Reviewed · CATAMARAN CRUISES

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

★ 5.0 · 470 reviews 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $135 Operated by Chica Locca Tours · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Puerto Vallarta excursion is the mix of boat party and remote beach escape. You sail across Banderas Bay, then spend several hours at Playa Chica Locca with an infinity pool, shaded loungers, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, food, and an open bar.

I especially like the choice built into the day. You can float in the ocean with a drink, join a guided hike to Quimixto Waterfall, or let the crew keep the music going. Guides such as Papi Chulo and Dana are known for keeping the day organized and social. The main drawback is the party atmosphere, which includes loud music and limited quiet space.

Key points to know

  • Remote beach access: Playa Chica Locca can only be reached by boat, giving the day a clear sense of escape from Puerto Vallarta.
  • Waterfall choice: Walk with a guide to Quimixto Waterfall or pay cash for an optional ATV ride.
  • True all-inclusive setup: Breakfast, fruit, muffins, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are included.
  • Strong crew service: Papi Chulo, Alex, Dana, Guadalupe, Luis, and other crew members help keep the day lively and well managed.
  • Party first, quiet second: Music, dancing, and drinks are part of the experience, especially on the ride home.
  • Bring the right gear: Pack sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, and cash for an ATV or horseback ride.

A six-and-a-half-hour escape from Puerto Vallarta

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - A six-and-a-half-hour escape from Puerto Vallarta

At $135 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to a beach. You are paying for transportation by catamaran, two meals, snacks, drinks, water equipment, port entry fees, access to a private beach club, and guided service to a waterfall.

That package can be good value if you use several parts of it. A person who only wants to sit on the sand and drink may find the price harder to justify. If you eat the included meals, use the paddleboards or kayaks, take the waterfall trip, and enjoy the cruise itself, the cost makes more sense.

The day lasts about six and a half hours. Most of that time is spent at Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, with roughly an hour on the return ride to Puerto Vallarta. The pace is active, but you still have room to choose your own level of effort.

The group can reach up to 120 people. That is important. This is not a small sailing trip or a private yacht charter. On a busy departure, finding seats together can be harder, especially for a larger family or group. The beach club has more room to spread out than the boat.

Boarding at Puerto Mágico

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Boarding at Puerto Mágico

You must choose your meeting place before completing the reservation. The tour includes public parking and port entry fees at Puerto Mágico, so you should not need to buy a separate port pass for this excursion.

Allow extra time to find the correct meeting area. Puerto Mágico is also used by other tour companies, and the check-in area can feel confusing. Once you find the right group, the actual check-in is intended to be quick, but departure timing can vary if another group or boat is delayed.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. It is also near public transportation.

At the port, remember that this is a federal maritime facility. Security may search bags, and drugs, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, and vapes are not allowed. This rule is strict, so pack lightly and follow the instructions at the entrance.

Breakfast on the catamaran

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Breakfast on the catamaran

Once aboard, you begin the crossing with breakfast service. The included morning food is listed as fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices. Some days may feel more generous than others, so I would not treat this as a full restaurant breakfast.

If you are hungry early in the day, pack a small snack if permitted through port security. This is especially useful for children, hikers, and anyone planning to take the waterfall route. The tour later provides guacamole and chips, followed by a traditional fajita lunch, but meal timing can be later than you expect.

The boat ride is part of the attraction. You have views across Banderas Bay, access to the open bar, and a chance to watch for marine life. From December through April, humpback whales may appear near the surface. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can be seen at other times, but sightings are never guaranteed.

The crew helps set the tone quickly. Papi Chulo, also identified as Isaias or Isaiah in the tour experience, is known for keeping people informed and entertained in two languages. Other crew members, including Luis, Guadalupe, Alex, and Dana, may be involved in serving drinks, explaining the plan, or guiding activities.

Playa Chica Locca, a beach club with a pool

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Playa Chica Locca, a beach club with a pool

The main stop is Playa Chica Locca, a remote beach club accessible only by boat. It has a soft-sand beach, shaded seating, comfortable loungers, an oceanfront infinity pool, and a swim-up bar. The setting is designed for people who want comfort without giving up the feeling of being away from town.

You are greeted with fresh guacamole, blue corn chips, and access to the open bar. The included drinks range from water, coffee, juices, sodas, and mineral water to beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas. The exact brand and pour may not satisfy a serious spirits expert, and one critical experience found the included alcohol too harsh. I would think of the bar as convenient and generous rather than a specialist cocktail program.

The beach club works well for mixed groups. One person can sit under shade while another swims. A teenager can try a paddleboard while a parent stays near the pool. Someone else can take the waterfall walk. You do not need to follow a single group activity all day.

The facilities have drawn both strong praise and sharp criticism. Clean bathrooms and a wide range of seating are real advantages at a remote beach. At the same time, saltwater and heavy use can show on the property. Check the pool and bar area before settling in, and use care around any worn surfaces. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own if you want one.

More Catamaran Cruises in Puerto Vallarta:

Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling

The tour includes snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys. This gives you several ways to spend the beach-club hours without paying an additional rental fee.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are likely the safest bets if you want an active outing without committing to a long walk. Swimming in the ocean is easy to add, and the beach gives you direct access to the water.

Snorkeling is more dependent on conditions. On a calm day, you might see colorful fish close to shore. On a rougher day, the water can be murky, with rocks that make the area less appealing for snorkeling. I would bring the gear, but keep your expectations flexible. This is not primarily a dedicated snorkeling tour.

The pool offers another option. It has an attractive view over Banderas Bay and a swim-up bar, but the water may feel cool at first. If you prefer warm water, the ocean may suit you better, depending on the day.

