Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

Outty Ranking 87 4.7 · 1,357 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $48
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Outty Ranking

87/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 1,357 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos worth booking?

Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos is a 3.5-hour experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from $48 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 1,357 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
87 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (1,357)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$48 per person

In a small group of maximum 12 people we discover the 5 Isles of the protected national park 'Los Arcos'. The experienced guide will explain about the animals, plants and history of the area. We will even enter in some caves! After that we will go to the best snorkel spot in the bay and observe the fish from nearby! Ready for an immersive and personalized adventure in a cordial atmosphere?

What you get

    About this experience

    In a small group of maximum 12 people we discover the 5 Isles of the protected national park 'Los Arcos'. The experienced guide will explain about the animals, plants and history of the area. We will even enter in some caves! After that we will go to the best snorkel spot in the bay and observe the fish from nearby! Ready for an immersive and personalized adventure in a cordial atmosphere?

    What's included

    Included

    • Bus fee
    • Life vest
    • Use of snorkeling equipment
    • Permits for National Park
    • Boat ride

    Not included

    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Puerto Vallarta

    Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the buses. NOT in the tour shop next to the bus stop! (different company!) Wait for the guide, don't go on the bus on your own. Staying south of Vallarta and want to meet directly in Mismaloya? Message me! Cruise ship: LOCAL time ≠ boat time

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the buses. NOT in the tour shop next to the bus stop! (different company!) Wait for the guide, don't go on the bus on your own. Staying south of Vallarta and want to meet directly in Mismaloya? Message me! Cruise ship: LOCAL time ≠ boat time

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 13 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Vallartanaturetrips

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • min age: 5 years, max age: 70 years
    • Staying south of vallarta and want to go directly to Mismaloya? let me know!

    Photos

    Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, photo 2Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, photo 3Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, photo 4Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, photo 5Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, photo 6Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,357 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    1,357 verified traveler reviews for Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,167
    4 star
    99
    3 star
    41
    2 star
    20
    1 star
    30
    Sort
    Morgan_M · October 2026

    It was such a great...

    It was such a great experience! Highly recommend if you’re in Puerto Vallarta! Sebastian was a great guide.

    via Viator

    Monica_W · October 2026

    Our guide, Andres, made...

    Our guide, Andres, made everything run smoothly and led a fantastic adventure! An easy bus ride, an informative boat tour of the islands and then a refreshing dip in the ocean to snorkel with the beautiful fish! The beach restaurant afterwards was great as well! Very good value!

    via Viator

    Brian_G · October 2026

    Long bus ride, beautiful fish in warm water

    Guillermo was a great guide, and though the tour had to be cut slightly short because of a rainstorm, we enjoyed the snorkeling tour. On the downside it is a fairly long bus ride on a crowded city bus from the pickup point to Mismaloya Beach where the actual snorkeling tour begins. The facilities for changing and the restroom accommodations were minimal but effective. Because the warm water had so many types of colorful fish when we were snorkeling, overall the tour was worthwhile.

    via Viator

    Matthew_S · October 2026

    Outstanding tour for a visiting tourist

    This is a great tour! Sebastian and Juan Carlos were our guides and did a wonderful job meeting us, guiding us from start to finish, and most of all making sure we had a great time! We will look for them for future tours. Thank you!

    via Viator

    Alexshcheg · September 2026

    5 islands and wavy ocean

    Overall, the experience was about what we expected. Our guide, Sebastian, was friendly and pleasant. We met him at a bus stop, took about a 20-minute bus ride, walked to the boat, and then took a boat trip to the islands. The islands were beautiful, and we enjoyed hearing some of the local stories and taking photos. The snorkeling, however, was a bit disappointing. The water was quite wavy, visibility wasn’t great, and we didn’t see many fish. Also, there were problems with the shower and we didn’t have a chance to wash off salty water. Overall, it was a nice experience to see the islands on a beautiful day, but the snorkeling was not a highlight and showers were not functional.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback and spending the day with Sebastian! We are glad you enjoyed the islands views. Weather factors across Mexico late this August temporarily caused unusually rough water and reduced visibility, but our marine life is usually thriving and vibrant. We also regret the issue with the showers. We appreciate your helpful note and hope you enjoyed your time in Vallarta!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    475
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Vallartanaturetrips, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.

    See everything Vallartanaturetrips runs

    Why this scores 87

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)71
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puerto Vallarta.

    How much does Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos cost?

    +

    Prices start at $48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puerto Vallarta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos take?

    +

    Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puerto Vallarta is not rushed.

    Is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 1,357 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Puerto Vallarta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?

    +

    Around 475 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puerto Vallarta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puerto Vallarta and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puerto Vallarta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Puerto Vallarta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Signature Taco Tour in PV with Vallarta Eats. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Puerto Vallarta?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?

    +

    Included: Bus fee; Life vest; Use of snorkeling equipment; Permits for National Park; and Boat ride. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?

    +

    Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the buses. NOT in the tour shop next to the bus stop! (different company!) Wait for the guide, don't go on the bus on your own. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?

    +

    Across 1,357 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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