Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos 5 Islands Boat & Snorkel Tour

Summary

Boat to Los Arcos islands from Puerto Vallarta then snorkel clear waters

You’ll hop on a local bus from Puerto Vallarta before boating out to Los Arcos’ five islands with a small group and guide. Explore sea caves, watch nesting birds up close, then snorkel in clear water—equipment and permits sorted for you. Expect salty air, laughter, maybe even a new friend or two by the end.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when we squeezed onto the bus in Puerto Vallarta’s old center — it’s one of those local buses where you can hear the driver chatting with regulars and the windows rattle with every bump. But that first jolt of excitement hit as we rolled south toward Mismaloya, watching the city fade into jungle. Our guide, Javier, pointed out a bakery he likes (I still regret not grabbing a pastry), and by the time we reached the beach, I felt like part of a small crew instead of just another tourist.

The boat ride out to Los Arcos was louder than I expected — pelicans squabbling overhead, engine humming under our feet. The water smelled sharp and salty, and you could see these five rocky islands rising up like something out of an old movie. We ducked into one of the caves (my head almost grazed the roof), and Javier started talking about how birds nest here year-round. He handed me his binoculars so I could spot a blue-footed booby. I definitely didn’t expect that — or for him to laugh when I tried to pronounce its name in Spanish.

Snorkeling was… honestly, it took me a minute to get used to breathing through the tube. But once I relaxed, flashes of yellow fish darted past my mask and there was this weird hush underwater except for my own breath. Visibility wasn’t perfect that day (Javier warned us currents change things), but floating there with sunlight flickering over coral felt peaceful in a way I can’t quite explain. On our way back, we stopped at this spot tied to some wild bit of city history — not what I thought would stick with me, but it did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 safe coral area
• Visit iconic city historical place
• Return to Puerto Vallarta

Top questions

How do you get from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos?

You’ll meet in Puerto Vallarta’s old center and take a public bus south to Mismaloya beach before boarding the boat to Los Arcos.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your day trip to Los Arcos from Puerto Vallarta.

What’s the group size for this boat tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people for this Los Arcos boat & snorkel tour.

Are national park permits included?

Yes, all required permits for visiting Los Arcos are included in your booking.

Can kids join this snorkel tour?

The minimum age is 5 years old; maximum age is 70 years for participants.

What if visibility is bad for snorkeling?

Visibility can vary due to currents; your guide will choose the best available spot each day but sometimes fish sightings may be fewer.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet at a set point in central Puerto Vallarta.

I’m staying near Mismaloya—can I join directly?

Yes! Let your guide know if you want to meet directly at Mismaloya beach instead of taking the bus from town.

What’s included

Your day includes public bus fare from Puerto Vallarta’s center down to Mismaloya beach, all permits needed for Los Arcos access, life vest and full use of snorkeling gear on board, plus your guided boat ride between islands before heading back into town together.