Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Snorkel, Cliff Jump & Hidden Beach

Summary

Snorkeling arches cliff jumps and secret sands near Puerto Vallarta

You’ll feel your pulse race as you leap from cliffs near Mismaloya Beach (or just watch with a smile), then drift through Los Arcos’ arches while snorkeling among tropical fish. A hidden beach awaits for sunbathing or swimming before you head back with salt on your skin and new stories to tell.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we met our guide at Mismaloya Beach—just this jumble of bright boats, the smell of grilled fish from somewhere nearby, and locals waving us over with that easy Vallarta friendliness. Our guide (Luis—he had a dry sense of humor) led us past tiny shops and restaurants before we climbed into the boat. I was already grinning before we’d even left the shore.

The first stop was right by these old movie set ruins—Night of the Iguana or something? Luis told us stories about Hollywood actors coming here in the ‘60s. Then he pointed at the cliffs and asked who wanted to jump. My heart thudded. I tried not to look nervous but my hands were clammy. The water below looked bluer than any pool back home. I jumped anyway—loud splash, then just silence under the water except for my own bubbles. Worth it.

After that rush, everything slowed down as we drifted towards Los Arcos. The arches are bigger up close—almost like stone whales rising out of the sea. Snorkeling there felt surreal; schools of fish flickered past like living confetti and someone swore they saw an eagle ray (I missed it, too busy trying to adjust my mask). The water tasted faintly salty-sweet and cold on my face. Sunlight flickered through caves overhead. Luis laughed when I tried to say “parrotfish” in Spanish—I probably butchered it.

We ended up at a tiny hidden beach only reachable by boat—no crowds, just soft sand and turquoise water curling around rocks. There was time to float or just sit on the sand with a cold beer from the cooler (included), watching pelicans dive-bombing for lunch. It felt like time stretched out here; nobody rushed us back. On the way home, salt still in my hair, I kept thinking about that first leap off the cliff—and how weirdly calm I felt afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with cliff jumping and snorkeling

• Explore Mismaloya Beach shops and restaurants
• Board boat and learn Mismaloya history
• Cliff jump near Night of the Iguana ruins
• Snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary
• Relax at hidden beach accessible by boat
• Return to Mismaloya Beach to rinse and change
• Take return transportation to meeting point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Puerto Vallarta snorkeling tour?

No, but return transportation is provided from Mismaloya Beach back to your original meeting point after the tour.

How long does the Los Arcos snorkeling & cliff jumping trip last?

The experience typically lasts several hours including all stops: cliff jumping, snorkeling at Los Arcos, relaxing at a hidden beach, plus return transport.

Is cliff jumping mandatory or can I skip it?

No pressure! Cliff jumping is optional—you can watch from the boat or swim instead if you prefer.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the tour?

Bottled water, soft drinks, and beer are included during your day out on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes—all necessary snorkeling gear is included in your booking.

Are there bathrooms or changing facilities available?

Yes—after returning to Mismaloya Beach you’ll have access to bathrooms and changing areas before heading back.

Can families with kids join this Puerto Vallarta day trip?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks and beer onboard, English-speaking guides who share local stories along the way, all fees and taxes covered upfront, plus access to rinse-off showers and changing rooms at Mismaloya Beach before return transportation takes you back to where you started.