Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the mix of remote beach club comfort and real coastal adventure. You cruise to Playa Chica Locca, swim, paddleboard, or lounge by an infinity pool, then choose a guided walk or paid ATV ride to the Quimixto waterfall.

I like the generous package: breakfast, fruit, muffins, guacamole, fajitas, soft drinks, and a name-brand open bar are covered. I also like the choice built into the day. You can follow Dana toward the waterfall, snorkel and kayak, or simply claim a shaded chair and enjoy the bay.

The catch is the atmosphere. This is a lively party boat, with loud music and plenty of drinking. Delays have also affected some departures, and the waterfall walk is rough enough to require proper shoes.

Quick take: what makes this day different

• A remote beach club reached by boat: Playa Chica Locca gives you an oceanfront infinity pool, swim-up bar, shaded loungers, and direct beach access.
• Waterfall or water sports: Use the kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and other toys, or join the guided walk toward Quimixto Waterfall.
• Food and drinks are included: Breakfast, fruit, muffins, guacamole, chips, fajitas, vegetarian and vegan choices, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are part of the price.
• A crew-led party atmosphere: Guides such as Isaias, known as Papi Chulo, Dana, Luis, Guadalupe, and Alex help keep the boat social and organized.
• Wildlife is possible on the cruise: From December through April, you may see humpback whales. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds are possible year-round.
• Come ready for sun and salt water: Bring sunscreen, sturdy shoes for the waterfall route, and cash if you want an ATV or horseback ride.

From Puerto Vallarta to Quimixto by catamaran

The outing lasts about six and a half hours, with the cruise out and back taking roughly an hour each way. You meet at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta, choose your meeting point while booking, pass through port security, and board the catamaran.

The exact vessel can vary. That matters because the name mega catamaran may suggest a huge luxury yacht, while some departures use a smaller boat. The boats have two levels and shaded areas, but seating can be tight if you arrive with a large group or if the boat is full. The stated maximum is 120 people, so this is not a private sailing trip.

Once underway, breakfast is served with fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice. The bar opens with beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, soft drinks, mineral water, and other drinks. You do not need to drink alcohol to enjoy the trip, since coffee, juice, soda, and water are included too.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Isaias, often called Papi Chulo, is known for keeping people informed and entertained in two languages. Guadalupe handles cocktails, while Dana may lead the waterfall walk and point out birds and local features along the route. The crew generally stays active, checking on people and keeping the mood moving.

That friendly service is one reason this tour suits mixed groups. A family with a 10-year-old, a couple that does not drink, and a group of friends can all find a place in the day. Still, the music can be loud for much of the cruise, and there may not be a truly quiet corner.

Keep your eyes on the water. Whale sightings are most likely from December to April, but no wildlife sighting is promised. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can appear throughout the year.

Playa Chica Locca, comfort in a remote setting

The boat reaches Playa Chica Locca, a beach club accessible only by boat. The setting has a tropical, remote feel, but the facilities are designed for comfort rather than isolation. You will find soft sand, lounge chairs, shaded seating, an oceanfront infinity pool, and a swim-up bar.

This is where the tour earns much of its price. You are not simply dropped on an undeveloped beach with a bag lunch. You have a base where you can swim, order a drink, dry off, and return to a comfortable chair. The beach club also has unusually clean and pleasant bathroom facilities, which matter after a long day in the water.

The sea conditions can change. On a calm day, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are easy pleasures. On a rougher day, the water may be murky and rocky, making snorkeling less rewarding. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest. The water toys are included, but this is not necessarily the best snorkeling site in the bay every day.

The pool is another option, though some people may find it cool. I would treat the pool as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to come. The ocean, beach beds, shaded seating, and views of Banderas Bay are the stronger draws.

On arrival, the crew serves fresh guacamole and blue corn chips. This is a welcome snack, especially after the cruise, but lunch timing can matter. Lunch is traditional fajitas with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas, with vegan and vegetarian choices available if requested when you book. Some departures have served lunch as late as about 2 p.m., so eat the breakfast provided and consider bringing a small snack if you tend to get hungry.

The club is not polished in every corner. Salt air causes rapid wear, and there have been complaints about peeling surfaces, rust, worn furniture, sharp edges near the bar, and a lack of beach towels. Conditions may vary, but you should think of Playa Chica Locca as a well-equipped remote beach stop, not a flawless luxury resort.

Choosing between the waterfall and the water toys

The day gives you a real choice, but time is limited. A guided walk to Quimixto Waterfall can take roughly 50 to 60 minutes each way, with some descriptions putting the route at about 1.5 miles. The trail is steep and rough in places, so sturdy walking shoes are important. Flip-flops are a poor choice.

