Los Arcos Half-Day Snorkeling & 6 Hidden Beaches Tour

5.0 (241 reviews)4 hPuerto VallartaWildlife & natureAdventureFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 1:14 pm, 3 h 16 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 2 h 16 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in Puerto Vallarta20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 27 min to the start point
  3. 8:47 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 4 h. Latest sensible start: 11:03 am.
  4. 12:47 pm
    Tour ends27 min back to the pier
  5. 1:14 pm
    Back at the gangway3 h 16 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical Puerto Vallarta call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 4 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:47 am and be back at the gangway around 1:14 pm — 2 h 16 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 2:14 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

The start point (Los Muertos Beach and pier (Zona Romántica)) is about 6.5 km from Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal (Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico), roughly 27 min by taxi each way — that travel time is already counted above.

Among the 400 Puerto Vallarta shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 4 h); 86% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Puerto Vallarta call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

The best half-day ocean adventure in Puerto Vallarta unveils the beauty of Los Arcos Marine Park, featuring five stunning islands and three enchanting sea caves. Snorkel alongside vibrant tropical fish and explore a marine sanctuary teeming with life. Following the underwater exploration, cruise past the breathtaking Boca de Tomatlán and venture along a secluded coastline, revealing hidden beaches and lush jungle cliffs. A stop at Colomitos, Mexico’s smallest beach, offers optional cliff jumping into crystalline waters. The journey concludes at Las Animas Beach, where time awaits for relaxation and savoring a complimentary appetizer while soaking in the stunning ocean views.

Max 99 per group English, Spanish

What's included

  • Soda/Pop
  • Bottled water
  • Public transportation
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment

Not included

  • WiFi on board

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Los Arcos de Mismaloya
    Our first destination is the world-famous Los Arcos Marine Park. Cruise around the spectacular rock formations while discovering: Thousands of nesting seabirds 5 iconic granite islands 3 impressive sea caves Incredible photo opportunities Unique natural arches and tunnels Your captain will share local knowledge and point out the park's most impressive features. Snorkel at Los Arcos Jump into the warm tropical waters of Los Arcos Marine Park and explore one of Puerto Vallarta's top snorkeling locations. Look for: Colorful tropical fish, Sea stars, Reef species, Underwater rock formations, Snorkeling equipment is included.
    1 h
  2. 2
    Playa Colomitos
    After snorkeling, we'll continue south past the massive cove of Boca de Tomatlán, where the mountains meet the sea and the remote southern coastline begins. This beautiful stretch of coastline is accessible only by boat or hiking trail. Visit Colomitos Beach & Optional Cliff Jumping Arrive at Colomitos, known as Mexico's smallest beach. Guests can: Swim in the tropical waters Capture amazing photos Relax on the beach Enjoy optional cliff jumping for an extra adrenaline rush
    1 h
  3. 3
    Drive-by
    Continue cruising along the spectacular southern coastline while discovering hidden beaches and secluded coves. Highlights include: Madagascar Beach Horse Beach Jungle-covered coastline Stunning coastal scenery This is the side of Puerto Vallarta that most visitors never get to experience.
    Pass by without stopping
  4. 4
    Playa Las Animas
    Our final destination is Las Animas Beach. Enjoy free time to: Relax on the beach Swim in the tropical waters Explore the shoreline Enjoy a drink by the ocean Purchase lunch at a beachfront restaurant if desired Receive a complimentary appetizer provided by Black Pearl Vallarta Take in the atmosphere and unwind before our return journey.
    2 h
  5. 5
    Bay of Banderas
    Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views of Banderas Bay as we cruise back toward Mismaloya. Keep an eye out for: Dolphins Seasonal humpback whales Seabirds Spectacular coastal views
    Pass by without stopping

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
For your convenience, guests staying in downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Romantic Zone can meet us at the Pemex Gas Station in Zona Romántica, directly in front of the OXXO convenience store.
For your convenience, guests staying in downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Romantic Zone can meet us at the Pemex Gas Station in Zona Romántica, directly in front of the OXXO convenience store.
From the cruise pier
About 27 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Ends at

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveler reviews

5.0
241 traveler reviews
5
98%
4
2%
3
0%
2
0%
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Read all 241 reviews

Operated by Black Pearl Vallarta. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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