Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Paddleboard & Snorkeling Tour

Inside the sea caves at Los Arcos, paddling where the birds nest

You paddle 1 mile to sea caves in a protected sanctuary, snorkel in clear water among tropical fish and rays, and return the same way. The drive from Puerto Vallarta is 20 minutes, and the whole outing takes three to four hours. Equipment, water and a snack are included. You'll need moderate fitness and comfort on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paddleboard and snorkel at Los Arcos

• Meet at the meeting point
• Drive 20 minutes to La Joya de Mismaloya
• Unload equipment at Mismaloya beach
• Attend theoretical lesson outside water
• Receive equipment and activity recommendations
• Paddle 20-30 minutes to Los Arcos
• Explore caves and observe birds and fish
• Anchor and snorkel for 30-40 minutes
• Rest with water and snack
• Paddle back to the beach
• Finish the activity

The experience

The caves at Los Arcos de Mismaloya are the thing you notice first. They rise straight out of the water, dark and narrow, and you paddle right into them. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get there from Mismaloya beach, paddling south along the coast, and the whole way you're watching the rock formations get bigger. Once you're inside, the light changes. The water is so clear you can see down, and the caves smell like salt and stone. Your guide points out the seabirds nesting in the cracks. This is a protected sanctuary, which is why it feels untouched.

After the caves, you anchor and snorkel for 30 to 40 minutes in what feels like a natural aquarium. The fish are everywhere: tropical species you don't see in other parts of the bay, plus manta rays and sea turtles if you're patient and quiet. The snorkel gear is provided, and the water is warm enough that you stop thinking about the equipment pretty fast. You get a short break on the water with a granola bar and bottled water before paddling back, which gives your arms a rest and your mind time to catch up with what you just saw.

The whole experience runs about three to four hours from the time you meet at the starting point. There's a 20-minute drive to Mismaloya beach first, where the guides give you a lesson on land before you get in the water. They cover technique and safety, hand you a lifejacket, and make sure you're comfortable on the board. If you've never paddleboarded, that on-land time matters. The activity is in a protected marine national park, so the rules are strict about where you can go and how many people, which is why the groups stay small and the wildlife stays around.

What’s included

Stand-up paddleboard, lifejacket, snorkel gear, bottled water and a granola bar are all provided. The guide includes a safety and technique lesson on the beach before paddling, and leads you through the caves and snorkeling site at Los Arcos de Mismaloya.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 60 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Child (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Vallarta Sup & Surf

Is this one for you?Right for travelers in Puerto Vallarta who want to paddle and snorkel in one outing without arranging their own gear or transport: the 20-minute drive and on-land lesson mean you show up ready to go. Expect moderate physical effort: paddling 1 mile each way and time in the water, which is what lets you reach the caves and spend real time snorkeling.

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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: Youth (16 to 17 years); Child (12 to 15 years). Children under 12 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 far is Los Arcos from Puerto Vallarta?

About 20 minutes by car to Mismaloya beach, then 20 to 30 minutes paddling to the caves.

What's included in the tour?

Paddleboard, lifejacket, snorkel gear, bottled water and a granola bar. The guide provides instruction on land before you start.

How long is the snorkeling part?

About 30 to 40 minutes in the water at Los Arcos, after paddling to the caves.

Do I need paddleboarding experience?

No. You get a lesson on the beach before entering the water, covering technique and safety.

What wildlife might I see?

Tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and seabirds nesting in the cave rocks. Los Arcos is a protected marine sanctuary.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you have moderate fitness and are comfortable in the water. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Equipment is provided. Check with the operator if you prefer to use your own.