In short
- Guided tours cost from $40 to $80 USD and usually include gear.
- Private water taxis (pangas) cost $15 to $30 USD from Mismaloya.
- A small park conservation fee is required for all visitors.
In this article
- Should I book a guided snorkeling tour or hire a water taxi?
- What does a Los Arcos snorkeling tour include?
- How much does a snorkeling trip to Los Arcos cost?
- Where do snorkeling tours to Los Arcos depart from?
- What should I bring on a Los Arcos snorkeling tour?
- Why choose a private panga from Mismaloya?
Choosing how to visit the marine park depends on your budget and schedule. Guided trips handle the logistics from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Independent travel requires more planning but offers a faster route to the water.
Should I book a guided snorkeling tour or hire a water taxi?
Book a guided tour if you need gear and want an all-inclusive trip. Hire a water taxi if you prefer a short, private visit.
Guided tours take three to four hours round trip. Most include masks, fins, drinks, and the park fee. Local water taxis, known as pangas, leave from Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán. They reach the park in 10 to 15 minutes.
What does a Los Arcos snorkeling tour include?
Most tours include boat transport, snorkel gear, a guide, and the marine park fee.
Larger boat and catamaran tours often provide drinks and snacks. You must wear a life jacket while swimming from tour boats. Review your specific booking to see if the small conservation fee is covered.
How much does a snorkeling trip to Los Arcos cost?
Guided tours range from $40 to $80 USD per person.
Private boat trips from Puerto Vallarta start around $168 USD. Basic water taxis cost $15 to $30 USD per boat. Tour prices vary by platform and season.
Where do snorkeling tours to Los Arcos depart from?
Full guided tours usually leave from the Puerto Vallarta Marina or Los Muertos Pier.
Smaller boats and water taxis leave from Mismaloya beach. Mismaloya is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can take an orange local bus from downtown to Mismaloya for about $1 USD.
What should I bring on a Los Arcos snorkeling tour?
Bring swimwear, a quick-dry towel, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Regular sunscreen damages the marine ecosystem. Pack a dry bag for your phone and cash for tips or dock fees. If your tour does not include gear, bring your own mask and fins.
Why choose a private panga from Mismaloya?
A panga gives you direct access and a flexible schedule.
You skip the long boat ride from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The trip from Mismaloya takes just 10 to 15 minutes. You must negotiate the $15 to $30 USD fare directly with the captain.
Questions travellers ask
Do I have to wear a life jacket at Los Arcos?
Yes, life jackets are mandatory when snorkeling or swimming from tour boats.
How long is a guided snorkeling tour to Los Arcos?
Guided boat tours from Puerto Vallarta usually take three to four hours round trip.
Is the marine park fee included in tour prices?
The small conservation fee is usually included in guided tours, but check your specific booking.
