel easier fast:
- Bring sunscreen. You are outside for most of the day.
- Wear water shoes if you have them, especially if your waterfall choice involves rocky areas.
- Bring cash for ATV if you choose that waterfall option. Horse alternatives, if offered, may also involve cash.
- Pack light snacks if you tend to get hungry before lunch, since lunch timing can shift.
- If you care about beach towels, one guest reported none were provided, so consider a small towel or sarong for backup.
- Keep your port expectations calm. Security can take time, and you should follow the port rules closely.
And for the best day feel, pick your plan before you go:
- Beach-first: pool, lounges, paddleboard, swim
- Adventure-first: waterfall hike or ATV, then back to beach toys
- Balanced: do some water time, then choose your waterfall option
The tour is designed so you can do any of those without feeling like you missed the main event.
Should you book this Puerto Vallarta mega catamaran day trip?
I would book this if you want a fun, all-inclusive day that combines an easy catamaran ride with a private-feeling beach stop and optional waterfall adventure. The value is strong when you factor in open bar, included water toys, and meals, and the vibe tends to be lively in a good way.
I would think twice if you’re sensitive to loud music, rely heavily on snorkeling quality, or are very strict about facility condition. A small number of guests reported issues with beach club maintenance and beverage quality, plus some delays that affected timing. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should go in with eyes open and treat the day as a shared group experience, not a hotel spa day.
If you like upbeat beach days and you can handle cash add-ons for the waterfall, this one is worth a spot on your Puerto Vallarta list.
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