Snorkeling in Los Arcos, Mismaloya: Tropical fish and sea turtles

Two hours in a marine sanctuary: tropical fish, rock formations, sea turtles if luck holds

Snorkel Los Arcos National Marine Park near Mismaloya with a local family business that has protected this marine sanctuary for over 40 years. You swim among tropical fish and impressive rock formations, with a chance to spot sea turtles. Complete snorkeling gear including a life jacket is provided. The two-hour activity runs in English or Spanish with a live guide, and children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary

• Meet local family guides
• Receive snorkeling gear and life jacket
• Snorkel among tropical fish
• Admire rock formations
• Look for sea turtles
• Support conservation efforts

The experience

What makes Los Arcos worth the boat ride? The water clarity and the sheer density of life. You're swimming in a protected marine sanctuary, not a tourist churn. The operators are Environmental Watchers of Los Arcos de Mismaloya, part of a group that actively protects the site. The rock formations alone are worth the trip: massive arches rise from the seafloor and create pockets where tropical fish congregate. Sea turtles pass through, though spotting one is luck, not a guarantee.

The gear is all provided: snorkel, mask, fins, and a life jacket for safety. A motorized boat takes you out from Mismaloya. The two-hour window includes the boat ride and the time in the water. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with your group. Beginners and experienced snorkelers both work here. The operators have been running this since 1989 and know how to pace it for whoever shows up. Bottled water is included.

Infants can come along (they sit on an adult's lap in the boat), and the activity suits all fitness levels. The one constraint: it's not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries. Public transportation reaches the departure point if you're not driving yourself.

What’s included

• Complete snorkeling gear including mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket.
• motorized boat.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 09:00 and 11:00

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 30

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.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mismaloya Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel a protected marine sanctuary with the family that has lived here and guarded it for over 40 years. The two-hour window is short enough to fit a morning or afternoon, long enough to move beyond the shallows and actually see what the arches hold.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

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 exactly will I see when I snorkel at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos is a marine sanctuary where tropical fish congregate around impressive rock formations and underwater arches. Sea turtles pass through the area, so you have a chance to spot one, though it's not guaranteed. The water clarity is high enough that the rock structures and the density of marine life are the main draw.

Is snorkeling at Los Arcos suitable for beginners?

Yes. The operators have been running this activity since 1989 and work with both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Complete snorkeling gear including a life jacket is provided, and a live guide stays with your group throughout the two hours.

What's included in the snorkeling activity?

Complete snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket), a motorized boat, a live guide in English or Spanish, and bottled water are all included in the two-hour activity.

How do I get to the departure point in Mismaloya?

Public transportation options are available nearby. If you're driving, you can arrange parking in Mismaloya. The operators can advise on specifics when you book.