Snorkeling in Mismaloya: Los Arcos, Majahuitas & Yelapa

Yelapa is reachable only by boat, and this route strings together four stops most day-trippers never see.

A five to six hour boat tour from Mismaloya that visits Los Arcos National Marine Park, Majahuitas reef for snorkeling, and the village of Yelapa with its waterfall and natural pool. The tour includes a guide in English or Spanish, snorkeling equipment, soda, water, snacks and beer. An appetizer is served in Yelapa, and you can order lunch separately. You choose between small, medium or large group size at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and Yelapa exploration

• Meet at Mismaloya Beach
• Board the boat
• Tour Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary
• Cruise along the coastline
• Snorkel at Majahuitas
• Explore Yelapa village
• Visit Yelapa Waterfall
• Relax at Yelapa beachfront restaurant

The experience

The boat leaves Mismaloya Beach in the morning, and the first stop comes quickly: Los Arcos, a marine sanctuary where granite islands over 80 feet tall rise from the water, sculpted by centuries of erosion into natural arches and caves. The guide points out seabirds (pelicans, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies) nesting on the rock faces, and the formations themselves are the main draw for photos. From there the route hugs the jungle-covered coastline south, passing small hidden beaches like Colomitos, Las Ánimas and Quimixto before arriving at Majahuitas for snorkeling.

Majahuitas sits in a cove between Quimixto and Yelapa, accessible only by water. The reef here is one of the clearest on the Pacific coast, and snorkeling equipment is provided. You spend time in the water exploring the underwater ecosystem before the boat moves on. The crew includes soda, bottled water and snacks throughout the day, plus beer and tequila shots.

Yelapa is the final destination, a village reachable only by boat or on foot. You walk through cobblestone streets lined with colorful homes and artisan shops, then head inland through jungle vegetation and over small bridges to reach Yelapa Waterfall, where water cascades into a clear pool deep enough for a swim. An appetizer is included at a beachfront restaurant. If you want a full lunch, you order and pay separately from the menu. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax on Yelapa Beach, explore the village shops, or simply sit with the view of the Sierra Madre mountains and the ocean.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• soda and bottled water.
• snacks.
• beer and tequila shots.
• appetizer at a Yelapa restaurant.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

3 options

Small Group SizeUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Medium Group SizeUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Boat sized to fit your group

Large Group SizeUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:0030-foot boat

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Book up to2h 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Mismaloya Xtreme

Is this one for you?Choose the small group size if you want a slower pace and closer attention from the guide. The medium and large options move faster through the stops and suit travelers who prefer a livelier atmosphere and don't mind a bigger crowd in the water at Majahuitas.

Traveler reviews

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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.

How do I get from the beach to the boat at Mismaloya?

You walk through shallow, clear water or step into a waiting skiff that ferries you out to the boat anchored offshore.

What is Los Arcos and why do people photograph it?

Los Arcos National Marine Park is a sanctuary of granite islands with natural arches and caves carved by ocean erosion. The rock formations reach over 80 feet and are framed by nesting seabirds, making it one of the most photographed spots on the coast.

Can I snorkel at more than one place on this tour?

Snorkeling happens at Majahuitas, a pristine reef cove between Quimixto and Yelapa. The other stops are for viewing and exploring on foot.

Is lunch included, or do I need to pay extra in Yelapa?

An appetizer is included at a restaurant in Yelapa. A full lunch from their menu is available but costs extra and you order it yourself.

What group size options are available?

You choose between small, medium or large group size when you book. The guide speaks English or Spanish.