Puerto Vallarta: Catamaran & Playa Chica Locca Beach Day

Summary

Remote beach day by catamaran with open bar and waterfall hike

You’ll step off a catamaran onto Playa Chica Locca feeling like you’ve stumbled into a private island party—fresh guacamole in hand, toes in warm sand. Paddleboard or kayak in calm water, then join a guided hike to Quimixto Waterfalls before relaxing at the infinity pool with an open bar nearby. It’s easygoing, full of laughter, and leaves you wishing for just one more hour on that remote shore.

What’s the experience like?

"You guys ever tried guacamole this fresh?" That’s what our guide, Martin, asked as we stepped off the catamaran onto Playa Chica Locca. I just laughed because honestly, I was still trying to process the color of the water — that kind of blue you see in postcards but never expect to find for real. The sand was warm under my feet, and there was this faint smell of lime and grilled tortillas drifting from somewhere behind the bar. It felt private, but not in a weird way — more like we’d lucked into someone’s secret backyard party.

I didn’t expect to spend half the morning floating between a swim-up bar and an infinity pool with strangers who suddenly felt like friends. There was music (not too loud), and people kept wandering off to try paddleboards or kayaks. I watched one guy try snorkeling for the first time — he came up grinning like he’d found treasure. We got chatting with Li from Guadalajara over margaritas; she told us about her last trip here and swore by the beef fajitas at lunch (she wasn’t wrong). The main keyword here is ‘all inclusive’ — every drink, every snack, even breakfast muffins on the boat. No one’s counting.

After lunch — which I ate way too much of — Martin rounded up a few of us for the hike to Quimixto Waterfalls. It wasn’t a hard walk, but it was humid and my shirt stuck to my back by the time we reached the falls. The water was freezing (in a good way) and louder than I expected; we all took turns jumping in while some locals watched and laughed at our terrible form. You could ride ATVs or horses instead if you wanted (cash only), but honestly walking felt right after all those tortillas.

The boat ride back had this golden light on everyone’s faces. Someone started dancing near the bow — badly, but nobody cared. We spotted dolphins skimming alongside us for a minute; maybe they were just curious about our music or maybe they always do that? I still think about that view as Vallarta got closer again, sunburned shoulders and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Remote beach adventure and return cruise

• Boat transfer to private island
• Enjoy fresh guacamole and chips
• Access premium 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 (cash)
• Enjoy fresh Mexican meal with drinks
• Return cruise to Puerto Vallarta
• Watch for marine life and whales
• View and purchase photos and souvenirs

Top questions

How do you get to Playa Chica Locca from Puerto Vallarta?

You reach Playa Chica Locca by catamaran boat included in your tour package departing from Puerto Vallarta’s marina.

Is food included on this Puerto Vallarta catamaran tour?

Yes, breakfast snacks plus lunch with fajitas (chicken or beef), rice, beans, tortillas, vegan/vegetarian options are included.

Are drinks included at Playa Chica Locca?

The tour includes an open premium bar with cocktails, beer, wine, juices, sodas and coffee throughout the day.

What activities can you do at Playa Chica Locca?

You can kayak, snorkel, paddleboard, swim in the oceanfront infinity pool or join a guided hike to Quimixto Waterfalls.

Can you ride horses or ATVs to Quimixto Waterfalls?

Yes—ATV or horseback rides are available as upgrades for cash payment only at the site.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Puerto Magico/Cruise Terminal for departure.

Are there vegetarian or vegan meal options?

Yes—vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested when booking your tour.

Is this Puerto Vallarta beach tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during boat transfer.

What’s included

Your day includes breakfast snacks on board as you cruise from Puerto Vallarta by catamaran to Playa Chica Locca with all port entry fees covered. At arrival you’ll have unlimited access to an open premium bar (cocktails, wine, beer), fresh guacamole with blue corn chips as a welcome snack plus use of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear all day long. Lunch features grilled fajitas (chicken or beef), rice and beans with tortillas—vegan and vegetarian options too—and there’s always shaded lounges or an infinity pool waiting when you need them most before cruising back at sunset.