Los Arcos National Marine Park is a group of small granite islands and sea stacks in Banderas Bay, just offshore between Las Gemelas beach and Mismaloya, a short boat ride south of Puerto Vallarta. The park is protected, and the rock itself is the draw: natural arches, tunnels and sea caves carved into the granite give it its name, and the largest formation, with a hole worn through its base, is one of the most photographed sights on the southern coast. Below the surface the water is usually clear and sheltered, with coral outcrops, schools of tropical fish, rays, octopus and the occasional turtle, which is why it is the standard first snorkeling and diving site for visitors staying in town. Seabirds roost on the upper rocks, and a boat approaching in the morning often sends a flock into the air. Fishing and anchoring are restricted inside the park, and operators work within those rules, so visits are brief and low-impact by design. The tour we link is a boat and snorkel outing to the islands of Los Arcos, and it suits anyone who wants a gentle introduction to the bay's marine life without committing to a full day on a big cruise.
Getting there and timing
Most boats leave from Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán or the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, and some trips collect guests from hotels in the Zona Romántica. The crossing is short, so a visit fits into a morning and leaves the afternoon free. Visibility and calm are usually best early, before the afternoon breeze builds and the other boats arrive, and the dry months from roughly November to May tend to give the clearest water.
During the summer rains, runoff can cloud the sea for a few days, so ask the operator about conditions before you commit to a date.
In the water
Snorkelers drift over rocky reefs and along the base of the arches. Look for parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish, cornetfish and clownfish, and watch the sandy patches for rays. The sea is generally gentle, but there can be a light current around the rocks, so a life vest is sensible for less confident swimmers, and certified divers can arrange dives through local dive shops.
The rule inside the park is look but do not touch: never stand on or hold coral, do not feed the fish, and wear a rash guard or reef-safe sunscreen, because ordinary sunscreen harms reefs. Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds on the rocks as well.
Making a day of it
Many operators pair the park with a stop at a quiet beach near Mismaloya, and some run evening outings to the same islands, which are a different experience from a daytime snorkel. The trip combines naturally with a jungle waterfall hike in the Mismaloya hills, or with a slow afternoon of tacos and beach time in the Zona Romántica. Bring a towel, a hat, a waterproof phone pouch and a little cash for any small park or port fee that is not covered by your ticket, and confirm the start time with the operator, since departures shift with the weather and sea conditions.
What to expect
The experience
A short boat trip from the Mismaloya coast to the granite islets of Los Arcos, with time to snorkel over reefs and look at the arches and caves from the water.
Best time
Morning departures, when the water is calmest and clearest; the dry season from about November to May is usually best.
How long
Roughly three hours on the water for a typical snorkel outing, plus transfer time from your hotel.
Tips
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, use reef-safe sunscreen, bring a towel and cash for small fees, and never touch the coral.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time snorkelers and anyone who wants clear water and dramatic rock formations close to town.
- Families
- A good choice for kids who are comfortable in a life vest; ask the operator about minimum ages.
- Couples
- A relaxed morning swim among the arches, easily followed by a long lunch on the beach.
- Pair with
- A Mismaloya waterfall hike, a Zona Romántica lunch or a Malecón sunset walk.
- Time needed
- A morning, about three hours plus transfers.
Good questions
What is Los Arcos?+
A protected national marine park made up of small granite islands and sea stacks with arches, tunnels and caves, located just offshore near Mismaloya.
What can I see snorkeling there?+
Tropical reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish and pufferfish, plus rays, octopus and occasionally turtles, depending on the day and the season.
Can I walk or swim out to the islands?+
No. The islands sit offshore and are reached by boat, and anchoring and fishing are restricted to protect the reefs.
When is the water clearest?+
Usually in the mornings and during the dry months from about November to May. Heavy summer rain can reduce visibility for a few days.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+
You should be comfortable in open water, but life vests are widely available and the sea inside the park is generally calm.
