No trip to Puerto Vallarta is complete without visiting Los Arcos Marine Park, one of the most famous landmarks and biodiverse spots in the Bay of Banderas.
Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or diving, Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best chances to experience marine life up close, including tropical fish, coral reefs, and maybe even a sea turtle if you’re lucky.
I’ve been kayaking around the granite rock formations, snorkeling through the shallow reefs, and diving into the deeper underwater caves, and every time, I’m reminded why this protected marine park is such a must-visit.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to visit Los Arcos National Marine Park, what to expect once you’re there, and the best ways to explore it, whether you want to hop on a tour, rent a kayak, or go diving with manta rays.
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Los Arcos Luxury Yacht & Snorkel Tour
✅ Luxury yacht with an open bar
✅ Snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park
✅ Enjoy paddleboarding, swimming, and relaxing on deck
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✅ Dive through underwater caves, tunnels, and coral reefs
✅ Small-group experience with expert PADI-certified instructors
✅ Suitable for both certified divers and beginners
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Private Stand Up Paddle at Los Arcos
✅ Paddleboard from Mismaloya to Los Arcos with expert local guides
✅ Combine SUP and snorkeling
✅ Private tour, exclusively for your party
What is Los Arcos National Marine Park
Los Arcos Marine Park is a federally protected area just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, known for its dramatic granite rock formations rising straight out of the ocean, hence the name “the Arches”.
There are five islets here, with the three larger ones having interesting names.
The largest one is called Roca de Los Arcos (Rock of the Arches), while the other two are called Roca de la Tortuga (Turtle Rock) and Roca del Diablo (Rock of the Devil). Apparently, its shadow bears a resemblance to Bezelbub himself.
Once upon a time, these islets were part of the mainland. Mother Nature carved them over the years with the power of her waves into the arches we see today. Isn’t erosion neat?
But these small islets are more than just a pretty backdrop, they’re home to underwater tunnels, caves, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Designated as a national marine park, Los Arcos is famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving. The shallow reefs around the rocks are perfect for spotting colorful tropical fish, while the deeper areas attract divers to explore underwater arches and steep walls.
Above the surface, it’s also a popular spot for birdwatching. Because of its ecological importance, fishing and touching marine life are prohibited here, making it one of the best-preserved marine ecosystems in Puerto Vallarta.
Where is Los Arcos Marine Park?
Los Arcos Marine Park is located just south of Puerto Vallarta, between the beach towns of Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán. You can actually see the arches from the coastal highway, but to fully experience their beauty, you’ll need to get out on the water.
The rock formations sit just offshore, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Most tours and boat rentals depart from Los Muertos Pier, Mismaloya Beach, or Boca de Tomatlán, all of which are easy to reach by taxi, Uber, or public transportation.
Whether you’re booking a snorkeling tour, renting a kayak, or hiring a local panga, there are plenty of ways to visit Los Arcos up close.
Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta Tours
There’s more than one way to explore the beauty of Los Arcos Marine Park. Whether you want to stay on the surface or dive below, here are the top ways to experience it.
Los Arcos Snorkeling Tours
The area is home to coral reefs, caves, and steep rock walls that attract a huge variety of fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or eagle ray. Since there’s so much to see under the surface here, it’s no wonder Los Arcos is one of the top places to go snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta.
I’m all about a DIY adventure, but that’s a bit tough at Los Arcos. It’s a pretty long swim from Mismaloya Beach that would be exhausting and potentially dangerous. This is one instance where it’s well worth it to take a tour.
I’ve snorkeled here several times, and it’s always an adventure. The visibility can vary depending on the season and weather, but in the summer months, the water is usually calm and clear.
Even if you’re not an experienced swimmer, many tours include life jackets and guides who make it super easy.
We recommend checking out this small group snorkeling tour as it’s highly rated and reasonably priced. Plus, the guide is a certified lifeguard and a marine biologist.
If you feel like being a baller, check out this luxury yacht snorkeling tour. There’s no better way to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta than drinking and sunbathing on a luxury yacht, trust me.
Los Arcos Diving Tours
Now, for those who are scuba certified, you have the chance to explore Los Arcos even further! The water here is some of the deepest in Banderas Bay. You can see manta rays, sea turtles, moray eels, octopus, puffer fish, and more.
For diving, Los Arcos is hands down one of the coolest spots I’ve explored in Puerto Vallarta. What makes it special is the underwater cave systems, you can actually swim through some of them, which is such a unique and slightly eerie experience (in the best way).
The rock formations continue below the surface, creating arches and tunnels that make the dive feel like you’re moving through another world.
One of the most magical moments I’ve had diving here was spotting a manta ray gliding by, it was massive and so graceful.
Ready to dive in? I recommend this guided scuba diving experience by Eco Explorer Vallarta.
Los Arcos SUP Tours
My favorite way to visit Los Arcos for a bit of snorkeling is definitely on a SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard).
On this private paddleboarding tour, you’ll depart from Mismaloya, glide past stunning coastal scenery, and arrive at the arches, where you’ll have time to snorkel and enjoy the marine life up close.
