In short
- The mandatory fee is a few dollars per person.
- Most guided tours include this fee in the ticket price.
- Bring small peso bills for independent water taxi trips.
In this article
Visiting the protected granite islets requires a small payment. The Los Arcos marine park entrance fee goes directly toward preserving the coral reefs and marine life. You pay this fee either through your tour operator or at the departure dock.
How much is the Los Arcos marine park entrance fee?
The official conservation fee is a few dollars per person.
The Mexican government sets this mandatory charge for all visitors entering the protected marine zone. It applies whether you snorkel, dive, or just pass through on a boat. Children and adults pay the same rate.
Do guided tours include the entrance fee?
Most guided boat and snorkeling tours include the marine park fee in their total price.
When you book a catamaran or a small group tour from Puerto Vallarta, operators usually handle the permits for you. Check your booking details to confirm. If the fee is excluded, the crew will collect it in cash before departure.
How do I pay if I hire a private water taxi?
You must pay the fee in cash when departing from Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán.
Independent travelers hiring a local panga (water taxi) should bring small Mexican Peso bills. The boat captain or a park official at the dock will collect the fee. Keep your receipt or wristband if provided.
Are there other port or dock fees?
You may encounter a small port departure fee if leaving from the main Puerto Vallarta Marina.
This port fee is separate from the marine park conservation fee. Some specialized excursions, like certain scuba diving trips, exclude both the access fee and port fees from the base price. Read your tour exclusions carefully.
Which tours include the Los Arcos fees?
Inclusions vary by operator, so comparing tour details is essential.
Here is a breakdown of how common tour types handle the mandatory park fees.
Why is there a conservation fee?
The fee funds the protection of the sanctuary's coral reefs, caves, and marine animals.
Los Arcos became a National Marine Park in 1984. Collecting this fee helps enforce rules like the ban on fishing and the requirement for reef-safe sunscreen. It ensures the habitat remains safe for sea turtles, manta rays, and nesting birds.
Questions travellers ask
Is Los Arcos National Marine Park free to enter?
No. A mandatory marine park conservation fee of a few dollars applies to all visitors entering the protected area.
Can you visit Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta without a tour?
Yes. You can hire a local water taxi from Mismaloya beach for $15 to $30 USD. You will still need to pay the $3 USD conservation fee in cash.
What currency should I use to pay the fee?
You should use Mexican Pesos. Bring small bills to pay the fee exactly, as boat captains may not have change for large notes or USD.
