Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Paddleboard & Snorkeling Tour

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/15

Duration4h

GroupUp to 6

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.