The walk offers more than the waterfall itself. You pass through the small fishing community of Quimixto, see local homes, and get a closer look at the area beyond the beach club. Dana may guide the route, explain what you are seeing, and point out native birds.

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

The drawback is time. The waterfall trip cuts into your time at the beach club, so you may have only about an hour and a half at each part of the destination, including food and changing time. If you want a slow beach day, stay at Playa Chica Locca. If you want the most distinctive sense of place, take the walk.

The ATV option is a practical alternative, though it is not included in the tour price. The ride is paid in cash, and recent pricing has been about 500 pesos per person, subject to change. The ATV route can pass through jungle, shallow water, and local areas. It is not a self-drive adventure for everyone, since one person may operate the vehicle while others ride as passengers.

A horseback option is also listed, but availability and access can change. Ask before assuming it can be arranged directly from the beach club. For either paid option, carry Mexican pesos or enough cash, and use secure footwear. You may get wet.

What is included for $135

At $135 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Puerto Vallarta. The value comes from bundling several costs into one outing:

• Catamaran transportation from Puerto Vallarta
• Port entry fees and public parking
• Breakfast with fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice
• Guacamole and chips
• Fajita lunch
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options when requested
• Soft drinks, coffee, juice, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks
• Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys
• Guided waterfall service
• Access to the Playa Chica Locca beach club and pool

If you use the water equipment, eat both meals, have several drinks, and spend time at the pool and beach, the package can be good value. The paid ATV ride, tips, and photo services are extra. The onboard photographers take candid and action photos, and you can buy a photo package afterward. Do not assume photos are included.

The tour is often booked about 26 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill early. That is especially worth noting for weekends, holiday periods, and the December to April whale season.

The return cruise turns up the volume

After the beach and waterfall, you return to the boat for the ride back to Puerto Vallarta. The open bar continues, and the music often gets louder. Dancing is part of the return trip, and the crew keeps the mood social until you reach the port.

This is a good time to watch the water. The ride back can produce another wildlife sighting, but you should not book the tour solely for whales or dolphins. Nature does not follow the schedule.

The return trip also makes the party character clear. If you enjoy music, cocktails, group energy, and easy conversation with the people around you, this can be the high point. If you want a quiet sunset sail, this is probably the wrong boat.

Some people have reported long waits before departure, including delays of about 90 minutes. The operator says port, traffic, and group coordination can affect timing, but a delay still reduces your usable beach time. Arrive on time, and ask staff for clear updates if boarding does not begin as expected.

Port security is strict. Do not bring drugs, electronic cigarettes, vapes, weapons, alcohol, or other liquids that security prohibits. The port may search passengers and belongings.

Who should book this beach adventure?

I would choose this tour for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want several types of fun in one day. It works particularly well when not everyone wants the same thing. One person can kayak, another can swim, another can hike, and someone else can stay under a shaded chair with a drink.

It is also a good match for people who want an all-inclusive day without arranging separate transport, meals, equipment rentals, and a waterfall excursion. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you give notice at booking. The minimum drinking age is 18, but non-drinkers have plenty of included alternatives.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, crowds, or an organized party mood. I would also think twice if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a quiet boat ride, or a polished luxury-resort finish. The remote setting brings some wear, and the group size can affect seating and service speed.

This is not a demanding expedition, and most people can take part, but the waterfall walk needs reasonable fitness and good shoes. The ATV ride helps if you do not want the steep walk, though it costs extra and still involves getting to the pickup point.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

Choose your meeting place before you submit the reservation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though shuttle arrangements may be available from some locations. Puerto Magico can be confusing because several tours meet there, so allow time to find the correct group.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of people can lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the Mega Catamarans beach adventure last?

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

What food is included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, and other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys are included at Playa Chica Locca.

Is the waterfall visit included?

Guided service to the waterfall is included. The walk is steep and rough in places and can take about 50 to 60 minutes each way. ATV and horseback options cost extra and require cash.

Can children join the tour?

The information provided states that most people can participate and includes a family group with a 10-year-old. No separate child age policy is listed, so confirm the rules for your child before booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must select a meeting place when booking, and the main departure point is Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes if you plan to visit the waterfall, and cash for an ATV or horseback ride. Do not bring drugs, vapes, electronic cigarettes, weapons, alcohol, or prohibited liquids through the federal port.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want one busy, social day that combines a catamaran, beach club, pool, food, drinks, water sports, and a waterfall option. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, the flexibility at Playa Chica Locca, and the amount included in the $135 price.

Skip it if loud music, a possible crowd of up to 120 people, uncertain snorkeling, or a rough-edged remote facility would bother you. For the best experience, reserve ahead, choose your meeting point carefully, wear real walking shoes, bring sunscreen and cash, and decide before boarding if your priority is the waterfall or a relaxed beach day.