Snorkeling at Los Arcos 5 islands Hidden Beach and Cliff Jumping

Three things in one bay: fish, rocks, shade. The mix is what pulls me in: Los Arcos snorkeling at arches and caves, a first stop for cliff jumping, and then a calmer swim at a beach you can only reach by boat. It starts with an easy pickup setup around Puerto Vallarta, including the OXXO by the cruise terminal.

What I like most is the way this feels built for a half-day that moves at a good pace without rushing. You get snorkeling gear, an English-speaking guide, and even bottled water plus soft drinks and beer, so you’re not hunting for basics once you’re on the water.

One thing to keep in mind: Los Arcos is popular, so you may share the snorkeling area with other tour boats, and the cliff-jumping stop involves a climb up before you can jump. If you’re not feeling steady on uneven rocks, skip the jump and just enjoy the views and swimming.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Small group size (max 15) means you get more personal attention in the water
• Cliff jumping near the Night of the Iguana film set brings the adrenaline early, with safety-focused guidance
• Los Arcos Marine Geological Sanctuary snorkeling includes arches, caves, and lots of fish
• A hidden beach only accessible by boat gives you time to relax and sunbathe
• Rinse-off area, bathrooms, and changing space at Mismaloya make the return feel easy
• Price includes gear, guide, and fees, plus bottled water, soft drinks, and beer

How This 3.5-Hour Los Arcos Adventure Plays in Real Life

This tour is built like a good snack bar: three stops, each doing one job well. You’ll go from adrenaline to snorkeling to downtime, all within about 3 hours 30 minutes total. That timing matters in Puerto Vallarta, where weather and ocean mood can change fast, and you want your time on the water to count.

The day’s flow also helps you pace yourself. The first action—cliff jumping—happens before snorkeling, so you’re still warm and energized. Then you switch to slower focus while you float around Los Arcos’ arches and caves, and you end with a calmer beach where swimming is more optional and you can just hang.

If you’re booking this as a cruise passenger or you’ve only got one afternoon in town, this format is handy. It’s long enough to feel like you left the dock, but short enough that you usually don’t lose the rest of your day.

The Easiest Start: OXXO Pickup Near the Cruise Terminal

Your meeting point that stands out is the OXXO near the Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal, listed at OXXO Ingreso a Soriana, Calle Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2749, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333. The tour also offers three meeting point options, so if you’re staying elsewhere, your confirmation should point you to the closest one.

I like that this isn’t a mystery meet. It’s tied to a recognizable store, and you’re given a mobile ticket, so you can usually get oriented quickly. The tour then rides you to Playa Mismaloya, which is where the boat part begins.

Practical tip: arrive a few minutes early and keep your phone charged for the mobile ticket. Even on a short tour, nothing is more annoying than standing around with a nearly-dead battery while everyone else boards.

First Stop: Safe Cliff Jumping by the Night of the Iguana Set

The cliff-jumping segment is the adrenaline opener. It’s set at a scenic spot near the famous Night of the Iguana film set, which adds a fun sense of place while you’re getting ready to jump. You can choose to do a smaller jump—often described as around a 15-foot option—or go higher if you’re feeling brave.

The big value here isn’t just the jump. It’s the fact that you get safety-focused guidance for what can be a tricky situation: a climb, a ledge, and timing your entry into the water. One of the most common practical takeaways from real-world experiences is that the climb can be steep and tiring, especially if you’re carrying a heavy bag or you’re not used to scrambling on rocks.

My advice: treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure. If you want the thrill, go for it. If you’d rather skip jumping, you’ll still get time at the location and can enjoy the water and views while the stronger swimmers jump in.

Los Arcos Snorkeling: Arches, Caves, and a Fish-Heavy Stop

This is the main reason most people book the tour. Once you reach the snorkeling area at the Los Arcos Marine Geological Sanctuary, you’ll swim around arches and caves where tropical fish hang out.

The snorkeling part is designed for a range of comfort levels, but it’s still a real ocean activity. You’ll want to be comfortable using your snorkel gear and floating without panic if you lose your first point of reference. If visibility isn’t perfect, it can still be worth it—fish don’t disappear just because the water is a little cloudy.

One thing I appreciate about this kind of site is how it gives you variety without changing locations every five minutes. You can swim toward the shape of the arch, pause, and let yourself drift while you watch fish dart in and out. When the water cooperates, you’re not just seeing a coral patch—you’re seeing the geology up close.

