Snorkel and cliff jump at Los Arcos. This 3-hour Puerto Vallarta boat tour pairs Los Arcos snorkeling with cliff jumping next to Mismaloya, then ends at a small hidden-beach cove. My favorite part is how quickly you get in the water with real marine life close by, and how the guides keep the group moving, even when everyone has different comfort levels. One thing to keep in mind, the water can be rough some days, and that can affect jump participation and snorkeling visibility.

What I like most is the value for $49, because snorkeling gear, snacks, bottled water, and beer or soda are included, not added later. I also like the human side of the trip, guides like Alfonso and Kiki, plus crew members such as Diego and Arnold, make the experience feel local and organized. Still, if you are coming from a cruise port, plan for extra travel time, and double-check your timing carefully.

You’ll meet in Zona Romántica, ride down the coast to Mismaloya, hop on the boat, and spend most of your time doing the fun stuff. Just go in knowing this is an active, group-paced tour, not a slow private day on the water.

Key highlights if you care about the good stuff

• Los Arcos snorkeling right away with a protected-area reef route, caves, and arches
• Optional cliff jumping with real rock access, guided by staff for safer handholds and steps
• Hidden beach by boat for a short relax stop in a small cove (more scenic than a full beach day)
• Included drinks and snacks like beer, soda, and bottled water, plus simple snack items
• Guides with a strong safety rhythm you might meet Alfonso, Kiki, Diego, Arnold, Efrain, or Maximo depending on the day

Getting started in Zona Romántica: your first step is transportation

This tour starts in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica area at Gasolinera Pemex Puerto Vallarta on Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad 380, Emiliano Zapata. You should expect a short drive south to the Mismaloya area before you ever see the boat.

That matters, because a lot of frustrations in Puerto Vallarta tours come from mismatched expectations about pickup time. One review note I took seriously: if you are on a cruise, follow Puerto Vallarta time, not the ship’s time. Cruise schedules can nudge you off by an hour fast, and this tour ends where it starts, so missing the start is not a small problem.

The practical upside is that the tour includes private transportation. You are not stuck wrestling buses or taxis with a group. Also, the maximum group size is 99, so you are not choosing between total solitude and a packed megaboat, but you are definitely in a shared experience.

Playa Mismaloya stop: shops, history talk, and optional cliff jumping

At stop one, you head to Playa Mismaloya after getting picked up in Zona Romántica. The plan is a quick arrival, a bit of context, then right into the action.

You’ll see small shops and nearby restaurants around the beach, but the real purpose of this stop is the boat setup and the first highlight: an optional cliff jump session. The description includes cliff jumping near the ruins of an old abandoned movie set from the night of The Iguana era. Even if you are not a movie-set person, it gives the area a sense of place, not just another launch spot.

Here’s how to think about the cliff jumping portion before you decide:

• It can involve some scaling up rocky surfaces. If you are uncomfortable climbing, skip the jump.
• You might not be offered the “perfect” safety setup unless you ask. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask about life jacket options before you climb.

I like that the tour frames it as optional. You get the thrill angle without forcing everyone to do it. Reviews also mention different jump heights, including taller launches, so the jump itself is not a one-size-fits-all moment.

A timing note: this stop is around 30 minutes. That’s long enough to decide, gear up, jump if you want, and get back to the boat, but it is not long enough to be indecisive.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: the snorkeling that makes the price make sense

Stop two is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, and this is the heart of the experience. The tour goes straight to a top cliff-jumping area, then shifts into snorkeling, cruises around iconic arches and caves, and aims you at marine life in the protected zone.

If you are choosing this tour for snorkeling, this is why it is worth a spot on your itinerary:

• You get to swim around an area known for fish variety, including reef and schooling species that show up quickly after entering the water.
• You also get the “show” part of Los Arcos, cruising so you can see the arches and caves from the boat, not just the part you can reach while snorkeling.

In real-world terms, the snorkeling time is a big chunk of the tour, about two hours for stop two in the schedule. That is a meaningful amount of time on the water for a half-day style trip.

Now the honest caveat: water conditions change. One review pointed out rougher water and limited visibility, which reduced how many people could jump and how clear snorkeling was. Another mentioned murky waters and lots of other boats in the area, which can make the experience feel crowded.

So how do you set yourself up for the best day?

• If you are sensitive to motion, brace for boat rides that can feel choppy when conditions are not calm.
• If you care a lot about fish visibility, go into it expecting nature, currents, and wind to decide your clarity.

