Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

The best part of this 6.5-hour catamaran trip is the mix of a boat party, a polished remote beach club, and a real jungle-and-waterfall outing. You can spend the day swimming and lounging, or add the Quimixto waterfall walk or a cash-paid ATV ride. It gives you choices without making you plan every minute.

I like the wide range of included extras, from breakfast and fresh guacamole to fajitas, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and an open bar. I also like the crew’s strong service culture. Guides such as Isaias, known as Papi Chulo, Dana, Guadalupe, and Luis are often active hosts rather than people who simply point out the schedule.

The catch is the mood. This is a lively boat-and-beach party, with music that may stay loud for much of the day. Some departures have also involved long waits, and the waterfall hike needs proper shoes and time, so this is not a quiet escape or a perfectly controlled luxury resort outing.

Quick take: what makes this day different

• Remote Playa Chica Locca: Reach a boat-access-only beach club with lounge chairs, an infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and views across Banderas Bay.
• Three kinds of fun in one day: Cruise, choose beach and water activities, then add a Quimixto waterfall walk or paid ATV ride.
• Food is included: You receive fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice in the morning, guacamole and chips later, and a traditional fajita lunch.
• The crew drives the mood: Isaias, Papi Chulo, Dana, Alex, Guadalupe, Luis, and other crew members are known for active, friendly service.
• Expect a social atmosphere: Dancing, music, cocktails, and group energy are central to the experience.
• Bring cash and good shoes: ATV and horseback options cost extra and require cash, while the waterfall trail can be steep, rocky, and wet.

Boarding in Puerto Vallarta and settling into the catamaran

The trip begins at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta, where you must select your meeting place before booking. The port can be confusing because several tours gather there. Allow time to find the right group, and do not assume you need to buy a separate port pass. The tour includes port entry fees.

Security is strict at this federal maritime port. Passengers can be searched, and drugs, alcohol, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, and vapes are not allowed. This is worth knowing before you leave your hotel, since a small item in your day bag can create trouble at check-in.

Once aboard, the day usually starts with fruit, muffins, coffee, juices, and other soft drinks. The premium open bar includes beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas, sparkling wine, mineral water, and coffee. The drinking age is 18.

The boat has two levels and shaded areas, which matter because you are exposed to sun and wind for much of the day. Seating can be tight for a larger group, especially during the ride out. The listed maximum is 120 people, so do not picture a small private sailboat. Boat assignments can also vary, and the vessel may feel less luxurious than the phrase mega catamaran suggests.

The ride itself is part transportation and part entertainment. Music begins early, the crew explains the plan, and the open bar remains available on the way to the beach. Keep an eye on the water. From December through April, humpback whales may appear. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds can be seen at other times, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

Playa Chica Locca: a remote beach club with resort comforts

Playa Chica Locca is accessible only by boat, which gives the stop a real sense of separation from Puerto Vallarta. It is not an untouched beach. You arrive at a developed beach club with shaded lounge furniture, an infinity pool, a swim-up bar, bathrooms, and food service. That blend of natural setting and comfort is the main reason the tour appeals to such a wide range of people.

You are greeted with fresh guacamole and blue corn chips. Then you can choose your own pace. Put on the included snorkel gear, take a kayak, paddleboard, or other water toy, swim from the beach, or settle into a shaded chair with a drink. You do not need to join every activity. Sitting by the pool or ocean is a perfectly sensible use of the stop.

The beach is rocky in places, and water conditions can change. On rougher days, the sea may be murky and snorkeling may be modest rather than memorable. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations measured. The kayaks and paddleboards may be more rewarding than searching for clear underwater views.

The pool is a strong feature, though it may feel cool to some people. The oceanfront setting and swim-up bar make it easy to move between water time and lounging. Facilities have generally been praised for clean, comfortable bathrooms, but one serious complaint raised concerns about worn pool tiles, sharp edges around the bar, peeling paint, and tired furniture. Check the area when you arrive and use good judgment around any damaged surface.

Quimixto waterfall: walk, ride, or skip it

The Quimixto stop gives the tour more substance than a standard beach club cruise. You can take a guided walk toward the waterfall, pass through the small local community, and see more of the area than you would from the beach alone.

The walk is often described as roughly 1.5 miles each way, with a steep and rough section. Other timing descriptions put it at about an hour each way. Either way, plan for a demanding outing, not a gentle stroll. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Flip-flops are a poor choice, and the trail can be uncomfortable if you are not used to uneven ground.

Dana has guided guests along the route, pointing out native birds and explaining parts of the area. The reward is a cool waterfall pool where you can swim, use a life jacket, and cool off after the walk. A simple restaurant over the water serves items such as coconuts and beer, giving you a pleasant place to pause.

