Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

This is less a quiet sailing trip than a full day of beach club comfort, waterfall adventure, and boat-party energy rolled into one. You cruise from Puerto Vallarta to remote Playa Chica Locca near Quimixto, then choose your pace: float in the ocean, paddle a kayak, hike to a waterfall, or claim a shaded lounger with a drink.

I like two things in particular. First, the price includes breakfast, fruit, guacamole, chips, lunch, water toys, soft drinks, and brand-name alcoholic drinks. Second, the staff keeps the day moving and personal. Guides such as Isaias, known as Papi Chulo, and Dana are praised for explaining the plan, guiding activities, and keeping both English and Spanish speakers involved.

The main caution is the party atmosphere. Music can be loud for much of the day, and this is not the best choice if you want a silent cruise or a calm, uncrowded beach. The waterfall hike also takes time and calls for sturdy shoes, while optional ATV and horseback rides cost extra in cash.

Quick points before you book

• Remote beach access: Playa Chica Locca can only be reached by boat, giving the day a genuine away-from-the-road feel.
• Waterfall choice: Walk with a guide to Quimixto Waterfalls, or pay cash for an optional ATV ride. Horseback riding may also be available, but confirm the current arrangement.
• Food from the start: Breakfast includes fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice, followed by guacamole and chips and a fajita lunch.
• Water activities included: Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, swimming, and other water toys are part of the package.
• Wildlife bonus: From December through April, you may spot humpback whales. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can appear year-round.
• Big-group feel: The maximum group size is 120, so expect a social excursion rather than a small private cruise.

The $135 question: what you actually get

At $135 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to a beach. Your fare covers about six and a half hours, two meals, snacks, an open bar, port entry fees, free public parking, guided waterfall service, and use of the water equipment.

That bundle gives the experience solid value if you plan to drink, eat, and use the beach facilities. A separate boat trip, beach club day, meals, and waterfall excursion could quickly cost more when booked piece by piece. I also like that non-drinkers are not left with only water. Coffee, juice, soft drinks, mineral water, and fresh fruit are included, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be requested when you book.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet sail and do not care about the included food, bar, or organized entertainment. You are paying for a busy, service-heavy day with plenty of moving parts. The tour is commonly reserved about 26 days ahead, which suggests booking early is wise during popular travel periods.

One detail deserves attention: the word premium in the description does not mean every drink will feel luxurious to every person. The included bar offers named brands, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas, but one unhappy customer found the alcohol quality poor. If drink quality matters greatly to you, keep expectations sensible and ask the crew what brands are being served that day.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta by catamaran

You meet at Puerto Mágico, the cruise terminal in Puerto Vallarta, after choosing your meeting point during booking. The port can be confusing because several excursions gather there, so arrive with time to spare and follow the tour directions carefully.

Port entry fees are included. You do not need to buy a separate port pass for this experience, a useful point because one participant was mistakenly told otherwise during check-in. The terminal is a federal maritime port, so security screening applies. Do not bring drugs, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, or vapes. The operator lists a strict no-drug policy.

The catamaran ride to the beach takes about an hour. Breakfast is served during the outbound trip, with fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice listed as the morning meal. Some descriptions emphasize a fruit plate and muffins, while one account reported receiving fruit only, so I would bring a small snack if you tend to get hungry early.

The boat has two levels and shaded areas, but seating can become tight, especially for a large family or a full departure. One group of 11 found it hard to sit together on the way out. If sitting with your entire party matters, board promptly and avoid assuming that a large group will have one reserved section.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Isaias, or Papi Chulo, is known for explaining the day, entertaining the group, and switching between languages. Other praised crew members include Dana, Alex, Luis, Guadalupe, Jared, and Captain Noah. Their role is not just serving drinks. They explain the activities, help with safety, guide the walk, and keep the mood friendly.

Playa Chica Locca, a beach club with a remote setting

The first main stop is Playa Chica Locca, a privately accessed beach near Quimixto. Its appeal is the contrast: you reach a remote shore by boat, then find a resort-style setup with shaded seating, beach beds, an infinity pool, and a swim-up bar.

This is where you can choose how active you want to be. The beach area offers kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, swimming, and other water toys. You can also simply sit under shade and watch the bay. Several seating styles are available, from lounge chairs to more comfortable beach furniture, though one complaint described limited seating and no beach towels. Towels are not included in the stated package, so bring your own if you want one.

The pool has an oceanfront view and a swim-up bar. Some people prefer the sea, especially when the pool feels cool. The beach itself can be rocky, and ocean conditions change. One account found the water rough and murky, with rocks that made snorkeling disappointing. In better conditions, you might see colorful fish, but I would treat snorkeling here as an optional extra rather than the main reason to book.

The setting works best for people who like options. You can spend an hour paddling, another hour swimming, then finish with a drink on a shaded lounger. You are not forced into one activity. The tradeoff is that the beach club is social and the music can continue for much of the stay, with no guaranteed quiet corner.

Quimixto Waterfalls: walk, ride, or skip it

The waterfall stop adds the most local and active element to the day. A guided walk takes you toward Quimixto Waterfalls through a rough, sometimes steep trail. One guide-led route was described as about one and a half miles, while other timing suggests roughly an hour each way. Either way, this is not a casual stroll in flip-flops.

