SUP through sea arches is the whole point. This Mismaloya outing takes you into the Los Arcos National Marine Park, using a stand-up paddleboard and then adding water time for swimming and snorkeling. If you like nature you can reach with your own hands (and paddle stroke), this is a great fit.

What I like most is the mix of views and action: you’ll paddle through the natural stone arches while birds and marine animals are part of the scene. I also really appreciate the small group setup (max 6), and the guide’s focus on keeping things smooth on the water, including helping with photos as you go.

One thing to consider: this is time out on the ocean. If you get seasick, take precautions before you go, and skip this if you’re pregnant (it’s not suitable for pregnant women).

Key highlights you’ll feel on the water

• Los Arcos arches by SUP on an ocean route of about 5 kilometers
• 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at a spot equipped for it
• Stone-reef snorkeling with mask and snorkel included
• Small group (up to 6 people) for a calmer experience on the water
• Life vest and leash provided, plus a safety lesson before you paddle
• Kayaking included for additional guided water time and scenic views

Why Los Arcos works so well for SUP and snorkeling

Los Arcos National Marine Park is the kind of place where the scenery isn’t just something you look at from shore. You get a front-row seat as you move through the bay’s rocky shapes, with birds overhead and marine life around you when conditions cooperate.

I like that this isn’t a long, slow sightseeing boat day. It’s active, but still guided and paced—so you’re not spending your whole trip just figuring out what to do next. You’ll also get a real break from paddling with a dedicated swim/snorkel window.

And yes, the arches are the headline. When you’re standing on a SUP and steering through natural stone openings, it feels like you’re navigating a real-life postcard.

Getting started at Mismaloya: safety, gear, and first paddle basics

You meet at Mismaloya Beach. Before you head out, you’ll do a safety and equipment class for about 25 minutes, which matters more than most people think. When you’re out on water, the right setup (and basic rules) helps you relax instead of fight the board.

You’ll get the equipment you need to start:

• SUP equipment
• a safe vest and leash

You’ll also be told how to use the gear and what to expect. If you show up ready in your swimwear and with sunscreen on, you’ll lose less time waiting around and more time enjoying the water.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Ocean time is still sun time, even if you’re in “just out there for a couple hours” mode.

One practical tip: the operator says you can leave personal belongings on their truck. That means you’re not trying to juggle phone and wallet on the beach while the group is getting gear assigned.

The SUP route through the Los Arcos stone arches

Once you’re set, you’ll head out for a journey of approximately 5 kilometers on your SUP. This is the core of the experience: paddling through the arches of the national park while your guide helps you spot birds and marine animals.

What makes this section especially fun is the change in sensation compared to a boat ride. Standing and paddling means you control your pace, and you can react to what you see—like a bird flying low over the water or a change in current around a rock formation.

Also, this kind of route rewards calm water. If the bay is behaving that day, it feels smooth and scenic. If you’re new to SUP, the leash and vest help you feel secure while you get used to balancing.

In an earlier early departure, a whale swam right toward the group while people were out there. You can’t count on that every time, but it’s a good reminder that the bay can hold real wildlife surprises.

Kayaking and a short photo stop: keeping momentum without rushing you

Inside the Los Arcos area, you’ll have additional guided time that includes kayaking (the schedule includes a 40-minute guided/kayak segment, plus another shorter guided/kayak stretch later). This gives you variety, breaks up the paddling effort, and keeps you moving through the park at a pace set by your guide.

There’s also a short photo stop (about 5 minutes). Don’t treat it like a photo “bonus”; treat it like a reset. When you’re dealing with water conditions, a few minutes to pause, look, and frame your shots can be the difference between blurry chaos and a decent memory.

And if you care about photos: the guide’s attention to taking pictures came up as a standout detail in the experience. If you want fewer selfies and more actual moments, this helps.

The snorkel break: 30 minutes in a stone-reef zone

After the first main water segment and a couple of scenic moments, you’ll get about 30 minutes to rest, swim, and snorkel in an area equipped for it. This is where the trip shifts from “paddle and look” to “get in the water and see.”

Snorkeling gear is included: you get a mask and snorkel. The tour does not include fins, though. If you like a stronger kick or plan to stay under longer, you’ll want to bring your own fins or arrange them elsewhere.

The snorkeling is described as happening over a stone reef. That’s useful context. Reefs often mean you’ll want to snorkel carefully and follow your guide’s direction on where to float and when to kick.

Real talk: 30 minutes goes fast once you’re breathing calmly and trying to spot details under the surface. If you’re new to snorkeling, use this time to get comfortable first, then spend the last part looking for fish and reef texture.

Coming back to Mismaloya: finish strong, not exhausted

After your swim/snorkel break, you’ll return toward the starting point. The plan includes another guided section with kayaking and scenic views on the way (about 25 minutes), then you arrive back at Mismaloya Beach.

This structure is nice because you’re not forced into “all effort, no recovery.” The middle break keeps the second half enjoyable, even if you were working a bit during the SUP portion.

Total duration is listed as 2.5 hours, so you’re looking at a compact adventure. That’s a win in Puerto Vallarta, where you often have a dozen other things on your day.

Price and value: what $64 buys you in the real world

The price is $64 per person for a 2.5-hour small-group experience that includes:

• SUP equipment
• snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
• safe vest and leash
• guided water time (SUP and kayaking)
• a swim/snorkel window of about 30 minutes

What you’re paying for here is mostly time on the water with gear and guidance. Because the group is limited to 6 participants, you get more personal attention than on bigger tours. That matters for learning comfort, safety, and how quickly you can ask questions.

The extras to know about: hotel pickup is not included, fins aren’t included, and underwater shots aren’t included. If you plan to snorkel comfortably for longer, you’ll likely want fins. And if you care about photos underwater, you should know that the tour doesn’t mention providing underwater shots as part of the package.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want an active nature experience without needing advanced skills. You’ll get a safety briefing, a leash and vest, and guided movement through the park.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer smaller groups. With a max of 6, the bay feels less like a traffic jam and more like a shared outing with room to breathe.

Skip it if you’re pregnant (not suitable). And be cautious if you tend to get seasick—because you’re out on the ocean, and you’ll want to be comfortable enough to enjoy the paddling and snorkeling without feeling miserable.

If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels, this format can still work, since the guide sets the pace and you’re not doing this solo.

What to bring (so you don’t waste trip time)

Keep it simple and ocean-ready:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen

Add practical thinking about snorkeling: fins are not included. If you already have fins you like, bring them. If you don’t, at least be prepared for snorkeling to feel a bit more “arm-based” without them.

And dress for the water. The trip is short, so if you arrive in dry street clothes you’ll burn time changing before you even start enjoying the bay.

Should you book the Mismaloya SUP and snorkeling to Los Arcos?

I’d book this if you want a guided, small-group day that mixes SUP through the Los Arcos arches with a real swim-and-snorkel break. The value is strongest when you care about time on the water, want included gear, and like the idea of wildlife and birds being part of the scenery.

I’d hesitate if you have strong motion sickness tendencies, because the tour is out on the ocean. Also, don’t assume hotel pickup—get yourself to Mismaloya Beach.

If you like options that feel hands-on (paddle, look, steer, then snorkel), this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Mismaloya Beach.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is about 2.5 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

You get SUP equipment, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), and a safe vest and leash.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pick up is not included.

Do I need to bring fins for snorkeling?

Fins are not included, so you may want to bring your own if you plan to snorkel comfortably.

How long is the swimming and snorkeling time?

You’ll have about 30 minutes to rest, swim, and snorkel.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks French, English, and Spanish.