Snorkeling at Los Arcos 5 islands Hidden Beach and Cliff Jumping

A Fun-Filled Day Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Coastal Treasures

When searching for an adventure that combines adrenaline, natural beauty, and relaxed beach time, the snorkeling at Los Arcos, hidden beach visit, and cliff jumping tour hits all the marks. Starting from Puerto Vallarta, this roughly 3.5-hour experience offers a well-rounded taste of marine wonders, scenic views, and exciting jumps, all led by knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned water explorer, this tour makes it easy to jump right into the action with convenient meeting points, including one just a block from the cruise ship terminal.

What makes this trip stand out for us are two things: the safety and friendliness of the guides — especially Ivan, who is praised for his informative manner — and the chance to snorkel in the stunning Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary, a true highlight for lovers of underwater life. The second plus is the hidden beach, accessible only by boat, which offers a peaceful retreat after the more energetic activities.

The only consideration? The tour’s popularity means you might encounter other groups at the snorkeling spots, which can sometimes affect the feeling of privacy or quiet during the peak hours. If you’re seeking a completely secluded experience, this is something to keep in mind.

This tour is ideal for families, adventurous travelers, or anyone who appreciates a balance of fun and scenery. It’s especially suited to those who like a mix of active fun and relaxing downtime, as seen in the positive reviews from families and solo explorers alike.

Key Points

• Convenient Meeting Points: Easy access, including near the cruise terminal.
• Variety of Activities: Cliff jumping, snorkeling, and relaxing at a secluded beach.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Ivan are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Water, soft drinks, beer, and snorkeling gear included.
• Ideal Duration: About 3.5 hours, perfect for a half-day adventure.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers for a more personal experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting and Starting Point

The tour begins conveniently close to the Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal, with three different meeting spots, including an OXXO store, making it easy to find regardless of your arrival time. This flexibility helps cut down on stress and guarantees a prompt start. The tour typically departs at either 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, allowing you to tailor your day around other activities.

Once everyone gathers, guides like Ivan and Kevin provide a friendly welcome and a quick overview, making sure all participants feel comfortable and ready for the fun ahead. The group size is capped at around 15 people, which helps keep things personal and friendly, avoiding the feeling of a giant crowd.

Exploring Mismaloya Beach

After a short ride, you arrive at Mismaloya Beach, a vibrant spot known for its charming shops, eateries, and scenic views. Here, the guides share a bit of its history and point out the film set from Night of the Iguana, adding a touch of local culture to your adventure.

This is also a good opportunity to stretch your legs, use the clean facilities, and get a quick overview before heading out onto the boat. The departure from Mismaloya is smooth and allows for a relaxed start to the water activities.

The Heart-Pumping Cliff Jumping

Next, you’ll sail to Los Arcos, a marine rock formation famous for its cliff jumping spots. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager to leap from 15 feet or just want to challenge yourself with a higher jump, there’s room to choose your level. Based on reviews, this is a highlight for many — “the cliff jump was fun, but a hard climb for a semi-fat old guy,” as one guest put it, but definitely worth the effort for the adrenaline rush.

The guides are attentive to safety, explaining proper jumping procedures, and making sure everyone is comfortable. Guides like Sebastian are praised for their helpfulness, and many reviews emphasize how encouraging guides make the activity accessible to all ages and skill levels.

Snorkeling in Los Arcos

Following the jumps, you’ll don your snorkeling gear and explore the Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary. This underwater landscape is famed for its arches, caves, and vibrant fish — a true haven for marine life lovers.

Guests have raved about the abundance of fish, with one reviewer noting, “I was very happy with the number of beautiful fish we saw.” Even with high tide or murky water, the guides do their best to guide you toward the calm spots, and the equipment is generally praised for its quality.

Most reviewers agree that snorkeling here offers a beautiful and lively underwater experience, with the chance to see tropical fish and even a spotted eagle ray, as one guest happily reported. Keep in mind, since this is a popular spot, you’ll likely be sharing the water with other groups, but the guides work hard to give everyone a good view.

