The verdict
Our pick
Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht with Open Bar★ 4.61 (788) · 5h
Best value
Puerto Vallarta: Hidden Beaches & Snorkel Trail with Locals★ 4.84 (609) · 6h 30m
Top rated
Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tour: Los Arcos & Hidden Beaches★ 4.98 (241) · 4h
The 12 best-value of 30 options, side by side
✓ 2026-09-29Real price per person across the 30 options: US$ 38–US$ 210 (median US$ 109). With an extra fee to pay on site: 13 of 30. With 100+ reviews: 18 of 30.
Default order: real price per person — the group price divided by the seats it includes.
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Private experiences (6)
Puerto Vallarta: Jet Ski Tour, Los Arcos & Snorkeling SpotsYou’ll ride a jet ski from Marina Vallarta with a local guide, pausing by the Malecón for stories you won’t read in guidebooks. At Los Arcos you can snorkel in clear water before racing back across Banderas Bay—expect salty hair, laughter, and memories that feel more real than perfect.
Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Snorkel Tour & Private Beach StopYou’ll start your day spotting dolphins near Marina Vallarta before heading out for snorkeling at Los Arcos with expert guidance. Expect clear water, colorful fish, and time on a quiet beach—all with snacks and gear included. If you love real moments more than perfect ones, this tour is probably your style.
Marietas Islands Snorkeling: Hidden Beach Access GuaranteedPrivate snorkeling at the Marietas Islands with boat, guide, and snorkeling gear included; Hidden Beach access (limited to 116 visitors per day) is optional and available Tuesday through Sunday. The operator holds more official permits than most providers in the region, giving you a higher chance of reaching this secluded beach. Water clarity varies by sea and weather conditions; the experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or cardiovascular concerns.Is it for me?Book this if you want the security of a private boat and the highest realistic odds of reaching Hidden Beach—the operator's extra permits mean more daily spots than most competitors, and a 99% success rate speaks to the difference. The four-hour window is tight enough to fit a cruise-ship port call or a single morning, yet long enough to snorkel and spend time on the beach itself.
Private Los Arcos Snorkel Tour from Puerto VallartaA 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.Is it for me?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.
Puerto Vallarta Fishing & Snorkeling Tour: Bay AdventureYou’ll get hands-on fishing tips from locals, explore secret corners of Puerto Vallarta’s bay, and snorkel in clear waters teeming with life—all with friendly guides who know these spots by heart.
Snorkeling Marietas Islands Private Boat Hidden BeachA private snorkeling tour departing from Punta Mita that takes you by boat to the Marietas Islands, where you swim through a natural tunnel to access Playa Escondida, spend time on the hidden beach, then snorkel at Playa Nopalera with a certified guide. The boat ride takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on sea conditions; the full experience lasts about three hours and includes snorkel equipment, a lifevest, water and a container to keep your phone dry while your guide photographs the day.Is it for me?This tour works best if you're comfortable swimming and want to reach a beach most visitors never see—the private boat and certified guide mean you're not navigating the tunnel or the snorkel sites on your own, and the three-hour timeframe keeps the day manageable without feeling rushed.
Up to 2 hours (1)
Puerto Vallarta: Jet Ski Safari & Snorkel at Los ArcosYou’ll race across Puerto Vallarta’s bay by jet ski with a local guide, see Old Town from a new angle, pause for snorkeling near Los Arcos (weather permitting), and zip back to Marina Vallarta at full speed. Expect laughter, salty air, fish sightings—and a little adrenaline rush that lingers long after you’re back on land.
2 to 5 hours (9)
Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos 5 Islands Boat & Snorkel TourYou ride a public bus south to Mismaloya, board a small boat to five protected islands, explore sea caves with a guide who explains the wildlife and history, then snorkel in a shallow coral area where fish are abundant. The boat includes all equipment and park permits, and returns you to Puerto Vallarta by early afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Los Arcos and snorkel without renting a car or arranging your own boat—the small group size and included equipment mean you show up and go, and the guide handles the timing and the route.
Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel & Hidden Beach TourYou board a fast boat at Marina Vallarta, spend an hour spotting dolphins and rays on the way out, then snorkel the Marietas Islands and swim through a tunnel into Hidden Beach, a secluded cove ringed by rock. The tour includes snorkel gear, life vest, guide, light snacks and water. You're back by early afternoon, and if weather blocks the Hidden Beach, your $30 deposit comes back.Is it for me?Book this if you want the Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach without arranging your own boat or permits — the 99% access rate and expert crew take the guesswork out of whether you'll actually get in.
Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Snorkeling, Cliff Jump & Hidden BeachYou get picked up from Zona Romántica in Puerto Vallarta, ride 15 minutes to Mismaloya beach, then board a boat for cliff jumping, snorkeling through marine park caves and arches, and time on a secluded beach. The whole experience runs about half a day, with all snorkel gear, water, snacks and beer included. Small groups mean you're not jostling for space or waiting for stragglers.Is it for me?Book this if you want the main Puerto Vallarta water activities—snorkeling, cliff jumping, a secluded beach—without arranging transport, gear rental or figuring out which spots are worth the trip. Small groups and local guides mean you're not herded through; you get the story behind what you're seeing.
