Puerto Vallarta: Jet Ski Tour, Los Arcos & Snorkeling Spots

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/16

Duration2h

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Jet ski from Marina Vallarta to Los Arcos with quick stops for history and hidden beaches

You’ll ride a jet ski from Marina Vallarta with a local guide, pausing by the Malecón for stories you won’t read in guidebooks. At Los Arcos you can snorkel in clear water before racing back across Banderas Bay—expect salty hair, laughter, and memories that feel more real than perfect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jet ski tour and snorkeling

Depart from Marina Vallarta
View yachts and boats
Visit Los Arcos National Marine Park
Learn about rock formations
Snorkel at private beach
Stop at the Malecón area
Hear about Puerto Vallarta history

The Experience

I almost lost my sunglasses in the first five minutes—should’ve listened when our guide, Diego, said to leave anything loose behind. We started at Marina Vallarta, where the air smelled like sunscreen and diesel from all the yachts lined up. I was honestly a little nervous about handling the jet ski (they look faster in real life), but Diego just grinned and gave us this safety talk that sounded half like a pep talk. He kept switching between Spanish and English so everyone could follow along—my Spanish is terrible but I caught “no salt in the eyes” and “follow me.”

Once we got going, it was wild how quickly Puerto Vallarta shrank behind us. The water slapped hard against my legs, colder than I expected even though the sun was already burning through the haze. We zipped past hotel towers and suddenly slowed near the Malecón. There were people waving from shore—one guy actually danced when we honked (well, beeped? whatever sound these things make). Diego pointed out murals I’d never noticed before and told us a bit about how Puerto Vallarta used to be just a fishing village. I didn’t expect to get a history lesson while basically clinging to a jet ski for dear life.

The best part was stopping by Los Arcos—these huge rock arches jutting out of the sea, with pelicans perched everywhere. The water here changed color, almost turquoise, and Diego handed out snorkel gear for anyone who wanted to jump in (I hesitated but went for it). Underwater it was quiet except for my own bubbles; saw some bright fish darting around but mostly just floated there feeling weirdly calm after all that noise above water. My arms were shaking when I climbed back on—not sure if it was nerves or excitement or both.

On the way back, Diego let us open up the throttle for one last burst across Banderas Bay. My hair was full of salt and I probably looked ridiculous grinning so much, but honestly—I still think about that view of Puerto Vallarta from out on the water. Not everything went smoothly (my sunglasses are somewhere at sea), but that’s kind of what made it stick with me.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a jet ski with guidance from a certified local expert, bottled water to keep you hydrated under the sun, plus all snorkeling equipment if you want to explore underwater at Los Arcos or another beach spot before heading back toward Marina Vallarta together.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by TB TOURS