Also, expect it to be active. Los Arcos is one of the most well-known snorkeling areas in the bay, so you may see other boats in the same general area. The trick is to follow your guide’s pace and stay aware of where your group is headed so you’re not trying to figure everything out on your own.

A Boat-Only Hidden Beach for Swimming and Sunbathing

After snorkeling, the tour slows down in a good way. You head to a hidden beach only accessible by boat, which means fewer people onshore than you’d find in the main areas. This is where you can swim, sunbathe, and just enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline without a constant schedule of jumping back and forth on the deck.

This stop is also a mental reset. Cliff jumping gets your heart rate up. Snorkeling gets your eyes busy. Then the hidden beach gives you permission to do the simpler stuff: stretch out, float, take photos, and let the day come to you.

If you’re traveling with people who aren’t as excited about snorkeling, this beach stop can balance things out. Even if someone skips snorkeling, they can still enjoy the calmer swim and relaxing time.

What’s Included in the $44 Price (and What That Means for Value)

For $44 per person, you’re getting a lot of the stuff that usually adds up in Mexico sea tours.

Included basics:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you’re not paying to rent gear)
• Bottled water, soft drink, and beer (so you can stay hydrated without extra stops)
• All fees and taxes
• English-speaking tour guides
• Help and information before and after the tour
• Return transportation to your original meeting point

That blend is the real value. You’re not just buying access to water—you’re buying organization, gear, and drinks. For many people, the hidden cost in other excursions is the extras you forget until you’re already on the beach (gear rental, drinks, restroom logistics, transfers). This one handles those.

What’s not included: WiFi on board. So plan to take photos and enjoy the moment rather than expecting to stream anything from the boat.

Guide Energy and Group Size: Why It Feels Manageable

This tour caps at 15 travelers, which makes a real difference. In smaller groups, guides can keep eyes on everyone’s comfort level, and you spend less time waiting around for the next step.

Guides also matter more than people expect. Several guides have been named in experiences with this operator, including Ivan, Alfonso, Sebastian, Brian, Kevin, and Jason. The common thread is that they focus on making the day clear and easy to follow, especially when you’re switching from boat to water to beach.

And yes, motion sickness can happen. One traveler noted getting seasick on the return ride, which didn’t ruin the overall trip. If you’re sensitive to waves, bring whatever you normally use for motion sickness and keep your expectations flexible. The sea can be calmer one day and rougher the next.

Timing Tips: When to Take Photos and When to Just Float

Because the stops are sequenced—jump first, snorkel second, relax third—timing affects how good the pictures look and how tired you feel.

• For photos: get your wide shots early at the cliff-jumping area, before you’re fully wet and sandy from the beach.
• For snorkeling: focus on the arches and caves first, then let yourself slow down once you feel confident.
• For the hidden beach: treat it like your reward. It’s often the easiest place to relax, so don’t rush through it.

Also, if you know you’ll be climbing back up or putting on gear, bring a small bag strategy. Keep essentials together so you’re not digging around in a pocket while everyone else is ready to move.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This experience fits people who want a real water day with variety: adrenaline plus snorkeling plus beach time. It’s also a good match if you like straightforward instructions and a guide-led flow.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You’re comfortable in the ocean for snorkeling
• You want to do something more active than a simple beach outing
• You like the idea of a small-group tour and clear timing
• You’re traveling as a couple, family, or small group and want one organized activity that covers multiple moods

If you’re mainly looking for a peaceful, no-activity cruise-style experience, cliff jumping may feel like the wrong starting point. You can still enjoy the beach and the water portion, but this tour’s energy is built around that opening adrenaline moment.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this Los Arcos + cliff jumping tour if you want a high-value half-day on the bay that handles the key details for you: pickup, gear, guides, drinks, and a boat-only beach finish. The snorkeling at Los Arcos is the headline, but the hidden beach makes it feel complete rather than rushed.

I’d think twice if you don’t like crowds in popular snorkeling zones or if you’re not comfortable with physical stairs and climbs. In that case, you might still enjoy the water and beach portions, but you’ll want to go in with the right expectations.

If you want one organized way to see Puerto Vallarta’s best-known marine scenery without overplanning your day, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does this Los Arcos tour run?

You can choose either a 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM departure. The total duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

One listed meeting point is an OXXO near the Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal, at OXXO Ingreso a Soriana/ Calle Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2749, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333. The tour also has three meeting point locations, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks or food are included?

The tour includes bottled water, a soft drink, and beer.

Is pickup and return transportation included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and after the activity you’ll have return transportation back to your original meeting point.

What happens if weather conditions aren’t good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation policies are based on the experience’s local start time.