Wear walking shoes with a good grip. You may cross wet ground, and the trail can be steep and uneven. The walk gives you a look at the small fishing community and nearby homes, along with birds and jungle scenery. Dana has guided the route and pointed out native birds.

At the waterfall, you can swim in the cold water. Life jackets are available for floating, and there is a small restaurant near the water where you might buy a coconut or a beer. The cool pool feels especially welcome after the hike, but remember that the walk and swim take time away from the beach, kayaks, paddleboards, and pool.

For a less demanding route, an optional ATV ride is available for an extra cash payment. A recent price reported was 500 pesos per person, but confirm the current charge before you go. The ATV may carry two passengers with someone else driving, and the route can pass through jungle, water, and local areas. Expect your shoes to get wet.

The horseback option is less clear. The tour information says you can reserve a horse ride or ATV through the confirmation link and must pay cash. One recent account said horses were no longer available directly from the resort and required a steep walk to reach the pickup point. If horseback riding is important to you, ask before departure rather than counting on it.

My practical advice is simple: choose one priority. If the waterfall matters most, wear proper shoes and accept less beach time. If you want a relaxed day, skip the hike and use the water toys. Trying to do every activity can make the schedule feel rushed.

Lunch, drinks, and the timing of the day

The food is a strong part of the package. After the early breakfast, you receive fresh guacamole and blue corn chips at the beach. Lunch is a traditional fajita meal with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, along with gluten-free options if requested at booking.

The meal itself receives frequent praise, but timing has not always been consistent. One account described lunch arriving around 2 p.m., after a long stretch with only fruit and guacamole. That may have been a service delay, but it is worth planning for. Pack a small snack, especially for children, early risers, or anyone doing the waterfall walk.

The open bar runs during the boat rides and beach stay. You can order beer, wine, tequila, cocktails, piña coladas, margaritas, champagne, coffee, juice, soda, water, or mineral water. Drinking is central to the mood, but it is not compulsory. Non-drinkers have plenty of alternatives and should not feel pressured to join in.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Gratuities are not included, so carry some cash if you want to tip the crew. Cash is also essential for ATV or horseback options and any purchases at the waterfall stop.

The ride home: music, wildlife, and a final burst of energy

The return trip is not a quiet wind-down. The bar remains open, music usually gets louder, and dancing may take over the rear part of the cruise. If you enjoyed the social mood, it is a fun finish. If you are tired after the beach and hike, the noise may be a lot.

Keep your eyes on the water. Humpback whales pass through the bay from December to April, while dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can be seen throughout the year. Sightings are never guaranteed, but a whale near the boat can turn a good day into a memorable one.

The crew may also offer photo packages. Photographers take candid and action shots during the day, but photography is not included in the price. You can ask to see the images before buying, and a digital album is shared within 24 hours. A retail stop is available for photos and souvenirs.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a packed day with several ways to have fun. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and mixed-age parties. One family brought a 10-year-old, while another parent came with a 12-year-old who wanted to repeat the experience the next day.

It is especially good for people who want:

• A private-feeling beach reached by boat
• Included meals and drinks
• Easy access to kayaks and paddleboards
• A choice between swimming, relaxing, hiking, and ATV riding
• A social crew that keeps the day lively
• A chance to see marine life on the bay

I would choose something else if you want a small-group sailing trip, serious snorkeling, quiet reading time, or a carefully paced nature walk. The maximum group size is 120, and the atmosphere can feel like a floating party. The beach facilities have also drawn mixed comments about maintenance, seating, towels, pool tiles, and furniture, so do not picture a flawless luxury resort.

Practical details that can make or break the day

Choose your meeting point before submitting the booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though one account describes a shuttle connection from Sayulita to the Puerto Vallarta marina. Confirm your own transport plan rather than assuming a hotel transfer is part of the fare.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, sturdy walking shoes, cash, and a small snack. A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch could also be useful, though it is not listed as an included item. Do not bring prohibited liquids, vapes, electronic cigarettes, drugs, or weapons through the port.

The activity is listed as suitable for most people, and most participants can take part. Still, the waterfall trail involves steep and wet sections, and the water can be rough or rocky. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator about the current beach access and waterfall alternatives before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Quimixto catamaran?

Book it if you want value through variety. For $135, you get a full day of food, drinks, service, water equipment, a remote beach, and the chance to add a waterfall adventure. The crew is the most consistent strength, and guides such as Papi Chulo and Dana help the day feel organized rather than chaotic.

Go in with the right picture. This is a lively all-inclusive beach party with an optional nature outing, not a secluded yacht charter. Bring snacks, wear real shoes, carry cash, and expect the schedule to feel full if you hike to the waterfall.

For a first Puerto Vallarta boat excursion, I think it is a strong choice if you enjoy social energy and want several experiences in one day. If peace and quiet matter more than cocktails, music, and nonstop service, save your money for a calmer trip.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The experience departs from Puerto Mágico, also known as the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal. You must choose your meeting place before completing the reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

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 choices are available if requested during booking.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

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

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

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

Is the waterfall visit included?

Guided service to the waterfall is included. ATV rides and horseback rides cost extra and require cash payment.

Can children join the tour?

The activity states that most people can participate and has welcomed family groups. The minimum drinking age is 18, but the supplied information does not state a separate minimum age for children.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations may result in another date, another experience, or a full refund.