Private Los Arcos Snorkel Tour from Puerto Vallarta

Los Arcos sits in shallow water where reef fish gather in schools.

A private four-hour snorkel tour from Puerto Vallarta departs Los Muertos Pier and takes you by boat to Los Arcos, the natural rock formation where you snorkel with provided equipment, then continues to Las Animas beach. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and snorkel gear and an ice chest are included; food and drinks are not.

The Experience

Four hours means you leave the pier in the morning or early afternoon and return with time to spare. The boat picks you up at Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta's city center, so if you're staying nearby or without a rental car, you walk to the water instead of arranging transport across the city. The ride south passes Los Muertos Beach before reaching Los Arcos, the limestone rock formation that rises from the ocean and gives the tour its name.

At Los Arcos you enter the water with snorkel gear already fitted—mask, fins and snorkel provided—and spend time in the shallows where the reef holds fish. The site sits in calm water most days, and the rock itself breaks the surface so you can see the formation above and below the line. After snorkeling, the boat moves to Las Animas beach, where you have time to swim, rest or walk the sand. An ice chest rides along, so you can keep drinks cold if you bring them; the operator welcomes beverages and snacks aboard.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. The tour runs with just your party, so the pace and stops are yours to shape. Bring swimsuit, towel and sunscreen; Mexican pesos if you want to eat or buy anything on shore. Refunds don't apply if you cancel within 24 hours of departure.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• ice chest for keeping drinks cold.
• four-hour private boat ride.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Estigo Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup at Los Muertos Pier in the city center means you don't need a car or arrange separate transport to reach the boat—walk from your hotel or nearby accommodation and board directly. The private boat is yours alone, so the pace and time at each stop stay in your hands.

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Top questions

What is Los Arcos and what will I see when I snorkel there?

Los Arcos is a natural rock formation rising from the ocean floor off Puerto Vallarta's coast. When you snorkel at the site, you'll be in shallow reef water where schools of fish gather around the rocks; the formation itself is visible both above and below the surface.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel equipment—mask, fins and snorkel—is provided and included with the tour. Bring a towel and sunscreen; the operator welcomes you to bring swimsuits and any beverages or snacks you want for the boat ride.

Where does the boat pick me up and how do I get to the pier?

The boat departs from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta's city center, so you walk to the water if you're staying in that area. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're staying elsewhere in the city.

Is food or drink included, or should I bring my own?

Food and drinks are not included on this tour. An ice chest rides along the boat, so you can keep beverages cold if you bring them; the operator welcomes snacks and drinks aboard.

How many people will be on the boat?

This is a private tour, so only your group rides the boat. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with you throughout the four hours.