Snorkeling at Los Arcos National Marine Park, Puerto Vallarta

Glide through clear waters spotting colorful fish from shallow reefs to deeper pools

A private 3-hour snorkeling tour departs from Marina Vallarta and heads directly to Los Arcos National Marine Park, an underwater reserve where reef depths range from 3 to 30 feet. The captain provides snorkel equipment, life jackets and bottled water, answers questions about the marine park's history, and points out the fish species (angelfish, pufferfish, parrotfish, damselfish and cornetfish) that feed on the shallow reefs year-round. Visibility runs 15 to 50 feet. The tour suits all fitness levels and works for both experienced and newer snorkelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private snorkeling tour at Los Arcos

• Meet captain at Villa Vera Hotel
• Board the boat
• Travel to Los Arcos Marine Park
• Snorkel and observe marine life
• Learn about park history from captain

The experience

Los Arcos National Marine Park sits in shallow, protected water where the reef structure and fish populations make it one of the safest snorkel sites in the region. The boat picks you up at the front entrance of Villa Vera Hotel in Marina Vallarta and heads straight to the park, cutting travel time so you spend the full three hours in the water or on the boat at the site itself. The captain navigates to the best spots on the reef and stays with the group to answer questions about what you're seeing and the history of the marine reserve.

Snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket) comes with the tour, along with bottled water. Reef depths range from 3 feet in the shallows to 30 feet at the drop-off, so you can stay in the depth that suits your comfort level. Visibility holds steady between 15 and 50 feet year-round, which means you'll see the fish clearly even if conditions are not at their peak. Angelfish, pufferfish, parrotfish and damselfish congregate on the shallow reefs where they feed, and cornetfish move through deeper areas. The water temperature and reef structure stay consistent enough that the marine park works for snorkelers new to the activity as well as those with experience.

Cruise ship passengers can arrange pickup at the cruise terminal at the pier. Notify the operator when you book and look for the boat La Vida Bella and crew in uniform. A port entrance fee of $2 USD or 41 pesos per person applies. Refunds are not issued if the tour is missed due to late or non-arrival of the cruise ship.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• life jacket.
• bottled water.
• boat transport from Marina Vallarta to Los Arcos National Marine Park.
• captain's guidance and commentary on the marine park's history and wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to6h before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 2.19

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by La Vida Bella Private Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want the reef to yourself without sharing the boat or the snorkel site with other groups. The small group size and direct route to Los Arcos mean you set the pace and the captain adjusts the stops to what interests you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 fish will I see snorkeling at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos National Marine Park's shallow reefs host angelfish, pufferfish, parrotfish, damselfish and cornetfish. The damselfish and other species feed on the shallow reef structure, so you'll see them throughout the snorkel site.

How deep is the water at Los Arcos?

Reef depths at Los Arcos range from 3 feet in the shallows to 30 feet at the drop-off, so you can stay in the depth comfortable for your level. Visibility runs 15 to 50 feet year-round.

Does the tour include snorkel equipment?

Yes, the tour includes mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket. Bottled water is also provided.

Where does the boat pick up passengers?

The boat picks up at the front entrance of Villa Vera Hotel in Marina Vallarta. Cruise ship passengers arrange separate pickup at the cruise terminal at the pier. Notify the operator when booking.

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour runs three hours total, with the boat heading directly to Los Arcos so most of that time is spent at the snorkel site.