Puerto Vallarta Jet Ski Snorkeling Ride: Your Own Wave Runner

You operate the jet ski, not watch from a boat

Jet ski and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta combines about an hour of solo or tandem wave runner riding along the bay with 15 minutes of snorkeling at a protected marine site. You control the jet ski with instruction from a live guide in English or Spanish, then return to Marina Vallarta at full speed. Life vest, snorkel gear and bottled water are included. A valid driver's license is required for the rider, and children must be at least 10 years old riding with an adult.

Options for this experience

4 options

From US$ 135.15 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Single Jet Ski Tour 09:00 and 11:15 Guide in English or Spanish Snorkeling is an optional part of this tour (15-20 minutes), and a face mask and snorkel are provided (no fins). Duration: 2 hours. Water bottle included. Departure from Marina Vallarta, cruising to Los Arcos in Mismaloya and returning afterward. Jet ski drivers must be 18 or older and provide a valid driver's license.

Double Jet Ski Tour 09:00 and 11:15 Guide in English or Spanish Double jet ski: two passengers ride together on one jet ski. If there are four people, select '2 travelers' only, since you will be riding together. Snorkeling is an optional part of this tour (15-20 minutes), and a face mask and snorkel are provided (no fins). Duration: 2 hours. Bottled water is included. Departure from Marina Vallarta, cruising to Los Arcos in Mismaloya and returning afterward. Jet ski drivers must present a valid driver's license.

Private Single Jet Ski 09:00 and 11:15 Guide in English or Spanish Snorkeling included. Duration: 3 hours. Water bottle included. Departure from Marina Vallarta, heading to Los Arcos in Mismaloya, then a stop at Colomitos Beach before returning on the jet ski.

Private Double Jet Ski 09:00 and 11:15 Guide in English or Spanish Snorkeling included. Duration: 3 hours. Departure from Marina Vallarta, heading to Los Arcos in Mismaloya, then a stop at Colomitos Beach before returning on the jet ski.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Jet Ski tour and snorkeling

• Depart from Marina Vallarta
• Receive Jet Ski and snorkel instructions
• Ride Jet Ski around Puerto Vallarta bay
• View Old Town and Malecon from ocean
• Ride near Los Arcos National Marine Park
• Snorkel at designated spot (weather permitting)
• Return to marina at full speed

What’s included

• Life vest.
• jet ski or wave runner for the duration.
• snorkel gear.
• bottled water.
• live guide instruction in English or Spanish.
• snorkeling at a marine site outside Los Arcos National Marine Park.

Times

• Every day 09:00 11:15

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Before you book

Group Up to 2 4 private ›

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 12h before

Ages Adult (17 to 75 years) · Under 17: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Eco Explorer Vallarta

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

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The experience

You ride your own jet ski for the first hour, steering past Old Town and the Malecon while the guide points out the bay's geography and wildlife. The route stays outside Los Arcos National Marine Park (a protected zone where jet skis cannot operate), but gets you close enough to see the rock formations and take photos. Dolphins, turtles and manta rays show up on most days, though sightings depend on the season and conditions.

After the ride out, you anchor at the snorkeling site and spend about 15 minutes in the water with the provided gear. The guide demonstrates how to use the snorkel equipment and reviews safety signals before you enter. Weather permitting, this is where you see the marine life up close instead of from the jet ski. The return to Marina Vallarta happens at full speed, covering the distance faster than the outbound route.

Three departure times are available throughout the day. You can book a single jet ski (18+, valid driver's license required) or a double jet ski for two people, with the second rider at least 10 years old and riding with a licensed adult. The guide provides all safety instruction before departure, and you'll wear a life vest the entire time. Bring a credit card to open a liability voucher of $2,000 MXN (about $130 USD) per jet ski at check-in, and have your ID ready.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

Can I ride a jet ski in Puerto Vallarta if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide provides full instruction on operating the jet ski and using the snorkel gear before you depart, so first-timers are welcome. A valid driver's license is required, and you must be at least 18 for a single jet ski or at least 10 riding as a passenger with an adult.

What's the snorkeling like at this spot near Puerto Vallarta?

The snorkeling happens at a marine site outside Los Arcos National Marine Park, where you spend about 15 minutes in the water with provided gear. Manta rays, turtles and other marine life are common, though sightings vary by season and weather conditions.

Do I need to book private transportation, or can I get to Marina Vallarta on my own?

Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can arrange your own way to Marina Vallarta. Private transportation is available as an add-on option at checkout if you prefer pickup from your hotel.

What happens if the weather turns bad during the jet ski ride?

The snorkeling portion is weather permitting, meaning rough conditions may shorten or skip that part of the activity. The jet ski ride itself proceeds as scheduled unless conditions become unsafe, in which case the operator will reschedule or refund you.

Is there a weight limit for the jet ski?

Yes. A single jet ski has a maximum rider weight of 300 lbs, and a double jet ski has a combined weight limit of 440 lbs for both riders. The operator confirms weight at check-in.

How long is the whole activity from start to finish?

The full experience takes about two hours from departure to return at Marina Vallarta, including roughly one hour of jet ski riding and 15 minutes of snorkeling, plus safety briefing and transit time.