Marietas Islands: Snorkeling & Hidden Beach Small Group TourYou’ll meet your small group at Marina Vallarta before heading out to snorkel around Marietas Islands with a biologist guide who actually points out wildlife you’d miss alone. If you’re lucky in the draw, you’ll swim into the famous Hidden Beach for ten minutes—otherwise you’ll relax on board watching birds wheel overhead. Expect real conversation, salty air, and honest moments you’ll remember later.
Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach & SnorkelYou board a small boat at Punta Mita, ride 15–20 minutes to Marietas Islands, then swim through a natural tunnel to reach Hidden Beach with a guide protecting your phone. After 30 minutes on the sand, you snorkel at Playa Nopalera with included equipment before returning to the pier. The whole tour keeps groups to eight people and includes life jacket, snorkel gear, and non-alcoholic drinks.Is it for me?Book this if you want to reach Hidden Beach without arranging your own boat or worrying about timing—the small group size and fixed schedule handle both, and the guide's phone protection means you actually enjoy the moment instead of filming it.
Puerto Vallarta: Wild Dolphin Encounter & Los Arcos SnorkelingYou meet a marine biologist at Marina Vallarta, learn about dolphin ecology, then observe wild dolphins in the bay from a small boat. Afterward, you snorkel Los Arcos Marine Park with provided equipment and see the underwater life there. Lunch, water, and all gear are included, and you're finished by early afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see dolphins without the crowds and understand what you're looking at — the marine biologist and small group size are what make that possible in a half-day window.
Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Paddleboard & Snorkeling TourYou 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.Is it for me?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.
Puerto Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach & SnorkelingYou board a covered boat at Punta Mita Pier, cross to the Marietas Islands in 15–20 minutes, then swim through a natural tunnel to reach Hidden Beach for 30 minutes of photos and floating. After snorkeling in the day's best spot with included gear, you visit Playa Nopalera's caves before returning to the pier. The whole experience is coordinated so the small group moves together without rush, and your phone stays dry in a waterproof bag the guide carries.Is it for me?Book this if you want to reach Hidden Beach without arranging your own boat and guide—the small-group format keeps the price down while the certified guide handles the tunnel swim and photo work, leaving you free to float and explore.
Marietas Islands snorkeling tour from Punta de Mita: Hidden BeachA guided snorkeling tour from Punta de Mita to the Marietas Islands, where you swim in Hidden Beach—a natural crater formed by volcanic erosion and unique in the world for sitting below the ocean surface. The boat includes a crew and park ranger; snorkeling gear, life jackets, water and soda are provided. Tours run 3.5 hours with a guide in English or Spanish, and children from age 9 are welcome.Is it for me?Book this if you're based in Punta de Mita and want a guided boat departure to Hidden Beach and the reefs—you'll snorkel from the boat rather than kayak or swim on your own.
Half day and longer (11)
Yelapa Yacht Cruise: Snorkel, Waterfall & All-Inclusive BarA six-hour all-inclusive yacht cruise from Puerto Vallarta to the car-free beach town of Yelapa, with snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, waterslides and a guided walk to a waterfall. The yacht carries an open premium bar, fresh Mexican lunch, and water gear; you choose your boarding point (Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal or Nuevo Vallarta) before checkout. Gratuities are optional.Is it for me?Book this cruise if you want to swim, snorkel and paddleboard in one morning, hike to a waterfall in the afternoon, and never leave the boat to order food or drinks—everything is prepared and waiting, and the crew handles the timing so you just show up and choose what to do.
Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Sailing Tour with Open Bar & LunchYou’ll sail across Banderas Bay on a luxury yacht with an attentive local crew, enjoying premium open bar drinks and fresh deli-style lunch as you relax or try snorkeling and paddleboarding. Watch for dolphins near the boat and soak up mountain views from deck cushions—this day is all about slowing down and feeling connected to Puerto Vallarta’s sea air.
Puerto Vallarta: Sun Buggy Jungle Ride & Los Arcos Snorkel TourYou’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.
Puerto Vallarta: Sea Safari, Jungle Horseback & Pizota Beach BBQYou’ll snorkel among bright fish at Los Arcos near Puerto Vallarta, visit Quimixto for fresh tortillas and salsa made by locals, ride horseback through jungle to a hidden waterfall for swimming or just sitting quietly, then end with a relaxed BBQ lunch on peaceful Pizota beach—sun-warmed sand underfoot and ocean all around you.
Puerto Vallarta: Hidden Beaches Snorkeling & Local LunchYou’ll ride out from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan, then boat down wild coastline with local guides who know every hidden beach. Snorkel secret spots where fish swirl around you, lounge on untouched sand with a drink in hand, then finish with real regional food right by the waves. It’s not polished — it’s honest Vallarta.
