In short
- Take a guided boat tour for direct access and included gear.
- Ride the local orange bus to Mismaloya for about $1 USD.
- Hire a private water taxi from Mismaloya beach for $15 to $30 USD.
In this article
Your choice of transport depends on your schedule and budget. Guided tours leave directly from downtown Puerto Vallarta piers. Independent travelers must travel south to Mismaloya first, then hire a small boat to reach the islands.
Is a guided tour the best way to get to Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta?
Booking a guided boat tour is the most convenient option for most visitors.
Tours depart from the Puerto Vallarta Marina or Los Muertos Pier. The round trip takes 3 to 4 hours. Prices start from $40 to $80 USD. Note that prices change depending on the booking platform. These tours usually include snorkel gear, a guide, drinks, and the marine park fee.
Can I take the bus to Los Arcos?
You can take a bus to Mismaloya, where you will need to hire a boat.
The local orange bus departs from Basilio Badillo in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The ride south to Mismaloya takes 30 to 45 minutes. The fare is approximately $1 USD. This is the most budget-friendly way to reach the departure beaches.
How much is a taxi to Mismaloya?
A taxi or Uber from downtown Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya costs $10 to $20 USD.
Taking a car along Highway 200 south is the fastest overland route. The drive takes 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Once you reach Mismaloya, you must arrange a boat to enter the water.
How do I get a water taxi from Mismaloya to Los Arcos?
You can hire a local water taxi directly from Mismaloya beach.
These small boats, known locally as pangas, offer direct access for independent travelers. The boat ride to the islands takes 10 to 15 minutes. Prices range from $15 to $30 USD. You can also hire them from nearby Boca de Tomatlán.
Do I need to pay an entrance fee?
Yes, all visitors must pay a marine park conservation fee.
The mandatory fee is small (a few dollars). Guided tours usually include this cost in their ticket price. If you hire a private water taxi, you must pay this fee directly. Always carry cash in Mexican Pesos for fees and tips.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Los Arcos from downtown Puerto Vallarta?
The marine park is located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta in Banderas Bay.
How much is a water taxi from Mismaloya to Los Arcos?
A private water taxi from Mismaloya costs between $15 and $30 USD. The boat ride takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Can you visit Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta without a tour?
Yes. You can take a bus or taxi to Mismaloya beach. From there, you can hire a local water taxi to take you into the marine park.
