Puerto Vallarta · LOS ARCOS & MISMALOYA BOAT TRIPS
29 reviewed
The granite arches off Mismaloya are the bay’s calmest, clearest snorkel water and its best after-dark bioluminescence. These are the top Los Arcos and Mismaloya boat trips: what each includes, how long you get in the water, and which ones run the quiet sunset slot.
Small-group snorkel at Los Arcos: sea caves, bird islands, gear and permits included, plus Mismaloya beach time and Puerto Vallarta history.
“Sebastian was amazing !! Very nice gentleman, very courteous, gave us good history of the island . Even guided us well with snorkeling and we felt comfortable and eased since it’s our first experience with snorkeling!”
Sunset boat ride to Los Arcos, a guided marine park tour, then swim in bioluminescent plankton on a dark night for starry-blue lights.
“A very unique experience, Alex was very knowledgeable and accomodating to all passengers. Would recommend to others.”
Los Arcos Islands boat tour from Puerto Vallarta with guided snorkeling in a marine park, bird-cave stops, and a short bus ride.
“Armand was an awesome guide! We had such a great time and Armand was very knowledgeable about the area. PS- the water is cold! Bring a wetsuit.”
Speed across PV’s coast for optional cliff jumps, snorkeling at Los Arcos, and a boat-only hidden beach.
“Max was a fabulous host. Cliff jumping was a great start to the day. Just the right amount of snorkeling for the size of the reef. Great day!”
Small-group snorkeling at Los Arcos with permits, gear, snacks, and attentive guides. Expect arches, rays, turtles, and wildlife.
“Great personalized attention on small boat excursion. I’m not an experienced snorkeler and they made it so easy. We saw loads of fish, a sea turtle and the first humpback whale of the season! Gracias to Angel, Carlos and the rest of the crew! Highly recommend.”
Paddleboard from Mismaloya to Los Arcos, then snorkel around sea caves and marine life in the Los Arcos Marine National Park.
“You better watch the time of your ship and the time of Mexico pvr…. Lost out on $200 dollar excursion …….”
Los Arcos sunset cruise plus bioluminescent night snorkeling. Drinks, snacks, and gear included on a 3-hour trip.
“I have been travelling across the world for last 30 years but have never seen such spectacular bioluminescence. A must do. Very well organized. Gabriel was our guide, and was awesome.”
Scuba and snorkel in Puerto Vallarta at Los Arcos and Islas Marietas, with dolphin and whale chances plus an optional hidden beach.
“There are lots of dive shops in Puerto Vallarta and this one is definitely one of the best. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You won’t need to set up your own gear or even lift it out of the water. Unfortunately, the waters were murky at Arcos and there wasn’t much to see. I went back the following day to the Marietas Islands, and the diving was much better. You’ll get a piece of fruit and a ham and cheese sandwich, but I’d advise bringing your own food. They say to bring cash for your fees and gratuities; however, you can just charge it and pay the 5%…”
Private 4-hour snorkeling tour from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos and Las Ánimas. Snorkel gear, cooler, and great coastal time.
“The snorkeling was great! We really enjoyed how knowledgeable our guide, Chema, was. He answered all our questions and pointed out local wildlife. Lunch on the beach was also amazing!”
Snorkel Los Arcos, then Animas and Quimixto on an 8-hour all-inclusive catamaran with breakfast, lunch, open bar, kayaks, and fun crew.
“One of the crew mates was rude. Food was okay, water was too dark to see anything while snorkeling. Your was mostly in Spanish, with some English peppered in. Guide was nice. You can find better trips for the same amount.”
A budget-friendly Puerto Vallarta boat day with Los Arcos snorkeling, Las Ánimas beach time, and optional Quimixto waterfall. Open bar included.
“This tour was NOT WORTH it. Find other tour that do not have huge fluctuations in reviews. I should have known not to book this excursion. The day started off windy and raining..the water was extremely choppy and many got sick. No snorkeling on this tour… Also there was a huge delay in getting back. On our way back, we stopped to help a sinking boat, thankfully our boat was there in time to help those on that sinking boat. The food was low quality… Our experience of this excursion was beyond dissatisfying to say the least… Please read all the reviews and decide for yourself.”
Safe cliff jumping, Los Arcos snorkeling arches, and a boat-only hidden beach from Puerto Vallarta with pickup and gear.
“This tour didn't happen because the operator 'Mismaloya Extreme' didn't provide transport as advertised. Had to find another activity for the day and waiting for my refund.”
Private snorkeling to Los Arcos near Puerto Vallarta with a guide, included gear, and a small-group boat ride for up to 8.
“Our boat crew was wonderful. Lovely handmade margaritas, handmade guacamole. The largest number and variety of sea life I have ever seen snorkeling”
Small-group horseback riding in Mismaloya plus a relaxing stop at El Eden for swimming, snacks, and optional zip line.
“It was the best thing i did out here! So worth it you get to swim and eat and ride the horses back!! Love”
Small group snorkeling at Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta with a marine biologist lifeguard, gear, snacks, and a possible Mismaloya stop.
“Thalia’s expertise as a marine biologist was amazing- she was helpful and taught us a lot and has that ecological and nature-based background. A true extra touch was the video she took and offered to send to us along with taking a photo of her laminated sheet of what we (likely) saw. Angel was the captain- he was very nice. Their rapport was amazing. The boat was the perfect size and the small group was fantastic. They also run their own company- Vallarta Natours- and that experience showed!!!”
