Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tour: Los Arcos & Hidden Beaches

Los Arcos, five islands, three caves, and a coastline most visitors never reach

Half-day snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta at Los Arcos Marine Park, where you jump into warm water to find colorful tropical fish and reef species around granite formations and sea caves. The boat then cruises the remote southern coastline: past Colomitos (Mexico's smallest beach, with optional cliff jumping), Madagascar Beach and Horse Beach, before ending at Las Animas Beach with a complimentary appetizer and free time to swim or relax. Snorkeling equipment, water and beer are included. The whole outing runs four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Los Arcos National Marine Park1h
2. Banderas Baypassing by

Snorkeling and beach exploration

• Cruise around Los Arcos Marine Park
• Snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park
• Visit Colomitos Beach and optional cliff jumping
• Cruise along southern coastline and see hidden beaches
• Relax and enjoy complimentary appetizer at Las Animas Beach
• Cruise back toward Mismaloya watching for wildlife

The experience

Los Arcos Marine Park is the centerpiece. You'll cruise around five iconic granite islands and three sea caves while the captain points out nesting seabirds and natural arches, then jump into the tropical water to snorkel. Look for colorful tropical fish, sea stars, reef species and underwater rock formations. The equipment is provided. You just need to bring a swimsuit and comfort in the water.

After Los Arcos, the boat heads south past Boca de Tomatlán, where the mountains meet the sea and the coastline becomes accessible only by water or hiking trail. You'll stop at Colomitos, known as Mexico's smallest beach, where you can swim, take photos or try optional cliff jumping if you want the adrenaline. The route then follows hidden beaches and secluded coves (Madagascar Beach and Horse Beach) lined with jungle-covered cliffs that most Puerto Vallarta visitors never see.

The day ends at Las Animas Beach. You get free time to relax on the sand, swim in the tropical water, explore the shoreline or grab a drink by the ocean. A complimentary appetizer from Black Pearl Vallarta is waiting for you. If you want lunch, beachfront restaurants are there to order from. On the return cruise back toward Mismaloya, watch for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales and seabirds across Banderas Bay.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and soda.
• beer.
• complimentary appetizer at Las Animas Beach.
• boat transport to Los Arcos Marine Park, Colomitos, hidden beaches and Las Animas Beach.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Child (1 to 4 years)

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Black Pearl Vallarta

Is this one for you?Book this half-day if you want to snorkel a protected marine park and see the remote southern coastline in one outing. The fixed schedule keeps all three sea caves, five islands, hidden beaches and free time at Las Animas inside a single afternoon, so the day holds together without building it yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 4 years).

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.

What will I see when I snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park?

Los Arcos Marine Park holds colorful tropical fish, sea stars, reef species and underwater rock formations around five granite islands and three sea caves. The captain points out the park's features (nesting seabirds, natural arches and tunnels) during the cruise before you enter the water.

Is cliff jumping included, or do I have to pay extra?

Cliff jumping at Colomitos is optional and free if you choose to do it. You can also swim on the beach, take photos or simply relax instead.

What happens at Las Animas Beach?

Las Animas Beach is your final stop, where you have free time to relax on the sand, swim, explore the shoreline or enjoy a drink by the ocean. A complimentary appetizer is provided. Lunch at beachfront restaurants is available if you want to order and pay separately.

How long is the whole snorkeling trip?

The outing runs four hours from start to finish, including the cruise to Los Arcos, snorkeling time, the coastal route past hidden beaches, and your time at Las Animas Beach before the return journey.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, beer, a complimentary appetizer and transport on the boat are all included. You'll need your own swimsuit and any personal items like sunscreen or a towel.