Puerto Vallarta: Sun Buggy Jungle Ride & Los Arcos Snorkel Tour

Summary

Puerto Vallarta buggy adventure through jungle stops agave tasting and boat to Los Arcos

You’ll ride through Puerto Vallarta’s lush jungle in a manual Sun Buggy (or let your guide drive), relax at hidden terraces, sample fresh agave at El Baston Del Rey factory, and snorkel around Los Arcos’ iconic rock formations—all with lunch included. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments where time slows down beneath palm trees or out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I realized all the Sun Buggy vehicles in Puerto Vallarta were stick shift. My last attempt at driving manual was… let’s just say not recent. But our guide, Luis, just grinned and said he’d drive if I wanted—no pressure. So I hopped in as a passenger, which meant I actually got to look around instead of panicking about stalling out in front of everyone. The morning was humid, with that thick green smell you only get near the jungle after rain, and we rattled out of town with the sound of birds louder than the engine sometimes.

We stopped at this terrace place tucked into the trees—flowers everywhere, some kind of citrus in the air (Luis called it limonaria? Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish—probably butchered it). There were vendors selling little wooden turtles and bright woven bags, but mostly I remember sitting with my feet dangling off the edge, breeze on my face, trying not to spill tamarind soda on myself. It felt like time slowed down there for a bit; nobody rushed us.

Next up was El Baston Del Rey—the agave factory. The smell hit me before we even got inside: sweet, smoky, almost grassy. We watched a guy chop up blue agave with this big blade, explaining how it turns into tequila (I’ll admit: I had no idea how much work goes into that bottle back home). Tasted a tiny sip—burned in a good way. Then back in the buggy for more bumps and laughter as we headed toward Mismaloya Beach.

The boat ride out to Los Arcos was one of those things that doesn’t feel real until you’re doing it. Water so clear you could see fish darting under us; pelicans floating by like they owned the place. Snorkeling there—I still think about that cold rush when you first dip your face under and everything goes quiet except your own breath. Some folks stayed on deck chatting with our guide about growing up in Puerto Vallarta; I floated near these weird rock arches just watching light flicker underwater. Never really wanted to get back on land after that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore nature and local landmarks

• Relax in lush jungle terraces
• Shop souvenirs and eat Mexican food
• Visit El Baston Del Rey factory
• Boat ride from Mismaloya Beach
• Cruise around Los Arcos rock formations
• Snorkel near Los Arcos (optional)

Top questions

Do you need to know how to drive stick shift for Sun Buggy Tours?

No—if you can’t drive manual transmission, a guide can drive for you if you ask ahead.

Where does the Sun Buggy tour start in Puerto Vallarta?

The tour departs from Mismaloya Beach promptly at 10:00AM; arrive by 9:30AM for briefing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the Los Arcos part?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during the boat trip to Los Arcos.

What’s included with lunch on this tour?

The tour includes lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant along the route.

Can kids join this buggy & snorkel tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How long is the buggy ride from Puerto Vallarta before reaching Los Arcos?

The itinerary includes several stops before reaching Mismaloya Beach for the boat ride; timing varies but plan for most of the day.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour according to their policy.

Does this day trip include pickup or transportation options?

The meeting point is Mismaloya Beach; public transportation options are available nearby but hotel pickup isn’t specified.

What’s included

Your day includes riding or riding along in a manual Sun Buggy through Puerto Vallarta’s jungle roads (with a guide driving if needed), relaxing terrace stops with time for souvenirs or snacks, an agave tasting visit at El Baston Del Rey factory, a complimentary boat cruise departing from Mismaloya Beach to snorkel at Los Arcos—with lunch and all snorkeling gear provided along the way.