Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos 5 Islands & Sea Cave Snorkeling

5.0 (138 reviews)2 h–3 hPuerto VallartaAdventureWildlife & natureFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 12:14 pm, 4 h 16 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 3 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 2 h–3 h; we plan for 3 h. Latest sensible start: 12:03 pm.
  4. 11:47 am
    Tour ends27 min back to the pier
  5. 12:14 pm
    Back at the gangway4 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 up to 3 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:47 am and be back at the gangway around 12:14 pm — 3 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 1:14 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 one of the shorter ones (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

Discover the stunning marine beauty of Puerto Vallarta on the Los Arcos 5 Islands Snorkeling and Boat Tour. Begin with a convenient pickup from the Pemex station, then set sail from Mismaloya, exploring the region's rich Hollywood history. Cruise past the iconic Night of the Iguana movie set and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. At Los Arcos Marine Park, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. This small-group tour combines scenic landscapes, local stories, and an unforgettable underwater adventure for an authentic experience of Mexico's natural wonders.

- Optional pickup available from Zona Romántica for convenience

- Explore the historic fishing village of Mismaloya before snorkeling

- Discover the marine sanctuary of Los Arcos with a local guide

- Perfect for both novice and experienced snorkelers, all gear included

Max 99 per group English, Spanish

What's included

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

Not included

  • WiFi on board

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Zona Romantica
    Meet your guide at the convenient Pemex gas station in Zona Romántica, where you'll board our transportation for the short scenic drive to Mismaloya Beach. You are also welcome to start this tour at Mismaloya Beach if you prefer.
    15 min
  2. 2
    Playa Mismaloya
    Upon arrival at Mismaloya Beach, meet your captain and board our comfortable panga. Before departure, you'll receive a brief safety orientation and get ready for your adventure on the bay.
    Pass by without stopping
  3. 3
    Bay of Banderas
    Cruise along the beautiful coastline while your local guide shares stories about Mismaloya, including the famous ruins from the filming of The Night of the Iguana. You'll also enjoy panoramic views of the lush Sierra Madre mountains before heading toward Los Arcos Marine Park.
    15 min
  4. 4
    Los Arcos de Mismaloya
    Arrive at the iconic Los Arcos, a protected marine sanctuary made up of five granite islands. Cruise around the entire formation as your guide points out sea caves, natural arches, nesting seabirds, and explains the area's history and ecology.
    45 min
  5. 5
    Los Arcos de Mismaloya
    Jump into the vibrant waters surrounding Los Arcos for a guided snorkeling experience. Explore colorful coral reefs, swim among tropical fish, and discover the underwater caves and rock formations that make this one of Puerto Vallarta's top snorkeling destinations. All snorkeling equipment is provided.
    1 h
  6. 6
    Playa Mismaloya
    After snorkeling, relax during the scenic boat ride back to Mismaloya Beach, where the tour concludes. You're welcome to stay and enjoy Mismaloya Beach after the tour. Taxis, the local bus stop, and parking are all conveniently located nearby, making it easy to continue your day or return to Puerto Vallarta.
    15 min

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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveler reviews

5.0
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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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