PUERTO VALLARTA SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Three-Act Adventure: Mirador, Los Arcos Snorkel and a Jungle Waterfall in Four Hours
A four-hour combination tour that moves from city streets and a coastal mirador to snorkeling at Los Arcos and finishes with a swim at a mountain waterfall — this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.
Three-Act Adventure: Mirador, Los Arcos Snorkel and a Jungle Waterfall in Four Hours.
This compact, four-hour outing threads Puerto Vallarta’s contrasts — urban approaches and mountain vistas, a boat hop to a marine reserve, and a final plunge beneath a rainforest waterfall — into a single forward-moving loop of viewpoints, snorkeling and freshwater swims.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mirador of the Arches of Mismaloya
The tour begins with sweeping views from the Mirador of the Arches of Mismaloya, an emblematic lookout in the protected coastal area that frames the bay and sets the tone for sea and mountain contrasts.
Snorkeling at Los Arcos
A short boat ride delivers you to Los Arcos, where clear water, rock formations and abundant reef life create a focused snorkeling window within the larger trip.
Waterfall Swim and Tropical Finish
After the marine segment the route climbs back into tropical landscapes to a waterfall south of Puerto Vallarta — a place to swim, relax, and buy a meal or drinks before returning to base.
What the day feels like
What the run feels like
Expect a brisk, varied four-hour loop that spends most of its driving time in town with a shorter mountain section, breaks at a coastal mirador, a boat transfer for snorkeling at Los Arcos, and then a return inland to a waterfall for a cooldown and break before heading back to base.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combination tour suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience runs approximately 4 hours.
The tour departs from Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Drivers must present a valid driver's license. Bring a swimsuit, change of clothes, closed shoes and sandals, insect repellent, and extra money for photos, tips, souvenirs, food and drinks.
Expect most driving to occur in the city (about 80%) with a shorter mountain section (about 20%); meals and drinks at the waterfall stop are available but not included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Where do we meet the tour?
Meeting point is Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
What activities are included?
The itinerary includes a stop at the Mirador of the Arches of Mismaloya, snorkeling at Los Arcos, and a swim at a waterfall south of Puerto Vallarta.
Is food or drink included at the waterfall stop?
No — you will have time to enjoy a meal and drinks at the waterfall, but those are not included in the tour price.
What should the driver bring?
The driver must present a valid driver's license; participants should also bring swimwear, a change of clothes, closed shoes, sandals, insect repellent and extra money for photos, tips, souvenirs, food and drinks.
Are there health or conduct restrictions?
The activity is not recommended for pregnant women; people under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot participate; late arrivals will be treated as a no-show with no refund.