You can also pay cash for an ATV ride. The ATV option has been described at around 500 pesos per person, though prices can change. It is not a self-drive adventure. Someone else operates the ATV, and two passengers may ride together. The route can include jungle paths and water crossings, so expect wet shoes or clothing.

The ATV pickup itself may require a short steep walk, and the ride removes time from the beach club and water activities. I would choose the ATV if you want the waterfall but do not want the long trail. I would walk if you have good shoes, reasonable fitness, and want to see more of Quimixto on foot. If your priority is the pool, beach, or paddleboards, skip the waterfall and enjoy the club.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the all-inclusive price

At $135 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. The value comes from stacking several paid elements into one day: transport by catamaran, two meals, snacks, an open bar, water equipment, guided waterfall access, beach club facilities, and port fees.

Lunch is a traditional fajita meal with chicken, beef, rice, beans, and tortillas. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, and gluten-free needs can be requested when booking. The food has received strong praise, but timing can be uneven. On at least one departure, lunch arrived around 2 p.m., leaving people hungry after only fruit and guacamole.

I suggest eating something before boarding or carrying an allowed snack if you tend to get hungry early. Since port security prohibits liquids and other items, follow the operator’s instructions rather than bringing a full picnic bag through the terminal.

The open bar is useful for people who want cocktails throughout the day, but it should not be mistaken for a private premium spirits tasting. Most people find the drinks part of the fun, while one complaint described the included alcohol as poor quality. Non-drinkers are not forgotten. Coffee, water, juices, sodas, and mineral water are included, and the social setting does not require you to drink.

At the beach, service is often attentive, with crew members checking on people and bringing food or drinks to lounge areas. Gratuities are optional and not included. Photo services are also extra. A photographer may take candid and action pictures during the day, with digital photos shared within 24 hours, but you need to arrange or buy that package separately.

The return ride: dancing, wildlife, and a final drink

The trip back to Puerto Vallarta keeps the party going. The bar remains open, music gets louder, and dancing becomes a major part of the final hour. If you want a quiet ride back, look for the most sheltered shaded spot, though there may not be a completely silent area.

The return route is also another chance to watch for marine life. Whales are most likely from December through April, while dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seabirds may appear throughout the year. Bring sunscreen and reapply it. You are outside for hours, and the shade on the boat does not cover every seat.

Before leaving, you may be offered souvenir or photo purchases. These are optional. The best value is already in the day itself, so do not feel pressured to add extras unless you genuinely want the pictures or a memento.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta excursion most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want choices. A 12-year-old has enjoyed the day, and the included water gear gives families something to do besides drink and dance. Vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diners, and non-drinkers can also be accommodated when requested.

It works especially well if your group has mixed interests. One person can use the pool, another can paddleboard, another can hike, and someone else can stay at the beach with a cocktail. Few excursions make those different preferences this easy to manage.

I would be cautious if you want quiet, precise timing, or a small-group feel. The maximum group size is 120, seating can be competitive, music can be loud, and a delayed departure can reduce your beach time without extending the schedule. Guests with limited mobility should also think carefully about the rough waterfall trail and the access route to the ATV pickup.

The experience has earned a 4.9 rating from 470 reviews, with 96 percent recommending it. Those numbers fit the pattern of the day: the crew and service are the strongest part, while timing, noise, boat expectations, food delays, and facility upkeep are the areas to examine closely.

Practical tips before you book

• Wear secure shoes, especially if you plan to walk to the waterfall.
• Bring sunscreen and reapply often. You will spend much of the day outdoors.
• Bring cash for an ATV or horseback ride. These options are not included.
• Request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food when booking.
• Choose your meeting point before submitting the reservation.
• Do not bring alcohol, drugs, liquids, vapes, or electronic cigarettes through the port.
• Eat a light meal before boarding if you need an early substantial breakfast.
• Confirm the boat and meeting details, especially if you have used this operator before.
• Plan for music, group activities, and dancing rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a date change or full refund.

Should you book the Playa Chica Locca catamaran?

Book it if you want a social all-inclusive day that combines a boat cruise, remote beach club, water sports, food, cocktails, and a waterfall option. The crew’s energy and service are the heart of the experience, and the mix of choices makes it easy for a group to stay together without doing the same thing all day.

Think twice if you dislike loud music, large groups, waiting, or rough outdoor conditions. For the best version of this outing, bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, cash, and a little patience. If that sounds like a fair trade for a day at Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, the $135 price can make good sense.

FAQ

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

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Mágico at the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

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.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, cocktails, piña coladas, margaritas, and sparkling wine are included in the open bar.

Are water activities included?

Yes. Snorkel 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.

Can I request special dietary meals?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. You should provide this information when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If weather or minimum participation causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.