AGUACATE SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Into the Archways: SUP or Kayak and Snorkel Los Arcos from Aguacate
A focused 2.5-hour guided paddle and snorkeling excursion to Los Arcos National Park with instruction, provided gear and bilingual guides — this guide explains what to expect.
Paddle Into the Archways: SUP or Kayak and Snorkel Los Arcos from Aguacate.
From the shore at Aguacate you’ll push out into the Bay of Banderas toward Los Arcos National Park, a protected marine reserve of monumental rocky islets, cave grottos and clear water that reveals a bright world of fish and reef life. The trip pairs stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking with guided snorkeling through archways, caves and craters, led by experienced bilingual instructors in a safe, controlled environment.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Los Arcos' Monumental Islets
Paddle around dramatic rock formations and peer into cave grottos from the deck of a kayak or a SUP; the marine reserve’s clear water makes the geology above and the reef life below equally striking.
SUP or Kayak, Then Snorkel the Archways
Choose between a stand-up paddleboard or kayak for the crossing, then follow your guide into snorkeling passages that thread through archways, caves and underwater craters to reveal colorful marine life.
Instruction and Equipment Included
The operator provides quality boards or kayaks, bilingual instruction and a light snack and refreshments, making the outing accessible for newcomers while still rewarding for seasoned paddlers.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The flow is compact and deliberate: a short shore launch from Aguacate, a measured paddle across clear bay water to the jagged silhouettes of Los Arcos, then guided snorkeling through rock-formed archways and submerged craters. Instructors provide hands-on coaching so even first-timers are riding and paddling confidently; between swims there are light snacks and refreshments to recover before the return.
THE LANDSCAPE
Los Arcos' Monumental Islets
Paddle around dramatic rock formations and peer into cave grottos from the deck of a kayak or a SUP; the marine reserve’s clear water makes the geology above and the reef life below equally striking.
THE ACTIVITY
SUP or Kayak, Then Snorkel the Archways
Choose between a stand-up paddleboard or kayak for the crossing, then follow your guide into snorkeling passages that thread through archways, caves and underwater craters to reveal colorful marine life.
THE APPROACH
Instruction and Equipment Included
The operator provides quality boards or kayaks, bilingual instruction and a light snack and refreshments, making the outing accessible for newcomers while still rewarding for seasoned paddlers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and Mexican pesos for souvenirs, incidentals and gratuities.
Kayak or paddle board gear, bilingual instructor(s), a light snack and refreshments are provided.
Expect quality equipment and instructor guidance throughout the outing to keep the experience accessible and comfortable.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the experience?
The excursion runs approximately 2.5 hours.
Do I need prior paddleboarding or kayaking experience?
No prior experience is required; first-timers are welcome and instructors provide instruction so participants will be paddling regardless of experience.
What is included in the booking?
Kayak or paddle board gear, bilingual instructors, a light snack and refreshments are included.
Will there be snorkeling?
Yes — the guide leads a snorkeling portion through archways, caves and craters to view marine life beneath the surface.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and Mexican pesos for souvenirs, incidentals and gratuities.
Are instructors bilingual?
Yes — bilingual instructors accompany the trip.