Relaxing at the Hidden Beach

After the underwater adventure, the boat heads to a hidden beach, only accessible by boat. This peaceful stretch of sand is the perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the surroundings away from crowds. Many reviews mention how peaceful and beautiful this part of the trip is, offering a welcome break from the more energetic activities.

The beach facilities are good — clean restrooms, changing areas, and rinse-off stations — making it easy to refresh before heading back. As one reviewer noted, “we got to relax on a small beach, and it was perfect.”

Returning and Final Touches

The boat then makes its way back to Mismaloya Beach, where you can change, use the facilities, and reflect on your adventure. The return trip is a comfortable ride, and the guides often share local insights and photos of your trip to remember the day.

Transportation back to the original meeting point is included, ensuring a stress-free end to the day. Many guests highlight the professionalism of the crew, noting how smoothly everything flows and how much they appreciated the thoughtful organization.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides excellent value, especially considering the all-inclusive approach. You’ll enjoy bottled water, soft drinks, and beer, along with snorkel gear and all fees. Guides speak English fluently and are eager to help you get the most out of your time on the water.

The main thing not included is WiFi on board, so if staying connected is important, plan accordingly. Also, while the tour is suitable for most, a good swimming ability is recommended, as some of the activities—including cliff jumping—require confidence in the water.

Pricing and Value

At just $44 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. You get a well-organized half-day with several highlights — from thrilling jumps and up-close snorkeling to scenic boat rides and quiet beaches. A review mentions “it was more fun than we expected,” which speaks to the overall satisfaction and perceived value.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Feedback

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendly attitude and extensive knowledge. Ivan, in particular, receives high marks for making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed.

One guest said, “Ivan was our guide and he was amazing! She was very friendly and chatty and wanted to make sure that we were comfortable.” Such personalized attention elevates the experience beyond just the activities.

Many reviewers mention how the timing worked perfectly — getting to see the arches and caves with fewer people or enjoying the peaceful hidden beach before the crowds arrive. This careful pacing makes the experience feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Another common theme: the variety of activities keeps everyone engaged. From the exhilaration of cliff jumping to the tranquility of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach, the tour caters to diverse tastes and energy levels.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for families with kids aged 7 and up, as many reviews highlight how much teenagers enjoyed the activities. It’s equally suited for adventurous couples or solo travelers who want a quick, fun escape on the water. If you appreciate guides who are informative, friendly, and safety-conscious, you’ll feel well cared for here.

On the flip side, if you’re a super-secluded traveler looking for total solitude, or if you’re not comfortable swimming or jumping from heights, this might not be the ideal fit. But for most, it offers a balanced mix of thrills, relaxation, and scenic beauty.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a modest price, this tour delivers a well-organized, fun-filled half-day of water-based adventure. You’ll see some of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous marine sights, enjoy a thrilling cliff jump, and relax on a peaceful, secret beach. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, drinks, and expert guides makes it a very good deal.

If you value authentic experiences, friendly guides, and a mix of exhilaration and relaxation, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy active outdoor fun — and if you want to make the most of your time on Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I meet the tour?
You can meet at one of three convenient locations in Puerto Vallarta, including an OXXO store near the cruise ship terminal. The tour departs at either 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, depending on your choice.

Is transportation included?
Yes, after the tour, transportation back to your original meeting point is provided, making it hassle-free.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. The tour provides all snorkeling gear and bottled water, soft drinks, and beer.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, including families with kids aged 7 and up. However, good swimming skills are recommended, especially for cliff jumping.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, activities, and free time at the beach.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Are there other similar tours?
Yes, there are other boat trips and snorkeling excursions in the area, but this tour’s mix of activities and guided expertise makes it stand out.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there WiFi on the boat?
No, WiFi isn’t included, so plan to disconnect or use your mobile data.

This tour offers a well-rounded, lively experience that combines the best of Puerto Vallarta’s marine scenery with some of its most fun activities. Whether you’re seeking a quick thrill, underwater beauty, or a peaceful seaside escape, it’s a solid choice that balances adventure with comfort.