The Las Animas Sailing Tour is a private full-day adventure along the southern shores of Banderas Bay, visiting secluded beaches, snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park, and stopping for fresh local seafood at a beachfront restaurant in Las Animas.
This is the tour for guests who want to see the real Banderas Bay. You’ll sail past dramatic coastline, anchor at beaches only accessible by boat, snorkel the famous rock arches of Los Arcos, and end the morning at the fishing village of Las Animas, where beachfront palapas serve freshly caught seafood with your feet in the sand.
Available on both sailboats and catamarans, with slightly different durations to account for each vessel’s pace and style.
Tour Itineraries
Choose your vessel, both tours visit the same extraordinary destinations, with slightly different timing.
- Depart from Marina Vallarta
- Sail south along the coastline, watch for dolphins and humpback whales in season (Dec–Mar)
- Snorkel at Los Arcos National Marine Park, sea arches, tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles
- Continue south past Colomitos and Madagascar, two of the most beautiful secluded beaches on the bay
- Arrive at Las Animas fishing village, anchor and go ashore
- Lunch at a beachfront restaurant, fresh local seafood recipes in a stunning setting (food & drinks at the restaurant are at your own expense)
- Sail back north along the coast, stopping at any beach that catches your eye
- Return to Marina Vallarta
- Depart from Marina Vallarta
- Cruise south across the bay, dolphins and marine wildlife often spotted along the way
- Snorkel at Los Arcos National Marine Park
- Pass by Madagascar and Colomitos, pristine beaches tucked between the jungle and the sea
- Arrive at Las Animas, anchor and go ashore for lunch at a beachfront palapa restaurant
- Fresh local seafood, cold drinks, and your feet in the sand (restaurant consumption at your own expense)
- Cruise back to Marina Vallarta along the coastline
About the Restaurant Stop at Las Animas
Las Animas is a small fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta that can only be reached by boat or a long hike through the jungle. The beachfront restaurants here serve some of the freshest seafood in the region, whole fish, ceviche, aguachile, and local specialties cooked right on the beach. Food and drinks at the restaurant are not included in the tour price and are paid directly at the restaurant.
What’s Included
We take care of everything on board so you can focus on the experience.
Not Included: Restaurant at Las Animas
Food and drinks at the beachfront restaurant in Las Animas are paid directly by guests. Budget approximately $20–$40 USD per person for a full seafood lunch with drinks. Cash is recommended as card readers can be unreliable in the village.
Cancellation Policy
A deposit of 50% of the total charter price is required to confirm your booking. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of a guest cancellation. If Anamar Adventures cancels due to adverse weather or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full credit or the option to reschedule at no extra cost. No-shows will be charged the full charter price. To cancel or make changes to your reservation, please contact us by phone as early as possible.
Additional Information
Check-In
Please arrive at Marina Vallarta at least 10 minutes before departure. A crew member will meet you at the dock and walk you to the boat. This is a full-day tour, an early departure ensures you make the most of every stop.
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimwear and a light change of clothes for the restaurant
- Hat and sunglasses
- Cash for the restaurant at Las Animas (card readers are not always reliable)
- A light jacket (recommended December–April)
- Your camera or GoPro, this tour has some of the best photo opportunities on the bay
Why Sail with Anamar Adventures
We’re a small, family-run operation and every charter gets our full attention.
100% Private
Your boat, your group, your pace, no strangers, no shared tours.
Expert Local Crew
Our captains and guides know every corner of Banderas Bay and genuinely love sharing it.
Flexible Duration
Choose 4, 6, or 8 hours, we’ll help you plan the perfect day.
Marine Biologist On Board
Available for whale watching and wildlife tours, unique to Anamar.
Eco-Conscious Sailing
Wind-powered and low-impact. We sail with deep respect for the ocean.
Everything Included
Snorkel gear, paddleboards, water mat & snacks, all on board and ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Las Animas?
Las Animas is a small, traditional fishing village on the southern shore of Banderas Bay. It’s only reachable by boat or a very long jungle hike, which means it stays beautifully unspoiled. The beachfront restaurants here are a highlight for most guests.
Is the food at the restaurant included?
No, food and drinks at the Las Animas restaurant are not included in the tour price and are paid directly by guests. We recommend budgeting around $20–$40 USD per person. Bring cash as card payments aren’t always available.
Which is better, Sailboat or Catamaranamaran for this tour?
Both are excellent. The sailboat offers a more traditional, intimate experience over 7 hours. The catamaran is more spacious and stable, covers the same ground in 6 hours, and is a great choice for larger groups or guests who prefer more deck space.
Can we see whales on this tour?
Yes, humpback whales are frequently spotted along the southern bay route from December through March. Our guides keep an eye out throughout the trip.
What beaches do we visit?
The route passes Madagascar and Colomitos, two of the most stunning secluded beaches on Banderas Bay, only accessible by boat. We stop at Las Animas for lunch and can make additional beach stops on the return journey.
What is the cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking and is non-refundable if you cancel. If we cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full credit or reschedule at no cost.
Ready to Book the Las Animas Sailing Tour?
One of the most memorable ways to experience the southern shore of Banderas Bay. Reserve your date today.
