Snorkel between stone arches on a private outing. This 2.5-hour trip from Puerto Vallarta takes you by boat for about 30 minutes to Mismaloya National Park, with lively music from the horn and soft drinks on board, then a guided walk to the rock formations of Los Arcos de Mismaloya. I especially like the private, just-your-group pace and the chance to get in the water for snorkeling in crystal-clear conditions around the arches.

One drawback to keep in mind is that this experience is built around time on the water. The tour requires good weather, so if conditions are rough, expect a change of plans.

Key points at a glance

• Private group means less crowd pressure while you explore the arches and snorkel
• Horn music on the boat ride keeps the mood light before you reach the park
• Guided walk through Los Arcos de Mismaloya gives you context for what you are seeing
• Bird watching along the coast adds a calmer, scenic rhythm to the trip
• Snorkeling gear and life jacket included, so you can travel light
• El Paredón is optional, and only happens if there is time after snorkeling

Setting Off From Los Muertos: the boat ride to Mismaloya

The day starts at the Los Muertos Beach Pier (Francisca Rodríguez 121, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta). It is easy enough to find, and the listing notes it is near public transportation, which helps if you are not using a taxi.

From there, you head out on a boat with a roughly 30-minute ride to Mismaloya National Park. Expect cold soft drinks and fresh water during the trip, plus lively horn music that makes the crossing feel more like part of the fun than just a transfer. Even if you are focused on snorkeling later, I like this kind of start because it gets everyone in the right mood early.

This is a private tour, so you are not squeezed into a mixed crowd. In the reviews, that private setup keeps things relaxed. You can move at a comfortable pace when it matters, like when you are listening, walking the arches, or gearing up for snorkeling.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: a guided walk with real coastal perspective

Once you arrive, the core of the land portion begins: a walk to see the arches at Los Arcos de Mismaloya. These are natural rock formations along the coastline, and what you gain on foot is the “why does this shape matter” view. From the water, arches can look cool. On the guided walk, you get a better sense of how they frame the coast.

Your guide also builds in time for bird watching during the walk. Mismaloya is known for seabird diversity, so you are not just looking at rocks and sea. You are also scanning the water and shoreline for birds that show up along this stretch.

There is a practical advantage to doing the arches first. It gives you landmarks before you snorkel. When you get in the water later, your brain already has a map, and that makes the snorkeling feel more connected to what you saw on land.

Two other small benefits worth noting: you will have park access covered by the entrance fee, and you will be with your group only. That combination usually makes the whole experience feel smoother, because there is less waiting around.

Bird watching at Mismaloya: calm focus between water moments

Bird watching does not sound like the main headline for many people, but it is one of the best parts of the flow. The walking time gives you a chance to slow down after the boat ride, and it also breaks up the day so it does not feel like you are rushing straight from departure to snorkeling.

The listing specifically calls out that Mismaloya is a place known for seabird diversity, so this is an activity that works best when you actually look up and watch the coast. Since this is a guided experience, you are not left trying to identify birds with guesswork. You get a chance to observe what is around without needing to be an expert.

I also like bird watching here because it tends to be visually satisfying even when the action in the water is the true goal. If snorkeling is calmer for your group than you expected, birds still keep the park visit rewarding.

Snorkeling around the arches: where the clear water does the talking

Now for the moment you probably came for: getting into the crystal clear water of Mismaloya to snorkel around the arches. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, so you are not scrambling for gear at the last second.

The snorkeling setup is designed to put you close to marine life. The description highlights a wide variety of fish and marine life, and the reviews back up what you want to hear: the water is crystal clear, and it is a good place for spotting colorful fish up close.

Because this is private, you can snorkel at a more comfortable rhythm. One review specifically praised snorkeling at their own pace without a big crowd around them. That matters more than people expect. When water is calm and visibility is good, crowded group logistics can turn a great spot into a rushed one.

Keep expectations realistic: snorkeling time can feel very “now I am watching everything” and then blink, and it is over. The best way to enjoy it is to balance quick scanning with slow observation. Look forward and up, then pause. That is when you notice fish behavior, not just fish flashes.