Quimixto Waterfall, hike or ATV

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Quimixto Waterfall, hike or ATV

The waterfall visit is the most distinctive part of the outing. Quimixto is a small coastal community reached by boat, and the route to the waterfall takes you away from the beach club and into a more local setting.

The guided walk is roughly one and a half miles each way according to the experience details and can take about an hour in each direction. The trail is steep and rough in places. Wear proper walking shoes, not flip-flops. You may encounter wet sections, uneven ground, and heat, so bring water and sunscreen.

Dana has guided the walk and pointed out native birds along the route. Walking also lets you see more of Quimixto and its homes than you would from the beach club. At the waterfall, you can swim in cool water. Life jackets are available for floating, and a small restaurant over the water may sell drinks and fresh coconuts.

The ATV option is useful if you do not want the full walk. It is an extra charge, paid in cash, and one published experience price was 500 pesos per person. The ATV ride can carry two passengers while someone else drives, and the route may pass through jungle, water, and local areas.

The ATV does not remove every physical demand. You still need to walk a short, steep section to reach the pickup area, and your shoes may get wet. Horseback riding may also be available, but you must reserve that option through the confirmation instructions and bring cash.

The waterfall takes time away from the beach club. If you hike or take an ATV, you will have less time for snorkeling, kayaking, pool use, and beach loungers. I would choose the waterfall if you want a fuller sense of the area. If your main goal is a quiet beach day, stay at Playa Chica Locca and enjoy the included water toys.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

The food plan includes guacamole and chips after arrival, then a traditional fajita lunch with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, and gluten-free needs can be accommodated if you advise the operator at booking.

The lunch is generally a strong part of the day. It is fresh, filling, and better suited to an active outing than a light snack. The main concern is timing. Service can run late, and if you have eaten only fruit in the morning and guacamole at the beach, you may be very hungry by the time lunch arrives.

I would bring a permitted snack, especially if you are hiking, traveling with children, or do not drink alcohol. You can enjoy the bar without drinking, and nonalcoholic choices include water, juices, sodas, coffee, and mineral water. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Gratuities are not included. A tip is optional, but it is worth carrying small bills if the crew has taken good care of you.

The ride home turns up the volume

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - The ride home turns up the volume

The return to Puerto Vallarta is usually the liveliest section. The premium open bar remains available, music gets louder, and dancing often becomes the main activity.

That energy is a selling point for many people. After a swim, a waterfall visit, and lunch, the ride home feels like a floating celebration. The crew continues serving drinks and helping people stay engaged.

It can also be the point where the tour feels least relaxing. There may be no truly quiet area once the music starts. If you dislike loud music, want to read, or are traveling with a young child who needs a nap, this may be a poor fit.

Keep watch for marine life on the crossing. Whales are most likely from December through April, while dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can appear throughout the year. Photographers also take candid and action pictures during the day. Photo services cost extra, and you can ask to see or purchase the images after the tour. A digital album is shared within 24 hours.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta excursion

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta excursion

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with active older children, and groups of friends who want several activities in one package. It is especially useful for a mixed group because you can split up without anyone needing to arrange a separate excursion.

You should enjoy it if you like:

  • Music and dancing
  • An open bar
  • A social boat ride
  • Beach-club comfort
  • Short water activities
  • A waterfall hike or ATV ride
  • A full day with many included services

I would hesitate if you want a small, quiet sailing trip, a serious snorkeling experience, or a polished luxury yacht with plenty of room for every group. The boat can feel crowded, and the beach-club facilities may show wear.

The experience is also less suited to anyone who cannot manage uneven walking or wet conditions, unless you plan to skip the waterfall. Most people can participate in the general tour, but the hike has real physical demands.

What to pack for a better day

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry change of clothes. Add sturdy walking shoes if you plan to reach the waterfall on foot.

Pack cash for an ATV, horseback ride, drinks at the waterfall restaurant, and optional tips. Do not bring prohibited liquids, vapes, electronic cigarettes, weapons, or drugs through the federal port.

A small snack is sensible, even though breakfast and lunch are included. Towels are not provided, so bring one from your hotel if possible. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you will move between boat, beach, water equipment, and trail.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a social all-inclusive day with a remote beach, a pool, water equipment, meals, drinks, and a choice of waterfall adventure. At $135, the value is strongest when you take advantage of several inclusions rather than treating it as a simple beach transfer.

Skip it if loud music bothers you, if you need a quiet boat with guaranteed seating, or if your main goal is clear-water snorkeling. Also think twice if you dislike uneven trails or extra cash charges for the ATV and horseback options.

For the best version of the day, arrive early, wear real walking shoes, bring sunscreen and cash, and decide before boarding if the waterfall matters more to you than extra pool and beach time. If you want a lively Puerto Vallarta outing with plenty of service and few separate costs, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the Mega Catamarans Remote Paradise Beach Adventure last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the cruise from Puerto Vallarta, time at Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, and the return trip.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes breakfast, fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, juices, guacamole, blue corn chips, a fajita lunch, soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages. It also includes snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, other water toys, guided waterfall service, parking, and port entry fees.

Is the waterfall hike included?

Guided service to the waterfall is included. The walk is roughly one and a half miles each way and can take about an hour in each direction. An ATV or horseback ride costs extra and must be paid for in cash.

Can I choose not to hike to the waterfall?

Yes. You can stay at Playa Chica Locca and use the pool, beach, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, or other water activities instead.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, but you should advise the operator when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must select your meeting place before submitting the reservation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient participation cancels the experience, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

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