PUERTO VALLARTA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Beneath the Arches: A Private 4‑Hour Snorkel into Puerto Vallarta’s Marine Sanctuary
A four-hour private boat outing from Los Muertos Pier to the Los Arcos marine preserve — snorkeling reefs, tunnels and caves, spotting tropical fish and birds, then landing at Las Ánimas Beach for lunch or relaxation.
Beneath the Arches: A Private 4‑Hour Snorkel into Puerto Vallarta’s Marine Sanctuary.
Los Arcos is Puerto Vallarta’s most popular marine preserve: a cluster of small islands, reefs, tunnels, caves and natural arches that host colorful tropical fish and birdlife. On this private, four-hour snorkel tour you board a modest-sized panga at the iconic Los Muertos Pier, spend time snorkeling the reefs (and, in winter, may see humpback whales), then finish ashore at Las Ánimas Beach for lunch or to relax on the sand.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Vibrant reefs, tunnels and caves
Los Arcos offers a dense variety of tropical fish around reefs, arches, caves and tunnels inside a protected marine area — the core reason most visitors come to snorkel this coastline.
Private panga transport from the city pier
Guests are picked up at the heart of Puerto Vallarta and taken by their own private boat to the Los Arcos preserve, ensuring a focused snorkeling window and direct transfers.
Lunch and downtime at Las Ánimas
After swimming, the tour stops at Las Ánimas Beach where local fishermen can prepare fresh seafood and visitors can relax on the sand — note that lunch and drinks are not included in the tour price.
What the day feels like
What the day actually feels like
The rhythm is compact and deliberate: meet at Los Muertos Pier, hop aboard a traditional modest-sized panga, cross to the National Marine Preserve of Los Arcos, suit up with provided snorkel equipment and spend time exploring reefs, arches and caves teeming with tropical fish and birds. In winter months sightings of humpback whales — sometimes with calves — are a realistic possibility. The final leg is a gentle run to Las Ánimas Beach for lunch or lounging on the sand.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — based on age/participant guidance provided by the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 4 hours.
Your guide meets guests at the Los Muertos Pier in central Puerto Vallarta.
Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, snacks and beverages, and Mexican pesos for food, souvenirs and gratuities; snorkel equipment is provided by the operator.
The tour provides snorkel equipment, a bilingual guide and an ice chest; photos and videos of your experience are provided for free. Lunch and drinks at Las Ánimas are not included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Los Arcos Snorkel Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The guide meets guests at the Los Muertos Pier in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes — snorkel equipment is included in the tour price.
Are photos or videos included?
Photos and videos of your experience are provided for free.
Is lunch included on the tour?
No — lunch at Las Ánimas Beach is not included; local seafood is available to purchase on site.
Will we see whales on this tour?
Whale sightings are possible in winter months; humpback whales may be seen breaching in the bay during that season.