And since your guide is with you, you can focus on seeing, not on figuring out the plan.

El Paredón stop if there is time: a quiet beach reset

After snorkeling, there may be time left for an optional stop at El Paredón beach. The description calls it a beautiful, quiet beach near the arches, and that is exactly what makes it a nice bonus. It turns the day from “activity mode” into a chance to relax and let your eyes recharge.

Because it is only if there is time, it is not guaranteed. That said, having this kind of flexible add-on is often a good sign. It means the tour is built around the arches and snorkeling, but you might still get a little bonus breathing room if the schedule works out.

If you are the type who likes a short scenic break rather than long beach downtime, El Paredón is a smart fit. If you are the type who wants hours of sun and sand, you might find the day still feels mostly focused on the marine part.

Price and value at about $54.46 per person

At $54.46 per person for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, this tour can feel like good value if you care about the whole package, not just one item. Here is what you are getting that changes the math:

Included features you are effectively paying for somewhere else on many trips include:

• Boat ride to reach the park area
• Entrance fee to enter the park
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Guide
• Soft drinks and bottled water

Alcohol is not included, which is common for many active water tours. So if you want a drink with the day, you should plan on that being extra.

The private part also matters. Even without knowing exact boat size, private usually means less time coordinating with strangers. It often leads to a smoother feel, especially around gear changes and water entry. In the reviews, the private setup made the experience feel personal and relaxed, especially for family groups.

One more practical point: the listing notes this is commonly booked about 30 days in advance. That does not mean you cannot get a spot last minute, but it is a sign the experience sells. If you have a tight schedule, booking earlier is safer.

Who should book this private arches and snorkeling tour

This is a strong match if you want a mix of nature views and water time, without feeling like you are joining a big group parade. The experience combines:

• a guided walk to see the arches up close on land
• bird watching for a slower, scenic moment
• snorkeling as the main highlight in clear water

In the reviews, the private family feel came through clearly. If you are traveling with family or a group who wants to move together, that “our pace, our rhythm” factor is a real selling point.

It is also noted that most travelers can participate. That is broad, but it suggests the tour is not built for only extreme swimmers. That said, snorkeling still has a minimum requirement: you need to be comfortable in open water enough to snorkel in a guided setting.

Seasonal note: whale watching is described as very active in winter season. The tour itself is focused on the park and snorkeling, but if you are visiting in winter, it is reasonable to expect the water conditions and wildlife activity may be better for sightings from the boat.

Practical tips so your day runs smoothly

Here are a few things that help, based on how the tour works and what is included.

First, bring your plan to the meeting point ready to go. The tour starts at Los Muertos Beach Pier, and it ends back at the same spot. So you are not signing up for a long transfer day. You are doing a single loop.

Second, use your mobile ticket. Since the listing says you will receive confirmation at booking time and you get a mobile ticket, it helps to have your phone battery and access ready at the pier.

Third, watch the weather window. The tour requires good weather. That is not a small detail. Because you will be on the water and snorkeling is the main event, weather can directly affect whether the tour runs as planned.

Finally, if you really want the calm bonus of El Paredón beach, keep in mind it depends on time after snorkeling. In other words, do not build your day around it. Let it be a plus, not the centerpiece.

Should you book this private tour to Los Arcos de Mismaloya?

I think you should book if two things are true for you. You want a private group experience where you can snorkel without the crowd energy, and you care about seeing Los Arcos de Mismaloya with a guide, not just as a quick photo stop. The included snorkeling gear, entrance fee, and boat ride add up into a tidy package for the price.

You might skip this one if you are hoping for a mostly land-based tour or if you are not comfortable spending time in the water. Since the schedule is built around snorkeling and the tour needs good weather, it is not the best fit for a “no-water-activities” day.

If you are in Puerto Vallarta and you want a straightforward, nature-forward outing that feels personal, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the private tour to Los Arcos de Mismaloya?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

Included items are soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, the guide, and the entrance fee.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Los Muertos Beach Pier, Francisca Rodríguez 121, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and ends back at the meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.