Los Arcos Marine Park from the Puerto Vallarta cruise port

Snorkelingby tour boat, or 30-40 by car to the Mismaloya departure beach3-4 hoursFits a typical call

Five granite islets, three of them forming natural arches, rise 5-50 m from the sea off Mismaloya, about 12 km south of the city. They have been a protected marine park since 1984, with tunnels, caves and reefs that are good for snorkelling and diving, and the rocks are a seabird breeding ground.

Getting there from the ship

From
Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal
Travel time
By tour boat, or 30-40 by car to the Mismaloya departure beach
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Puerto Vallarta taxi fares.
Cost
Boat and snorkel tours about US$48-65 per person with gear and guide (2026). Paddleboard and snorkel tour from Mismaloya Beach from US$64.90, about 3 hours.
Time to allow
3-4 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Puerto Vallarta call you have up to 5 h 50 min at Los Arcos Marine Park, enough for a visit (allow 3-4 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    9:00 am · At Los Arcos Marine Park
    By tour boat, or 30-40 by car to the Mismaloya departure beach from Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal.
  3. 3
    2:50 pm · Leave Los Arcos Marine Park by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    4:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Puerto Vallarta; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Book a tour that returns to the port or confirm the drop-off point. If it ends at Mismaloya, allow 30-40 minutes for the drive back to the terminal. Morning trips usually have calmer water.

Puerto Vallarta cruise port: Los Arcos Marine Park FAQ

How far is Los Arcos Marine Park from the Puerto Vallarta cruise port?

From Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal it is by tour boat, or 30-40 by car to the Mismaloya departure beach.

How much does it cost to visit Los Arcos Marine Park?

Boat and snorkel tours about US$48-65 per person with gear and guide (2026). Paddleboard and snorkel tour from Mismaloya Beach from US$64.90, about 3 hours.

How much time do you need at Los Arcos Marine Park?

Allow 3-4 hours. Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Puerto Vallarta call you have up to 5 h 50 min at Los Arcos Marine Park, enough for a visit (allow 3-4 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.

Can you visit Los Arcos Marine Park on your own from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is easy to do on your own: it is by tour boat, or 30-40 by car to the Mismaloya departure beach from Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal. Book a tour that returns to the port or confirm the drop-off point. If it ends at Mismaloya, allow 30-40 minutes for the drive back to the terminal. Morning trips usually have calmer water.

Tours that go to Los Arcos Marine Park

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Los Arcos Marine Park

All 12 places
  • Mismaloya · Beach · 30-40 minutes by taxi from the pier · 1.7 km from Los Arcos Marine Park
  • Las Ánimas Beach · Beach · 15-25 minutes by taxi to Los Muertos pier, then about 25 by water taxi from the pier · 7.3 km from Los Arcos Marine Park
  • Los Muertos Beach · Beach · 15-25 minutes by taxi from the pier · 7.8 km from Los Arcos Marine Park
  • Isla Cuale · Town & walking · 15-25 minutes by taxi from the pier · 8.8 km from Los Arcos Marine Park