Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Beach Tour: Remote Island Waterfalls

Kayak, snorkel, paddleboard, swim, hike to waterfalls, then drift back on the open bar

This all-inclusive catamaran tour departs Puerto Vallarta for Playa Chica Locca, a remote private beach accessible only by boat, where you spend six hours kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming and hiking to the Quimixto Waterfalls. Fresh guacamole and chips greet you on arrival; a full Mexican lunch with fajitas, rice, beans and tortillas follows; an open premium bar runs all day. You can add an ATV or horseback ride to the falls for cash. The tour includes all water equipment, a guide, and return transport to Vallarta; meeting points are Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal, or Nuevo Vallarta.

Step-by-step itinerary

Remote beach adventure and return

• Boat transfer to private island
• Enjoy guacamole, chips, and open bar
• Relax on sand or swim-up bar
• Unwind in shaded lounge chairs
• Swim in oceanfront infinity pool
• Kayak, snorkel, paddleboard, or swim
• Join guided hike to Quimixto Waterfalls
• Optional ATV or horseback ride to falls
• Enjoy fresh Mexican meal with drinks
• Return boat trip with open bar and dancing
• Watch for marine life during return
• View and purchase photos and souvenirs

The Experience

If you land in Puerto Vallarta with a free afternoon or a port day from a cruise ship, this tour solves the logistics problem: the boat picks you up at one of three meeting points, handles all the transport, and guarantees you'll be back at the cruise terminal on time if that's where you're headed. The catamaran carries you to Playa Chica Locca, a beach so remote it's reachable only by water—no road access, no crowds, no way to get there on your own.

The day starts the moment you arrive: fresh guacamole, blue corn chips, and the open bar. From there, the beach is yours to move through at your own pace. Lounge chairs sit in the shade; the swim-up bar stays stocked; an oceanfront infinity pool floats at the water's edge. If you want to stay still, you can. If you want to move, the water toys are ready—kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear—and the protected beach invites you in. The Quimixto Waterfalls sit inland, and a guide leads the hike there; you jump into the cool water at the base, which flows year-round. If you want more adrenaline, you can book an ATV or horseback ride to the falls instead (cash only, arranged before the tour).

Lunch is grilled fajitas with chicken or beef, rice, beans, warm tortillas, and refills throughout the day; vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them at booking. The open bar runs the whole time—water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, champagne, whatever you choose. On the return to Vallarta, the bar stays open and the catamaran moves slowly enough that you might spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or sea birds; from December to April, humpback whales surface near the boat. A photographer captures candid shots during the day; you can buy the digital album within 24 hours or skip it entirely.

What’s included

• Fresh guacamole and blue corn chips on arrival.
• breakfast with fresh fruit, muffins, coffee and juices.
• grilled fajita lunch with chicken, beef, rice, beans and warm tortillas (vegetarian and vegan options available).
• open premium bar all day with beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, champagne, juices, sodas, coffee and water.
• snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards and all water toys.
• guided hike to Quimixto Waterfalls.
• six hours at Playa Chica Locca.
• catamaran transport to and from your meeting point.
• free public parking and port entry fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chica Locca Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a single day in Puerto Vallarta and want everything arranged—no car rental, no planning stops, no negotiating with vendors. The catamaran handles the transport and the beach handles the rest; you show up, and the day unfolds without you building it. If you're on a cruise ship, the guaranteed return time removes the worry of missing your departure.

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Top questions

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes. The Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal is one of three meeting points, and the tour guarantees you'll return in time for your ship's departure. You'll pass through the terminal's security screening (a federal maritime port) before boarding the catamaran.

What water activities are included, and do I need experience?

Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming are all included, along with all the equipment. The tour suits all fitness levels; you choose which activities appeal to you and move at your own pace on the beach.

What is the hike to Quimixto Waterfalls like?

A guide leads the hike inland from the beach to the falls, where you can swim in the cool water. If you prefer not to hike, you can stay on the beach. An ATV or horseback ride to the falls is optional and costs extra (cash only).

Is the open bar really unlimited?

Yes. Beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, champagne, juices, coffee, sodas and water are all included throughout the six hours. Non-alcoholic options are available, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

How do I get to the meeting point?

You choose your meeting point at booking—Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal, or Nuevo Vallarta. Public transportation is available near all three; free public parking is provided. Hotel pickup is not included.

Can I bring my family with young children?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The beach has plenty of shade and space, and vegetarian options are available. The water activities are optional, so children can stay on the sand or in the pool.