Los Arcos Snorkeling Tour: Marine Life & Private Beach

Snorkel the arches and choose your own pace at a private beach

A private boat tour from Mismaloya to Los Arcos National Marine Park and Playa del Paredón, with snorkeling equipment, life jackets and a live guide in English or Spanish. The operator is a family business native to the area since 1989, part of the Environmental Watchers group protecting the reserve. You board at Mismaloya beach, snorkel the marine biodiversity around the rock formations, then walk to the isolated Playa del Paredón to swim and photograph in calm water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and explore Los Arcos and beach

• Meet at Mismaloya Adventures
• Receive snorkeling gear and life jackets
• Walk to the beach and board boat
• Sail to Los Arcos National Marine Park
• Snorkel and observe marine biodiversity
• Walk to exclusive Playa del Paredón beach
• Enjoy drinks and scenic views
• Swim and take photos at the beach

The experience

The boat leaves from Mismaloya Adventures' base on the beach, where you'll get fitted with snorkeling gear, life jacket, mask and fins before walking to the boat. From the moment you leave the shore, the mountains and ocean frame Los Arcos: the rock formations that give the reserve its name. Once at the snorkeling site, your guide focuses you on the marine life living freely in the water around the arches. You're in the water with the biodiversity, not watching from a distance.

After the arches, the tour walks toward Playa del Paredón, described as the most exclusive beach on this stretch of the Pacific. The water there is calm enough for swimming and photos, and the operator brings drinks as a courtesy during the walk. You can spend time in the water or on the sand at your own pace. There's no rush through this part.

The tour runs three to four hours total. Private transportation is included, and the guide speaks English and Spanish. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. Dressing rooms and bathrooms are available at the base before you board.

What’s included

• Private transportation.
• snorkeling equipment (life jacket, mask with snorkel, fins).
• bottled water and soda.
• dressing rooms and bathrooms at the base.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 11:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 78 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mismaloya Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel and swim at your own pace rather than follow a rigid schedule: the private format and the calm water at Playa del Paredón mean you control how long you spend in the water at each stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I see snorkeling at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos National Marine Park is a nature reserve known for rich biodiversity. The guide will point out the fish and other marine life living freely around the rock formations, though the specific species vary by season and conditions on the day you visit.

Is Playa del Paredón safe for swimming?

Playa del Paredón is described as an isolated beach with calm waters, making it suitable for swimming and photos. You'll have time to enter the water at your own pace or stay on the sand.

What's included in the snorkeling equipment?

The tour provides a life jacket, mask with snorkel, and fins (fins are optional). All equipment is fitted to you at the base before boarding, and dressing rooms are available.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Mismaloya?

Private transportation is included in the tour price. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own way to the meeting point.