Puerto Vallarta: Jet Ski Safari & Snorkel at Los Arcos

Summary

Jet ski adventure Puerto Vallarta bay views, Old Town & Los Arcos snorkeling

You’ll race across Puerto Vallarta’s bay by jet ski with a local guide, see Old Town from a new angle, pause for snorkeling near Los Arcos (weather permitting), and zip back to Marina Vallarta at full speed. Expect laughter, salty air, fish sightings—and a little adrenaline rush that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a bit sunburned by the time we met our guide at Marina Vallarta — he was grinning, holding out life vests, and I could hear banda music drifting from somewhere behind the docks. The jet skis looked faster than I expected. I fumbled with the strap on my vest while our guide explained the safety signals in both English and Spanish (he switched between them so easily — I wish my Spanish was half as good). My hands were shaking a little, but mostly from excitement. The engine started with a growl and suddenly we were skimming across the bay, salty wind in my face and pelicans swooping low over the water.

I didn’t realize how different Puerto Vallarta looks from out on the ocean — Old Town’s colors are brighter somehow, and you can actually see people walking along the Malecon even from way out here. Our guide would slow down now and then to point out things: “That’s where they do the Voladores show,” he said once, waving vaguely toward shore. Somewhere near Los Arcos, we cut the engines (it’s not allowed inside the park itself — something about protecting snorkelers and divers) and just floated for a minute. The water had that sharp mineral smell, almost metallic. We slipped on snorkel masks and dropped in; it was colder than I thought it’d be, but after a few seconds I stopped caring because there were fish everywhere — bright blue ones darting around rocks, some weirdly shaped brown ones I couldn’t name.

After maybe fifteen minutes (I lost track), we hauled ourselves back up onto the jet skis — which is harder than it looks when your legs are jelly. Our guide handed me bottled water and laughed when I tried to say “gracias” with my snorkel still hanging off one ear. The ride back to Marina Vallarta was even faster; I guess everyone felt braver after surviving their first hour. There’s this moment when you’re flying across open water with sunlight bouncing off everything — it feels like you’re part of some noisy flock of seabirds. Not sure why that stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jet Ski tour and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta

• Depart from Marina Vallarta
• Receive Jet Ski and snorkel instructions
• Ride Jet Ski with scenic bay views
• Pass by Old Town and Malecon
• Circle Los Arcos National Marine Park
• Snorkel at designated spot
• Return to marina at full speed

Top questions

Do I need a driver’s license for this Puerto Vallarta jet ski tour?

Yes, all jet ski drivers must have a valid driver’s license to participate.

How long do we spend riding versus snorkeling?

The tour includes about 1 hour of jet ski riding and 15 minutes of snorkeling near Los Arcos.

Is snorkeling included in this day trip?

Yes, use of snorkel equipment is included if weather allows at Los Arcos area.

Can children join this Puerto Vallarta jet ski safari?

Children aged 10+ can ride as passengers with an adult who has a valid driver’s license.

Are there weight or health restrictions?

Single riders max 300 lbs; double riders max 440 lbs combined. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with injuries or heart conditions.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Marina Vallarta.

What should I bring for this tour?

You’ll need an ID for check-in and a credit card for the liability voucher; swimwear is also recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes use of your own single or double jet ski (with life vest), bottled water to keep you going under the sun, all needed snorkel equipment for exploring near Los Arcos if weather cooperates, plus guidance from a local expert who covers safety instructions in both English and Spanish before heading out from Marina Vallarta—and then brings you right back when your arms are tired but your smile probably isn’t gone yet.