Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos 5 Islands Boat & Snorkel Tour

Five Islands, Caves & Coral: A Half-Day Boat Trip South of Puerto Vallarta

You ride a public bus south to Mismaloya, board a small boat to five protected islands, explore sea caves with a guide who explains the wildlife and history, then snorkel in a shallow coral area where fish are abundant. The boat includes all equipment and park permits, and returns you to Puerto Vallarta by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat and snorkel tour to Los Arcos

• Meet in old center of Puerto Vallarta
• Take public bus to Mismaloya
• Embark boat at Mismaloya beach
• Explore Los Arcos islands and caves
• Learn about birds and fauna
• Snorkel in protected marine area
• Visit iconic city historical place

The experience

The bus pulls away from Puerto Vallarta's old center heading south, and within 25 minutes you're rolling into Mismaloya: a quieter beach town where the boat is waiting. Your guide meets you at the sand, checks that everyone has a life vest, and you push off toward Los Arcos, five islands that sit inside a protected national park. The water is clear enough that you can see the bottom as you motor toward the first stop, and the guide starts pointing out the birds nesting on the rocks (frigatebirds, boobies, herons) explaining what makes this place a sanctuary. It's the kind of detail that changes how you look at the islands instead of just photographing them.

You'll spend time exploring the caves carved into the rock, where the guide talks through the animals and plants that live there, and then the boat heads to the snorkel site: a shallow, protected area where the coral is thick and the fish are used to people. The visibility shifts depending on the day and the current, so some trips you'll see more than others, but the equipment is all there: mask, fins, snorkel. You're in the water for as long as you want, watching parrotfish and sergeant majors move through the coral, and it's easy to lose track of time. Before heading back to Vallarta, the captain takes you past an iconic spot in the city's history: a moment to catch your breath and take in the coastline from the water.

The whole Los Arcos boat tour runs about half a day, and you're back in town with time to grab lunch or wander. Groups stay under 12 people, which means the guide can actually answer questions and adjust the pace instead of herding a crowd. If you're staying south of Vallarta already and want to skip the bus ride and meet directly at Mismaloya, let the operator know when you book.

What’s included

Your day includes the public bus ride to Mismaloya, a life vest, snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel), national park permits for Los Arcos, and the full boat ride with your guide. You'll explore the five islands and caves, snorkel at a protected coral site, and see an iconic spot in Puerto Vallarta's history before returning to the city.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 13

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Vallartanaturetrips

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Los Arcos and snorkel without renting a car or arranging your own boat: the small group size and included equipment mean you show up and go, and the guide handles the timing and the route.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long is the whole tour?

About half a day, including the 25-minute bus ride to Mismaloya, the boat time to Los Arcos, cave exploration, snorkeling, and the return journey.

What's included in the price?

Bus fee to Mismaloya, life vest, snorkel equipment, national park permits, and the boat ride. You pay separately for food and drinks.

How many people go on the boat?

Maximum 12 people per trip, which keeps the group small enough for the guide to answer questions and adjust the pace.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, mask, fins, and snorkel are included. Bring your own if you prefer, but rentals are part of the tour.

Can I see fish while snorkeling?

Usually yes, but visibility and the number of fish depend on water conditions and currents that day. The guide chooses a safe, protected snorkel spot.

What's the minimum age?

5 years old. Maximum age is 70, though the operator can discuss individual situations.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The snorkel area is shallow and safe, and life vests are provided. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

What if I'm staying south of Vallarta?

Tell the operator when you book, and you can meet the boat directly at Mismaloya instead of taking the bus from the city center.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a towel, water, and cash or card for any food or drinks. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a change for after.