Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

Puerto Vallarta’s Los Arcos Islands offer an unparalleled adventure for nature enthusiasts. The boat tour and snorkeling excursion transports visitors to a vibrant underwater realm, teeming with diverse marine life and captivating coral formations. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, travelers can expect an immersive experience that seamlessly blends excitement and education. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time explorer, this tour promises to leave you captivated by the extraordinary beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal wonders.

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Key Points

A guided 3-hour boat tour and snorkeling excursion in the Los Arcos National Marine Park near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Explore five islands, observe marine life and corals while snorkeling in designated safe areas.
Visit natural caves and an iconic historical location during the tour.
Includes transportation via public bus from Puerto Vallarta’s old center to Mismaloya.
Tour not suitable for children under 8, individuals with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

About the Tour

This guided boat tour and snorkeling excursion provides visitors with a memorable experience exploring the natural beauty of the Los Arcos National Marine Park near Puerto Vallarta.

The 3-hour tour departs from the old center of Puerto Vallarta, takes a short bus ride to Mismaloya, and then boards a boat to visit five islands in the protected marine area.

The tour departs from Puerto Vallarta’s old center, takes a bus to Mismaloya, and then boards a boat to visit five islands in the protected marine area.

Guests have the opportunity to snorkel in designated safe zones and observe the diverse marine life and corals.

The tour also includes a visit to natural caves where birds nest and an iconic historical location before returning to Puerto Vallarta.

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Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a departure from the old center of Puerto Vallarta. Passengers take a 25-minute public bus ride to the seaside town of Mismaloya. Once there, they board a boat and explore five islands within the protected Los Arcos National Marine Park. Snorkeling is done in designated safe areas, allowing guests to observe the vibrant marine life and colorful corals. The tour also visits natural caves where birds nest, providing the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna. Before returning to Puerto Vallarta, the group makes an iconic historical location visit.

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What to Expect

Guests can expect a thrilling boat tour and snorkeling experience in the captivating Los Arcos National Marine Park.

The three-hour excursion departs from Puerto Vallarta’s old town, traveling by public bus to Mismaloya. Once aboard the boat, visitors will explore five islands and snorkel in designated safe areas, observing marine life and colorful corals.

The tour also includes a visit to natural caves where birds nest, as well as an iconic historical location. Guides provide informative commentary in English and Spanish throughout the journey.

Participants should bring essentials like towels, sunscreen, and water.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a guide, bus ticket, boat trip, snorkeling gear, life vest, and hotel pickup and drop-off. However, the package excludes food and drinks. Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old, individuals with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

| Inclusions | Exclusions | Suitability |

| — | — | — |

| Guide | Food and drinks | Not suitable for: |

| Bus ticket | | Children under 8 years |

| Boat trip | | Individuals with mobility impairments |

| Snorkeling gear | | Wheelchair users |

| Life vest | | |

| Hotel pickup and drop-off | | |

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Additional Information

Although the tour is suitable for most participants, certain restrictions apply. The activity isn’t recommended for children under 8 years old, individuals with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

The tour has certain restrictions and isn’t recommended for children under 8, individuals with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

Here are 3 additional details to consider:

Wear comfortable, water-friendly clothing and appropriate footwear for getting in and out of the boat.
Bring your own snacks and drinks, as they aren’t included in the tour price.
Arrive at the meeting point on time, as the boat schedule is strict and can’t wait for late arrivals.

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Customer Reviews

Many travellers were delighted with their Puerto Vallarta boat tour and snorkeling experience, praising the knowledgeable and engaging guides. The tours received an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 200 reviews. Notably, the guide rating was exceptionally high at 4.9, with guests highlighting the expertise and enthusiasm of guides like Sebastián and Andres. The transportation and value for money were also praised, though a few noted room for improvement. The immersive snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and historical elements combined to create a memorable tour for most visitors.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.7 |

| Guide | 4.9 |

| Transportation | 4.2 |

| Value | 4.6 |

| No. of Reviews | 200+ |

Preparing for the Tour

When getting ready for the Los Arcos Islands boat tour and snorkeling adventure, there are a few key items to have on hand.

First, pack a towel to dry off after snorkeling.

Second, don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

And third, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the 3-hour excursion.

With these essentials in tow, you’ll be well-prepared to fully learn about the natural beauty and marine life of this protected national park.

The tour company provides the necessary snorkeling gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

Getting to the Tour Meeting Point

To get to the tour meeting point, visitors can take a public bus from the old center of Puerto Vallarta. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and travels south to the town of Mismaloya.

Once there, you will board a boat to explore the five islands of Los Arcos National Marine Park. The tour operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off service, making the transportation convenient.

Visitors should arrive at the designated meeting point on time, as the boat tour departs promptly and may sell out. The tour guide will be there to welcome and assist participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment for the tour. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but you’re welcome to use your own if you prefer. This can provide more comfort and familiarity during the snorkeling experience.

Is This Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old. The itinerary involves activities like boat trips and snorkeling that may not be appropriate or safe for young kids. The tour is better suited for older children and adults.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s average group size isn’t provided, but it’s likely a small to medium-sized group given the boat capacity and nature of the activities. Tour operators generally aim for an optimal group size for a personalized experience.

How Long Does the Boat Ride Typically Last?

The boat ride typically lasts around 45 minutes each way, for a total of 1.5 hours on the water. This gives participants ample time to explore the islands and snorkel at the protected marine park.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring on the Boat?

The tour allows passengers to bring essentials like towels, sunscreen, and water. However, it’s not suitable for bringing food or drinks, as these are not included in the tour. Visitors should also avoid bringing items that could be unsafe or disrupt the boat trip.

The Sum Up

The Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore Puerto Vallarta’s stunning natural beauty. With guided snorkeling, informative commentary, and a scenic boat ride, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to appreciate the region’s marine life, this excursion is a must-do activity for your Puerto Vallarta visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: