4.7 (1.4 k) · Puerto Vallarta · By Vallartanaturetrips ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Join a small group, with a maximum of 12 participants, to explore the 5 Islands of Los Arcos, a protected national park.
Your experienced guide will share insights into the local wildlife, flora, and history of the region. You'll even have the chance to venture into some of the caves!
Following this, we'll head to a prime snorkeling spot in the bay, offering a close-up view of the vibrant marine life.
Are you ready for an intimate and personalized adventure in a friendly atmosphere?
✓ Bus fare is covered.✓ A life vest will be provided.✓ Snorkeling equipment is available for use.✓ Entrance permits for the National Park are included.✓ Enjoy a scenic boat ride.✕ Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is not included.Activity Itinerary
3 h 30
We will gather in the historic center of Puerto Vallarta before taking a public bus to Mismaloya, a charming town located 25 minutes south of Vallarta.
Upon reaching the beach, we will board our boat to commence our expedition to Los Arcos, a collection of 5 striking islands within a protected natural area and a haven for diverse bird species!
While exploring the caves, you will gain knowledge about the natural reserve's fauna, including the wide array of birds that make their nests on these islands.
Subsequently, the captain will navigate us to a secure and unique location perfect for snorkeling, where you can discover the rich variety of marine life inhabiting the coral reefs.
Before we make our way back to Vallarta, we will visit a historically significant landmark of the city.
*Please note that water visibility and currents can fluctuate on certain days, potentially impacting the number of fish observed.
**The minimum age for participation is 5 years, and the maximum is 70 years.
***For cruise ship passengers: kindly be aware of potential time differences between LOCAL time and BOAT time!
Los Arcos de Mismaloya Playa Mismaloya
Your mobile or paper ticket will be accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please meet on the sidewalk directly in front of the OXXO store and the buses.
Do not go to the tour shop located next to the bus stop, as it is a different company!
Kindly wait for your guide and refrain from boarding the bus independently.
If you are staying south of Vallarta and prefer to meet directly in Mismaloya, please send us a message!
Cruise ship passengers: please remember that LOCAL time may differ from boat time.
Please meet on the sidewalk directly in front of the OXXO store and the buses.
Do not go to the tour shop located next to the bus stop, as it is a different company!
Kindly wait for your guide and refrain from boarding the bus independently.
If you are staying south of Vallarta and prefer to meet directly in Mismaloya, please send us a message!
Cruise ship passengers: please remember that LOCAL time may differ from boat time.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted on this tour. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This activity is not advised for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. The tour is suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels. The minimum age is 5 years, and the maximum age is 70 years. If you are staying south of Vallarta and wish to proceed directly to Mismaloya, please inform us! Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos
Bring sunscreen and a hat. Wear comfortable clothing and swimwear. Consider bringing a waterproof camera. Be aware of the time difference for cruise ship passengers. Inform the provider if you wish to meet directly in Mismaloya. To receive a full refund, please ensure you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 393936P1
Activity offered by Vallartanaturetrips via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Snorkeling lovers Families with children (ages 5-70) Travelers seeking small-group tours Explore the stunning Los Arcos National Park. Discover diverse birdlife and marine creatures. Guided tour with insights into local nature and history. Snorkeling in a prime bay location. Intimate small-group experience.
Population 224,166 (2020)
Elevation 101 m
Currency peso
Official languages Spanish, Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 127 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Mexico City Average temperatures 20° Jan 20° Feb 22° Mar 24° Apr 25° May 25° Jun 24° Jul 24° Aug 23° Sept 23° Oct 21° Nov 20° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the minimum and maximum age for this tour? + The minimum age is 5 years and the maximum age is 70 years.
Can cruise ship passengers join this tour? + Yes, but please be mindful of potential time differences between LOCAL time and BOAT time.
What should I do if I'm staying south of Vallarta? + You can arrange to meet directly in Mismaloya by sending a message to the provider.
Are there any health considerations for this tour? + This tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
★★★★★ Viator review
It was such a great...
Morgan_M, October 2026
It was such a great experience! Highly recommend if you’re in Puerto Vallarta! Sebastian was a great guide.
★★★★★ Viator review
Our guide, Andres, made...
Monica_W, October 2026
Our guide, Andres, made everything run smoothly and led a fantastic adventure! An easy bus ride, an informative boat tour of the islands and then a refreshing dip in the ocean to snorkel with the beautiful fish! The beach restaurant afterwards was great as well! Very good value!
★★★★★ Viator review
Long bus ride, beautiful fish in warm water
Brian_G, October 2026
Guillermo was a great guide, and though the tour had to be cut slightly short because of a rainstorm, we enjoyed the snorkeling tour. On the downside it is a fairly long bus ride on a crowded city bus from the pickup point to Mismaloya Beach where the actual snorkeling tour begins. The facilities for changing and the restroom accommodations were minimal but effective. Because the warm water had so many types of colorful fish when we were snorkeling, overall the tour was worthwhile.
★★★★★ Viator review
Outstanding tour for a visiting tourist
Matthew_S, October 2026
This is a great tour! Sebastian and Juan Carlos were our guides and did a wonderful job meeting us, guiding us from start to finish, and most of all making sure we had a great time! We will look for them for future tours. Thank you!
Response from the operator · Karol P We love knowing you felt so well taken care of! Our goal is to make everything easy from the moment you arrive, so you can leave the logistics to us and focus on enjoying the adventure. Sebastian and Juan Carlos will be so happy to know they made your experience special. We’d love to welcome you back for another one!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
5 islands and wavy ocean
Alexshcheg, September 2026
Overall, the experience was about what we expected. Our guide, Sebastian, was friendly and pleasant. We met him at a bus stop, took about a 20-minute bus ride, walked to the boat, and then took a boat trip to the islands.
The islands were beautiful, and we enjoyed hearing some of the local stories and taking photos. The snorkeling, however, was a bit disappointing. The water was quite wavy, visibility wasn’t great, and we didn’t see many fish. Also, there were problems with the shower and we didn’t have a chance to wash off salty water.
Overall, it was a nice experience to see the islands on a beautiful day, but the snorkeling was not a highlight and showers were not functional.
Response from the operator · Karol P Thank you for sharing your feedback and spending the day with Sebastian! We are glad you enjoyed the islands views. Weather factors across Mexico late this August temporarily caused unusually rough water and reduced visibility, but our marine life is usually thriving and vibrant. We also regret the issue with the showers. We appreciate your helpful note and hope you enjoyed your time in Vallarta!
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