Snorkeling at Los Arcos, Puerto Vallarta: Dolphins and islands

Reef fish, dolphins and a hidden beach in one morning

Snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park near Puerto Vallarta departs from Marina Vallarta at 9 am with a live guide in English or Spanish, snorkel gear and life vest included. The boat passes the Ameca River mouth where dolphins feed, then reaches the park's rock formations for reef snorkeling. A private option for up to four people adds a beach stop. Children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and wildlife tour at Los Arcos

• Depart from Marina Vallarta at 9 am
• View dolphins at Ameca river
• Travel to downtown Puerto Vallarta
• Observe dolphins, turtles, manta rays, whales
• Arrive at Los Arcos National Park
• Receive snorkel gear and instructions
• Snorkel and explore marine life

The experience

The boat leaves Marina Vallarta around 9 am and heads toward Los Arcos, a national park just offshore. In the first 10 minutes, the Ameca River mouth is a reliable spot for dolphins at breakfast: the guides know the timing and the routes where they feed. The 15-minute run downtown passes through waters where winter brings turtles, manta rays and whales alongside the boat. Once at Los Arcos, the guides fit you with snorkel gear and life jacket, walk you through how to use them, and brief you on in-water skills before you enter the water.

The reef itself holds the fish, what you came for, and the guides stay in the water with you. The snorkeling focuses on the rock formations and the marine life around them rather than a single coral garden. Between water time, the boat offers bottled water and snacks like granola bars, fruit and sandwiches. The whole outing runs three to five hours depending on conditions and how long you spend in the water.

If you book the private option for up to four people, the boat can detour to a hidden beach where you spend time on sand before heading back. The park permit, the conservancy donation fee to Bahia Unida, and all the gear are included in the price.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and life vest.
• boat ride from Marina Vallarta.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• park permit and conservancy donation fee.
• bottled water.
• snacks including granola bars, fruit and sandwich.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 6

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Eco Explorer Vallarta

Is this one for you?The three- to five-hour window leaves the rest of your day open for lunch in town or a beach afternoon, and the morning departure means you're back by early afternoon. If you need a full day of activity or want to combine snorkeling with other stops, this timing works. If you prefer a shorter water outing, ask about the private option, which can adjust the pace.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

126 verified traveler reviews

5 ★123

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 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.

What wildlife will I actually see while snorkeling at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos holds reef fish around the rock formations underwater. On the boat ride out, dolphins feed at the Ameca River mouth in the first 10 minutes, and winter months bring turtles, manta rays and whales passing the boat on the way to the park.

How long does the snorkeling activity at Los Arcos take?

The whole outing runs three to five hours from Marina Vallarta, including the boat ride out, time in the water and the return. The actual snorkeling time depends on conditions and how long you choose to stay underwater.

What's included in the snorkeling price?

The snorkel gear, life vest, boat ride from Marina Vallarta, park permit, conservancy donation fee, bottled water and snacks are all included. The guides are live in English or Spanish.

Can I visit a beach on this snorkeling trip?

A beach stop is available only on the private option for up to four people. On that booking, the boat can detour to a hidden beach where you spend time on sand before returning to Marina Vallarta.

What should I bring or know before I go snorkeling at Los Arcos?

Bring a valid ID. You will not be allowed to board without it. Wear sunscreen and a rash guard if you have sensitive skin. The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.