Hidden beach by boat: relaxing time, not a full secret day

After Los Arcos, the tour heads to a hidden beach accessible by boat. This is your recovery stop, sand time, and swim-or-sit option. The idea is that you get a quiet cove, warm water, and a chance to enjoy the coastline without snorkeling the whole time.

In practice, think of it as short, scenic, and small. The tour schedule treats it as part of the stop two block, so you are not getting a long standalone beach day. Reviews add a helpful correction: it is not always truly secluded, and when multiple boats arrive, it can feel crowded. Also, there may be limited space to walk around and relax in the way you might imagine from the phrase hidden beach.

What I’d do on this stop:

• Plan to swim a bit, then just enjoy the stillness while it lasts.
• If you like collecting sea glass, it can be a fun bonus activity in the calm moments.

Also, don’t ignore the fact that this stop is part of an active itinerary. You’re not signing up for a quiet, all-day hangout, you’re getting a taste of “beach by boat” between snorkeling and the ride back.

What’s included in the $49 price, and what that means for your budget

At $49 per person for about three hours, this tour is priced like a value-friendly adventure. The key is what’s already covered.

Included items:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Private transportation
• Soda or pop
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages, beer
• Confirmation at time of booking
• Mobile ticket
• Service animals allowed
• English offered

What that means for you: you can show up without packing a snorkeling kit, and you do not need to pay for drinks once you are on the boat. When you compare that to typical Puerto Vallarta day tours where you pay extra for gear and drinks, $49 starts looking more sensible.

What’s not included:

• WiFi on board

My practical tip: bring a small bag for your phone and camera, because you’ll move from boat to water and back. Even if the crew is organized, water days are messy by nature.

Also, since snorkeling includes gear, do a quick sanity check when you get fitted. One review noted missing fins on that day for a group, so you should confirm what you are receiving before you step in.

Safety and group pace: how to decide if the jump is for you

This tour mixes cliff jumping, snorkeling, and a boat stop beach, so it is not a slow wander. The staff focus on keeping the schedule moving so you get real time in the water.

That can be great if you like energy. Alfonso and Kiki, plus other guides like Diego and Arnold, are often mentioned for staying attentive and keeping things organized. There’s also a captain on board who keeps the ride controlled, with at least one review specifically calling out calm driving.

Still, here are the pace and safety points to consider:

• Cliff jumping is optional, but it can start early and involves scaling steps. If you are not confident on rocks, it is smart to pass.
• For snorkeling, expect life jackets to be part of the setup. If you have preferences, ask early when they hand out gear.

If you’re traveling with kids or older relatives, this tour can be a “yes, but” depending on comfort level. One review called out that cliff jumping got less attention because the boat also carried non-jumpers. Another noted life jacket requirements and feelings around snorkeling instruction. So if you have a mixed group, set expectations ahead of time: not everyone will do every activity, and everyone benefits from the guides being patient and clear.

Weather, crowds, and the day you get

Los Arcos is iconic, so you are unlikely to be alone out there. Some reviews mention multiple tour groups in the same water areas at peak times. That can mean more boats around you, and it can also affect how spread out snorkelers feel.

Visibility also varies day to day. If you get a day with rougher water, you might see fewer people do the jump, and snorkeling clarity may drop. That’s not a tour failure, it’s ocean reality.

My best advice: pack for a range of conditions. Sun protection matters on bright days, and you’ll want to keep comfortable if wind or waves make it cooler on the boat.

Also, if you care most about fish and underwater viewing, give yourself permission to adapt. Sometimes you get more fish sightings but less glassy water. Other times the reef looks clearer but fish activity feels slower.

Should you book Los Arcos 5 islands snorkeling and hidden beach?

Book this tour if you want a compact Puerto Vallarta adventure that hits the big three: cliff jumping options, Los Arcos snorkeling around arches and caves, and a short hidden-beach style unwind by boat. At $49, the inclusion of snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, soda, and beer makes it a budget-friendly way to get an active half-day without surprise add-ons.

Skip the cliff jumping part if you are uncomfortable climbing rocks, and consider a different style of tour if you need guaranteed calm water and guaranteed quiet beach time. Because this is a shared tour, you should also expect some level of group pace and possible crowding at the snorkeling stops.

If you are coming from a cruise port, be extra careful with timing. Follow Puerto Vallarta time, not ship time, and arrive early enough to avoid missing the start.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

It runs about 3 hours, approximately.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Gasolinera Pemex Puerto Vallarta, Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad 380, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the cliff jumping required?

No. Cliff jumping is optional.

What drinks and food are included?

Soda or pop, bottled water, snacks, and beer are included.

Is WiFi available on board?

No, WiFi is not available on board.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.