Snorkel Majahuitas & waterfall hike from Puerto VallartaA full-day tour from Puerto Vallarta combines snorkeling at Majahuitas with a hike through jungle trails to a waterfall in Quimixto, followed by lunch at a local restaurant serving fresh seafood. The day starts with a public bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then a 20-minute boat ride south along the coast, and includes a guide in English or Spanish; children are welcome from age 12.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to combine water and land in one day — the boat gets you to a place most day-trippers don't reach, the hike is real jungle, not a paved path, and the waterfall is where you swim, not just look at. The moderate fitness requirement and the 7-hour commitment mean this suits travelers who are comfortable moving through heat and terrain, not those looking for a short or easy outing.
Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour: Kayak, Snorkel, EatA half-day snorkeling and kayaking tour from Puerto Vallarta takes you by boat to the Marietas Islands in Banderas Bay, where you swim the reefs, paddle a kayak around the islands, and explore Playa Nopalera before returning to the boat for lunch and an open bar. The tour includes breakfast before departure, snorkeling gear, and a guide in English or Spanish; children from age 3 are welcome, and the whole experience runs about 7 to 8 hours from check-in to return.Is it for me?The tour departs from Puerto Vallarta's Maritime Terminal with no car needed — check in at 8:10 am and board by 9:00 am — so it works whether you're staying in town, at a resort nearby, or without wheels. Breakfast and lunch are both on the boat, which means you're not hunting for food between activities or paying restaurant prices; the open bar and music on the return make the ride back as much a part of the day as the snorkeling itself.
Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour with Playa Escondida EntryThis snorkeling tour departs from Puerto Mágico near Puerto Vallarta and takes you to the Marietas Islands for a full day of swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, with guaranteed entry to Playa Escondida. The package includes all water equipment, a professional guide in English or Spanish, breakfast, a meal, and an open bar. Children are welcome from age 10, and the tour runs Tuesday through Sunday.Is it for me?Book this if you want a full day on the water with a group and don't want to arrange your own boat, guide or equipment—everything is set up and waiting when you arrive. The guaranteed Playa Escondida entry is what separates this from other island snorkeling tours in the area.
Snorkeling Marietas Islands & Majahuitas Beach Tour with BBQA full-day snorkeling and kayaking tour from Puerto Vallarta to Marietas Islands National Park, followed by paddleboarding and a BBQ buffet on Majahuitas Beach. Bilingual guides lead water activities around the volcanic archipelago, where dolphins and whales appear in season; the return includes an open bar, breakfast on board and free time on the beach. Seven hours total, life jackets mandatory, children welcome from age 4.Is it for me?Choose the Puerto Vallarta check-in if you're staying in the city center, or the Nuevo Vallarta check-in if your hotel is north along the coast — both reach the same islands and beach, so pick the one closer to where you wake up. The seven-hour span lets you move between snorkeling, paddleboarding and rest without rushing any of them, which is what makes a full day of water activities plus a meal on sand actually feel like a day instead of a checklist.
Snorkeling at Marietas Islands from Puerto VallartaA full-day snorkeling trip from Puerto Vallarta to Marietas Islands National Aquatic Park with guide, breakfast, lunch and all aquatic equipment. You depart from Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, spend 25 to 35 minutes snorkeling with a professional guide, then choose kayaking or paddleboarding before visiting La Nopalera Beach. The tour runs Tuesday through Sunday and includes an open bar throughout the day.Is it for me?The early start and the hour-and-a-half crossing mean you're in the water by mid-morning, which is why snorkeling and kayaking both fit into one day instead of two separate trips. Arrive rested and ready to move between activities—the pace is steady but the boat handles the transport.
Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour: Kayak & Hidden BeachThis snorkeling tour departs Puerto Vallarta for the Marietas Islands, where you snorkel at multiple reefs, paddle out on kayaks, and swim to Playa Escondida—a secluded beach accessible only by water. The tour runs 6.5 hours and includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and all snorkeling and kayak equipment; a live guide leads in English or Spanish. You'll need to be a comfortable swimmer, as reaching the hidden beach requires a 100-meter swim in a vest.Is it for me?Book this if you're comfortable swimming in open water—you'll need to swim 100 meters to reach the hidden beach—and prefer a shared group boat with meals and activities bundled together rather than coordinating separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 28 of the 30 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last half a day or longer. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht with Open Bar is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.61 out of 5 across 788 reviews.
Are private options available?
Yes, 6 private experiences are available if you prefer a closed group.
More things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta10 optionsMarietas Islands16 optionsCanopy River Puerto Vallarta18 optionsBoat Tour Puerto Vallarta30 optionsATV Tour Puerto Vallarta19 optionsFood Tours in Puerto Vallarta24 optionsPuerto Vallarta Airport Transfer8 optionsPuerto Vallarta Taco Tours6 optionsCatamaran Cruise Puerto Vallarta6 optionsHiking Puerto Vallarta13 optionsPuerto Vallarta City Tour8 optionsSunset Cruise Puerto Vallarta7 optionsPuerto Vallarta Waterfalls13 optionsDolphin Watching Puerto Vallarta5 optionsCooking Class Puerto Vallarta8 optionsHorseback Riding Puerto Vallarta6 optionsPuerto Vallarta Sailing11 optionsBike Tour in Puerto Vallarta6 optionsMarietas Islands Boat Tour6 options