You can also just head on down to Mismaloya Beach and try to arrange your own tour. There are several local tour operators with boats and snorkeling gear.
For a sneak peek at what you can expect to see when snorkeling at Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta, check out this short video I put together:
Bioluminescent snorkeling Los Arcos
For a truly unique experience in Puerto Vallarta, head to Los Arcos at night to see the bioluminescent plankton glow underwater on this tour.
The tour is incredibly peaceful – no motors, no large crowds— – ust a serene ride in a traditional fishing boat with a local guide who explains the science behind the glow and the local legends associated with the area.
The bioluminescence isn’t always guaranteed, but when it shows up, it’s absolutely magical. If you’re looking for a low-key, off-the-beaten-path way to experience nature near Los Arcos, this is it.
Wildlife at Los Arcos Marine Park
In addition to admiring this geologic wonder, Los Arcos is also a great place to see wildlife in the Bay. It has been a National Marine Park since 1984 and is thus a protected area.
It’s a good thing the Mexican government stepped in to protect Los Arcos, as overfishing was a significant problem in the past. It’s now illegal to fish here, and the local bird population is protected as well.
Even the tour boats can’t get that close to the rock formations, so plan to do some swimming when visiting Los Arcos. Tour boats are required to provide life jackets, so don’t worry if the water is a little choppy.
These days, the area is teeming with wildlife, both above and below the surface. This includes several different seabirds, like pelicans and cormorants.
Supposedly, blue-footed boobies can be spotted here as well, although I’ve never seen them on my repeated visits. I did, however, spot a few of them on a trip to the nearby Marietas Islands, so I’m sure they make it to Los Arcos from time to time.
We all know it’s better down where it’s wetter, so what can we spot under the sea? Plenty of multicolored tropical fish, for starters. This includes angelfish, parrotfish, and trumpetfish. You might also catch a glimpse of eels, rays, sea turtles, or manta rays if you’re diving.
I’ve also had the absolute magic of seeing humpback whales on the way to Los Arcos during the winter months. From December to March, these incredible creatures migrate through Banderas Bay, and if you’re heading out on a morning boat tour, there’s a good chance you’ll spot them breaching or tail-slapping in the distance.
One time, we had to slow down the boat because a mother and calf were swimming nearby, it was such a surreal, humbling moment. Even if you’re just going for the snorkeling, whale sightings make the journey out to Los Arcos in winter extra special.
With so much marine life here, it’s important to take precautions such as wearing biodegradable sunscreen. Also, be extra careful with the packaging for whatever snacks or drinks you may enjoy on a tour here.
As travelers, let’s do our part to help protect and maintain this incredible place and the wildlife that calls it home.
Conservation efforts have already done wonders, so let’s make sure future generations can continue to experience the beauty of Los Arcos.
Tips for Visiting Los Arcos
To make the most of your visit to Los Arcos, here are a few things I’ve learned from experience:
- Go early in the morning for calmer water and fewer boats
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem
- Don’t touch the coral or marine life—it’s a protected area and human contact can do real damage
- Bring a dry bag for your phone, towel, and valuables if you’re kayaking or on a small boat
FAQ: Los Arcos Marine Park
Can you swim to Los Arcos, Puerto Vallarta?
Swimming to Los Arcos from shore isn’t recommended due to strong currents and heavy boat traffic. It’s best to visit by kayak, paddleboard, or tour boat for safety.
How to visit Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta?
You can get to Los Arcos by car or bus from downtown Puerto Vallarta by following Highway 200 (the same bus that goes to Boca de Tomatlan). However, the best way to visit Los Arcos is by boat, so that you can get in the water.
Can you snorkel in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes! Puerto Vallarta has a number of snorkeling spots to visit – Los Arcos is considered to be one of the best in terms of marine life.
How deep is the water at Los Arcos?
The depth around Los Arcos ranges from about 10 to over 40 meters, depending on the area. Some dive sites, like Devil’s Canyon, reach up to 60 feet (18 meters).
Can you kayak to Los Arcos?
Yes, experienced paddlers can kayak to Los Arcos from nearby beaches like Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán. Just be sure to go early in the day and watch out for boat traffic.
Where is the best place to snorkel in Puerto Vallarta?
Los Arcos Marine Park is one of the best snorkeling spots in Puerto Vallarta, thanks to its clear water, coral reefs, and abundance of tropical fish.
Final thoughts: Los Arcos Marine Park
Los Arcos is one of those places that really reminds you how special Puerto Vallarta is. Whether you’re snorkeling through coral reefs, diving into underwater caves, or just floating on a paddleboard, taking it all in, it’s such a fun and easy day trip from the city. I’ve visited Los Arcos more times than I can count, and every time, I notice something new.
If you’re looking for a unique adventure that’s close to town but feels a world away, definitely add Los Arcos Marine Park to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary. Just make sure to go early, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and treat this protected area with the care it deserves.
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Don’t miss these posts!
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