Snorkeling Los Arcos 5 Islands: Coral reefs & sea caves

Dive into Los Arcos and explore five islands from the water

A guided snorkeling activity in Los Arcos National Marine Park, departing from Mismaloya Beach near Puerto Vallarta, where you explore coral reefs, tropical fish and sea caves around five granite islands. Pickup available from Zona Romántica; all snorkeling equipment, water and soda included; the boat ride passes the Night of the Iguana filming location and Sierra Madre views on the way out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Romantic Zone15m
2. Banderas Bay15m

Snorkeling tour at Los Arcos Marine Park

• Meet guide at Pemex gas station
• Drive to Mismaloya Beach
• Board panga and safety briefing
• Cruise past Night of the Iguana ruins
• Arrive at Los Arcos Marine Park
• Snorkel among coral reefs and marine life
• Boat ride back to Mismaloya Beach

The experience

The boat leaves Mismaloya Beach after a safety briefing, and your guide starts the cruise by pointing out the historic fishing village and the ruins from the 1960s film The Night of the Iguana as you head into Banderas Bay. The Sierra Madre mountains rise behind the coast, and within a short time you reach Los Arcos: five granite islands that form a protected marine sanctuary. Your guide circles the formation to show you sea caves, natural arches and the seabirds that nest there before you enter the water.

Once you're in the water, the coral reefs and rock formations around Los Arcos are what you've come for. Tropical fish move through the reefs in schools, and the underwater caves and formations that make this one of Puerto Vallarta's top snorkeling sites are navigable with your guide leading. All snorkeling equipment is provided. The water and soda help you stay hydrated between the boat ride out and the return journey back to Mismaloya.

After snorkeling, the boat ride back gives you time to rest. Mismaloya Beach has taxis, a local bus stop and parking nearby, so you can head back to Puerto Vallarta or stay and explore the village. Pickup is available from the Pemex station in Zona Romántica if you don't have a car, or you can start the tour directly at Mismaloya Beach.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and soda.
• a local guide in English or Spanish.
• boat transport from Mismaloya Beach.
• pickup available from the Pemex station in Zona Romántica.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (7 to 80 years) · Infant (1 to 6 years)

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Black Pearl Vallarta

Is this one for you?Pickup from Zona Romántica means you don't need a car to reach Mismaloya Beach, and starting the tour there settles the logistics if you're staying elsewhere in Puerto Vallarta without transportation.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

139 verified traveler reviews

5 ★139

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 6 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.

How long does the snorkeling time last at Los Arcos?

The full activity runs two to three hours total, which includes the boat ride from Mismaloya, the cruise around Los Arcos, and the snorkeling itself. Your guide determines the time in the water based on conditions and the group.

What kind of marine life will I see while snorkeling at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos is home to colorful coral reefs and tropical fish species. The site also has underwater caves and rock formations you explore with your guide, making it a top snorkeling destination in Puerto Vallarta.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling gear is provided as part of the activity. You don't need to bring or rent equipment separately.

Can I do this snorkeling activity if I've never snorkeled before?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels and welcomes both novice and experienced snorkelers. Your guide provides instruction and stays with the group in the water.

What is the Night of the Iguana connection the guide mentions?

Mismaloya was the filming location for the 1960s film The Night of the Iguana. Your guide points out the historic ruins from the production as the boat cruises past on the way to Los Arcos.